NatWest Group is a British banking and insurance company, headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland. Formerly The Royal Bank of Scotland Group, it offers personal and business banking as well as corporate finance. NatWest, the retail and commercial bank, is one of the Big Four clearing banks in the UK.
NatWest’s early-talent Job Focus stage combines behavioural statements and interactive reasoning activities. Engineering programmes also include SQL and coding tests. Use your programme invitation for the current route.
Use the route that matches your vacancy. The guidance below identifies the programme or location it covers.
Job Focus assessment
The Job Focus stage combines work-related behavioural statements with interactive problem-solving and reasoning activities. NatWest estimates around 30–35 minutes in total, with most sections untimed. Later stages include a video recording and virtual assessment centre. Engineering programmes add technical tests.
SQL and coding assessments
The engineering route includes a 15-minute multiple-choice SQL test and a 60-minute coding simulation. The video stage has six questions and takes about 20 minutes. These details apply to the engineering route, rather than every NatWest vacancy.
Process sources checked 11 September 2026 · Your invitation takes priority for role and location details.
Apply a rule consistently to reach a supported conclusion. This is independent practice from Practice Aptitude Tests, not an actual NatWest assessment question.
Practise with our independent preparation tests, then review the working behind each answer.
Careers at NatWest Group span eight divisions including customer-focused roles, technology, business strategy and delivery, finance, HR, control oversight and assurance, front office markets and counsel.
Each of these various areas has a number of roles e.g. sales, trading, technical specialists, software engineering, strategy, supply chain and so on, so there are numerous graduate and intern jobs on offer.
For graduates, there are a number of specific graduate programmes which include: Asset Management, Change and Business Solutions, Communications and Corporate Affairs, Data and Analytics, Finance, HR, Internal Audit, Marketing, NatWest Markets, Private Banking, RBS International, Relationship Management, Risk, Software Engineering and Structured Finance.
These programmes are across the various NatWest Group subsidiary companies including NatWest, Coutts and RBS, and, depending on the programme, in the London, Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast, Jersey or Edinburgh offices.
Internships are also available in all of these areas, and apprenticeships on offer in Customer Service, Business Administration, Digital, Technology and Data and Relationship Management.
NatWest’s graduate and internship route starts with an application and Job Focus assessment. This combines behavioural statements with interactive reasoning activities and takes about 30–35 minutes, with most sections untimed. Engineering programmes add SQL and coding tests.
Later stages include recorded video responses and a virtual assessment centre. Use the instructions for your programme, as the sequence and technical requirements can differ.
The first stage in the process is to complete the application form. The information required varies from programme to programme, but will include contact details and education history.
The current early-talent application guide asks applicants to upload a CV. Have your education and contact details ready as well.
The skills assessment asks about work-related behaviours, while interactive activities explore your approach to problem-solving and reasoning. Read the examples provided before starting and respond honestly to the behavioural statements. NatWest’s current guide does not describe a separate 15-question situational judgement test for every applicant.
Logical reasoning practice can help you work carefully with unfamiliar rules and information. Use NatWest’s own examples to become familiar with the interactive activities in your invitation.
The test also allows the recruiter to assess how you think, both conceptually and analytically.
Focus on understanding the information and checking your reasoning. Most Job Focus sections are untimed, so do not assume a one-minute limit per question.
While you cannot know what will be tested precisely, you will do far better on this type of test if you practice in advance, as there is a definite technique to master.
The video interview then follows for successful candidates. It is not live: rather you record your answers to a variety of questions, which are then watched by the recruiting team.
You’ll receive a link to the interview and you’ll be asked questions, including motivational, competency and scenario-based questions. You record your answers using the webcam.
Follow the on-screen preparation and recording timers. NatWest’s engineering route describes six questions and an estimated 20 minutes for the video stage; check the instructions for your programme.
The final stage in the application process is to attend the virtual assessment centre; the invitation confirms the duration.
The activities vary by programme. Follow your invitation for interviews, group or individual exercises and any technical tasks. Prepare examples of how you solve problems and work with others.
Assessment centres are run virtually on a digital platform, such as Zoom, so you will need a quiet space to complete the day. You will need to demonstrate you can work well individually, as a team, that you can make decisions and build relationships with your colleagues.
What candidates ask us most often
The Natwest tests can be challenging, as they assess a range of competencies from numerical and logical reasoning to situational judgement. However, their difficulty is subjective and can be mitigated by thorough preparation and practice.
To prepare for Natwest tests, practicing with similar exams is the key to success. Practice Aptitude Tests offers many practice tests that can help familiarize you with the question types and format of Natwest’s assessments.
The recruitment process at Natwest can vary depending on the role, but it generally involves several stages which can take a few weeks to complete. Patience and preparation are essential throughout this time.
Natwest’s core values focus on serving customers well, working together, thinking long term, and inspiring trust by being open, honest, and responsible. These principles guide their operations and staff conduct.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 across 16 reviews. A selection:
I liked how logical questions were asked so that the person should not only think that way but by using a timer it also shows that the decision making should be within the time
I like these questions but some questions levels are difficult. It seems like giving a bank reasoning exam..overall my experience is good.
A little tinge in the mind for those with less patience, but you should eventually get the hang of it along the way.
Natwest Group is a trademark of its respective owner. Practice Aptitude Tests is not affiliated with Natwest Group and our practice tests are not endorsed by them. Visit Natwest Group careers.
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