Numerical Reasoning Test

Expert advice on taking a numerical reasoning test and how to improve your performance in employer numerical tests.

Candidates:

Practise numerical reasoning tests and improve
your performance with worked solutions.

Practice Tests includes worked solutions free sample

Companies:

Test job applicants' numerical reasoning ability
and select the right candidate.

Assess Candidates includes profile reports

Numerical reasoning tests and how they work

Does your job application require you to pass a numerical reasoning test? Here is all the practice and advice you need. Our practice tests are created by assessors and they simulate the tests used by employers, so practise some example tests now to get a feel for them. Performing well in your numerical reasoning test is all about practice and knowing what to expect!

What you should know before taking your numerical reasoning test

With thousands of job applicants to choose from, it's common for employers to use aptitude testing to sift the good candidates from the mediocre. The most common way for employers to use numerical reasoning tests is online, after they have accepted your CV or initial application form. If you pass your online test larger employers tend to then invite you to an assessment centre. Often employers ask you to sit a repeat test as the assessment centre to verify that you are indeed the same person who scored that great score on the online test, so don't get your friends to help with your online test! The best way to familiarise yourself with these tests is to take one of our free example numerical reasoning tests below.

As well as taking example tests, you should read the advice and findings below on how these tests work and what they measure.

By taking example numerical reasoning tests you will become familiar with the question format. Luckily for you most employers use a similar format of numerical reasoning test, which means it's easy to get some realistic practice beforehand.

The great thing about the numerical reasoning tests used for employment selection is that they are not the same as a maths test. You don't have to remember formulae or write long proofs. The important characteristics of a numerical reasoning test are:

Multiple choice answers - no longhand answers or showing your working-out
No prior knowledge required - no equations to memorise (or surreptitiously write on your arm).
Use of calculators permitted - no mental arithmetic required.
Strict time limits - some are generous while some are very short.
Relevant to the workplace - modern tests are based on the kind of numerical information you would deal with in the job.
Based on only the information given - you should not make assumptions about data you are not given.

Free example numerical reasoning tests

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What do I need to know for my numerical reasoning test?

The level of maths required for a numerical reasoning test is only about as difficult as GCSE level. The tricky part is interpreting the numerical data and figuring out what calculation is required, under the pressure of the count-down timer. Here is a list of the most common operations you can expect in your numerical reasoning test:

Addition
Subtraction
Multiplication
Division
Averages (mean)
Percentages
Ratios

If you don't feel comfortable with any of these questions, focus your practice on that type of question. You could also dig out your GCSE notes if you still have them. And remember you are allowed to use a calculator with these tests.

Try to work both quickly and accurately during your numerical reasoning test. Most tests don't employ negative marking but some new tests are starting to, so ask the test administrator about this before you start. If they duck the question assume negative marking is not used.

Research has shown that people who do well in their numerical reasoning test tend to perform better in the job, that's why employers use them.

Graduate and professional level numerical reasoning tests are the most difficult, reflecting the calibre of candidate they are trying to select. They still use only the seven basic maths skills listed above but they require you to analyse and interpret more advanced data, and they have several steps to the same question.

Are calculators allowed?

Yes for the typical graduate or middle management numerical selection tests. But there's no harm in asking the employer this question before your test to ensure that during your practice, you can either use one or practise your mental arithmetic. If you are taking your numerical reasoning test at an assessment centre everyone will be lent a calculator to use. Most test administrators do not allow the use of your own calculator, however it is a good idea to take you own just in case. By using your own calculator you will be familiar with the button layout and functions so you will save a few vital seconds during your test. If your test is online, obviously you get to use your own calculator.

Will I get marked down for incorrect answers?

A frequently asked question by candidates is "will negative marking be used?" Most candidates want to know if it is sensible to guess the last few questions if time runs out. The answer is that negative marking is unlikely to be used, but accuracy will be assessed so don't just frantically click answers in hope. Online tests have software which tries to detect guessing and will flag this up to the assessor. Few assessors will reveal whether negative marking will be used, they will just say "try to answer correctly as many as you can". Selection software is able to tell the assessor what percentage of attempted questions you got right. Some companies will be looking to select candidates with accurate and consistent results, while others will be more interested in quantity of correct results and speed. Have a think about what sort of person they are looking to recruit.

Should I get my friends to help with my online test; surely they'll never know?

Application processes that require the candidate to sit an online numerical reasoning test and then subsequently another follow-up numerical reasoning test at the assessment centre often use candidate verification methods. This is an automatic system which tries to verify that the online test was indeed completed by the same candidate that attends the assessment centre. So don't get your friends to help with online your numerical reasoning test because they will probably work it out when you attend the assessment centre!

The most common numerical reasoning tests used by employers

When you are invited by an employer to take a numerical reasoning test, try asking which test publisher they are using. You can then go to that test publisher's website to get more information and possibly example test questions. Some HR staff are surprisingly helpful with this. If you are taking a numerical reasoning test in the UK, the chances are it will be written by one of these companies:

1. SHL Verify Ability Tests - SHL are the most widely used test publisher so you are likely to come across their tests during your job hunt. Their numerical tests have a time limit of between 17 and 25 minutes so you will need to work quickly and accurately to perform well.
2. Talent Q Elements Numerical Ability - the big difference with these tests is that they are adaptive. That is to say the difficulty of each question is automatically determined by your performance in the previous question. So the questions become more difficult as you progress in order to quickly find your level of numerical ability. A typical time limit is 90 seconds for questions with a fresh set of information and 75 seconds per question after that. Also the number of multiple choice options is a lot greater compared with what you might be used to from SHL, making it more difficult to make a best guess.
3. Criterion Partnership Utopia numerical critical-reasoning test - these tests have an environmental theme. There are 30 questions with a time limit of 45 minutes but beware the questions get progressively more difficult.
4. Cubiks Reasoning for Business - designed to test candidates' business-orientated numerical reasoning skills. You usually get less than a minute per question.
5. TalentLens Rust Advanced Numerical Reasoning Appraisal (RANRA) - aims to measure deduction and evaluation skills as well as numerical ability. Time limit 20 minutes. This test is often given in combination with the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal.
6. Mendas Financial Reasoning Test - a mix of verbal comprehension and financial ability. Slightly more information to take in compared with standard numerical tests. There are 22 questions with a time limit of 35 minutes. Used by the FSA, similar to the new financial reasoning test being used by the NHS.
7. Bespoke numerical tests - many larger companies prefer to have their own tests created which closely match the situations candidates can expect in the job role. These tests vary slightly in style and time limit but you will still benefit from practising the industry-standard tests on AssessmentDay.co.uk.

Numerical Tests

Preparing for your numerical reasoning test

The most important way to prepare for your test is to take practice questions because this will reduce the element of surprise and will allow you to perform to your true ability. But don't stop there; adopt these test-taking techniques to really make sure you shine on the day.

Practice - practice does make perfect!
Find out more about the test - ask the employer which test you are taking and if they have any practice material.
Get an early night - when the clock is ticking you need to be 100% alert to pick up all the marks you can.
Arrive in plenty of time - this applies to tests you take at an assessment centre. You won't perform your best if you're flustered and out of breath.

Effective test-taking strategies

So, you've prepared for your numerical reasoning test, how should you approach the questions when you are taking your test for real? Below we give you the best ways to pick up the most marks possible.

1. Listen to instructions carefully - before your tests begins the test administrator will read out the instructions. It is very important you pay attention to these and that you understand them. This is your opportunity to ask questions. You will not be allowed to ask questions once the test has started.
2. Get the most from practice questions - before the test starts you usually have a few example questions. These are not timed but there to get familiar with the test layout. Take your time to understand these questions and feel free to ask questions at this stage.
3. Ignore other people - don't let yourself become distracted by how quickly or slowly other people are answering the questions. It is important to focus on what you are doing.
4. Beware the multiple choice options - most multiple choice numerical reasoning tests have what are called distracters. These are options which are deliberately similar to the correct answer or the answer to a silly mistake. Beware of these; they are designed to test if you are reading the question properly.

Your rights as a test-taker

It is in the interests of the employer to treat all applicants fairly; after all they don't want to overlook potential talent. Every employer must receive your informed consent to be tested, which in practice means providing you with information on:

The nature of the test and what it is designed to measure.
The relevance of the test to the job you are applying for.
How the results of the test will be used in their selection decision.
Who will have access to the results and how long will results be stored.
Whether you will be provided with feedback. If you request it, you are legally entitled to it.
If your test should be adjusted. For example candidates with disabilities are sometimes entitled to extra time
to complete their test (this can include dyslexia). Some test publishers prefer to give all candidates the same
time limit but the make a call on whether raw scores should be adjusted. Employers aim to be fair to all
candidates and want to avoid being accused of positive or negative discrimination.

If you are not happy with anything you are being asked to do, make sure you say something before you sit your test; otherwise they might just think you want to make excuses for a perceived bad performance.

And finally...

Not many people enjoy being tested but it remains an effective way for employers to find the most suitable candidates. Remember psychometric tests are as much about checking your fit with the organisation as they are the job's fit for you. So take heart from the fact that if you didn't pass a particular test the chances are you wouldn't have been right for the job.

If you've done lots of practice questions, read our tips and had a good night's sleep you've done everything you can do to give yourself the best chance of success in your numerical reasoning test.

Finally, good luck; we're rooting for you!

Any comments?

Practice tests which mimic the numerical reasoning tests used by recruiters.
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Get access to solutions so you can see where you went wrong and improve your score.
Be fully prepared for your assessment centre or online aptitude tests.
Download our free numerical reasoning book.

If you're trying to secure that all-important job, you want to do everything in your power to ensure you succeed. But, don't think that just sending in your CV or nailing that interview will be enough – these days, a lot of employers rely on numerical reasoning tests to help choose candidates, so it's important you're fully prepared for this aspect as well.

The importance of numerical reasoning tests

You may not think that numerical reasoning will comprise a huge part of your job, but that doesn't mean you should overlook it. A lot of jobs require some form of mathematical skill and employers want to know you'll be able to cope with it, making numerical reasoning tests a key part of many applications. Numerical reasoning tests offer a standardised way for employers to easily assess the various candidates for the job and will often make fairly swift decisions based on their results, so if you're not proficient in the realm of numerical reasoning you could easily be placed at the bottom of the list.

Practice makes perfect

This is why you need to make sure you're prepared for any numerical reasoning tests you'll have to face, because as with anything, practice makes perfect. If you've never seen such tests before it could come as quite a shock, and that, coupled with nerves, could well mean that you don't perform at your best. That's why it's important to embark on as many numerical reasoning practice tests as possible. Doing so will give you the chance to practice so you know what to expect giving you a much better chance of success, and if you come to us here at AssessmentDay that's exactly what you'll be able to do.

Get numerical reasoning practice tests from AssessmentDay

We know how much importance employers place on numerical reasoning but we also know that getting a perfect test score can be difficult, and that's why we want to give you the best chance of success that we can. Practice can mean the difference between securing that position and losing it, and when you come to us you'll be able to find all the numerical reasoning practice tests you could need to help you pass with flying colours.

Our numerical reasoning practice tests will ensure that you're fully prepared come test day, letting you practice speed and accuracy in the comfort of your own home. You'll have a much better idea of what to expect and will be able to get your numerical reasoning skills up to scratch, hopefully leaving you in a much better position than you would otherwise be.

So, if you're looking for a way to improve your numerical reasoning test score by getting the practice that you need, make sure to come to us and see what we can do. Our numerical reasoning practice tests could make all the difference and could help you secure that new job, so what are you waiting for? Give yourself the best chance possible by getting in touch today.

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