Numerical Reasoning Test > Numerical Reasoning Test Guide > Part 1: Know what you're up against

Part 1: Know what you're up against

The guide begins by orientating you in the current world of numerical testing. This section explains how the tests work, what numerical abilities they measure and a preview of the most widely used professional level tests used by employers today.

Numerical testing

Anyone who tells us "you have nothing to fear but fear itself" probably doesn't expect to be asked to complete a numerical test anytime soon. When you are required to sit a numerical test there can be plenty to fear; the prospect of not performing well enough and missing out on a great job opportunity. Then there is the fear of the test itself.

Numerical tests are the number one source of anxiety for most test takers. People seem to fear a numerical test much more than a verbal test, which is the other most commonly used test by employers. The fear can come from many places: previous poor numerical test results, stressful maths exams at school or college or fear of the unknown. Whatever its source, fear itself is a major obstacle to performing well in test.

Fear leads to anxiety; anxiety leads to stress and stress leads to the dark-side: under-performance and failure. So the first step in maximising your numerical test score is to deal with the fear; learn to laugh in its face. The best way to defuse the fear, anxiety and stress of taking a numerical test is through understanding. Once you know how they work, what skills you need and what the tests look like you can move away from fear and into confidence.

This section explains how the tests work, what numerical abilities they measure and give you a preview of the most widely used professional level tests used by employers today. With this knowledge in place you can put the fear to one side and focus on maximising your numerical test performance.

Assessment Day

Part 1: Know what you're up against

Numerical testing