Numerical Reasoning Test > Numerical Reasoning Test Guide > Part 1: What is high-level critical reasoning?
Part 1.3: What is high-level critical reasoning?
Graduate and professional tests are at the top of the numerical-test tree as far as difficulty is concerned. These top-level tests measure the advanced skill of numerical critical-reasoning to reflect the demands of the jobs for which they are used to help recruit and the calibre of candidates who apply.
Critical reasoning
The difficulty of these tests does not lie in the types of calculations you are required to perform; numerical critical-reasoning tests are still based around the seven basic maths skills described above. Their difficulty is the result of the complexity of the numerical data the questions are based upon and the nature of the problems you are required to solve.
Numerical critical reasoning is the ability to analyse and manipulate numerical information in order to draw inferences, determine underlying relationships and make decisions. These high-level tests are different from those you might be expected to complete for entry-level or mid-level roles because you are expected to demonstrated abilities that are above and beyond simply understanding numerical data and answering questions about it. Instead you will need to work in a more complex way to arrive at correct answers.
What this means in reality is that to answer a numerical critical-reasoning test you are often required to perform multiple calculations. In other words there may be several stages of calculation you need to complete to reach an answer. Sometimes this even involves a degree of estimation or dealing with ambiguities, as you sometimes would at work.
If this sounds a little daunting don't worry. The calculations are still based on basic maths skills. You can maximise your score by developing effective test-taking technique (as described in section 2). You can complete some practice questions to get a preview of the demands presented by critical reasoning questions; they may not be as bad as you think!
Click here to start practising Numerical Reasoning tests online.
- Guide contents
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1: What you're up against
1.1: About numerical tests
1.2: What maths you need
1.3: Critical reasoning
1.4: Top numerical tests -
2: Master test-taking
2.1: Test strategies
2.2: Prepare for your test
2.3: Focus & concentration
2.4: Effective test behaviours
2.5: Online v paper tests
2.6: Why not cheat? -
3: Develop numerical ability
3.1: Key numerical abilities
3.2: Improve your score
3.3: Where else to practice -
4: Your rights as a test-taker
4.1: Employers responsibility
4.2: Tests need adjusting?
4.3: When tests go badly
4.4: Test score outcomes
4.5: Test score feedback?
4.6: A final word
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