Numerical Reasoning Test > Numerical Reasoning Test Guide > Part 1: The top-five professional level numerical tests used by employers

Part 1.4: The top-five professional level numerical tests used by employers

A good test-taking technique is to always ask an employer which test they use - it is best practice for test users to provide this kind of information so don't take no for an answer! Once you know which test the employer uses you can find out more about the assessment by looking at the test publisher's website; this may also provide additional practice questions.

Top 5 numerical tests

If you are asked to complete a high-level numerical test in the UK it is likely to be one of the top-five used by employers. These are briefly described below along with some advice on where you can find out more.

1. SHL Verify Ability Tests

SHL are the most widely used test publisher by employers in the UK so you are likely to come up against their assessments when going for a job. SHL's professional level numerical test is drawn from their Verify series. The numerical test has a time limit between 17-25 minutes and you will need to work quickly to get through all the questions. You can find out more about the test on SHL's website (SHL.com).

2. Utopia numerical critical-reasoning test

This test is published by Criterion Partnership and contains numerical information relating to an environmental theme, but you don't need prior knowledge of green issues to perform well in the test. The numerical test consists of 30 questions and you have a generous 45 minutes time-limit; most people attempt all of the test questions within the time limit, but beware because the questions get progressively harder. More information about the test and practice questions can be found at the Criterion Partnership website (criterionpartnership.co.uk). Criterion have also published a book for test for people taking a numerical test, which is available through Amazon: "Practise and Pass - Professional: Numeracy Tests" by Alan Redman.

3. Graduate-Management Assessment (GMA)

This is a very old numerical test published by Previsor; its age means that a lot of employers still use it, especially in the public sector and civil service. The test has 33 questions and a time limit of 30 minutes, which means that most candidates do not get time to attempt all the questions. You can find out more at previsor.co.uk.

4. Infinity Series Managerial and Graduate Ability Tests

This online test series is relatively new and so is not used in such a widespread way as those in the top 3, but its use may spread with time. The test varies the number of questions each candidate takes by taking your answers to the previous questions into account. The numerical test has around 20 questions and the time limit is 22 minutes (though this varies with the number of questions the test decides to give you). You can learn more at kenexa.com.

5. Bespoke numerical tests

Many larger employers, who deal with thousands of assessments each year, will use a bespoke numerical test that has been developed specifically for them. Bespoke tests have the advantage of containing subject matter that is specific to the role, which gives candidates a helpful insight into the types of numerical demands they might face in the job. Bespoke tests also contain questions that won't be found in off-the-shelf tests. The employer should still provide you with information about the test. For practice questions you should use the AssessmentDay.co.uk website.

Assessment Day

Part 1.4: The top-five professional level numerical tests used by employers

Top 5 numerical tests