FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that we deal with from students and job seekers.

What is the best way to prepare for tests?
The best preparation available for ability testing is to take our full-length online practice test. This will give you experience at answering real questions in a timed environment. You will also receive a feedback report to help you.

Prepare yourself by taking our full-length verbal and numerical reasoning ability tests.

Can I get the answers to the tests on your site?
The answers to our examples are all on this website. You will need to click on the potential answers to see whether they are correct or not.

The answers to our full-length timed tests cannot be revealed, but if you take these tests you will receive a feedback report detailing your score as a percentage.

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What is a normed score?

Rather than looking at the percentage of correctly answered questions, a ‘normed’ score compares your result to a relevant ‘comparison’ group. This helps organisations to interpret your score appropriately against the requirements of the job. Normed scores are also used in personality measures to help organisations to put your responses in the context of a larger, job relevant group.

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What is the pass mark?
When selecting tests to be used for recruitment or promotion of staff, organisations may set a 'cut score'. This is the score that candidates are required to achieve to be considered for a job or opening.

Different organisations set different cut scores so there is no ‘pass mark’ as such.

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Will I be allowed to use a calculator or a dictionary in my test?

It is very rare for candidates to be allowed to use a dictionary during verbal reasoning tests. Some tests allow the use of calculators. It’s always best to check with the organisation that has invited you to sit the tests to see if you will be allowed to use a calculator. This can then help you to decide which type of test you should practise.

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Where can I gain more information to prepare myself?

There are a number of books that you can purchase from authors such as Andrea Shavick. A simple search for ‘Aptitude Tests’ should provide a range of information sources – for example, you may find the following useful:

Management Level Psychometric & Assessment Tests (ISBN 1845280288)
Practice Psychometric Tests (ISBN 1845280202)

Please note that the SHL practice tests available via this website are changed regularly so you may wish to return to this site periodically.

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