Psychometric and aptitude tests

These tests assess logical thinking by identifying patterns and sequences in shapes or images. They are often used in technical, engineering, and problem-solving roles.

How to prepare

• Practise recognising patterns, sequences, and relationships between shapes.
• Use online practice tests to improve speed and accuracy.

Try free tests

• Assessment Day – Diagrammatic reasoning
• WikiJob – Abstract reasoning

• Assessment Day – diagrammatic reasoning
• Assessment Day – inductive reasoning
• Graduates First – diagrammatic reasoning
• Graduates First – inductive reasoning
• GradTests – practice inductive reasoning test
• GraduateWings – inductive reasoning
• GraduateWings – logical reasoning
• JobTestPrep – practice logical reasoning questions
• JobTestPrep – preparation for abstract reasoning tests
• Practice Reasoning – inductive reasoning practice test
• Test Partnership – inductive reasoning test
• WikiJob – abstract reasoning
• WikiJob – diagrammatic reasoning
• WikiJob – practice diagrammatic and inductive reasoning tests

Used in roles where focus and attention to detail are critical, such as train drivers, legal professionals, and financial analysts. These tests measure your ability to concentrate for long periods and avoid errors.

How to prepare

• Practise focusing on repetitive tasks for extended periods.
• Use brain-training exercises to improve reaction times.

Try free tests

• Cambridge Brain Sciences – concentration tests
• Intelligence Tests – memory game
• JobTestPrep – concentration tests and how to prepare
• Psychometrictests.com – concentration practice tests

Used for managerial, legal, and analytical roles, these tests assess your ability to evaluate arguments, analyse information, and make reasoned decisions.

How to prepare

• Read articles and summarise key arguments.
• Practise structured thinking by breaking down complex problems.

Try free tests

• Assessment Day – Watson Glaser critical thinking appraisal
• JobTestPrep – Watson Glaser test preparation: practise critical thinking skills
• Psychometric Test – critical thinking tests
• Test Partnership – critical thinking test
• WikiJob – Watson Glaser practice tests

Some employers, including KPMG, PwC, and JP Morgan, use game-based assessments to evaluate cognitive skills, decision-making, and personality traits.

How to prepare

• Play brain-training and puzzle-based games.
• Focus on strategy, memory, and quick decision-making.

Try free tests

• Higher Education Academy - an overview of gamification and game-based learning

• TARGETjobs - the Graduate Job Hunter’s Guide to Gamification 

• Arctic Shores - a major provider of assessments to employers/recruiters, combing AI and game technology 

• Test Partnership - offers examples of professional gamified assessments, which predict job performance using cutting-edge technology. Includes the MindmetriQ series of assessments used by employers to select the best candidates. 

• Graduates First

• Assessment Day 

Tests your ability to work with numbers, charts, and graphs. These are common in finance, engineering, and data-related roles.

How to prepare

• Practise working with percentages, ratios, and data interpretation.
• Use online resources to improve mental maths.

Try free tests

• Assessment Day – numerical reasoning test
• JobTestPrep – free numerical reasoning test
• Graduates First – numerical estimation
• Graduates First – numerical reasoning
• GraduateWings – free numerical reasoning practice tests
• Practice Aptitude Tests – numerical reasoning tests
• Psychometric Test – numerical reasoning
• Practice Reasoning – numerical practice test
• Test Partnership – numerical reasoning test
• WikiJob – numerical reasoning practice tests

If you've not used maths for a while or need to improve your general mathematical and numerical ability, it may be useful to explore online learning resources:

• BBC Bitesize
• IXL Maths
• Maths is Fun
• StudyMaths.co.uk

Measures behaviour, motivation, and work preferences. Employers use them to see if you fit their company culture.

How to prepare

• Be honest—there are no right or wrong answers.
• Research the employer’s values to understand what they look for in candidates.

Try free tests

• Graduates First – personality tests
• JobTestPrep – sample personality test
• Psychometric Test – personality test
• Test Partnership – complete personality profile
• WikiJob – personality tests
• 123 Test – personality test

Presents work-based scenarios to assess decision-making and problem-solving skills. Used in customer service, management, and leadership roles.

How to prepare

• Research the employer’s values to align your responses.
• Practise responding to workplace dilemmas logically and professionally.

Try free tests

• Assessment Day – situational judgement test
• JobTestPrep – situational judgement test preparation
• Graduates First – situational judgement tests
• Practice Aptitude Tests – situational judgement tests
• Psychometric Test – situational judgement test
• Test Partnership – situational judgement test
• WikiJob – situational judgement test

Assesses comprehension and reasoning skills in English. Typically used in business, law, and administrative roles.

How to prepare

• Read newspapers and summarise key points.
• Practise answering ‘true, false, or cannot say’ questions based on passages.

Try free tests

• Aptitude-test.com – verbal logic test
• Assessment Day – verbal reasoning test
• Daily Writing Tips – grammar test
• Graduates First – verbal reasoning
• GraduateWings – free reasoning practice tests
• Practice Aptitude Tests – verbal reasoning tests
• Practice Reasoning – verbal reasoning practice test
• Psychometric Success – sample word meaning questions
• Psychometric Tests – verbal reasoning
• Test Partnership – verbal reasoning test
• The Telegraph – grammar test
• WikiJob – verbal reasoning test

Medical, dental, and veterinary schools use the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) and the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) to assess applicants' suitability for their courses.

What do they measure?

• BMAT: Tests problem-solving skills, scientific knowledge, and written communication.
• UCAT: Focuses on cognitive ability, decision-making, and situational judgement.

How to Prepare

• Understand the test format – Each test has different sections and time limits.
• Revise basic scientific concepts – BMAT includes GCSE-level science and maths.
• Practise under timed conditions – Both tests are fast-paced.
• Improve reading speed and comprehension – UCAT includes verbal reasoning.
• Use official practice tests – These help you get used to the question styles.

Further Information

• JobTestPrep – UCAT practice
• Medical Schools Council – information on BMAT and UCAT
• practiceukcat.ac.uk – practice tests
• UCAS – information on different admissions tests

Fault diagnosis tests assess your ability to identify, analyse, and fix problems in electrical, mechanical, or technical systems. They are commonly used in engineering, aviation, and technician roles.

What do they measure?

• Logical thinking and problem-solving
• Ability to interpret diagrams, circuits, and system flows
• Recognition of faults in mechanical and electrical systems

How to Prepare

• Familiarise yourself with technical diagrams – Learn how to read circuit symbols and flowcharts.
• Practise logical reasoning – Many questions involve identifying patterns and troubleshooting faults.
• Review engineering principles – Basic electrical and mechanical concepts are often tested.
• Use online simulations – Some tests involve interactive problem-solving scenarios.

Further Information

• JobTestPrep – fault diagnosis aptitude tests
• Psychometric Success – sample fault diagnosis tests

Fault diagnosis tests assess your ability to identify, analyse, and fix problems in electrical, mechanical, or technical systems. They are commonly used in engineering, aviation, and technician roles.

What do they measure?

• Logical reasoning and problem-solving
• Numerical and verbal intelligence
• Memory, speed, and pattern recognition

How to Prepare

• Practise different question types – IQ tests often mix numerical, verbal, and abstract reasoning.
• Develop problem-solving strategies – Learn how to approach complex puzzles logically.
• Use timed practice tests – Speed is a key factor in IQ assessments.
• Improve mental maths skills – Some tests don’t allow calculators.

Further Information

• Genius Tests – sample Mensa quiz
• Mensa – online workout

Normative, ipsative and nipsative tests are terms used to describe the way questions are presented – usually in personality assessments.

• Normative tests are very common for assessing personality and often require test takers to agree with a behavioural statement on a scale of 1 to 5
• Ipsative tests use a 'forced-choice' format where candidates are presented with 3 or 4 behavioural statements and required to choose a statement which is 'most' and 'least' like them
• Nipsative tests include an element of normative and ipsative assessment, requiring test-takers to indicate on a scale of 1 to 5 their preferred behavioural statement, but also rank the statement in terms of which one describes them the most.

For more information on normative, ipsative and nipsative tests, please view the following links from Graduates First:

• Ipsative Tests
• Nipsative Tests
• Normative Tests

Spatial ability tests assess how well you can visualise objects in 2D and 3D and understand how they move or change in space. These tests are often used in architecture, engineering, surveying, and design roles.

What do they measure?

• Mental rotation and visualisation
• Recognition of shapes and patterns
• Ability to manipulate objects in space

How to Prepare

• Practise with 3D puzzles and diagrams – Rotate shapes mentally and understand their structure.
• Use spatial reasoning apps – These can help improve visual processing speed.
• Study engineering drawings and blueprints – Understanding technical drawings can be beneficial.
• Practise pattern recognition – Many tests involve identifying missing shapes in sequences.

Further Information

• Aptitude exercises – spatial reasoning
• Assessment centre HQ – spatial reasoning tests
• JobTestPrep – free spatial reasoning test
• Psychometric Success – spatial ability tests
• WikiJob – spatial awareness test