Aptitude tests are multiple-choice questionnaires taken under exam conditions at the offices of an employer or a recruitment agency. Strictly timed and usually lasting between around 30 minutes and an hour, they are designed to examine a candidate’s speed and accuracy in processing verbal, numerical or logical information. They are not tests of general knowledge, specific professional skills or knowledge of the organisation or industry, but of your logical reasoning and ability to think quickly.
Each question in the test usually consists of a paragraph of text, figures or a graph on a certain subject, followed by a number of possible answers, one of which is correct. The questions often become more difficult the further you go through the test, and there are often more than you can comfortably complete in the allocated time. You should complete as many as possible, because it is the number of correct answers which counts, so both speed and accuracy are crucial.
Your score will be compared with the results of a past group of examinees, either other applicants, current job-holders or some other group, allowing the employer to assess the strength of your reasoning skills and determine your ability to cope with the job. The three main categories are tests for verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning and diagrammatic or spatial reasoning, and the papers set should reflect the abilities needed in the post.
Besides their usefulness for employers, aptitude tests can have a positive effect for the jobseeker by providing a measure of your strengths and weaknesses, which can help you shape your career plans or focus on improving your performance in problem areas.
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