How to prepare for online tests

Find out what tests you will be taking - if the recruiter has not already specified then try to find out so you know what type of test to prepare for.

Timing is key

If you are told at the start of the test how many questions are includedv and how much time you have been given to complete the test then work out how long you have to answer each question and try to be strict with yourself. If you are finding a question difficult dont spend too much time on it, move on and come back to it if you can.

Try not to leave answers blank

If you are really unsure about the answer to a question then just have a guess, you may gain some points rather than none at all.

Preparing for personality questionnaires

These are not tests that you can prepare for, but some tips to help you on the day:

• Complete the questionnaires as honestly as you can but it is best to go with your gut instinct.
• Don’t trying to ‘second guess’ what the employer is looking for it is practically impossible to ‘cheat’ on these tests.
• There is usually no time limit, answer quickly rather than agonise over each item.

Preparing for aptitude tests

Preparation is possible and advisable. Ability tests are timed so it is important to be able to work through the questions quickly and accurately.  Typically you might have 30 minutes to answer 30 questions. It is common not to be able to complete all of the questions in the time available. It is the number of correct answers that counts. If you get stuck on one question don’t spend ages on it – move on to the next.  You may have time at the end to come back to it.

How to improve your numeracy skills

Revise your GCSE maths skills by getting hold of a Higher Tier GCSE revision text book. You can also look at the BBC Bitesize web resources which have useful tests to check your understanding.

Additional support can also be found at mathcentre, via a range of self-study resources including video tutorials, workbooks and online practice exercises.

Practice some tests online

The Kenexa online tests with instant feedback are available for students of the University of Huddersfield. This is an opportunity to try full-length numerical and verbal tests currently used by employers.  On completion of the tests you will receive via e-mail a comprehensive feedback report on your performance with practical advice about how you might achieve better scores. To access these tests please contact us.

Read the Assessment centres booklet PDF    (244KB) for advice on psychometric tests

The Kenexa online tests with instant feedback, are available for students of the University of Huddersfield. This is an opportunity to try full-length numerical and verbal tests currently used by employers.  On completion of the tests you will receive via e-mail a comprehensive feedback report on your performance with practical advice about how you might achieve better scores.

How to access the practice tests

If you are a student of the University of Hudderfield and you wish to access these online practice tests then please contact us to request access. If you are e-mailing your request then please ensure that you use your university e-mail account.

Targetjobs Careers Report

Careers Report uses questionnaires and psychometric tests to explore your interests, strengths, personality and abilities and matches you to jobs that would suit you. The questionnaires and psychometric tests take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Assessment Day - online resource for practice tests including: verbal reasoning,  numerical reasoning and inductive reasoning

Civil Service Fast Stream - go to the application section for an online example of an E-tray exercise

Graduates First - verbal, numerical and logical reasoning tests

Graduate Prospects - search for psychometric tests

Guardian - sample verbal reasoning tests

Jobsprep - provides further advice on assessment centres and example psychometric tests.

Mensa - practice tests and puzzles

Morrisby - online practice psychometric tests

Practice Aptitude Tests - numeraical and verbal reasoning tests

Practice Psychometric tests - example questions

Psychometric Success - online practice tests including: numerical aptitude, verbal aptitude, abstract reasoning, technical ability, clerical ability.

SHL Direct - online practice psychometric tests

Targetjobs - practice tests and information on how to prepare for tests

The Online Test Centre - numerical, verbal, diagramatic and logical reasoning tests and puzzles.

Topemployers - numeracy game sponsored by J.P.Morgan to give graduates the opportunity to practice numerical reasoning tests.

Advice for disabled students taking psychometric tests or attending assessment centres

Advice on testing people with a disability - British Psychological Society

 RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind)
A guide for blind and partially sighted candidates taking psychometric tests

Further information and advice

See the Assessment centres section for further information and advice on preparing for assessment centres and psychometric tests.

Also contact us or come along to one of our quick query sessions.