2026 EMPLOYER GUIDES5 min read

How to Pass the Barclays Verbal Reasoning Test 2026

Here’s what you’ll uncover in this guide:

1. Barclays Verbal Reasoning Test

What is the Barclays verbal reasoning test?

The Barclays verbal reasoning test is a psychometric test designed to measure your ability to read, analyse and interpret written information. This test typically has around 30 questions to be completed in 20 to 30 minutes.

What does the Barclays verbal reasoning test involve?

The Barclays verbal reasoning test involves reading short passages concerning work scenarios relating to Barclays, and choosing whether a statement is true, false, or cannot say based on the information provided.

Watch our video below to learn more about the Barclays verbal reasoning test:

Do you want to practice for the Barclays verbal reasoning test?

Practice with our verbal reasoning tests to prepare for this Barclays online assessment!

Practice Verbal Reasoning Tests

Practice Verbal Reasoning Tests

The Barclays recruitment process may also include other online assessments. Find out about them below!

2. Other Barclays Online Assessments

What other Barclays online tests might I face?

Alongside the Barclays verbal reasoning, you may also be required to complete:

  1. Barclays Numerical Reasoning Test
  2. Barclays Logical Reasoning Test
  3. Barclays Values and Mindset Assessment
  4. Barclays Personality Assessment

If you’re applying for a more technical role, such as the Explorer Developer programme, Barclays may also invite you to complete an additional assessment to test your coding skills and computer science fundamentals.

Good to Know:

Barclays’ online assessments are typically delivered via SHL or Cappfinity, and are usually blended into two combined stages known as Business Insight Stage 1 and Business Insight Stage 2.

Discover all stages of the Barclays recruitment process here!

Have a go at our example Barclays verbal reasoning question provided by our experts below. Use our free practice questions to test yourself before your assessment.

3. Free Barclays Verbal Reasoning Test Practice Questions

Verbal Reasoning Test

 

This test assesses your verbal reasoning ability using information provided in passages of text. Read the passage of text and look at each question, which is provided as a statement, to determine whether:

  • It is TRUE based upon the information contained in the text passage.
  • It is FALSE based upon the information contained in the text passage.
  • You CANNOT SAY based upon the information contained in the text passage.

1 / 5

More needs to be done to capitalise on the power of the peer-to-peer networks that many music downloaders still use. A recent study found that regular downloaders of unlicensed music spent an average of £5.52 a month on legal digital music. This compares to just £1.27 spent by other music fans. The research clearly shows that music fans who break piracy laws are highly valuable customers. It also suggests that they are eager to adopt legitimate music services in the future. One researcher pointed out that “There’s a myth that all illegal downloaders are mercenaries hell-bent on breaking the law in pursuit of free music.” In reality hardcore fans “are extremely enthusiastic” about paid-for services, as long as they are suitably compelling, he said.
 
Law breakers spend more on music than law abiders.

2 / 5

More needs to be done to capitalise on the power of the peer-to-peer networks that many music downloaders still use. A recent study found that regular downloaders of unlicensed music spent an average of £5.52 a month on legal digital music. This compares to just £1.27 spent by other music fans. The research clearly shows that music fans who break piracy laws are highly valuable customers. It also suggests that they are eager to adopt legitimate music services in the future. One researcher pointed out that “There’s a myth that all illegal downloaders are mercenaries hell-bent on breaking the law in pursuit of free music.” In reality hardcore fans “are extremely enthusiastic” about paid-for services, as long as they are suitably compelling, he said.
 
Most music fans spend over £5 a month on legal digital music.

3 / 5

More needs to be done to capitalise on the power of the peer-to-peer networks that many music downloaders still use. A recent study found that regular downloaders of unlicensed music spent an average of £5.52 a month on legal digital music. This compares to just £1.27 spent by other music fans. The research clearly shows that music fans who break piracy laws are highly valuable customers. It also suggests that they are eager to adopt legitimate music services in the future. One researcher pointed out that “There’s a myth that all illegal downloaders are mercenaries hell-bent on breaking the law in pursuit of free music.” In reality hardcore fans “are extremely enthusiastic” about paid-for services, as long as they are suitably compelling, he said.
 
People who download unlicensed music tend not to buy legal digital music.

4 / 5

More needs to be done to capitalise on the power of the peer-to-peer networks that many music downloaders still use. A recent study found that regular downloaders of unlicensed music spent an average of £5.52 a month on legal digital music. This compares to just £1.27 spent by other music fans. The research clearly shows that music fans who break piracy laws are highly valuable customers. It also suggests that they are eager to adopt legitimate music services in the future. One researcher pointed out that “There’s a myth that all illegal downloaders are mercenaries hell-bent on breaking the law in pursuit of free music.” In reality hardcore fans “are extremely enthusiastic” about paid-for services, as long as they are suitably compelling, he said.
 
The biggest music fans are happy to pay for the music they enjoy.

5 / 5

More needs to be done to capitalise on the power of the peer-to-peer networks that many music downloaders still use. A recent study found that regular downloaders of unlicensed music spent an average of £5.52 a month on legal digital music. This compares to just £1.27 spent by other music fans. The research clearly shows that music fans who break piracy laws are highly valuable customers. It also suggests that they are eager to adopt legitimate music services in the future. One researcher pointed out that “There’s a myth that all illegal downloaders are mercenaries hell-bent on breaking the law in pursuit of free music.” In reality hardcore fans “are extremely enthusiastic” about paid-for services, as long as they are suitably compelling, he said.
 
The most valuable customers are those who do not break the piracy laws.

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Barclays verbal reasoning test free practice

Looking for more tips to pass the Barclays verbal reasoning test? Don’t miss our helpful tips below!

4. How to Pass the Barclays Verbal Reasoning Test

6 Tips to Pass the Barclays Verbal Reasoning Test

  1. Strengthen your reading speed and comprehension: Practice reading quickly without losing understanding, as passages are time-pressured.
  2. Use Barclays-style practice tests: Familiarise yourself with similar Barclays verbal reasoning question formats to build confidence and accuracy.
  3. Watch out for qualifiers: Words like “always”, “never”, “some”, or “often” impact meaning. Pay close attention to these when selecting your answers.
  4. Stick to the passage: Base your answers only on the information given, not prior knowledge or assumptions.
  5. Manage your time wisely: Don’t dwell too long on tricky questions; move on and return if time allows.
  6. Stay rested and composed: A clear, calm mind improves focus, accuracy, and decision-making under pressure.

Looking for more Barclays-style verbal reasoning test practice?

Barclays verbal reasoning test practice

After the Barclays verbal reasoning test, the next assessment in the Barclays recruitment process is the Barclays logical reasoning test.

5. Barclays Verbal Reasoning Test FAQs

1 What is the Barclays verbal reasoning test?

The Barclays verbal reasoning test is an online aptitude assessment that measures your ability to read, interpret, and analyse written passages to determine whether statements are true, false, or cannot say.

2 Is the Barclays verbal reasoning test timed?

Yes, the Barclays verbal reasoning test is typically completed within 20 to 30 minutes for around 30 questions, though this can vary by role and assessment platform.

3 Do I need prior subject knowledge for the Barclays verbal reasoning test?

No prior subject knowledge is required. All the information you need is contained within the passage. The test assesses how well you can read, understand, and reason from written information alone.

4 How do I improve my Barclays verbal reasoning test score?

Practice with GF’s verbal reasoning tests regularly to become familiar with the true, false, cannot say format. This will also develop the reading speed and accuracy you need on test day.

5 What types of questions appear in the Barclays verbal reasoning test?

Barclays verbal reasoning test questions typically involve short work-related passages followed by statements. Your task is to assess each statement solely on the information provided in the passage.

Prepare for the Barclays verbal reasoning test with our expertly designed practice tests, the only aptitude practice test experts providing practice test solutions to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe.

Practice with peace of mind with a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests.

This article was last updated on 10 July 2026. All information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication, based on publicly available sources. For the most up-to-date details, please verify directly with the employer.

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