2026/27 EMPLOYER GUIDES5 min read

How to Pass the NGDP Assessment Centre 2026/27

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

1. NGDP Assessment Centre

What is the NGDP assessment centre?

The NGDP assessment centre is a half-day virtual event for candidates who pass the video interview stage. It’s built around local government scenarios and assesses NGDP’s key skills and behaviours throughout.

What to expect during the NGDP assessment centre?

The NGDP assessment centre typically includes the following exercises:

Written Task:

A written exercise based on a local government scenario, assessing your written communication, analysis and attention to detail.

Group Discussion:

A group exercise with fellow candidates, assessing how you collaborate, communicate and contribute to a shared outcome.

Presentation Exercise:

An individual presentation exercise, assessing your public speaking, organisation and ability to think on your feet.

Council Interview:

A competency-based interview with council representatives, which may take place on the same day as the assessment centre or as a separate later stage, assessing your fit and motivation for the specific council and placement.

Good to Know: The NGDP team asks you to log in to the assessment centre platform at least 15 minutes early, and to request any reasonable adjustments before the day, since these can’t be applied retrospectively.

Do you want to pass the NGDP assessment centre on your first try?

Practice with our assessment centre tests to prepare for this NGDP online assessment!

Prepare for your Assessment Centre

Prepare for your Assessment Centre

Practice Video Interviews

Practice Video Interviews

Read on to find out about the stages of the NGDP recruitment process.

2. NGDP Recruitment Process

What is the NGDP recruitment process?

By this stage of the NGDP recruitment process, you will typically have completed:

  1. NGDP Online Application
  2. NGDP Situational Judgement Test
  3. NGDP Numerical Reasoning Test
  4. NGDP Video Interview

Good to Know:

The situational judgement test applies to all NGDP applicants, but the numerical reasoning test is only used for Finance Stream applications. Verbal reasoning tests may occasionally be used too, depending on the role and internal decisions.

Discover all stages of the NGDP recruitment process here!

Now, let’s look at our expert tips on how to pass the NGDP assessment centre.

3. How to Pass the NGDP Assessment Centre

Here are our top tips to help you prepare for and succeed at each exercise of the NGDP assessment centre.

Top 9 Tips to Pass the NGDP Assessment Centre

  1. Align with NGDP’s key skills and behaviours: Look for chances across all exercises to show problem-solving, communication, and leadership potential.
  2. Practice writing under time pressure: The written task rewards clear structure, so practise organising your points logically before you start.
  3. Focus on local government context: Read up on real council issues so your written task reflects genuine understanding of the sector.
  4. Listen as much as you speak: The group discussion assesses collaboration, so make space for others while contributing your own ideas.
  5. Stay solution-focused in group discussions: Aim to help the group reach a shared outcome rather than just proving your own point.
  6. Structure your presentation clearly: Use a simple introduction, main points and conclusion so assessors can follow your thinking.
  7. Prepare for follow-up questions: Think through likely questions on your presentation topic so you’re not caught off guard.
  8. Prepare for the council interview: Some councils may interview you as part of the assessment centre itself, so have clear examples of your motivation and fit ready just in case.
  9. Test your setup beforehand: Since the assessment centre is virtual, check your camera, microphone and connection, and log in at least 15 minutes early.

Looking to practice for your NGDP assessment centre? Use GF’s practice assessment centre exercises today!

NGDP assessment centre practice
NGDP assessment centre practice mobile

And that brings us to the end of the NGDP assessment centre. If you’re successful, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about participating councils and secure an offer.

Before you go, check out the FAQs below for more on the NGDP assessment centre and what happens next.

4. NGDP Assessment Centre FAQs

1 What is the NGDP assessment centre?

The NGDP assessment centre is a half-day virtual event with local government-specific exercises, held for candidates who pass the video interview stage.

2 What does the NGDP written task measure?

The NGDP written task measures written communication, analysis and attention to detail through a local government-based scenario.

3 What does the NGDP group discussion measure?

The NGDP group discussion measures collaboration, communication and how you contribute to a shared group outcome.

4 What does the NGDP presentation exercise measure?

The NGDP presentation exercise measures public speaking, organisation and your ability to respond to questions under pressure.

5 What does the NGDP council interview measure?

The NGDP council interview measures your fit and motivation for a specific council and placement, through competency-based questions with council representatives.

6 Is the NGDP assessment centre virtual or in person?

The NGDP assessment centre is held virtually on a dedicated platform. You’re asked to log in at least 15 minutes before it starts.

7 What happens after the NGDP assessment centre?

Successful candidates learn about participating councils and move on to council interviews, either on the same day or as a later stage, with at least one interview guaranteed.

Prepare for the NGDP assessment centre with our expert-designed assessment centre exercises, 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.

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Click the links below to uncover more about the NGDP recruitment process:

  1. Full NGDP Recruitment Process Guide
  2. NGDP Situational Judgement Test
  3. NGDP Numerical Reasoning Test
  4. NGDP Video Interview

This article was last updated on 25 August 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 NGDP (Impact).

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