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Are you a recruiter or hiring manager looking for candidate pre-employment assessment tests and tools including aptitude tests? We invite you to visit our Assess Candidates website.
What are numerical reasoning tests? What do numerical tests measure? How to pass numerical aptitude tests? Our latest guide covers such critical questions just for you.
Our website provides scientifically validated numerical reasoning practice tests that you can use to practice and prepare for your next numerical reasoning assessment, a part of many recruitment and assessment processes around the world.
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Not sure if you should practice to prepare for your numerical reasoning aptitude tests? According to research, 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude tests results. It is proven that practice increases your chances of getting hired.
A recent study found that candidates who do not practise assessments, tend to fail at the first hurdle of psychometric assessments (54%-84%). This study looked at the Top 100 global employers. Bradley et al. (2019)
Still unsure why you must practice for your next numerical reasoning test? Watch our quick video below.
Before dive in, let’s check out the critical questions we’ll cover in this guide:
So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
A numerical reasoning test, or numerical reasoning aptitude test is a psychometric test that aims to assess your numerical ability to understand, analyse and interpret numerical data presented graphically or in statistical tables or charts under time pressure for roles in job areas like finance, marketing., etc.
Did you know? Numerical ability test questions require no more than an understanding of basic mathematics at GCSE or equivalent level that includes ratios, percentages and basic arithmetic.
Want to know more about numerical reasoning psychometric tests? Check out our quick video below:
Now the key question is what makes numerical tests so popular? Let’s decode.
Here are 7 key facts that you must know about numerical reasoning psychometric assessments before filling in your next job application.
Want to ace your numerical reasoning test practice including logical and verbal reasoning for your coming assessment test stage?
So, what do these numerical test questions look like? Keep reading below to uncover the most popular examples.
The numerical reasoning tests can require you to answer the following 5 types of numerical ability questions:
Depending on the numerical test provider, you may be required to answer the above numerical reasoning test questions in one of the following formats:
These numerical reasoning ability tests from providers like SHL, Kenexa and Talent Q require candidates to choose the correct answer amongst usually 4-5 options.
Numerical aptitude tests such as from Cut-e require you to determine whether the statements are true, or false or whether you cannot say based on your calculations and the data provided.
These numerical test questions, though less commonly used, require you to calculate the answer based on the information provided and input the answer directly into the available field.
Online Numerical reasoning assessments like that from Cappfinity require you to rank the options on a given criteria like ranking of profits or ordering costs.
These interactive numerical reasoning test questions from SHL may require you to drag the options to appropriate places on the screen such as matching data points in the graph or adjusting the graph or pie chart to answer.
Check our quick video to learn more about the types of online numerical reasoning tests used and their providers:
But what do the numerical reasoning assessment tests measure? Let’s find out.
While numerical reasoning tests aim to measure primarily your numerical reasoning skills, they also assess the following skills necessary for the job role:
Problem-solving:
ability to solve on-the-job problems related to numerical data.
Numeracy skills:
sound knowledge of numeracy skills like basic mathematical concepts and the ability to apply them to solve practical organisational problems.
Logical reasoning:
the capacity to compare and draw logical conclusions from the given numerical data.
Understand and prepare data:
the ability to monitor, interpret and prepare graphs, charts and spreadsheets to communicate critical organisational needs
Decision-making skills:
the capability to use the given data, critically analyse it and choose the correct answer that will resolve the given problem.
Now, you may be wondering…
The numerical reasoning assessments are mostly evaluated by converting your raw scores to percentiles rather than using descriptors such as T score, sten, stanine etc. Percentiles tell you how well you scored compared to others who have applied for similar roles.
Ready to boost your numerical ability for your next numerical aptitude test?
While there is no fixed passing score in the numerical reasoning assessments, most employers usually use a set cut-off score to shortlist candidates that varies with the employer but is usually preferred in the 70-90 percentile range.
As well as accuracy, your speed is often measured during numerical reasoning assessments. A key way to improve your speed is the elimination method. Discover how to eliminate wrong answers fast in your numerical reasoning test with this short video:
So, in what job roles are numerical reasoning tests important?
Numerical reasoning tests allow recruiters to assess candidates for a variety of job roles in disciplines which require handling numerical data, such as:
Check out the quick video below to discover 5 of the top jobs that most commonly use numerical tests in the application process:
Numerical reasoning assessments help recruiters analyse if applicants can perform on-the-job logical reasoning and decision-making based on numerical data. Depending on the job role, it may include the following:
Now, let’s cover which employees use numerical aptitude tests.
Many multinational organisations use numerical reasoning assessments as part of their online assessments stage before their interview and assessment centre stage. A few of them are:
But why do employers use numerical assessment tests to hire? Let’s find out.
Most reputed employers around the world use numerical reasoning assessment tests for the following 7 reasons:
To make the recruitment process efficient
Online numerical reasoning tests help to sift out a large volume of candidates efficiently and in a standardised manner whilst remaining legally defensible.
Save on costs and time
Numerical ability tests help recruiters assess the critical numerical ability necessary for the job role early on in the process, which saves time and cost of narrowing the pool of candidates later.
Comprehensive evaluation
Employers usually use a combination of assessments like numerical and verbal reasoning tests to evaluate candidates for the skills necessary for the job role.
Standardised and objective
Standardised numerical reasoning assessments help employers hire objectively using measures of applicant’s numerical skills. It reduces chances of bias especially when hiring those from different socio-cultural backgrounds.
They can be adaptive
Most numerical reasoning assessments are adaptive. Stronger candidates may receive more challenging test questions and vice versa which helps employers find out the true potential of the candidate’s numerical ability.
They are reliable and predictively valid
The numerical assessment tests help predict job performance in roles that require day-to-day work with data and if the applicant can work with graphs, charts and spreadsheets.
Support employee training and development
Graduate numerical reasoning tests can help gauge areas of improvement and provide guidance for career progression necessary as part of the organisation’s training and development programmes.
Did you know? Using a psychometrically robust numerical reasoning assessment allows recruiters to reduce the candidate pool by 50% on average when partnered with another psychometric test.
Many employers use numerical test providers to sift candidates early in the recruitment process. Read on to find out more about these providers.
Reputed employers like Amazon and Shell use numerical reasoning tests from one of the following types of numerical psychometric test providers:
Did you know? According to research, 75% of the Times top 100 companies and a further 70% of UK companies with over 50 employees use psychometric testing including numerical reasoning as part of their recruitment process. Pearce et al. (2021)
So are these numerical reasoning assessments made to be hard? Keep reading to find out.
While numerical reasoning psychometric tests require a basic understanding of mathematical concepts, their major aim is to assess your ability to reason, understand and use the given data efficiently to problem solve under time pressure necessary for graduate roles.
This is contrary to the popular belief that numerical aptitude tests focus on measuring your maths skills which is what you can expect if they were asked to complete a numerical calculation test.
Discover the 3 key mistakes candidates make that you should avoid in your online numerical reasoning assessment test with this quick video:
Now, let’s cover how you can prepare for your upcoming numerical aptitude test with our top 9 tips to pass your numerical reasoning assessment.
1. Have your basics clear:
Ensure to revise and have simple operations and basic arithmetics like fractions, ratios, and estimates., etc clear.
2. Practice numerical tests:
For your numerical reasoning test practice, use timed tests to familiarise yourself with the types of numerical questions and test formats you may encounter for your next numerical test.
3. Use GF Performance Reports to enhance your performance:
Sign up with GF to get customised performance reports with data-driven insights and recommendations to boost your numerical reasoning test practice.
4. Focus on balancing speed with accuracy:
Practice with timed numerical reasoning practice questions and answers beforehand since even those untimed usually measure the total time taken to complete the assessment.
5. Choose an appropriate setting:
Choose a quiet and disturbance-free place with high-speed WiFi connected. Ensure to use the recommended device as many tests can log you out and restrict you from accessing the assessment again.
6. Get organised:
Check that you have the right materials on hand before attempting your numerical ability test. Numerical tests often allow using a calculator, a pen and some notes.
7. Make sense of the data presented:
Check the axes labels, titles, increments and the column/row names of tables and graphs to make sense of the information provided in the charts and tables.
8. Read the question at least twice:
Ensure to read each question at least twice to ensure you have not misunderstood the question.
9. Use a process of elimination where possible:
Eliminate the answers that you find too far from being correct to help you reach the correct answer with fewer options.
Looking to ace your next numerical reasoning assessment? Check out the video below for numerical reasoning practice test questions with worked solutions.
Now let’s move forward in our discussion with one such free numerical test example designed by our experts for your numerical aptitude test practice.
As you are thorough with the numerical reasoning test tips discussed above, let’s start your practice with a challenge, try to answer our free numerical reasoning example question below in under 45 seconds!
Sample Numerical Reasoning Example Question
Got the answer? Check out how to answer numerical reasoning questions with the worked solution below!
Step 1:
First, look at the provided graph to locate the number of mortgage approvals for the USA and Italy in 2005. Add these 2005 rates for the USA and Italy together. 170,000 + 95,000 = 265,000
Step 2:
Then similarly we can add the 2006 rates for the USA and Italy together. 110,000 + 95,000 = 205,000
Step 3:
Then, add the 2007 rates for the USA and Italy. 75,000 + 95,000 = 170,000
Step 4:
Finally, we can now add the totals found from steps 1, 2 and 3 together to find the combined number of mortgage approvals. 265,000 + 205,000 + 170,000 = 640,000
Want more such numerical reasoning test practice questions to boost your numerical ability test practice?
Let’s now uncover answers to some top questions people ask about online numerical reasoning assessments!
No, while numerical reasoning aptitude tests assess your ability to interpret, apply and work logically with the given data in real workplace scenarios, numerical calculation tests usually aim to measure your calculation skills.
Numerical comprehension tests are an example of a numerical calculation assessment. These tests aim to measure solely your numerical skills and ability to analyse and comprehend data accurately and effectively.
The most common types of aptitude tests used by employers globally as part of their hiring process are online numerical reasoning assessment tests, verbal reasoning, logical reasoning, abstract reasoning and situational judgements etc. Get the Premium practice today to ace your next assessment test stage!
You can speed up your numerical test questions solving ability with:
Do you want to pass your Numerical reasoning tests, first time? Sign up for tools offered by GF, the only aptitude practice test experts that provide tests to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe. Go to GF now and select from the range of products we offer at no risk. We offer a comprehensive premium package with a full set of assessment tools for job candidates (numerical, logical, verbal reasoning, situational judgement tests, assessment centre exercises, and more). Buy with peace of mind without commitment to a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests.
Do you want to pass your Numerical reasoning tests, first time? Sign up for tools offered by GF, the only aptitude practice test experts that provide tests to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe.
Go to GF now and select from the range of products we offer at no risk. We offer a comprehensive premium package with a full set of assessment tools for job candidates (numerical, logical, verbal reasoning, situational judgement tests, assessment centre exercises, and more).
Buy with peace of mind without commitment to a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests.
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