What is a psychometric test? A guide for graduates

Psychometric and aptitude tests are a common part of graduate recruitment. Tests like these sound scary but you’ll learn how to handle them. In fact, with this guide and plenty of practice, you’ll learn to master them.

Here's a summary of the key points:

• What are psychometric and aptitude tests?
• Why are they used?
• Types of psychometric tests
• How to approach them to stand the best chance of success

Psychometric tests look at people’s intelligence, personality, behaviour, abilities and potential.

'Psychometric' is an umbrella term for all related assessments, with aptitude tests being a specific type of psychometric examination. Aptitude tests zone in on a person’s potential for success by measuring their characteristics, intellect and learning potential.

Employers use psychometric tests during the hiring process to gain objective data that will inform recruitment decisions. They’re particularly popular as graduate assessments because they help recruiters get to know candidates without experience.

As aptitude tests show people’s potential, employers use them to see if candidates will fit the role – even if it’ll be their first.

Logical/abstract reasoning tests measure your ability to identify the logic of a pattern and work out the solution. Employers use them because they believe logical reasoning shows candidates’ capacity to learn new things.

Verbal reasoning tests assess your spelling, grammar, ability to understand analogies and how well you follow written instructions. Employers use these tests because they want to know how well you communicate.

Prepare by reading our ten top tips for passing a verbal reasoning test. Ready to check your knowledge? Practise with our verbal reasoning example questions.

Even if working with numbers won’t be a major part of your job, employers still want to know if you’ve got this core skill. To do this, they use numerical tests to check how well you handle basic arithmetic, number sequences and simple maths. They’ll also use these tests to see how you interpret charts and graphs.

If numbers make you nervous, check out our tips for passing a numerical reasoning test. We’ve also put together some numerical reasoning example questions for you to work through.

Employers use personality tests to get to know how you behave when faced with different situations. These tests also tell employers about your preferred way of going about things. There’s no right or wrong way to answer a personality test. Instead, they reveal if you’ll fit into the role and company culture. If your answers aren’t right for the role, the role wasn’t right for you either.

Learn more by reading our guide to personality tests.

If you need to take a test as part of a recruitment process, find out what type of test it will be. Is it numerical, verbal or personality-based? Will you have to take it under ‘test conditions’ (eg. supervised and timed) or can you do it at home at your own pace? Which test provider are they using? Are there practice tests available?

There are some test types – eg. personality – that you can’t practise but it’s still worth researching the purpose and structure of the test. You’re better placed to handle a test if you know why you’re doing it.

Once you know what to expect from the test, put time aside to prepare for it.

You’d prep for an interview, a presentation or an exam – and a psychometric test is an equally big part of the recruitment process. So, make sure you’ve got enough time to practise.

The more practice tests you do, the easier it’ll get. Don’t worry if you don’t pass the first time – they’re meant to be hard. Plus, the pass mark is often set at a very high level if you’re applying for competitive roles. With plenty of practice, you’ll soon see your scores increase.

If you’re taking the test online at home, don’t leave it until the last minute. Check the deadline and take it at least a day in advance. Lots of recruiters won’t accept excuses for a late submission so don’t let a tech disaster or dodgy Wi-Fi spoil your chances.

Make sure you’ve got a quiet space without interruptions. No phones, housemates or pets (no matter how cute). Make sure the computer you’re using is reliable and has everything you need installed. Check beforehand that you’ve got everything you need (eg. a calculator, paper, pen, laptop charger etc.) so that you’re ready to begin as soon as the test starts.

If you’re taking the test under supervised conditions, you’ll have a set date and location. As you would with exams, give yourself plenty of time to get there. You don’t want to be in a flap when you arrive. Check if you need to bring anything – some assessment centres make you bring your own laptop, so don’t make any assumptions.

Take a deep breath and do the best that you can. Work quickly but methodically. If you’re finding one question challenging, move on. No one else is finding the test ‘easy’. It’s meant to be difficult but if you follow our advice, you’ll give yourself the best chance of success.