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Brainhub guide

Assessment centres: what happens and how to prepare

A plain guide to the final stage of many graduate applications: what the day looks like, what each exercise tests and how to prepare calmly.

Written by the Brainhub Editorial Team Cites published research Updated 13 Nov 2026 6 min read

Key takeaways

1. What is an assessment centre?

The University of York explains that employers use assessment centresA late-stage selection day of tasks where an employer watches how you work. to watch candidates across several activities and judge the skills and characteristics needed at work. Its careers service says the same core criteria are applied to all activities, and that an invitation means you have passed the earlier stages of recruitment.[1]

The University of Bradford describes the assessment centre as usually the final stage of graduate recruitment: you are invited after the first application and observed across several tasks. York adds that some tests, such as the situational judgement tests in our other guide, may be taken online beforehand or at the centre.[2]

2. How long does it last, and who is there?

Bradford says sessions range from a few hours to several days. Its page mentions focused events of up to four hours and others of up to two full days, and says up to 30 other candidates may attend, although some employers invite far fewer. Glasgow’s careers service says assessment centres typically last one to two days, sometimes with an overnight stay, and that groups of six to eight are common.[2]

These figures differ because every employer designs its own day. The invitation should give the timings, so read it closely and plan your travel.[2]

3. What exercises should you expect?

The three careers services describe a similar set of activities. The table below sums up what each one involves and what the assessors are looking for, based on their pages.[1]

Employers choose from this list, so you will rarely meet every one on the same day. A group exerciseA task done with other candidates while assessors observe. is a task done with other candidates, an e-trayThe email version of an in-tray exercise. is the email version of an in-trayA task of prioritising and replying to mock emails and messages., and psychometricTests of ability or personality, taken online or on the day. tests measure ability or personality.[3]

Exercise
What you do
What assessors look for
Group exercise
Work with a small group on a discussion, practical task or problem, sometimes in an assigned role
Teamwork, listening, clear thinking and open-mindedness
Case study
Read documents about a business problem, then recommend action in a report or presentation
Analytical thinking, commercial awareness and persuasive reasoning
In-tray or e-tray
Prioritise and reply to emails, letters and messages that mimic the job’s admin
Prioritising, time management, written communication and working under pressure
Presentation
Give a short talk on a topic set beforehand or on the day
Communication, time management and handling questions
Interview and tests
One-to-one or panel interview; psychometric or personality tests
Motivation, consistency and fit with the role

4. How do you handle a group exercise?

York’s advice is to keep contributions brief, not interrupt, support others and watch the time. Glasgow adds that you should read the brief carefully, be assertive but diplomatic and support good ideas from others. Both stress that you are not competing with the other candidates, and Bradford says to treat them as potential colleagues, not rivals.[1]

Bradford also warns against dominating discussions: contribute actively, listen and follow the instructions closely, asking if you are unsure.[2]

5. How do you approach a case study, an in-tray and a presentation?

For a case studyA business problem you analyse from documents, then recommend action., York suggests breaking the problem down, prioritising and staying calm when questioned, and notes that there is usually no single correct answer. Glasgow adds that you should work quickly and accurately and that you need not be afraid to disagree respectfully if you believe your decision is sound.[1]

For an in-tray, York says to scan quickly, decide what matters most, consider deadlines and who to consult, and be ready to explain your reasoning. Glasgow adds delegating tasks effectively.[1]

For a presentation, Glasgow suggests finding out what technology is available and who the audience is, using a clear beginning, middle and end, leaving time for questions and using prompt cards rather than reading a script. York says to check with the recruiter before using visual aids.[3]

6. Is it only the tasks that count?

No. York notes that assessment can happen at any point in the visit, including lunch or a company tour, and its advice is to be courteous to everyone you meet. Bradford says assessors observe behaviour throughout the day, often ask staff who met you for their views, and suggests drinking alcohol sparingly if it is offered at a social event.[1]

Bradford also says to tell the employer about any disability or support need as early as you can, and York suggests asking for reasonable adjustmentsChanges the employer makes so a disability does not disadvantage you. in advance.[2]

7. How do you prepare?

All three services start with research: the employer’s values, website and recent news, the role and the sector. Bradford adds reading the job description to spot the competencies likely to be tested, and practising case studies and mock presentations. York suggests using practice test sites and your university’s employer events and skills sessions.[2]

Our guides to the STAR method and competency and strengths-based interviews help with the interview part, and the Watson Glaser test guide covers one test some employers set. If the day is part of a graduate scheme application, that guide shows where it fits.[2]

8. How Brainhub can help

Brainhub offers coaching for students and graduates preparing for applications and interviews. We help you plan, practise answers and presentations out loud and keep your confidence up. We coach, so your answers are always your own, we never write applications or sit assessments for you, and we cannot promise an offer or a job. See our online tutoring page for how sessions work, our university pathways for more guides, and book a free assessment choosing “University or graduate”.

Try it now

Test yourself on this page

Answer in your head first, then check.

  1. 1. What is an assessment centre?

  2. 2. Name four common exercises.

  3. 3. Are you competing with the other people in a group exercise?

  4. 4. Can lunch or a tour be assessed?

Your next steps

  1. Read the invitation for timings and tasks.

  2. Research the employer and the role.

  3. Practise a short presentation out loud.

  4. Book a mock assessment day with a coach if you want one.

Sources

  1. University of York. Assessment centres (careers advice for students, read 13 November 2026). york.ac.uk/students/work-volunteering-careers/apply/assessment-centres
  2. University of Bradford Careers. Assessment centres (graduate recruitment advice, read 13 November 2026). bradford.ac.uk/careers/applications/assessment-centres
  3. University of Glasgow Careers. Assessment centre activities (careers advice, read 13 November 2026). gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/careers/career-development/applying-for-jobs/assessment-centres/assessment-centres-activities

This guide is general study advice. Every student is different. A teacher can help you work out what fits.