Numerical reasoning tests for jobs: what to expect and how to practise

Key takeaways

• →A numerical reasoning test asks you to read tables and charts and work out answers against the clock.
• →Most are pitched at GCSE maths level, and the time limit is usually the hard part.
• →Employers look at speed and accuracy, so do not panic if you do not finish.
• →Read the question before the data, and check whether a calculator is allowed.
• →Practise timed, ideally on the same test supplier the employer uses.

1. What is a numerical reasoning test?

LSE Careers says numerical reasoning testsTimed tests that ask you to read numbers, tables and charts and work out answers. assess how well you understand numbers, interpret data and read charts and graphs. Manchester’s careers service words it as how well you reason with numerical data, and says employers use the tests for a broad range of roles, including management, analytical and financial jobs.^[1]

Manchester also quotes a 2016 Association of Graduate Recruiters survey in which over 70% of the larger graduate employers used these tests. That figure is a few years old, so treat it as a sign of how common they are, not a current count.^[2]

2. What maths do you need?

LSE says most numerical tests are pitched at GCSE levelThe maths taught up to age 16 in England, such as percentages and ratios., though some City jobs may expect something closer to A Level maths. It lists topics such as fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, averages, powers, approximations and reading tables and graphs, with algebra and equations in some tests.^[1]

Manchester adds that you need to interpret basic data quickly rather than study maths to a high level, and suggests revisiting percentages, ratios and exchange ratesHow much one currency is worth in another, a common test question.. King’s lists mental arithmeticDoing sums in your head, without a calculator., percentages, sequences, number problems, exchange rates, ratios and estimation, and says you should be able to answer 12 × 12 and 6 × 7 without hesitation.^[2]

3. How long is it, and can you use a calculator?

LSE says each test has a time limit and that limits are intentionally tight. It says most people who score badly do so because they run out of time. Manchester says assessors look at both speed and accuracy, and that you should not worry if you do not finish.^[1]

None of the three sources gives a standard number of questions or minutes, so check the invitation from the employer. On calculators, LSE says some tests allow one and others do not. King’s says to learn your calculator’s buttons beforehand, and suggests one with large buttons and a clear screen to avoid entry mistakes.^[3]

4. What are the best tips on the day?

King’s advises reading the question before the data and checking back and forth between them, because charts often include information that has nothing to do with the answer. LSE adds that you should use the example questions, read the data carefully and estimateRound the numbers to get a rough answer and rule out options that are far off. to rule out obviously wrong options.^[3]

King’s also says to stay calm and positive and treat the test as a chance to show your skills.^[3]

5. How do you practise?

LSE says to practise under timed conditions. It names AssessmentDay, NumericalReasoningTest.org and JobTestPrep as free practice sites, GraduatesFirst for students with an LSE subscription, and the employer’s own website, which may offer advice or practice tests. For the maths itself it names GCSE Bitesize, the National Numeracy Challenge and MathCentre.^[1]

King’s names the main test suppliersThe companies that write and sell the tests employers use, such as SHL. as SHL, Kenexa, Saville, Cubiks and Talent Q, and says to practise in the style of the supplier you will sit. Manchester agrees and says to ask the employer or the publisher, and names Practice Aptitude Tests as another practice site.^[3]

Practice tests never match the real one exactly, but they build speed and confidence. Our guides to verbal reasoning tests for jobs, the Watson Glaser test and situational judgement tests cover other tests you may meet in the same application.^[2]

6. Where does the test fit in an application?

A numerical test is usually one stage among several. If your application is for a graduate scheme, that guide shows the order of the stages, and our assessment centres guide covers the day that can follow.^[1]

7. How Brainhub can help

Brainhub offers coaching for students and graduates preparing for applications and tests. We help you rebuild the maths, practise under time and review your wrong answers so you learn the pattern. We coach, so the answers are always your own, we never sit tests or write applications for you, and we cannot promise an offer or a job. See our online tutoring page for how sessions work, and the contact form to ask about careers coaching.

1. 1. What level of maths do most numerical tests use?

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2. 2. Why do most people score badly?

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3. 3. What should you read first?

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4. 4. Is a calculator always allowed?

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Your next steps

1. 01

   Check your invitation for the time limit and whether a calculator is allowed.

2. 02

   Find out which supplier the employer uses.

3. 03

   Take one timed practice test and review every wrong answer.

4. 04

   Book a practice session with a coach if you want one.