Watson Glaser test: the five sections, format and how to prepare

Key takeaways

• →The Watson Glaser is a critical thinking test with five sections and about 40 questions.
• →You answer only from the information given, never from what you already know.
• →There is no single pass mark. Employers set their own, and scores are compared with other candidates.
• →Pages we read do not agree on timing, so check your invitation for the real time limit.
• →Practise under timed conditions, and learn the rules of each section.

1. What is the Watson Glaser test?

The Watson Glaser is a critical thinking testA test of how well you weigh up information and arguments.. Prospects, the graduate careers site, says it measures how well you can interpret information, evaluate arguments and reach logical conclusions from the facts given. Prospects says law firms, government services and other employers use it, including for management roles.^[1]

The publisher, TalentLens, says the test is used to recruit and develop graduates, managers and professionals. Oxford’s careers service names law firms as the main users, so you are most likely to meet it when applying for training contractsPaid two-year training that qualifies you as a solicitor. and vacation schemesShort law work placements, usually in the summer.. Our law pathway explains that route.^[2]

2. What are the five sections?

Prospects, Oxford and the publisher all describe five sections, and about 40 questions in total. The table below puts the section names in one place, with the answer choices Prospects lists.^[1]

The Lawyer Portal gives the question split for the 40-question version: 5 on inferencesConclusions you draw from the facts given., 12 on recognising assumptionsSpotting what a statement takes for granted without saying., 5 on deduction, 6 on interpretation and 12 on evaluating arguments. It adds that some versions have up to 80 questions, so your invitation is the final word.^[4]

3. How long does it take?

The sources differ, so do not rely on one number. The publisher says the test is timed at 30 to 40 minutes. The Lawyer Portal says between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the number of questions, and that the firm sets the deadline. Prospects says only that you must finish within a set time limit. Check your invitation email for the exact time and whether you can pause.^[2]

4. How is it scored?

Prospects says your number of correct answers is converted into a percentile rankYour score compared with a group, such as 80th means ahead of 80%. against a comparison group, and that there is no fixed pass mark. It suggests aiming for at least 80%, which is 32 out of 40. The Lawyer Portal suggests 75% or more, and says each firm’s pass mark changes from year to year with the average scores of its candidates.^[1]

The Lawyer Portal also reminds readers that a high score does not guarantee an offer, because firms assess the rest of your application too.^[4]

5. How can you prepare?

Learn the five sections and their question types, then practise under test conditionsPractising with the real time limit and no notes. with the time limit on, as Prospects advises. Base every answer only on the information given, not on outside knowledge, guesswork or gut feeling. Read the wording closely, because a small change in phrasing can change the answer.^[1]

The Oxford careers page warns that the test is hard, that it often rewards answers that feel counterintuitive, and that its rules differ from other critical thinking tests. For example, it treats “probably true” and “probably false” in a particular way. Work through sample questions with explanations so you see why each answer is right. Free practice tests exist, and the page says Oxford students can use a paid practice service through the university careers service. Check what your own university offers.^[3]

Our guide to situational judgement tests covers a different kind of online test, and our graduate schemes guide shows where tests like this sit in the application.^[2]

6. How Brainhub can help

Brainhub offers coaching for students and graduates preparing for applications and tests. We help you plan your practice, talk through why an answer is right 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”.

1. 1. How many sections does the Watson Glaser have?

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2. 2. Should you use outside knowledge?

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3. 3. Is there one pass mark for every employer?

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4. 4. Where do you find the real time limit?

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Your next steps

1. 01

   Check your invitation for the time limit and format.

2. 02

   Take one timed practice test.

3. 03

   Review every wrong answer and note the rule you missed.

4. 04

   Book a practice session with a coach if you want a second pair of eyes.