More How to Win at Aptitude Tests. Liam Healy

This person has the ability that is required.

      2 This person does not have the ability that is required.

      When looked at like this, the outcome from a test can also be used very effectively in development. This is particularly the case with the ‘softer’ behavioural skills which personality tests assess.

      Tests are also used extensively in Career Development work, often in conjunction with a Personal or Career Development Plan.

      FINALLY, THE TESTS!

      In the following chapters we will go through example tests. For some types of test there is quite a bit of background involved. This is because areas such as numerical ability can cover a wide range of information and are applicable to many different types of job. Numerical ability testing is one area people worry about more than any other, so there is more space given to this. Other areas, such as mechanical reasoning, are more straightforward, more self-explanatory. The main categories of aptitude tests covered are:

      Basic Numerical Ability – These tests measure basic mathematical ability.

      Numerical Reasoning – These tests measure higher-level or more complex problem solving where the problems are numerical in nature.

      Basic Verbal Ability – These tests measure basic verbal abilities such as spelling and comprehension.

      Verbal Reasoning – These tests measure higher-level or more complex problem solving where the problems are verbal in nature. They are sometimes known as ‘critical thinking’ tests.

      Abstract Reasoning – These tests measure problem solving ability in a context-free environment and are largely based on non-verbal and non-numerical questions.

      Spatial Reasoning – These tests measure the ability to perform operations such as rotation or combining different features of two- and three-dimensional objects in one’s head.

      Mechanical Reasoning – These tests measure the ability to work out how different mechanical operations and physical principles affect objects.

      Perceptual Ability – These tests measure the ability to take in and manipulate verbal, numerical and other textual information.

      For each test you will also see a classification system which will tell you how that particular test is used, how long it is likely to be, and other relevant information, such as the level of difficulty. The format used is as follows:

       Test 1 Name

      Type of test: Speed, power or both.

      Typical length: The typical number of questions in the test.

      Typical time allowed: How long one is typically allowed to complete such a test.

      Used for: The type of job it tends to be used for. These are classified as:

      Basic, such as clerical, or jobs with occasional requirements for this ability, but mostly at a simple or basic level.

      Intermediate, such as supervisory or junior management jobs which require more frequent or complex use of this ability.

      Higher, such as professional, middle and senior management, or specialist types of work which require frequent use of this ability in high-level problem solving situations.

      Frequency of use: Whether the test is in common use or is used less often. We have focussed on those types of tests that are in common use.

      Remember that this information is only a guide. The actual tests you may face are likely to vary in how closely they match those given in this book.

      At the end of each test, or each set of similar tests, you will find hints and tips that provide suggestions for how to prepare for and approach that particular type of test.

      In Chapter 8, there is more detailed information on exactly what to do to prepare yourself for the testing session and what happens afterwards.

      The answers to all of the tests, plus an explanation where appropriate, are in Appendix I at the end of this book.

      Finally, in Chapter 7 we go through an example of a Personality Test. Full scoring instructions are given with the test, but remember – with personality tests there are no right or wrong answers. Only you will know what is right!

2 Numerical Tests

      Numerical ability tests fall into one of two camps – outright mathematical ability requiring you to carry out mathematical calculations, and numerical problem-solving ability requiring you to work out what mathematical calculations you should apply, rather than just telling you. This second type is referred to as numerical reasoning and tends to have more of a power than speed design.

      In the case of mathematical ability, the type of calculation you are expected to perform will usually be made clear to you. Our first set of five tests looks at mathematical ability.

      Note that the numbers involved are not too complex – it would be beyond most people to calculate 2654 ÷ 13 in their head! Also, note that you are not given a set of answers from which to choose. The rationale behind this is that if you can work out the correct answer then you can simply write it down, and if you can’t work out the answer then guessing won’t help much.

      Tests 1–5 concentrate on basic mathematical computation or calculation. Try them, they will act as a useful warm up for the numerical tests later on which are to do with applying mathematical ability to real world problems.

       Numerical Test 1 (Addition)

      Type of test: Speed

      Typical length: 25–35 questions

      Typical time allowed: 20–30 minutes

      Used for: Basic level

      Frequency of use: Common

      In this test your task is simply to calculate the correct answer. Give yourself 20 minutes.

      1 7 + 45 =

      2 15 + 21 =

      3 9 + 57 =

      4 215 + 37 =

      5 12 + 6 =

      6 154 + 45 =

      7 39 + 22 =

      8 17 + 89 =

      9 25 + 98 =

      10 21 + 75 =

      11 54 + 4 =

      12 14 + 25 =

      13 102 + 14 =

      14 19 + 16 =

      15 17 + 7 =

      16 22 + 9 =

      17 5 + 18 =

      18 8 + 14 =

      19 3 + 19 =

      20 45 + 5 =

      21 165 + 14 =

      22 48 + 5 =

      23