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What Is the Amazon Numerical Reasoning Test?

The Amazon numerical reasoning test is a multiple-choice interactive aptitude test designed by a company called SHL. It measures your mathematical abilities by the use of graphs and charts. You will be evaluated in relation to other test takers and will face a strict time limit.

You can watch this short video for further information on SHL tests (including their numerical reasoning tests):

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What to Expect on the Amazon SHL Test?

The SHL numerical test that Amazon uses is comprised of 10 questions and takes 18 minutes to complete. There's also a less common version consisting of 18 questions that take 25 minutes, depending on the job you're applying for.

On this numerical reasoning test, you'll be given partial numerical data that you'll need to calculate in order to find missing data. Then, based on the data you've found, you'll need to tweak blank graphs accordingly. It will look quite like this:

 

Amazon SHL Numerical Reasoning test Sample Question


Let's check an Amazon SHL sample question that resembles questions from the interactive version. Read the question and then use the data above it to find the missing details:

Example Question:

Number of new employees:

  • Over the last three years, the number of new employees in the sales department doubled each year.
  • In Year 2, there were 2,400 new employees in the sales department, which equals 25% the number of new employees in the development department.
  • In Year 1, there was a total of 5,000 new employees in both departments.
  • In year 3, the development department employed 55% more new employees than the new employees' number in the CS department.
  • In year 3, the number of new employees' in the CS department stood at 1,200.

Question:

Arrange the number of new employees and their sales percentages in the development departments across 3 years.

Sample Question Amazon SHL Numerical Reasoning Test

 

Answer & Explanation
Answer for SHL Numerical Reasoning Test by Amazon

 

Explanation:

Note: For bar chart questions, the overall value cannot be lower than the lowest value on the Y-axis.

The question presents you with five statements regarding two departments: Sales and Development. The number of new employees changes across a 3-year period.

According to the first statement, over the last three years, the number of new employees in the sales department doubled each year. According to the first part of the second statement, in Year 2, there were 2,400 new employees in the sales department. Therefore, you can calculate the number of employees in the sales department across the 3-years period:

 

No. of new employees in Sales

Year 1

2,400/2 = 1,200

Year 2

2,400

Year 3

2,400*2 = 4,800

According to the third statement, in Year 1, there were 5,000 new employees in both departments. As calculated above, 1,200 new employees were in the sales department, then 5,000 – 1,200 = 3,800 new employees were in the development department.

According to the second part of the second statement, the 2,400 new employees in the sales department equals 25% of the total new employees in the development department. Therefore, to calculate the number of new employees in the development department in Year 2, use the Rule of 3. To use the Rule of 3, three known values are needed: two that are proportional to one another and a third. From there, you can figure out the fourth unknown value (Usually named X). The formula of the Rule of 3 is:

Rule of Three for SHL Amazon

In this case, 2,400 new employees in the sales department equals 25% of the number of new employees in the development department, which is 100%. Therefore,

25% -> 2,400

100% -> X

X = 100*2,400 / 25 = 4*2,400 = 9,600 – The number of new employees in the development department in Year 2

Another way to look at this data is knowing that 25% is a quarter (1/4), which means that the number of new employees in the Sales department is a quarter of the number of new employees in the Development department. Therefore, the number of employees in the Development department is 4 times the number of new employees in the Sales department. Hence, the number of new employees in the Development department is 2,400 * 4 = 9,600

According to statements four and five, in year 3, the development department employed 55% more new employees than the new employees numbered in the CS department, which had 1,200 new employees. That means that the development department was 155% of the CS department's number of new employees. To find the number of new employees in the development department in year 3, use the formula:

Part = % * Total / 100

In this case, Part is the number of new employees in the development department, % = 155 and Total = 1,200. Therefore,

The number of new employees in the development department = 155 * 1,200 / 100 = 186,000 / 100 = 1,860

Now, you are required to calculate the percentage of new employees in the sales and development departments in each year, based on their numbers, as calculated in previous steps.

 

No. of new employees in Sales

No. of new employees in Development

Total number of new employees

Year 1

1,200

3,800

5,000

Year 2

2,400

9,600

12,000

Year 3

4,800

1,860

6,660

To calculate the percentage of new employees in the sales and development departments in each year, use the following formula:

% = (Part/Total) * 100

 

% of new employees in Sales

% of new employees in Development

Total % of new employees

Year 1

1,200/5,000 * 100 = 24%

100% - 24% = 76%

5,000 = 100%

Year 2

2,400/12,000 * 100 = 20%

100% - 20% = 80%

12,000 = 100%

Year 3

4,800/6,660 * 100 = 72%

100% - 72% = 28%

6,660 = 100%

As you'll progress, the questions will become more difficult, so practicing is essential before taking this assessment. As evident in the question above, these Amazon Numerical Reasoning tests are much more than understanding charts and graphs.

Actually, it requires excellent math skills and a quick eye for details. On the real test, there's only about a minute and a half for each question. That includes reading it, conducting the calculations, and tweaking the graphs.

 

In the preparation pack, you'll find 3 practice simulations with similar question types. You'll practice calculating percentage changes, conduct equations to find missing data, and implement it into graphs and charts, just like in the real test!

 

Let's try another sample question, this time from the non-interactive Amazon SHL test.

Example Question:

SHL Numerical Currency Sample Question

How many GBP can be purchased for 7500 CAD?

A. 11.772
B. 4776
C. 477.7
D. 8720
E. 6369
Correct Answer
Incorrect Answer

7500 CAD*0.6369=4776.75 GBP.

This means you can buy 4776 GBP with 7500 CAD since you don't quite have enough CAD to buy 4777 GBP.

In the prep package, you'll get 10 practice numerical tests simulating this test version. Taking Amazon numerical reasoning practice tests will help you prepare thoroughly prior to taking the real assessment by sharpening your cognitive abilities and response time;

thus, you will gain an advantage over other candidates in Amazon's recruitment process.


Amazon Numerical Reasoning Test Tips

Refine your math skills: These aptitude tests require polished math skills, so make sure you take some time to go over basic arithmetic principles; ESPECIALLY percentage calculations and ratio changes.

Make sure you got everything you need: A working calculator, a notepad, and a couple of pens and pencils can really help you stay focused when conducting calculations during the test. Make sure that you got them the day before you take the test. Plus, it's allowed.

Pay attention to detail: Some of the data you'll get can be quite confusing. Make sure you read each question twice, and only then start answering. This tactic might actually SAVE you time.

Take SHL practice tests: That one is pretty obvious. With each practice test it'll become more likely you'll pass and land an interview with Amazon.


Amazon Numerical Reasoning Test FAQs

 

How difficult is the Amazon Numerical test?

The Amazon SHL Numerical Reasoning test is hard for two reasons. First, it requires strong numerical reasoning skills and attention to detail. And secondly, since many candidates compete for every vacancy, it's not enough just to pass the test, you also need to score as high as possible.

How many questions are there on the Amazon Numerical Reasoning Test?

You can get two kinds of Amazon SHL Verify Numerical tests:

Short Version (interactive): 10 questions that you'll need to answer in 18 minutes.

Long Version (non-interactive): 18 questions that you'll need to answer in 25 minutes.


Which jobs require passing the SHL test in their recruitment process?

Mainly managerial jobs. Some prime examples are Area Manager, Program Manager, Product Manager, and Business Analyst.


Does Amazon also use Verbal Reasoning tests as part of the application process?

Amazon doesn't administer a particular Verbal Reasoning test to its candidates. That being said, for some managerial positions in level 5/6 and above, Amazon sends a writing exercise before the interview stage, to assess the candidate's written expression and the use of Amazon's Leadership Principles.

 

Amazon, CEB, SHL, Kenexa, and other trademarks are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with JobTestPrep or this website. Our materials are designed to help you prepare for the types of assessments you will encounter, but they are not identical to them.