What Are the Different Types of Aptitude Tests?
There are types of aptitude tests. Learn more about each type of aptitude test below, and get all the information you need about the aptitude tests used in selection processes and assessment centres.
Verbal Reasoning: A verbal reasoning test is an aptitude test that measures the ability to comprehend complex written materials and deduct relevant information and conclusions. Verbal reasoning tests also include spelling, grammar, logic, and vocabulary tests. Different aptitude tests are administered to candidates in different professions.
Numerical Reasoning: A numerical reasoning test includes a wide range of aptitude tests, varying from basic arithmetic tests to "estimation tests" and advanced numerical reasoning tests. "Estimation tests" measure a candidate's speed in making educated mathematical estimations, while advanced numerical reasoning tests measure a candidate's ability to interpret complex data presented in various graphic forms and to deduce information and conclusions.
Logical Reasoning: These aptitude tests measure logical reasoning and perceptual reasoning skills. They do not rely on acquired linguistic or numeric abilities, but on innate abilities. They are often called non-verbal reasoning tests. Other popular tests in this category include abstract reasoning, inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning, and the Watson-Glaser.
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Aptitude Test Structure
There is not a single common aptitude test structure; the format and the content of aptitude tests can vary greatly between one test provider and another, and even between different job levels and positions from within the same company.
However, the typical structure of an aptitude test is usually comprised of 3 - 5 test sections (verbal section, numerical section, etc.). Each section includes 10 - 30 questions, depending on the complexity of each question (the more complex the test, fewer questions will be asked) and the knowledge level required of the candidate for that specific skill (the higher the job level, the more questions that will be asked).
Completing a series of aptitude tests normally take at least an hour of the candidates' time, but usually no more than 3 hours (there might be breaks in between sections).
Do Certain Jobs Require Specific Aptitude Tests?
Certain sectors and positions require an aptitude test that measures specific skills. There are many such niche aptitude tests, all of which can be practised here:
- Mechanical Reasoning Tests, Fault Finding Aptitude Tests, and IT Diagrammatic Reasoning Tests: Engineering / Technical / IT / armed forces sectors
- Accuracy, Speed, and Checking Tests: Clerical positions
- Spatial Reasoning Tests: Design positions and armed forces positions
How to Prepare for Aptitude Tests
Aptitude tests can be a serious obstacle to acquiring a new job. We offer you important tools to overcome these difficulties. These four elements will significantly improve your chance of qualifying for the job for which you are applying:
- Try to find out about the test type you are about to face - what kind of test is it, what's the format, what's on the test?
- Try to find out about the provider (assessment company) that delivers the assessments
- Try to review and find other relevant aptitude tests used by employers
- Utilise JobTestPrep's intensive online training aptitude test simulation system
- Try to review and take in constructive feedback and tips on how to improve your aptitude test score
It is crucial to practise aptitude tests in advance. Preparing in advance substantially reduces anxiety because you know exactly what to expect on test day.
Tips for Aptitude Test
Before the Test
- Refine your logical thinking skills with various puzzles and pattern games.
- Refine your numerical reasoning skills with a general maths review (be sure to review graphs, charts, and statistics interpretations.)
- Refine your verbal reasoning skills by reading news items or newspapers. Think about the different ways a story could be interpreted, and be sure to look out for commonly misspelled words or grammatical errors.
- Take the time to prepare and review the materials on the test(s)
During the Test
- Be sure to listen carefully to any instructions that you are given as they may be crucial to completing the test correctly.
- If you are provided with a few practice questions, take the opportunity to complete them.
- If there is anything that you don’t understand (regarding directions or time limits), this is the time to ask for clarification.
Different Aptitude Tests
JobTestPrep offers practice materials for various kinds of aptitude tests. Aside from the tests that you see on this page, there are many different test providers and your test can come from any one of these. Below, you will see some different testing company names you may recognise. To learn about them and practise our tests that are styled on them click on the links below.
Still not sure about the test you have to take? Try our job picker engine and see how we can help you.
