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Verify G+ Practice:
- 16 Deductive, Inductive & Numerical tests
SHL Numerical Reasoning Practice:
- 6 SHL numerical practice tests + 12 guides
SHL Verbal Reasoning Practice:
- 4 SHL verbal practice tests + 2 video tutorials
SHL Inductive Reasoning Practice:
- 17 SHL inductive practice tests
SHL Deductive Reasoning Practice:
- 2 SHL deductive practice tests
SHL Checking Practice:
- 5 SHL checking practice tests
Personality Profiling:
- SHL OPQ32 study guide
- A Full personality practice test
- 50 single trait drills
What Is the SHL Test?
SHL is one of the largest providers of job applicant screening tests in the UK and worldwide. The tests conducted by SHL are perhaps the most important screening stages standing between you and your desired job.
Usually, you’d be asked to take the test on SHL On Demand, which is an online platform for delivery of SHL assessments.
The SHL Tests can be hard, but that’s on purpose. They assess your abilities compared to your competition and help employers significantly narrow down the pool of candidates.
Watch my short video below to get more insights, tips and essential info on the tests:
Now, you might be wondering:
What score is necessary to increase my chances to get hired? In the next section, I’m going to explain exactly that:
What Is a Good SHL Test Score?
The pass rate for most of SHL’s Tests is low when only around 20% of test-takers make the cut. Yep, that’s only 1 out 5.
An above-average SHL Test score will usually fall in the 80th percentile. In this case, your chance of being hired for the job is the same as another 10-20 candidates whose scores fall into your score range.
Your test results will usually be kept on file at the recruiting company. This means that applicants who received a low or average SHL score will have a reduced chance of being hired by the same company in the future.
Nonetheless, about 5% of the candidates get an outstanding score (in the 95th percentile).
Getting such a high score will tremendously increase your chances to get hired and may carry three major benefits:
- The salary you will be offered
- The possibility of being offered a higher-level position
- The likelihood of being promoted in the future
How Do You Pass the SHL Test?
At JobTestPrep, we’ve already helped thousands of job candidates to prepare and pass their SHL assessments.
Here are 5 proven tips that work every time to pass the SHL Tests:
While the material of the SHL tests may include general topics like Maths and Reading Comprehension, the questions’ look, feel, and timing is unlike the standard tests you’re used to. Thus, it’s vital to practise with question types that are as similar as possible to the real thing.
You can find free sample questions on SHL’s official website. The Problem is, they cover only a small portion of the tested material and they don’t have the same time constraints as the actual test. Plus, remember the 95th percentile? It’d super hard to get there by practising only a bunch of sample questions.
Give enough time, you’d probably answer all the questions on SHL’s aptitude tests. But unfortunately, you’ll be taking the test on a strict time limit. Therefore, it’s important to learn shortcut techniques and tricks that can save you precious time during the test.
During practice, write down your most common mistakes and what you learned from them. In the long run, this will help you minimize your errors and boost your overall score.
Some candidates are unsure which SHL Test they’re going to take, as the invitation email from the hiring company is vague and doesn’t specify any details. If this is your situation, it would be best to stay on the safe side and prepare for the most common SHL assessments: Numerical, Verbal, Inductive, Deductive and Personality.
Get Accurate Practice and Pass With a High Score
To help you prepare and place yourself in the top 5% candidates for your desired job, our test experts created an All-Inclusive SHL Test Practice. It includes:
- Hundreds of SHL-style practice questions (as similar as possible to the actual tests’ questions) covering the most common SHL aptitude and personality tests
- Full-length & accurate SHL practice tests simulating the real testing experience
- Step-by-step explanations, showing you the fastest ways to answer any question to save you precious seconds
- Video tutorials and PDF study guides with foolproof SHL tips, inside information and expert hacks
Get the All-Inclusive SHL Test Practice [2021 Edition]
Starting at £39 Only
- Verify G+ practice & exclusive guides
- 7 SHL numerical test simulations
- 7 SHL verbal test simulations
- 11 SHL inductive test simulations
- 2 SHL deductive test simulations
- 5 SHL checking test simulations
- Personality Test Practice & OPQ32 Guide
- 16 study guides and video tutorials
As I’ve mentioned before, the SHL Tests consist of a wide variety of aptitude, psychometric and even behavioural assessments.
Below, I’ll elaborate on each of these test types (and give you some realistic sample questions), so you’ll know what to expect on test day.
SHL Psychometric and Aptitude Tests
These SHL Tests are designed to assess cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving and critical reasoning, as well as specific skills required for certain positions.
SHL Verify G+ Test
SHL Verify G+ Test is a later version of the SHL General Ability Test. It comprises of 30 items to be answered in 36 minutes. The questions are in three different topics: Deductive Reasoning, Inductive Reasoning and Numerical Reasoning.
While the SHL Verify G+ Ability Test is similar to the ordinary SHL Tests in substance, it differs from them in form. The two main new features it introduces are interactivity and multi-point scoring.
SHL Numerical Reasoning
On the SHL Numerical Reasoning Test, you will encounter maths equations in the form of tables and graphs similar to the one you previously solved. The test consist of 18 questions and typically lasts 17-25 minutes, depending on job level.
Frequently, questions will be centred around time change. Your task is to calculate, examine and interpret the changes presented in the question.
A few things to note:
1. Depending on the specific assessment, calculators may or may not be used. Be prepared for either scenario.
2. The number of questions and solving time for SHL numerical tests varies depending on your position.
3. SHL also administers tests geared specifically towards calculation abilities.
Visit our designated SHL Numerical Test page to get more free sample questions, dozens of accurate practice drills and expert tips.
SHL Verbal Reasoning Test
The SHL Verbal Reasoning Test presents questions based on passages of text. During the assessment, you will be asked to determine the validity of statements based upon each passage. The tests usually consist of 30 questions and typically last 17-19 minutes, depending on the job level.
These tests are commonly known as TFC (true/false/cannot say) tests.
- A true statement follows logically from the information or opinions contained in the passage.
- A false statement is logically false from the information or opinions contained in the passage.
- Select cannot say if you cannot determine whether the statement is true or false based on the information given in the text.
Visit our SHL Verbal Reasoning page for a comprehensive study guide, tips, tricks and more question examples.
SHL Inductive Reasoning
In the SHL inductive test, also known as SHL Logical Reasoning Test, you are presented with a row of abstract figures. The test usually consists of 24 questions and typically lasts for 25 minutes.
You'll need to identify the underlying pattern of the sequence and choose the figure that comes next in the series from the possible answers. This type of question is commonly known as a next in series.
Visit our SHL Inductive Test page to get instant access to more free sample questions with full solutions and solving tips.
SHL Deductive Reasoning
Unlike verbal tests, where the required piece of data is typically hidden in a broader textual context, as deductive reasoning has its data up-front.
The challenge is to follow the logic and quickly draw the correct conclusion.
SHL Deductive Tests consist of 18 questions and typically lasts 10 minutes. They contain two types of questions:
- Syllogisms: The word 'syllogism' ('conclusion' in Greek) can be found in the works of Greek philosophers, mainly Aristotle. Syllogism questions present you with a number of premises (taken as true). You are requested to decide which conclusions follow.
- Seating Arrangements: Named after the mother-in-law’s favourite part of the wedding; this type of question presents you with a set of rules that must be followed in order to arrange a number of objects, people, etc. It is your job to decide the correct order following the listed rules.
To try some more sample questions and to get additional solving tips and hacks, visit our SHL Deductive Test Page.
SHL Calculation Test
The SHL Calculation Test is used to measure your basic numerical abilities using problems that contain missing variables. In order to find the value of these variables, the following is required:
- Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing
- Manipulating equations
- Using the correct order of operations (BODMAS rules)
The questions range from straightforward to quite difficult.
SHL Mechanical Reasoning Test
The Verify Mechanical Comprehension Test is an online, unsupervised aptitude test which SHL administers at the beginning of the assessment process along with other Verify tests.
If you are applying to mechanical or technical positions and are about to be assessed by SHL, odds are you will be required to sit this test.
On the test, you are required to interpret images depicting simple mechanical concepts such as levers, gears and pulleys.
The test involves 15 questions to be answered in 10 minutes.
SHL General Ability Test
The SHL General Ability Test is a cognitive assessment that covers multiple test areas at once, such as Numerical, Verbal, Inductive Reasoning and more.
The General Ability Test is mostly used to screen candidates applying for graduate-level positions or higher, and it takes 36-46 minutes to complete.
SHL Personality and Behavioural Tests
Behavioural tests focus on the personality traits and behaviours relevant for the job.
These examinations differ from cognitive ability tests as they try to evaluate your behaviour, work-related skills and personality traits together. Thus, we made it its own guide.
SHL Situational Judgement Test
SHL SJT's, or Situational Judgement Tests, measure your behaviour and compare it to the role you are applying for.
Thus, the test presents you with real situations you may encounter on the job, while offering viable multiple-choice options to handle each situation.
Your task is to choose what you would likely do if the opportunity presented itself.
A typical SJT has 12 to 25 scenarios either with no time limit or enough time allotted to read, contemplate and answer all questions comfortably.
Commonly used SJT question types:
- Choose two viable responses in the given situation
- Pick what you consider is the best response
- Rank all responses from most likely to least likely typically on a numerical scale
Try an SHL SJT sample question:
You run a staff of 20 people. You have made a conscious effort to establish good relationships between team members and have managed to build a cooperative team. The atmosphere is positive, and your team members seem to enjoy each other’s company, forming close connections. However, in the last couple of weeks, you have begun to feel that the atmosphere is 'too fun', as people take long breaks and procrastinate. You are happy that your employees enjoy coming to work, but you also want to make sure that work is actually being done. You want to establish some regulations regarding breaks in the workplace, including the number of authorized breaks per workday, the number of employees who can take a coffee break at the same time, and the need to request a break before taking it.
How should you implement these changes?
A) Gradually and sensitively make a comment to individual employees when they take breaks so that the new rules become habits.
B) Gather the team for a serious discussion on the current situation and introduce the new rules, explaining that things got out of hand and we need more discipline.
C) Send a memo that simply states the new regulations. There’s no need to turn this into something dramatic.
D) Assemble a meeting, explain that there has been some procrastination lately, introduce the regulations, and say that you wish to keep the good atmosphere while also maintaining productivity.
✔️ The best response is (D)
Primary Competency: Effective communication
Secondary Competency: Maintaining authority
In this question, you aim to set boundaries (by introducing changes) while also maintaining a good atmosphere and team motivation.
Response A aims to avoid conflict surrounding the changes you wish to implement, as well as to avoid offending anyone. However, it’s unlikely that so many changes will go 'unnoticed'.
Additionally, this response includes indirect, and ineffective, communication. Making individual comments to every employee could make each comment seem personal.
A serious discussion (response B) is a more direct method of communication. However, a dramatic discussion might seem reprimanding and thus discourage the team.
Sending a memo (response C) is, again, an indirect means of communication. The team is left without any explanation about the changes and without the opportunity to respond to them.
Response D includes an actual discussion, which comprises an explanation for the changes and an option for the team to respond.
In addition, you let the team know that you do appreciate the friendly atmosphere and hope that it remains.
Of the given options, this response best combines discipline and motivation.
Get instant access to the complete SHL Situational Judgement Tests practice pack - for Graduate and Management positions.
SHL Personality Test
The SHL Personality Tests are used to identify candidates most likely to succeed in a specific role. There are two primary SHL personality assessments:
-
SHL Occupational Personality Questionnaire (SHL OPQ32):
The OPQ32 test is comprised of a maximum of 104 questions which measure 32 specific personality characteristics. It is highly complex and is administered on a computer.
You’ll be presented with a block of four statements in which you must choose which of the statements best describes you and which of the statements least describes you.
Here’s an example of a statement:
Choose ONE statement that is Most and one that is Least like you:
• I really like to help others.
• I work best in teams.
• I want to get things exactly right.
• I sustain high levels of energy. -
SHL Motivation Questionnaire (MQ):
Many global corporates, as well as local businesses in the UK, use SHL MQ Motivation Questionnaire. The MQ measures 18 factors that affect motivation, divided into four main areas. Some of these factors are activity, achievement, power, personal growth, status, financial benefits, recognition, fear of failure and more.
Free SHL Sample Test
Get a feel for the real SHL Test with this sample test that includes some of the most typical SHL question types:
Question 1:
Share Sales and Dividend
In the first half of the year, what was the total cost of buying 450 HPQ shares at their highest price and a fifth of this amount of DELL shares at their lowest price?
Question 2:
Read the passage and answer the following question:
Companies wishing to increase their growth rate occasionally employed the method of franchising, which provides a new owner with a permit to use their business identity, and in return, they purchase products exclusively from the company. However, today, most companies aim to minimise the use of this method and often prefer the expansion of the companies' own branches. Companies that have used franchising have learnt the necessity of monitoring the business operation of the franchised branch. Inadequate attention to the monitoring of franchises on the part of the companies was typically the cause of sundry problems. Difficulties arose from franchisees and companies disagreeing on business policies such as customer care, service delivery efficiency and quality of human interaction.
Thus, overseeing the company's franchises is required to minimise various difficulties.
Question 3:
Which of the answers in the bottom row do you think comes next?
Question 4:
- Tim lives in a big apartment
- Abby lives in a small apartment
- There are no big apartments in Tinyville
- Small apartments have one bedroom
Which statement must be true?
Question 5:
In which age range is the total number of entrances to social networking websites the second highest?
Question 6:
In a restaurant's pantry there are seven kinds of fruits - Figs, Guavas, Honeydews, Kiwis, Mangos, Nectarines and Papayas. The restaurant's chef has to pick exactly four different kinds of fruits out of the seven to make a fruit salad. The selected fruits must meet the following conditions:
- Papaya can be selected only if Kiwi is selected.
- Fig can be selected only if Nectarine is selected.
- Either Mango or Nectarine must be selected but not both.
- Either Papaya or Honeydew must be selected but not both.
Which one of the following could be a complete and accurate list of the fruits from which the salad is made up?
Question 7:
A mobile company offers insurance that covers cases of theft and accidental water damage. According to their policy, the insurance pays 60% and 50%, respectively and with a £30 deductible. This means the client pays the first £30, after which the insurance pays 60% in the case of theft and 50% in the case of accidental water damage.
How much will a client pay if her cell phone worth £1,080 was accidentally dropped into a glass of water?
How Many Questions Did You Get Right?
If you feel like you need more practice, our All-Inclusive SHL preparation pack will come in handy for you. It includes hundreds of realistic SHL-style practice questions (numerical, verbal, logical and more), coupled with step-by-step explanations and solving tips. Oh, and it's backed up by our money-back guarantee.
Get the All-Inclusive SHL Test Practice [2021 Edition]
Starting at £39 Only
- Verify G+ practice & exclusive guides
- 7 SHL numerical test simulations
- 7 SHL verbal test simulations
- 11 SHL inductive test simulations
- 2 SHL deductive test simulations
- 5 SHL checking test simulations
- Personality Test Practice & OPQ32 Guide
- 16 study guides and video tutorials