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- What is Talent-Q Numerical
- What Make this Test Unique?
- Free Test
- Expert Solving Method
- Sample Questions
- Top Tips
- How to Improve Your Score
- Understanding test Scores
- FAQs
- Useful Resources
What is Talent-Q Numerical?
The Talent Q Numerical Test (administered by Korn Ferry) assesses your ability to understand and analyze numerical data provided in tables or graphs.
It involves math skills, algebraic understanding and problem-solving abilities.
- The test includes 12 questions in 4 sections. Each section presents you with information arranged in tables and/or graphs, followed by multiple-choice questions pertaining to the presented data.
- There is a time limit for each question rather than for the test as a whole. You will have 90 seconds to answer the first question and 75 seconds to answer each subsequent questions (just over 15 minutes total)
- Calculators are allowed, so make sure to get one before your test. In addition, it is recommended to use pen and paper to make quick mental calculations.
What Makes the Talent Q Numerical Test Unique?
1) Each question is timed individually : Most often, you’ll find that assessment tests have an overall time limit.
This way, it’s easier for you to manage your time by focusing on the easier questions first. This isn’t the case for the Talent Q Elements Numerical test, since you are given 75-90 seconds to answer each question on the spot.
No matter how fast you answer one question, the time limit for the next one will be just the same. So, practising means learning how to answer accurately and quickly.
2) Provides many answer choices: Most multiple-choice tests offer only 4-5 answer choices, which gives you a good chance to guess the correct answer after eliminating one or more options.
In contrast, the Talent Q Numerical test makes it nearly impossible to choose from the dozens of possible answer choices.
So, relying on your numerical reasoning skills is the only effective way to reach the right answer.
3) Uses an adaptive testing method: Most aptitude tests have the same level of difficulty throughout the entire exam.
However, the Talent Q Numerical test is adaptive, meaning that your answer to a given question changes the level of difficulty of the following question. When you answer a question correctly, you’ll face an even harder question.
Alternately, answering a question incorrectly means that the next question will be easier.
Free Talent-Q Numerical Reasoning TestComplete your test to get predicted score, then review your answers. |
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| Test Time | 1:30 min |
| Questions | 5 |
| Pass Score | 8 |
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Our 4-Step Method to Solve Talent Q Numerical Questions Like a Pro
Since you will be limited in time during the test, following these 4 helpful steps can give you insight into how to approach each new question wisely:
1) Read each question carefully. The tables and graphs found in numerical tests consist of much more information than is needed to find the right answer.
Instead of going over pointless information that’s only there to distract you, read over the question carefully to determine exactly what you’re looking out for.
2) Skim the table in search of key words. Look at the headlines of the rows and columns to locate the relevant information you are asked to find in the question.
For example, you may be asked about finding the number of employees from a certain sector over a designated period, in which case you will need to look out for the data below the suitable titles.
3) Figure out the necessary calculation to perform. Now that you know where the relevant information is, try to understand exactly what you need to calculate.
Consider whether you need to compare two rows, add up different cells or find the average of a specific column.
4) Calculate and find the best answer. Since you’re allowed to use a calculator, this last step will be relatively easier than the previous ones.
By using the information you’ve already gathered, simply plug in the correct calculation and choose the right answer.
Note: Since this is an adaptive test, you will be faced with harder questions each time you give a correct answer. Some of the more difficult questions may take up more time because they require that you make several calculations.
In this case, don’t worry about not having enough time –encountering tough questions means that you’re doing great.
Talent Q Numerical Sample Questions
Quick recap: The Talent Q Elements Numerical is made of 4 sections with 3 questions each.
All sections consist of tables and/or graphs depicting statistical and numerical data. Examples are most often taken from the world of business.
The data is followed by 3 multiple-choice questions (sometimes with as much as 30 choices). These require you to find the relevant information in the table and make certain calculations to reach the answer.
Let's start practicing a few sample questions, while applying the 4-step method listed above:
Example 1
|
1990 |
2000 |
|||
|
Type of University |
Unemployed |
Employed |
Unemployed |
Employed |
|
Private |
155 |
1475 |
125 |
1350 |
|
State |
125 |
1610 |
150 |
1250 |
a) How many more or less employed graduates were there in 1990 than in 2000?
✔️ The correct answer is "More, by 485"
Let's go through solving this question using our 4-step method.
1) Read the question carefully:
From reading the question we can tell that we are looking for information about the group of employed graduates in two different years: 1990 and 2000.
2) Skim the table:
First, the headline lets you know that the entire table deals with graduates.
Second, there is a column for each for the years mentioned, which contains two other columns – one for employed and one for unemployed. You only care about the employed columns.
Note: The rows make a distinction between state and private universities, but as you weren’t asked about this distinction specifically, so don't be distracted by it. You need to take both into account.
3) Figure out the necessary calculation:
To determine how many more or less employed graduates there were in 1990 than in 2000, you should calculate the number of graduates employed in both 2000 and 1990 and subtract the figures.
The number of employed in 1990 = Private + State = 1,475 + 1,610 = 3,085.
The number of employed in 2000 = Private + State = 1,250 + 1,350 = 2,600.
As you can see, there were more employed graduates in 1990 than in 2000.
4) Calculate The difference: in the number of employed in 1990 and 2000:
3,085 – 2,600 = 485.
And so, the answer is "more, by 485".
b) What proportion of the unemployed graduates in 2000 studied in private universities? (rounded to 2 decimal places)
✔️ The correct answer is 0.45
1) Read the question carefully:
You can tell that all you need to look at is unemployed graduates in the year 2000.
Employed graduates and the year 1990 are not relevant to this question.
2) Skim the table:
Because this is the 2nd question in the set, you should already know the table well enough to go straight to the location of the information you need.
This step might be harder in more complex questions with bigger, more intricate tables.
3) Figure out the necessary calculation:
To find the proportion of the unemployed graduates in 2000 who studied in private universities, you should determine the number of unemployed graduates in 2000 in private universities and divide that number by the total number of unemployed graduates in the same year.
4) Calculate:
Add the total number of unemployed graduates in 2000:
125 + 150 = 275
Divide the number of unemployed from private universities by the above total:
125/275 = 0.45
The answer: The proportion of unemployed graduates who studied in private universities is 0.45.
Example 2
| Employees per sector in the UK | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sector | % of employees among sectors | ||
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | |
| Agriculture | 15 | 10 | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 60 | 55 | 60 |
| Services | 0 | 5 | 3 |
| Marketing | 17 | 15 | 12 |
| Self-employed | 8 | 5 | 5 |
| Sector | Median Salary Year 1 | % of change in median salary from previous year | |
| Year 2 | Year 3 | ||
| Agriculture | £21,000 | 5 | 5 |
| Manufacturing | £26,000 | 2 | -1 |
| Services | £27,000 | 0 | -9 |
| Marketing | £34,000 | 2 | 10 |
| Self-employed | £12,000 | -6 | 3 |
| Annual number of employees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
| 50,000,000 | 70,000,000 | 80,000,000 |
| Income Tax Rates | ||
| 0 - £15,000 | £15,001 - £32,000 | £ 32,001 - 150,000 |
| 10% | 20% | 30% |
a) Assuming the tax rate applies to the entire salary, in which sector did the number of employees increase the most from year 1 to year 2?
[insert]
✔️ The correct answer is "Manufacturing"
1) Read the question carefully:
According to the question, you need to scan the tables for information regarding the number of employees in different sectors across the first 2 years only. Anything else would be irrelevant.
2) Skim the table:
You can see that each row represents a sector; “year 1” and “year 2” appear in 2 places, but only the top part of the green table refers to the number of employees;
You can also see that the green table only discusses percentages of employees, and that it’s the bottom black table that gives you absolute numbers.
3) Figure out the necessary calculation:
To reach the answer, you must determine the number of employees for each sector in both year 1 and 2.
Then deduct the number of of employees in year 1 from year 2 to determine the difference
4) Calculate:
To do this you'll need to combine information from the green and black tables.
And since the employment figures in the green table are given in percentages, you'll need to translate ratios into absolute numbers using the the info in the black table.
Note that the annual number of employees differs from year to year.
Do this as follows:
The answer (highlighted in red) shows that the biggest increase in employees was 8.5 million - in the manufacturing sector.
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9 full test simulations & 100s more extra practice questions.
✓ 3 fully Immersive Talent Q numerical tests
✓ 14 additional numerical reasoning practice tests
✓ 1 Talent Q Elements Diagnostic Test
✓ 3 fully Immersive Talent Q verbal tests
✓ 7 additional verbal reasoning practice tests
✓ 3 fully Immersive Talent Q logical Tests
✓ 1 extra Logical Reasoning practice set
All Tests are timed and come with score reports, answer explanations and solving tips.
✓ 22 numerical, verbal and logical video tutorials and study guides
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Top 5 Talent Q Elements Numerical Test Tips
1) Don’t leave questions for later: Since going back to a previous question isn’t an option, don’t skip over it thinking you will get to it later.
Try to answer each question to the best of your ability and then move on to the next one.
2) Approach each question differently: Since questions come in sets of 3 (per table) the first one will take more time while you’re familiarising yourself with the given data.
Use this to your advantage and make the subsequent questions easier for yourself by first trying to understand how to read the table.
3) Don’t try to guess: This test offers too many answer options for guessing to be effective, so don’t read over all the answer options to find the answer you think sounds the best (there can be up to 30 options!).
Instead, find the most useful data, do your calculatoin, and then find which answer choice matches yours.
4) Stay focused on your goal: It can be easy to get distracted by all the additional information in the given tables.
Try to read the question thoroughly to find the relevant statistical data and ignore the rest of the unnecessary information.
5) Simulate your test as closely as possible: Having tried and practiced Talent Q Numerical questions in a test-like environment can give you focus and calm during your actual assessment.
We've developed tailored practice materials with the specific goal to give you an accurate simulation of your real test.
This will provide you with the tools you need to prepare effectively for this test and the unique challenge it represents.
How to Significantly Improve Your Score Within 5-6 days
There's a way you can use the short time you have left before your Talent-Q test to prepare efficiently and effectively using our prep materials to see results fast.
Just stick to the 6 day plan we've provided countless other job-seekers with great results:
Day 1:
I) Start off by taking one ‘Elements Numerical’ test: use this stage to diagnose your strengths and week-points. Try to assess your sticking points, whether it's elements of the graphs/ tables or certain calculations you find confusing or not intuitive.
II) Broaden your search for skills to improve by trying the first 3-5 questions from each question type in the the "Numerical Drills", then jump to the test results page to review your answers.
III) Go over the study guides and video tutorials which offer tips and solving strategies explaining all aspects of the test. Dedicate most of your time to the subjects you find most difficult according to your diagnosis in the previous 2 steps.
You should go back to the guides during your preparation to refresh your memory and make sure you are using all the tools they provide.
Day 2:
I) Drill the questions you find most challenging ("Numerical Drills" section). Complete each drill, then review your answers to learn from your mistakes (you don't have to time yourself at this point).
Day 3-4
I) Start practising mini-tests in timed mode ("Numerical Extra Practice" section). It's time to learn to deal with the pressure of the time constraint you’ll face when taking the real test. This will give you insight into how to answer questions accurately and speedily.
Take half the tests then stop. It is best to go through the material at a reasonable pace. Rushing through questions will not help you study effectively.
Day 5-6
I) Diagnose your progression. Take a full test from your ‘Elements Numerical’ tests. Reassess your weak points, then go back to the guides to see if there are tips to help you improve in those areas. Also review previous questions of these types again to see if your mistakes follow a pattern.
II) Take all remaining mini-tests. Be sure to set a considerable part of your time for reviewing your mistakes and leaning how to use the tools our guides offer to avoid needless mistakes. Make sure to abide by the time limit.
III) Simulate your actual test. Finally, take your last full Talent Q Elements Numerical practice test which simulates the question types and time-limit on the actual exam.
Turn off your phone, remove any distractions,and try to emulate the same conditions you'll have on the real test. If you are taking the real test online, you can create the exact same conditions: place, time of day, computer used, etc.
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9 full test simulations & hundreds more extra practice questions.
✓ 3 fully Immersive Talent Q numerical tests
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✓ 3 fully Immersive Talent Q verbal tests
✓ 7 additional verbal reasoning practice tests
✓ 3 fully Immersive Talent Q logical Tests
✓ 1 extra Logical Reasoning practice set
All Tests are timed and come with score reports, answer explanation and solving tips.
✓ 22 numerical, verbal and logical video tutorials and study guides
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How is the Talent Q Numerical Test Scored?
Your raw score in the Talent Q Elements Numerical test is comprised of all the correct answers you have accumulated, while taking the difficulty level of each question into account.
Then, your score is compared to the appropriate comparison group of your employers’ choosing.
This means that it is not enough just to do well on the test; since you will need to surpass your competitors scores as well.
Click the link to read more about how to understand Talent Q test results and score report
FAQs
Although there is no pass/fail score for this test, your score is compared to that of other candidates applying for the same position.
Usually you have to score at or above the 80th percentile in order to continue in the application process.
Yes! Calculators, pens and scrap paper are all allowed. So make sure to bring them with you before starting the test.
Usually, no. If you are applying for a specific role, you will only have one chance to take the Talent Q Numerical test during the hiring process.
You will be given 90 seconds to answer the first question of each set. Afterwards you will 75 seconds to answer the next two per set.
The test includes four sets of data, given as either a table or graph. Each set includes 3 multiple-choice questions which can be solved using the given data.
There are 12 questions on the test, each one containing up to 30 or more answer options.
Yes. When you prepare with the right practice materials you are sure to boost your numerical reasoning skills and become more familiar with how to locate the relevant data and plug in the correct equation.
Korn Ferry, the company that administers the Talent-Q tests say as much on their website:
"Putting time into practising the kinds of questions you may face in ability tests is the best way of maximising your performance and boosting your confidence."
We can help you do just that - check out our tailored test prep.
Since you will be scored based on the amount of questions you got correct, as well as the difficulty level of each one, you don’t have to worry about answering every single question.
You will be invited to take the test either at the company’s location or online in the comfort of your own home (or any other quiet place).
Because the test questions are adaptive, the difficulty level of the test adjusts depending on your performance.
No. This is because your potential employer wants to measure your skills and reasoning abilities by evaluating the extent of what you know.
No. This is because the test is adaptive, so every question may have a different level of difficulty.
You will be scored based on the difficulty of the questions you answered correctly.
There are a variety of employers who use this test in their recruitment process to identify strong candidates.
Several well-known companies who use this test include: SAB Investments, Frontline and Alinta.
Usually not, since most recruitment processes start with the submission of an application
You will most likely not get a chance to ask questions during the actual test.
Yet when you are invited to take the test initially, you can ask basic questions regarding the exam.
Most tests do not allow for taking breaks during the duration of the exam. Take care of everything you need before you begin.