Numerical Reasoning Test - Everything You Need To Know About Pre-Employment Assessments

The numerical reasoning test gauges how efficiently you can deal with numbers by requiring you to answer questions using facts and figures presented in statistical tables, often within a time limit. Ratios, percentages, number sequences, data interpretation, financial analysis, and currency conversion are all covered in the test.

If you have additional assessments that you need to prepare for, we would recommend checking out our guide to passing pre-employment assessments.

Types Of Numerical Reasoning Tests

There are three different types of numerical reasoning tests; one for speed, one for power, or a hybrid of both. The tests of speed measure how many questions you can get right in a certain period of time and the tests of power want to see how far you can get answering questions correctly, with the questions gradually getting harder. There is still a time limit on the power test, but you’re not “under the gun” like you are in the time test. Calculators are usually allowed on all the tests.

How Hard Is The Numerical Reasoning Test

The difficulty of the test depends on the position you are applying to, and the propensity for you to use math in it. For example, a position in accounting or at a bank would have a harder numerical reasoning test than, say, a position in marketing. Generally, a high school understanding of math is required to be successful.

How To Pass A Numerical Reasoning Test

Try To Find Out Which Test You Are Taking 

If you are asked to take a numerical reasoning test when being considered for employment, there is no reason why you can’t inquire which test is being administered and which company is administering it. If you do this you will give yourself a great advantage as you can seek out the testing company online and take any practice tests they may offer. By practicing with similar questions that you will see come test day, you will be much more equipped to handle the actual questions.

There are many different types of numerical reasoning tests, so it will be in your best interest to zero in your preparation on what is being tested and skip what isn’t. Finding the actual company is a good place to start, but you can also practice with tests from different companies, as long as it’s the same type of test. Also, if the test is done remotely you can see the name of the company in the link provided to you for taking the test.

Take Practice Tests

Take as many practice tests as you can, as many times as you can. By doing this you will be able to spot your weaknesses and where you need to make improvements. The good news is that the practice tests you will be taking will also come with answers, and hopefully, explanations of those answers.

Here is a list of practice tests:

• JobTestPrep
• Assessment Day
• PracticeAptitudeTests.com
• Saville and the Saville numerical test guide
• SHL
• Kenexa guide
• Cut-E
• Cubiks
• Talent-Q

The one caveat with numerical reasoning practice tests is that you have to pay for them. There are a few free ones, but they won’t give you the same grasp as their paid counterparts.

Be Mindful of Your Time

This (again) is why it’s important for you to know which type of test you are taking prior to actually taking it. Most numerical reasoning tests take about 20 minutes, and it would be in your best interest to skip a question that you’re not getting in order to answer other questions in less time.

Make Sure You Know How To Calculate Percentages 

This is important because it is a large part of every numerical reasoning test. There are plenty of Youtube tutorials on this, if you need to brush up.

What You Need To Be Prepared

Aside from the studying and practice tests, you should get a good night’s sleep, have your own calculator handy, leave yourself plenty of time to get to the testing center if it's an in-person test and be relaxed during your test. Remember, the more prepared you are, the more relaxed you will be.

This may go without saying, but as this is a numerical test in nature, you should disregard any prior knowledge you may have about the questions and choose answers only based on the information provided. The good news is that for almost all the questions, you can eliminate 80 percent of the data provided and focus on just the “meat” that a specific question is asking about.

Example

Bottom Line

Numerical reasoning tests may seem daunting at first, but after you take a few practice tests you will find that they are quite manageable. As we said earlier, some numerical reasoning tests are harder than others, but then again, if you’re applying for a job where you will be dealing with numbers, the math probably comes easier to you. Either way, employers can use this test to gauge more than your arithmetic, but your time management skills, as well.

If you look at it from an employer’s point of view, it is kind of like a tiebreaker, edging one candidate over another who had a similar interview and qualifications. Therefore, instead of resenting an employer who is putting you through a numerical reasoning test, you should be glad, knowing that you have the opportunity to work for a savvy company that hires only the most capable employees.

If you want to take practice tests to prepare for an upcoming Logical Reasoning Test, we would recommend checking out JobTestPrep’s practice tests.