Aptitude Tests Explained: Essential Guide (2025)

Aptitude Test Definition:

An aptitude test is a short test designed to assess an individual's inherent abilities, intelligence, and problem-solving skills. It evaluates how well a person can perform specific tasks without prior training, and is commonly used as part of the hiring process for jobs.

Aptitude Test Meaning in Hiring & Careers

Employers use aptitude tests for jobs to assess a candidate's ability to:

• ✅Solve problems quickly and accurately
• ✅Think critically and make logical decisions
• ✅Interpret numerical and verbal data effectively
• ✅Identify patterns and relational data
• ✅Adapt to new tasks and challenges
• ✅Perform under pressure

• 1️⃣

  Objective Hiring

  Aptitude tests help employers objectively evaluate candidates' skills and abilities, ensuring that only qualified individuals progress to the next stage of the hiring process, and reducing subjective bias at the same time.

• 2️⃣

  Efficient Hiring

  Companies receive hundreds if not thousands of applications for popular roles, and as such they need to find a way to screen candidates efficiently. Aptitude tests can help them do this by streamlining the hiring process where only candidates that achieve a minimum score are considered for the next stage of the recruitment process.

• 3️⃣

  Predictive Hiring

  Aptitude tests can help employers predict how well a candidate will perform in a role, by identifying their skills and abilities and where their strengths and weaknesses may lie.

1. Numerical Reasoning Test Example

This test measures math skills, data analysis, and problem-solving abilities. Questions usually include ratios, percentages, currency conversions, and graphs.

2. Verbal Reasoning Test Example

This test assesses reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and critical thinking. Questions usually come in the form of a passage, followed by a series of statements in which candidates identify whether each statement is True, False or Cannot Say. When answering questions, candidates must remember to only use the information provided in the passage and not any background knowledge, no matter how counter intuitive it may be.

3. Logical Reasoning Test Example

This test measures pattern recognition, abstract thinking, and problem-solving. Questions usually include shapes, patterns, and sequences for which candidates must determine the next shape in the sequence.

Example Logical Reasoning Test Question:

Which shape follows in this sequence?

✅ Answer:

The shape alternates between a star (with an increasing number of points from 4 to 5 to 6), and a four-sided shape in between the stars to complete the sequence. Given the last shape in the sequence is a star, the next shape must be a 4 sided shape. From the options provided, the only 4 sided shape is Option C which is the correct answer.

4. Abstract Reasoning Test Example

This test is similar to the Logical Reasoning Test and also evaluates visual problem-solving and pattern recognition skills. Questions usually include shapes and patterns for which you need to identify the sequence.

Example Abstract Reasoning Test Question:

Which shape follows in this sequence?

✅ Answer:

If we look at the difference between the first and second shape, we can see that a dot gets added on the 1st edge and 3rd edge counting clockwise. For the second shape, starting on the last dot that was added on the 3rd edge, again dots are added on the 1st edge and the 3rd edge. This repeats itself the entire sequence.

Working through the remaining shapes, we can see in the 5th picture that the last dot was added on the bottom right edge. As such, the next shape in the pattern would have dots added on the 1st edge (bottom left) and 3rd edge (top edge). Hence, the correct answer is Option D.

5. Mechanical & Spatial Test Example

This test is used for engineering, aviation, and technical jobs. Questions usually include mechanical principles, tool usage, and spatial awareness.

6. Situational Judgment Test (SJT) Example

This test assesses decision-making, teamwork, and leadership skills. Candidates must choose the best response to common workplace scenarios and day to day life decisions.

• ✅

  1. Practice Free Aptitude Tests Online

  Practice free online aptitude tests from reputable websites like the ones on our Practice Tests page.

• ✅

  2. Improve Your Numerical & Verbal Skills

  • Brush up on basic math, percentages, and word problems.
  • Read what you love, until you love to read. Reading lots is critical to boosting verbal reasoning skills.
• ✅

  3. Develop Logical Thinking & Problem-Solving Strategies

  • Solving puzzles and logic games help improve reasoning skills.
  • Practice identifying patterns in abstract reasoning questions.
• ✅

  4. Learn Time Management Techniques

  • Most aptitude assessments are timed so practice under time constraints similar to the real test.
  • During the test, stick to your time limit per question and take your best guess if you are stuck.
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  5. Simulate Real Test Conditions

  • Take the practice aptitude tests in a distraction free environment. This means putting your phone in another room!
  • Whilst it may be tempting to use AI tools like ChatGPT to help during the test, many test providers now can detect when you are cheating.

Can You Fail an Aptitude Test?

Aptitude tests don't have a pass or fail system, but a low score may eliminate you from progressing to the next round of the recruitment process. Your performance is compared to other candidates, and employers usually set cutoff scores to shortlist applicants in an efficient manner. To improve your chances, make sure you practice to know what type of questions to expect and strengthen your weak areas.

Who are the top companies that use aptitude tests?

Companies like Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG, Macquarie Bank, Qantas, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and many others use SHL psychometric assessments to objectively measure candidates' cognitive abilities, personality, and workplace skills.

Who are the most common providers for aptitude tests?

SHL TalentCentral is the leading provider of aptitude tests, but there are many others such as Kenexa, Korn Ferry Talent Q, Saville, Pearson and TestGrid.