How to Prepare Effectively and Ace the SHL Aptitude Test: 2025 Guide
Understanding the Importance of Preparation
Performing well in SHL tests requires both preparation and lots of practice. Since these assessments evaluate numerical, verbal, and inductive reasoning skills under timed conditions, the key to success is familiarity with question types and using effective test-taking strategies. A candidate who prepares for the SHL test is more likely to perform well and get invited to the next stage of the recruitment process. Read on to learn our top preparation tips for acing the SHL psychometric test and getting invited back for interviews.
Why Preparation is Essential
Preparation is crucial because:
- Familiarity with question types: Going into the SHL test without practising is like going into a battle without training.
- Improves speed and accuracy: Practicing under timed conditions helps you answer questions faster with fewer mistakes.
- Reduces test anxiety: Familiarity with the test format and question types builds confidence for the real test.
- Increases your score: Lots of practice can significantly boost your performance which helps you proceed to the next stage.
Key Strategies for SHL Test Preparation
1. Practice with Example Questions
Practicing SHL-style questions is by far the most effective way to improve performance. The official SHL website contains a few limited practice tests. However, practice websites like ours offer a much wider range of practice tests to familiarize yourself with the question formats and difficulty levels. Focus on:
- Brushing up on the arithmetic calculations that are usually asked in Numerical Reasoning tests.
- Understanding the difference between "True", "False" and "Cannot Say" for Verbal Reasoning questions.
- Identifying the key pattern and sequences in Inductive Reasoning questions.
2. Take Timed Practice Tests
SHL tests are time-restricted, so improving your ability to answer questions quickly and accurately is crucial. Simulate real test conditions by:
- Setting a timer for practice tests (our practice tests do this automatically for you).
- Taking the test in a quiet environment without distractions (this means no checking socials between questions!).
- Reviewing mistakes and learning from them via the Explanations.
3. Improve Relevant Skillsets
Refining your skills in the relevant areas is key to acing the SHL test. Focus on:
- Brush up on your percentages, ratios, and currency conversions. For example, do you know how to find the percentage increase or decrease between datapoints?
- If you haven't used your calculator for a while, it might be a good idea to familiarise yourself with the functions again (also check the battery!).
- For the Verbal Reasoning test, read the possible answers first before the passage to get an idea of what you are looking for in the passage.
- If you haven't read any books in a while, it may be a good idea to start reading more. You'll find that this will not only improve your reading speed, but also your comprehension skills.
- Practicing sequence puzzles to know what you should be looking out for in terms of patterns and relationships.
4. Manage Your Time Effectively
Time management is key to maximizing your score. Make sure you:
- Set a pace. Before the test begins, it will tell you how many questions you have to answer and how much time you have. Allocate a set amount of time per question and keep an eye on the timer. If you go over time for a question, take your best guess and move on.
- Practice under real time constraints so you get a good idea of how much time you have for each question.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes to ensure you're fully prepared for the SHL test:
- Not practicing: You put yourself at a huge disadvantage against other candidates if you don't practice.
- Ignoring weak areas: Identify and work on improving your weak areas. Every candidate has questions they're better at and worse at.
- Getting stuck on a question: Know how much time per question you have and take a guess if you hit that time limit.
Wrapping Up
A strong result in the SHL assessment can mean the difference between getting invited to the next stage of the recruitment process or not. Success in SHL tests depends on knowing what to expect and practising. Familiarize yourself with question types, take timed practice tests, improve your weak areas, and practice practice practice! Good luck!