What is the SHL Aptitude Test: 2025 Guide
What is the SHL Aptitude Test?
SHL aptitude tests are a type of psychometric test used by employers to assess job candidates' skills, abilities, and potential. The SHL assessment tests are designed to measure various cognitive abilities, such as numerical, verbal, and inductive reasoning to help employers make informed hiring decisions.
The SHL TalentCentral assessment is also widely used to evaluate candidates' cognitive abilities, behavioral traits, and job-related skills. Many employers across various industries use SHL tests as part of their hiring process to identify top talent and ensure candidates have the necessary skills for the role.
Top employers worldwide like Deloitte, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, KPMG, Qantas, Macquarie Bank, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, ADF (Australian Defence Force) and many others use SHL psychometric assessments to measure candidates' cognitive abilities, personality, and workplace skills. Doing well in the SHL exam can make the difference between getting invited to the next stage of the recruitment process or not.
Read on for our top expert tips and tricks to help you prepare for your next SHL exam.
Types of SHL Aptitude Tests
SHL offers a variety of tests tailored to different job levels and industries through their TalentCentral platform. Among the most common assessments are the Numerical, Verbal, and Inductive or Abstract Reasoning Tests. These tests assess a candidate's ability to analyze data, interpret written information, and identify patterns.
The SHL aptitude tests are categorized into three main categories:
1. Numerical Reasoning
The SHL Numerical Reasoning Test evaluates a candidate's ability to work with numbers, interpret data, and solve mathematical problems. Candidates must analyze tables, charts, and graphs to answer multiple-choice questions.
This test is particularly relevant for roles in finance, investment banking, accounting, consulting, and engineering.
Topics covered typically include:
- Percentage and Ratios
- Currency Conversion
- Table and Graph Interpretation
- Basic Arithmetic Operations
- Trend Analysis
Example Numerical Reasoning Question
A store sells a laptop for $1,200 after applying a 20% discount. What was the original price?
Solution & Explanation
In order to work out the original price, we must take the after discount price of $1,200 and gross it up by the 20% discount provided.
2. Verbal Reasoning
The SHL Verbal Reasoning Test assesses a candidate's ability to comprehend written information, draw logical conclusions, and determine the validity of statements. Tests are structured by way of a long passage, followed by questions asking whether statements are "True," "False," or "Cannot Say."
Key areas tested include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Logical Deduction
- Identifying Supporting Evidence
- Critical Thinking
- Evaluating Arguments
Example Verbal Reasoning Question
"All engineers are good at mathematics. Some mathematicians are engineers."
Which statement is correct?
Solution & Explanation
Let's analyze each statement using the given information:
Statement A: The passage only states that "some mathematicians are engineers", not "all". This directly contradicts this option.
Statement B: If some mathematicians are engineers, then logically, some engineers must be mathematicians. This follows from the second statement.
Statement C: While all engineers are good at mathematics, this doesn't mean they are mathematicians. Being good at mathematics is not the same as being a mathematician.
Statement D: Since we've found that statement b is logically valid, this option cannot be correct.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option b) Some engineers are mathematicians.
3. Inductive Reasoning
The SHL Inductive Reasoning Test (or SHL Deductive Reasoning Test) measures abstract thinking and pattern recognition. Candidates are presented with a series of shapes or figures and must determine the underlying pattern to select the correct next shape.
This test is especially relevant for problem-solving and innovative thinking roles, such as IT, engineering, and design.
Key concepts include:
- Identifying Sequences
- Logical Relationships
- Abstract Reasoning
- Pattern Recognition
Example Inductive Reasoning Question
Which shape follows in this sequence?
Solution & Explanation
Let's analyze the pattern in this sequence:
1. Looking at the first and second shape, we can observe that dots are added on the 1st edge and 3rd edge counting clockwise.
2. For the second shape, starting from the last dot that was added on the 3rd edge, again dots are added on the 1st edge and the 3rd edge.
3. This pattern repeats throughout the sequence.
4. In the 5th picture, we can see that the last dot was added on the bottom right edge.
5. Following the pattern, the next shape would have dots added on the 1st edge (bottom left) and 3rd edge (top edge).
Therefore, the correct answer is Option D.
Top Tips to Ace Your Next SHL Test
A lot of candidates fail to prepare for their SHL assessment centre and end up not performing as well as they could.
Or worse, they start searching online for how to cheat on the SHL test.
Here are our top tips for passing your next SHL TalentCentral assessment with flying colours!
Verbal Reasoning
The SHL Verbal Reasoning test consists of a series of short passages followed by questions presented as statements. Each passage contains information or an argument. Candidates must assume what is written in the passage is true, even if it contradicts their own knowledge of the subject matter.
Candidates must then determine whether the question (presented as a statement) is "True", "False" or "Cannot Say" based on the information provided in the passage, and only the information provided in the passage. It is important to only use the information provided in the passage to answer the question.
Candidates then determine whether the statement presented is:
This statement has definitely been made in the passage, or it is implied by the passage (and only from the passage). Or it follows logically from a statement or statements in the passage.
This statement contradicts a statement made in the passage. It is not implied by the passage. Or it does not follow logically from a statement or statements in the passage.
There is insufficient information in the passage to conclude as to whether the statement is True or False.
Top Tip: Remember to only use the information provided in the passage. Do not use anything except what is written in the passage even if it goes against your intuition.
Numerical Reasoning
The SHL Numerical Reasoning test presents information in the form of tables, charts, and graphs. Candidates must interpret the information and answer questions based on the data provided.
Most questions will require you to complete a calculation, so make sure you have a calculator handy.
Questions broadly fall into 3 categories:
These questions require you to calculate the sum across a dataset, a simple average, or a percentage.
These questions require you to calculate a percentage change, ratio or fraction of a given dataset, and may even involve foreign exchange rates.
These questions require you to interpret a graph or chart to answer a question.
Top Tip: Performing the calculations in Google Sheets or Excel can help save time as usually a few questions rely on the same dataset.
Inductive Reasoning
The SHL Inductive Reasoning test (also known as the Abstract Reasoning Test) consists of a set of shapes or patterns and candidates must determine the next shape in the sequence.
This tests a candidate's pattern recognition, similarity finding and differentiation, along with problem solving skills.
Patterns may include sequences, transformations, combinations and flipping of shapes.
Top Tip: The best way to prepare for this test is to practice so you get familiar with the types of patterns that are usually used.
What about the SHL General Ability Test?
The SHL General Ability Test, or otherwise known as the SHL Verify Interactive G+ test, is a different type of psychometric test and is designed to assess a candidate's ability to reason and problem solve.
This test has 24-30 questions, depending on whether you are taking the Interactive or Multiple Choice version. Both have a time limit of 36 minutes and contains 3 sections:
- Numerical Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Deductive Reasoning
Candidates will be familiar with the the Numerical and Inductive Reasoning sections from our practice tests, however the Deductive Reasoning section is different from the Verbal Reasoning section.
The SHL General Ability Test's Deductive Reasoning section tests a candidate's ability to use multiple pieces of information to draw a conclusion or solve a problem. The most common problems involve working out calendar scheduling clashes or drawing conclusions based on constraints.
Here's an example Deductive Reasoning question:
• Ethan purchased exactly 6 laptops.
• Sophia purchased more laptops than Daniel.
• Daniel purchased exactly 7 laptops.
• Mia purchased fewer laptops than Ethan but more than Sophia.
Which statement must be true?
A) Mia purchased more laptops than Ethan.
B) Sophia purchased more laptops than Daniel.
C) Ethan and Daniel purchased the same number of laptops.
D) Mia purchased more laptops than Sophia.
E) The total number of laptops purchased is 20.
Solution:
A) Mia purchased more laptops than Ethan.
Incorrect - Mia bought fewer than 6, while Ethan has exactly 6.
B) Sophia purchased more laptops than Daniel.
Incorrect - Sophia bought fewer than 7, while Daniel has exactly 7.
C) Ethan and Daniel purchased the same number of laptops.
Incorrect - Ethan has 6 and Daniel has 7.
D) Mia purchased more laptops than Sophia.
Correct - Mia has more than Sophia but still fewer than 6.
E) The total number of laptops purchased is 20.
Incorrect - We don't have exact numbers for Sophia and Mia, so we can't guarantee the total is 20.
Correct Answer: D) Mia purchased more laptops than Sophia.
Why do Employers use SHL Tests?
Companies receive hundreds if not thousands of applications for popular roles, 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.
Employers also use SHL exams to objectively assess candidates' suitability for a role. These tests provide valuable insights into a candidate's problem-solving skills, cognitive ability, and decision-making process. The standardized nature of SHL assessments helps organizations compare candidates fairly and select the best candidates for the next stage of the recruitment process.
How SHL Tests Are Scored
SHL tests use a comparative scoring system, meaning a candidate's performance is assessed relative to a norm group. Scores are typically presented as percentiles, showing how well a candidate performed compared to others who took the same test. Some companies may also set minimum cut-off scores to shortlist candidates for the next round of interviews.
SHL Test Difficulty Level
The difficulty of SHL tests varies based on the job level and industry. Graduate-level assessments may include more complex numerical and verbal reasoning questions, while entry-level tests might focus on fundamental reasoning abilities. Regardless of the difficulty, proper preparation and practice significantly improves test performance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in SHL Deductive Reasoning Tests
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Making Assumptions
Stick to the given information only. Don't use external knowledge or make assumptions beyond what's stated.
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Ignoring Keywords
Pay careful attention to words like "all," "some," "only if," and "must" as they significantly change meaning.
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Overthinking Questions
Use the simplest logical approach first. The correct answer is usually straightforward.
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Poor Time Management
Don't spend too much time on one question. Take your best guess if your allocated time per question runs out, then come back if time permits. Pacing your time per question is very important - it's easy to spend too long on a problem and struggle to complete the test as a result.
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Not Practicing Beforehand
Some candidates think they can go into the SHL exam without practicing beforehand. However by not practicing, candidates put themselves at a disadvantage compared to their peers who have practiced and will score better on the SHL assessment test. Practicing is a simple way to ensure candidates give themselves the best chance of progressing in the hiring process.
Wrapping Up
SHL tests play a crucial role in the hiring process for many top employers globally, helping them select candidates with the right cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills. By understanding the structure and purpose of these tests, candidates can better prepare and increase their chances of success.
If you're preparing for an SHL test, practicing with SHL example questions and taking timed mock SHL tests can significantly enhance your chances of making it to the next stage of the recruitment process.