Which Companies Use the SHL Aptitude Test to Hire: 2025 Guide
Why Companies Use SHL Tests
The SHL aptitude test is one of the most widely used psychometric assessments in the corporate world. Many global companies and organizations incorporate SHL tests into their recruitment processes to evaluate candidates' cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and job-related competencies.
Whilst the SHL test does not have a pass or fail system, it is used to help employers make objective hiring decisions and a candidate's score will play a part in determining whether or not they progress to the next stage of the hiring process.
Understanding which companies use these tests can help candidates prepare effectively for their job applications as they can practice with SHL-style questions beforehand and have the confidence to perform well on the day. Employers use SHL aptitude tests to:
- Ensure Objective Hiring Decisions: SHL assessments provide standardized, data-driven evaluations of candidates' abilities.
- Identify Top Talent Efficiently: The tests help filter high-potential candidates early in the hiring process.
- Assess Job-Specific Skills: Companies use different SHL tests depending on the skills required for the role.
- Improve Recruitment Efficiency: Employers can save time and resources by using SHL tests to screen candidates using a minimum score.
Industries and Companies That Use SHL Tests
The SHL test is usually conducted online and can be taken remotely from a personal computer or in a supervised setting, depending on the employer's requirements. An in-person test is usually required later on in the recruitment process to ensure the candidate didn't cheat for their online test. Here is an overview of the companies by industry:
1. Banking and Finance
SHL tests are used by many of the world's leading banks and financial institutions. These companies span investment funds, commercial banks, instituional banks, investments banks, insurance companies and sovereign wealth funds. Here are some of the most well-known banking and finance companies that use SHL tests:
2. Consulting and Professional Services
SHL tests are used by many of the world's leading consulting and professional services companies. These companies include the Big 4 (Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, and EY), as well as other management consulting, financial consulting, and technology consulting companies. Here are some of the most well-known consulting and professional services companies that use SHL tests:
3. Technology and IT
SHL tests are used by many of the world's leading technology and IT companies. These companies span software development, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and more. Here are some of the most well-known technology and IT companies that use SHL tests:
4. Retail and E-Commerce
SHL tests are used by many of the world's leading retail and e-commerce companies. These companies include supermarkets, department stores, online retailers, and more. Here are some of the most well-known retail and e-commerce companies that use SHL tests:
5. Engineering and Manufacturing
SHL tests are used by many of the world's leading engineering and manufacturing companies. These companies include aerospace, automotive and construction. Here are some of the most well-known engineering and manufacturing companies that use SHL tests:
6. Healthcare and Pharmaceutical
SHL tests are used by many of the world's leading healthcare and pharmaceutical companies. These companies span pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Here are some of the most well-known healthcare and pharmaceutical companies that use SHL tests:
7. Public Sector and Government
SHL tests are used by many of the world's leading public sector and government organizations. These organizations include civil service, federal government agencies, and many global organizations. Here are some of the most well-known public sector and government organizations that use SHL tests:
- Civil Service (UK)
- Federal Government Agencies (USA)
- European Union Institutions
- United Nations (UN)
- World Bank
- NHS (National Health Service)
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
How to Prepare for SHL Aptitude Tests
1. Practice with SHL-Style Questions
Practicing SHL aptitude test questions is the best way to familiarize yourself with the various question types. Use resources such as the free SHL reasoning test practice available on our website.
2. Strengthen Your Math and English Skills
- Review basic arithmetic, fractions, and percentages for numerical reasoning, along with more advanced topics like algebra and geometry.
- Brush up on reading comprehension and vocabulary exercises for verbal reasoning.
- Practice abstract reasoning and pattern recognition for inductive and deductive reasoning.
3. Manage Your Time Effectively
The test is timed depending on the section you are taking, so make sure you go in with a game plan and know exactly how much time you have for each question. To have your best chance of success, make sure you:
- Read instructions carefully before answering.
- Don't panic if you don't know the answer, just take your best guess and move on.
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers. For example, if you are expecting a positive movement in a calculation, eliminate the negative options.
- Most importantly, keep an eye on the clock and don't spend too much time on any one question. Stick to your time limit per question.
4. Understand the Question Types
As every company's recruitment process is slightly different, familiarize yourself with all the question types that you are likely to encounter in the SHL TalentCentral Assessment Platform. Use resources such as the SHL Aptitude Test Guide on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all companies use SHL tests?
No, but thousands of companies worldwide use them, especially in finance, consulting, IT, engineering, and healthcare.
Can I fail the SHL test?
SHL tests don't have a strict pass or fail system, but your score helps determine whether you progress to the next stage of the hiring process.
How long do SHL tests take?
The length of the test depends on the section you are taking. Each section is between 10-20 minutes and has 12-20 questions.
Are SHL tests the same for every company?
No, SHL delivers the test through their TalentCentral Assessment Platform which has a wide range of tests for different roles and levels. The TalentCentral Assessment Platform also has tools and monitoring systems in place to prevent cheating.
Can I retake an SHL test if I fail?
Most companies only let you sit the SHL aptitude test once per recruitment cycle, and if you fail you will have to wait until the next cycle to retake it.
Why do companies 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 and make objective hiring decisions. SHL aptitude tests can help them do this by providing a standardized test where only candidates that achieve a minimum score are considered for the next stage of the recruitment process.
Wrapping Up
Many top-tier companies use SHL tests to screen candidates efficiently and make objective hiring decisions. If you're aiming for a role in industries such as banking, consulting, technology, or healthcare, it's essential to prepare thoroughly for these assessments.
Top employers worldwide like Deloitte, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, KPMG, Qantas, JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, the ADF (Australian Defence Force) and many others use SHL psychometric assessments to objectively measure candidates' cognitive abilities, personality, and workplace skills. Doing well in the SHL test can make the difference between getting invited to the next stage of the recruitment process or not.
If you're applying for a job that requires an SHL aptitude test, proper preparation and practice can significantly boost your chances of success. Use the practice tests on our website, work on time management, and familiarize yourself with different test formats to maximize your performance.