Psychometric test preparation tips

Here are some valuable tips when you take your psychometric or aptitude test:

You can read more tips in our ‘Top 10 tips for psychometric tests’ article.

• You should aim at completing all the questions in the numerical reasoning test, but don’t stress too much if you don’t. The test is designed so only 1% to 2% of test-takers can correctly answer all questions within the time limit.  
• The most difficult questions in the aptitude tests are typically placed at the end of the test. However, every question in the aptitude tests is worth the same number of points. There's no bonus for figuring out a hard question.  
• When doing an aptitude test, don't stop working until the time runs out. Rather, go back (if allowed) and re-examine the questions you were unsure of. We also suggest you double-check your answers to the very first questions. It's precisely because these questions are generally very easy that people tend to make simple mistakes with them.  
• Some personality tests use specific questions to detect your level of honesty. One of these honesty scales is called social desirability. The questions relating to this scale deal with undesirable behaviours that most people would have demonstrated at least once in the past, such as “I have never told a white lie, even to save someone's feelings”. A test-taker who denies these undesirable behaviours that are extremely common will receive a high social desirability score which is used to identify fakers.  
• In some aptitude tests, you can't skip questions. In this case, if you hit a mental block, you have to guess the answer to the question in front of you. Most test-takers waste more than a third of their time bogged down on a handful of tough questions. You have to learn how to guess, move on, and cut your losses after spending more than a few minutes on a question. 
• Get familiar with the basic functions on your calculator. The numerical reasoning questions are designed to measure your ability to interpret numerical data and use this data to make informed decisions. They are not measuring your math skills. Therefore, in most cases you should be allowed to use a simple calculator.  
• In most cases, you will be asked to take a series of psychometric tests including timed and non-timed tests. While you are allowed to complete them in one sitting, it is always recommended to have a break in between each test. Having a break to rest will help you to build up your mental capabilities and avoid the tiredness effect which impairs your performance.  
• Personality tests are designed so they include several questions measuring an identical personality trait. Hence, consistency in the way you respond to questions is very important.  
• Practice makes perfect. As with any other test, practising aptitude tests and getting familiarised with the personality test reduces stress and other factors which impair your performance.

• Maintain a serious and concrete attitude throughout the course of your assessment day.  

• Don’t be tempted to believe that our behaviour and responses are considered genuine only if we answer test questions without preparation. Preparation is critical to ensure that you demonstrate your full potential.