Aptitude tests guide

Aptitude tests are used by employers to measure your work-related cognitive capacity. Aptitude tests are one of the most commonly used assessments in measuring candidates’ suitability for a role. The most commonly used set of cognitive tests includes – abstract/conceptual reasoning, verbal reasoning and numerical reasoning.

You can start by taking the free aptitude test trials, to find out what is your current level. Take our Free online aptitude tests.

What are Aptitude tests?

Aptitude tests can typically be grouped according to the type of cognitive ability they measure:

1. Fluid Intelligence

Fluid intelligence is the ability to think and reason abstractly, effectively solve problems and think strategically. It’s more commonly known as ‘street smarts’ or the ability to ‘quickly think on your feet’. Examples of what employers can learn from your fluid intelligence about your suitability for the role you are applying:

effective problem-solving skills
ability to quickly learn new skills
ability to quickly integrate new information
strategic thinking
ability to deal with ambiguity in decision making

Aptitude tests in this group include:

What to expect in this type of aptitude test:

Non-verbal test questions which must be completed in a predefined time.
You typically have around 30 seconds to complete each test question.
The time limit and the level of difficulty are defined in such a way that only 1-5% of the population can correctly solve all the test questions within the allowed time frame.
Each test question includes a scenario and several answer options. There is only one correct answer.
To solve a test question you need to identify one or more logical rules and apply this learning to identify the next or the ‘odd-one-out’ shape.

2. Crystallised Intelligence

Crystallised intelligence is the ability to learn from past experiences and to apply this learning to work-related situation. Work situations that require crystallised intelligence include producing and analysing written reports, comprehending work instructions, using numbers as a tool to make effective decisions, etc.

Aptitude tests in this group include:

What to expect in this type of aptitude test:

Set of verbal or numerical problems which must be completed in a predefined time.
The time limit is defined in such a way that only 1% to 5% of the population can correctly solve all the test questions within the time frame provided.
Each test question has only one correct answer.
Test questions offer you written information such as paragraphs, statements, tables or graphs. Your task is to quickly analyse the given data and make correct business decisions.

How IPC can prepare you for your aptitude test:

The Institute of Psychometric Coaching offers online preparation solutions (aptitude test courses, practice aptitude tests and personal coaching) developed by experienced occupational psychologists who took part in developing aptitude tests and administering them to candidates applying for jobs with many local and international companies. Our preparation solutions are quick, effective, affordable and tailored to the level of difficulty and complexity of the position you are applying for.

Take IPC’s aptitude test courses online –

Each aptitude test course includes the do’s and don’ts of the aptitude test.
You will learn effective aptitude test taking strategies.
You will get example aptitude test questions and answers.
All courses have been developed by experienced occupational psychologists who are experts in test development.

Take IPC’s practice aptitude tests online –

IPC has the largest pool of aptitude test questions.
Each practice test mimics your real test.
Upon completing each test you receive an immediate full report including your total score, a list of your correct and incorrect answers and detailed answer explanations. This ensures you quickly recognise questions’ patterns and correctly solve problems.

Take IPC’s personal coaching –

Get one-on-one coaching to ensure you improve your scores.
Coaching is delivered by experienced occupational psychologists and psychometric test developers.
Coaching is delivered over the telephone and out-side of business hours to ensure you get the most out of your coaching.

IPC’s preparation services work:

All our preparation material has been written by experienced occupational psychologists and psychometric test writers.
Contrary to the common belief, you can prepare and significantly improve your aptitude test score. We have worked with over 300,000 satisfied customers who improved their aptitude test scores.
We don’t just give you to complete just any aptitude tests but ensure it fits the level of difficulty as in your real test
We don’t only give you to complete some aptitude tests online which is NOT an effective preparation strategy, but we give you detailed answer explanations to ensure you learn the right problem solving techniques.
We are endorsed by more than 20 universities in the UK.

You can start by taking our free sample aptitude tests, to find out what is your current level. Take our Free online aptitude tests.