What Is A Pearson Assessment?
Pearson owns a talent assessment platform called TalentLens. On this platform, the company provides a range of different aptitude tests used mainly by financial and public sector employers.
You may have previously heard of Watson Glaser or the Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT) — these are just some of the assessments Pearson delivers to help businesses find, and hire the best talent.
Pearson assessments are used by a huge variety of well-known businesses including Clifford Chance law firm.
Pearson Assessment Categories
Depending on the role and industry you're applying for, there are several different Pearson Assessments you may be asked to take.
Fast-paced and challenging, the Pearson Assessments should not be underestimated. It's essential to prepare for them as much as you can by taking practice tests in exam conditions before the big day.
Aptitude Tests
There are a range of different aptitude tests designed to test candidates on a whole range of skills, from data interpretation, to problem-solving and cognitive thinking.
Once you know which test(s) you'll be asked to take, you can get on with practicing them.
Pearson Numerical Reasoning Assessment
Over the course of 42 questions, your mathematical abilities will be put to the test against the clock.
Covering basic mathematical principles, as well as more complex data interpretation, the numerical reasoning assessmentis designed to see how proficient you are working with numbers — something that's vital in many different job roles and industries.
Watson Glaser Test (Critical Thinking)
This Watson Glaser test is specifically designed to assess your critical thinking skills and is used by a huge variety of employers as a result.
In the test, you'll be given a small amount of information and posed a challenge to respond to based on that small amount of information.
What employers are looking for here is how well you can think outside the box, and whether you show signs of being able to think creatively. This test is particularly popular with hiring law firms.
RANRA (Rust Advanced Numerical Reasoning Appraisal)
RANRA tests are often used in conjunction with Watson Glaser tests if firms are hiring for more senior or managerial roles.
Just like the Watson Glaser test, the RANRA is designed to assess your critical thinking skills. But unlike Watson Glaser, it uses numerical reasoning questions to do so.
Iris Situational Judgement
The Iris Situational Judgement test is specifically designed for graduates.
You'll be presented with a series of hypothetical workplace challenges, and asked to choose how you'd respond from a series of possible options.
How you answer will give an employer a good indication of the type of character you are, and how well you're likely to be suited to the role, team and company you're applying to work in.
SOSIE
The SOSIE looks at your character and key personality traits.
Just like the Iris, it helps employers to decide whether you're likely to be a good fit for the company.
Raven's Progressive Matrices
This non-verbal aptitude test looks at how well you can problem-solve, as well as the strength of your lateral thinking skills.
UKcat (Uk Clinical Aptitude Test)
The UKcat is only for those interested in medicine and dentistry and is used in the admissions process for medicine and dentistry training programmes.
The test is designed to assess your cognitive abilities.
Bcat (Bar Course Aptitude Test)
Similar to the Watson Glaser test, the Bcat is for barristers looking to progress to the Bar Professional Training Course.
Raven's Progressive Matrices
Another non-verbal aptitude test, Raven's Progressive Matrices examines your lateral thinking and problem-solving skills.
Tips To Pass Pearson Tests
1. Practice
There really is no substitute for practice when it comes to the Pearson Assessments. Each one is challenging and fast-paced, so it's essential that you've had a go at a few practice tests before the big day, to give yourself the best possible chance of success.
2. Know The Format And Tests
Knowing the format of these tests is crucial to building confidence.
Make sure you've got a really clear idea of the test(s) you'll be asked to take as part of your application process. Then, ensure you've practiced each one as many times as possible.
The more tests you take, the more likely it is that you'll come across a larger variety of questions so you'll have a better understanding of what to expect on the day.
3. Practice Under Exam Conditions
We always recommend taking practice tests in exam conditions — that means no distractions, timing yourself and ideally sitting in a quiet, well-lit room.
Once you've taken a practice test, always make sure you go over your results and identify any areas you need to work on.
4. Don't Be Afraid To Fail
Failing is part of life. It's difficult, but there's always something you can learn from it.
If you practice enough tests before the big day, it's much more likely that you won't fail the test that really counts.
