What Is An SHL Assessment Test?
SHL is a global talent acquisition and management company that designs and administers workplace assessments. The tests cover everything from cognitive abilities to personality and behavioural tests to help companies hire the most suitable candidates.
SHL Psychometric Tests
SHL groups its assessments into several categories, including:
- Cognitive
- Behavioural
- Personality
- Skills and simulations
- Job focused
Individual tests can focus on one skill (e.g. verbal reasoning) or they can be combined. You can look at their assessment portfolio to find out about assessments for specific roles.
SHL Numerical Reasoning Tests
The numerical reasoning test measures your ability to make correct decisions based on numerical information. The tests are set in realistic workplace situations, so you will work with data from tables and charts and carry out calculations. In the interactive version, tasks can include building charts and graphs or filling in spreadsheets.
In SHL's interactive numerical reasoning test you have 18 minutes for up to 10 questions, and the test adapts to your answers. SHL also offers a standard multiple-choice version, so check your invitation to see which one you will sit.
SHL Verbal Reasoning Tests
A verbal reasoning test measures how well you understand and evaluate written information. You will read short passages and judge statements or arguments based only on what the text says. SHL does not publish a single answer format, so try its verbal reasoning practice test to see the style.
SHL Inductive Reasoning Tests
Inductive reasoning is a type of logic test that assesses your ability to spot patterns in information and use them to predict outcomes. The questions will be presented as images or alphanumeric sequences, and you have to infer and follow rules to predict outcomes and identify the correct answer.
In the interactive version you have 18 minutes for up to 15 questions.
SHL Deductive Reasoning Tests
Deductive reasoning is another kind of abstract logic assessment, which is designed to measure how well you draw logical conclusions from the information given. You will be asked to evaluate arguments, analyse scenarios and work out which conclusions follow logically from the information given.
In the interactive version you have 18 minutes for up to 12 questions.
SHL General Ability Tests
A general ability test combines several types of reasoning question in one sitting, so employers can assess more than one ability with a single test.
SHL's general ability test, Verify G+, covers numerical, deductive and inductive reasoning. The standard version allows 36 minutes for up to 30 questions, and the interactive version allows 36 minutes for up to 24 questions.
SHL Personality And Behavioural Assessments
SHL's personality and behavioural assessments are used both in recruitment and in employee development. SHL's tests are designed to determine how well-suited you are for a specific role, predict potential success, and give a better understanding of how you work.
SHL Personality Tests
SHL's two best-known questionnaires are the OPQ, which covers your work style and behaviours, and the MQ, which covers what motivates you at work. Together these can give employers an insight into what might affect your work performance.
Both are untimed. SHL gives average completion times of 15 to 25 minutes for the OPQ and 20 to 25 minutes for the MQ.
SHL Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ32)
An occupational personality questionnaire measures 32 characteristics, which are predictors of performance in a specific role. It is designed to identify working styles and behaviours and understand how these might affect performance.
The current version, the OPQ32r, has 104 questions in a forced choice format, so you choose between statements rather than rating each one on a scale. It is untimed, and SHL gives an average completion time of 15 to 25 minutes.
SHL Motivation Questionnaire (SHL MQ)
The Motivation Questionnaire looks at which situations are likely to increase or reduce your motivation at work. It measures 18 dimensions of motivation in four broad areas, with examples such as recognition, flexibility and material reward. It is untimed and has up to 144 questions answered on a five point rating scale. Employers can use the results to understand which working conditions are likely to suit you.
SHL Situational Judgement Tests
A situational judgement test assesses how you would handle situations you are likely to meet in the role. You will be shown realistic workplace scenarios and asked to judge which responses are most appropriate.
SHL Verify Ability Tests
SHL Verify is SHL's range of cognitive ability tests. It includes separate numerical, deductive and inductive reasoning tests, and the Verify G+ general ability test, which combines all three.
Tips To Pass SHL Tests
Understand The SHL Assessment Format
SHL offers a wide range of tests, so find out which ones you will be taking and get familiar with their formats. SHL's own practice tests include examples of many of its test types.
Practise The Relevant Tests
Once you know what to expect, you can start practising. SHL provide some practice tests, but you can also look through all of the aptitude tests available to find which ones you need to improve on.
Don't Be Afraid To Fail
Failure is not something to be afraid of. You can use tests that you did not perform as well as on to improve and focus your energies. Every test and application is a learning opportunity that can help you reach your goal.
Practise In Exam Conditions
One of the best ways to practise is in exam conditions, meaning that you replicate how it will be on the day. To do this, you should prepare a quiet space away from any distractions and interruptions, and time yourself.
