Prepare for taking tests
In order to acheive your best possible result you should first establish what type of assessment you'll be asked to complete. Once you have this information, consider our top tips for maximising your potential:
You will receive information ahead of your assessment session which will tell you where and when your assessment will take place as well as how you can prepare.
- Carefully read the information we send you about the assessment session.
- Make sure you know when and where you have to attend.
- Make use of practice materials to practise your skills and ensure you understand the task. As well as the materials we send you, you can find additional practice materials on the internet (for example: www.psychtesting.org.uk, www.shldirect.com or www.opp.co.uk). If you have limited internet access, most bookshops stock books which provide practice tests. If you have access to a University Careers Centre, they may also be able to offer you practice materials.
- Find opportunities to practice using the skills that are to be assessed, e.g. if you are undertaking a numerical test, utilise every day opportunities such as shopping trips or reading a financial newspaper to test your numerical understanding and practise calculations.
- Tell us in advance if you are not clear about the assessment process or have any concerns.
- Tell us if you have any special needs (e.g. if you have a disability) well before the session so we have time to make the most appropriate arrangements for you.
- Let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend for any reason.
- Get a good night's sleep before the session.
- If you require reading glasses or a hearing aid, please be sure to take these with you to the assessment session.
- Give yourself plenty of time to get to the session punctually.
A certified Test Administrator will manage your assessment session so you can rest assured that you will be told clearly what to do and how to do it. We endeavour to make all our candidates' assessment experiences professional and fair. Please help us by being considerate of any other candidates you may meet during your assessment, including respecting their privacy and confidentiality.
- If you carry a mobile phone or pager with you, turn it off before the start of the test session.
- Pay full attention to test instructions.
- Make sure you have understood a question or a task before responding.
- Many tests have strict time limits. If you are being timed, try to work through questions quickly but accurately.
- If you are asked to complete a personality questionnaire this is to help us understand your typical approach to work. Try not to think too long about each question. Your first response is likely to be the most accurate and best reflect your behavioural style. If you are not sure how to answer, try to think of how you behave when working. Attempting to second guess what is wanted can give an erroneous or inconsistent impression.