An Introduction To IQ & Aptitude Tests
An Introduction To IQ & Aptitude Tests
An Introduction To IQ & Aptitude Tests
so that it is very difficult to complete them. Whilst the assessor or test centre
are looking for you to complete as many test questions as possible, they
are also looking for you to get the questions you have answered, correct.
Therefore, during your preparation you must concentrate on speed as well
as accuracy.
What if there are too many questions and I don’t have the time to finish
them all?
In the majority of IQ and aptitude tests you are not expected to answer all
of the questions. When you turn over the test paper, or when you start your
online test, you may see that the total number of questions in the test is
excessive for the amount of time you are given to answer them. If this is the
case, do not panic; you are not expected to finish the test. These tests are
usually designed so that it is very difficult to complete all of the questions.
The key to remember is that you must try to answer as many questions as
possible, but you should also aim for accuracy. Some test centres will deduct
marks for incorrect answers or guessing; therefore, the key to passing the
tests is to aim for speed as well as accuracy!
What if my test is online?
If you are required to undertake your test online then you will normally be
allowed to decide where and when you take it. Most employers will send you
a link to access the online test and give you a timescale in which to complete
it. You should, therefore, think carefully about what time is best suited for you
to take the test.
Do you perform better in the morning, or do you work better in the evening?
You should also think carefully about where you are going to take the test;
for example, if you are taking the test at home, are your family aware of this
and will they leave you free from distraction? It is advisable that you plan and
prepare for your online test well in advance of taking it. Don’t forget to think of
important factors such as making sure you have a good internet connection
and also that your phone is turned off during the test.
You should also take the test on a computer which you are comfortable with
and familiar with. Make sure the screen is large enough and also make sure
there are charged batteries in the mouse, if you are using a wireless one.
Also, make sure you have everything you need before you take your test,
such as a calculator, a pencil, some drinking water and plenty of blank paper
to take notes. Finally, be sure to go to the toilet before you take your IQ and
aptitude test as some of the tests can take longer than an hour!
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will be clues as to which test creator is behind the IQ and aptitude test you
are required to sit. Once you find out which test creator it is who has created
the test for the employer, go direct to their website and look for further
additional practice questions. You may also be able to find out additional
important information about the test you are taking, such as whether they
deduct marks for incorrect answers (negative marking) or even the time limit
for your particular test.
To give you an idea of the types of company that are commonly used
during test creation, here is a list of companies along with their
dedicated website:
SHL – www.shl.com
Saville Consulting - www.savilleconsulting.com
TalentQ - www.talentqgroup.com
Cubiks - www.cubiks.com
Criterion Partnership - www.criterionpartnership.co.uk
Kenexa - www.psl.com
Why do most people fail the tests?
One of the more common reasons why people fail their test is because they do
not read the question. It is vitally important you read the questions carefully,
and also take the time to listen to the brief prior to the test.
You should particularly pay attention to how you are required to answer
the questions. Are you required to circle the right answer, strike it through,
shade a box of your answer option, or write your answer option on a separate
answer book? Don’t forget, if you pass a question you must make sure you
leave a gap on the answer sheet, otherwise ALL of your proceeding answers
will be wrong!
It is a good idea to pay attention to the time limit for the test. For example, if
there are 40 questions in the test and you have 10 minutes to complete them,
this gives you just 15 seconds per question on average. If you get stuck on a
particular question, move on and come back to it later if you have time, but
don’t forget to leave a space on the answer sheet.
Is it acceptable for me to guess if I find I am running out of time?
My advice is to avoid wild-guessing at all costs! Remember, some test centres
will deduct marks for incorrect answers. Having said that, it is certainly worth
learning the skill of what I call ‘best-guessing’. Best-guessing can only be
utilised during multiple-choice type questions. It basically requires you to
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as you can without sacrificing accuracy. Most tests are designed so that
you do no finish them and you will most probably lose marks for incorrect
answers.
• You are what you eat! In the week prior to the test eat and drink healthily.
Avoid cigarettes, alcohol and food with high fat content. The reason for
this is that all of these will make you feel sluggish and you will not perform
at your peak. On the morning of your assessment eat a healthy breakfast
such as porridge and a banana.
• Drink plenty of water, always!
• If you have any special needs that need to be catered for ensure you
inform the assessment centre staff prior to the assessment day. I have
met people in the past who are fearful of telling the assessment staff
that they are dyslexic. You will not be treated negatively; in fact the exact
opposite. They will give you extra time in the tests which can only work in
your favour.
Now that I have provided you with a number of important tips, take the time
to work through the nine different sample test sections that are contained
within the guide.
You will need a stopwatch in order to assess your performance against the
time constraints for each test.
With regards to using a calculator during the sample tests, please try to
tackle them without one as this will help to improve your confidence and
ability during the real test.