Companies conduct aptitude tests to evaluate the job candidate’s ability to perform particular tasks and assess how they will react to situations at work. It is a type of psychometric test based on a standard scoring system and helps human resources departments in comparing candidates against each other to find the perfect fit for the desired position. Keep reading this article to learn more about what is an aptitude test, its types, preparation tips, and what you can expect from them.
What is an Aptitude Test?
An aptitude test is an exam designed with the core goal of measuring an individual’s ability to perform particular tasks and how likely they are to succeed in certain work situations. It assesses the logical reasoning and mental abilities of the candidate with the help of different format-based tests. Recruiters utilize aptitude tests to find the right candidates for the organization who can proceed further with the application process and filter out unfit applications for the role.
Types of Aptitude Test
Following are the most common types of aptitude tests you will encounter during the exam.
Verbal Reasoning Tests
Verbal reasoning tests assess how well an individual can analyze information, spell words correctly, judge context, and use grammar properly. They are most challenging for non-native English speakers.
Numerical Reasoning Tests
Numerical reasoning test measures numerical aptitude and how effectively an individual can deal with numbers. It consists of a wide range of questions right from performing basic arithmetic operations to interpreting graphs and data with the knowledge of basic mathematics.
Situational Judgement Test
A situational judgment test is conducted to know how candidates will approach different work situations and make the right decision under a strict time limit. In this type of aptitude test, questions revolve around hypothetical workplace situations and related to coworkers.
In-Tray Tests
In-tray tests evaluate how individuals prioritize and respond to a series of tasks. They measure candidates’ planning, decision-making, and communication skills. The questions are broad-range and depend on the job profile the candidate is applying for.
Spatial Reasoning Tests
The idea behind the spatial ability test is to assess the candidate’s cognitive ability to manipulate 2D & 3D images and draw conclusions. Group rotation, shape matching, visual comparison, combining shapes, block counting, and reflections are some common types of questions asked in this test.
Diagrammatic Reasoning Tests
Diagrammatic reasoning tests assess logical reasoning ability and measure how well a candidate can interpret shapes, patterns, and figures under strict time pressure and identify the underlying logic. These tests determine the intelligence and learning abilities of the candidate.
Mechanical Reasoning Tests
Mechanical reasoning tests are conducted specially for technical jobs and measures how well an individual can apply physical and mechanical principles in solving complex problems. Here questions are focused on levers, blocks, electrical circuits, and pulleys.
What to Expect from Aptitude Tests?
Aptitude tests are strictly timed and consist of multiple-choice questions. They measure your intelligence, critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, and learning abilities with the help of different types of questions discussed above.
Recruiters generally take two types of aptitude tests for evaluating the right candidates for a job profile.
Power Test – It evaluates how efficiently an individual can deal with a small number of complex problems under strict timing. It is designed exclusively for candidates taking associate and mid-senior roles in an organization.
Speed Test – It asks a higher number of questions than power tests, however, the questions are relatively simple and straightforward. It evaluates how fast an individual can solve problems and is used mostly for the administrative or clerical jobs.
Preparation Tips
Here are some useful preparation tips you can follow to pass your aptitude test successfully.
- Do practice tests online. They will give you a better overview of your performance.
- Time management is a crucial skill a candidate needs to pass an aptitude test. So always use a timer for solving different types of aptitude problems and review yourself.
- Before taking the aptitude test, research and go through all types of questions the recruiter can ask. They are mostly available on the company’s website and prepare you mentally beforehand.
- Ask for guidance from previous successful candidates. They have given the test before you, so they have a clear idea of how things work in aptitude assessments and how an individual can ace them easily.
