Aptitude Tests UK: What They Are and How to Pass Them for Graduate Jobs

When you apply for a graduate job in the UK, you’ll likely face an aptitude test, a timed assessment used by employers to measure your problem-solving, logic, and numerical skills. Also known as psychometric tests, they’re not about what you studied—they’re about how you think under pressure. Companies like PwC, Deloitte, and Barclays use them to sort through hundreds of applications fast. If you don’t prepare, even smart, qualified candidates get filtered out.

These tests usually come in three types: numerical reasoning, your ability to interpret charts, tables, and financial data, verbal reasoning, how well you understand written information and draw logical conclusions, and logical reasoning, spotting patterns in shapes or sequences. They’re often made by providers like SHL, Kenexa, and Cut-e. Each has its own style, so practicing the right one matters. You won’t get a second chance if you fail the first test—most applications are automated, and a low score means no interview.

What most students don’t realize is that these tests aren’t about being a genius. They’re about practice. Someone who’s never seen a data table before can score 80% after 10 hours of focused drills. The key is timing. You’ve got 30 seconds per question, and if you get stuck, you lose points. Real students who passed say they practiced with timed mock tests, tracked their weak spots, and learned to guess smartly. No fancy coaching needed—just free practice sites and a quiet hour a day.

And it’s not just about the test itself. The way you approach it matters. Eat well before. Get sleep. Don’t cram the night before. Use a quiet room with no distractions. Some students even simulate the test environment—no phone, no coffee, just a timer. It sounds simple, but it cuts panic. You’re not being tested on knowledge. You’re being tested on calm, clear thinking. And that’s something you can train.

Below, you’ll find real guides from students who’ve been through it. They break down what SHL questions actually look like, how to spot Kenexa traps, and how to practice without paying for expensive courses. You’ll see exactly how much time to spend on each section, what to skip, and how to turn a 50% score into an 85% one. No fluff. Just what works.