Psychometric tests

What are psychometric tests?

Psychometric tests are carefully designed and validated tests aimed to scientifically assess abilities and attributes. They are usually taken under time exam conditions, either in person or online. Graduate psychometric tests are used by employers to assess whether candidates have the necessary levels of ability for the job and to gather information about their skills and sometimes personal attributes.

Psychometric test booklet

This booklet explains what the main types of tests are like and gives you some examples of the types of questions used.

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Free practice psychometric tests

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Psychometric test resources

A selection of resources dedicated to supporting you with psychometric tests.

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 How to... Pass a psychometric test

Will you be completing a psychometric test soon or want to learn more about them? Learn about the variety of psychometric tests used by employers, and gain tips on how you can best prepare to be successful.

Types of test

Find out more about the tests below on the Bright Network

Aptitude tests:

  • These evaluate a candidate's ability to perform specific tasks or respond to different situations. Tests may include: verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, logical thinking, critical thinking, diagrammatic/inductive reasoning plus others used by different employers.

Personality questionnaires:

  • Help individuals identify their strengths and weaknesses to build an overall profile of personality traits.

Situational Judgement tests:

  • You are asked to identify the most appropriate response/answer to hypothetical scenarios. It is likely that the employer will have their own bespoke questions.

Games based assessment aka Gamification:

  • An employer may ask you to play a game on your phone or PC using an app or link that they send to you. These can measure many things, such as how you perform under pressure, your judgement, numeracy and analytical skills, and much more.

Useful links

Assessment Day - Includes guides, practice tests and videos on different tests used by employers in the recruitment process

Prospects - Advice on taking psychometric tests and includes some questions to try

targetjobs - Advice on taking tests, how to prepare and improve test scores

Assessment centres - Visit out page on assessment centres

PwC Employability Hub - Practical resources to support you with: online tests, assessment centres and interviews