What is an aptitude test?

An aptitude test is designed to assess your work based reasoning, judgement and perception. The most commonly used aptitude tests are Numerical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning.

These tests assess what is known as our fluid and crystallised intelligence. Fluid Intelligence represents our ability to solve problems and to think and reason in an abstract way, (Abstract Reasoning).

Crystallised Intelligence is our ability to apply our existing knowledge within a range of situations, and since this is linked to our learning, this intelligence should improve as we age and learn more. (Numerical, Verbal Reasoning)

Are aptitude tests widely used?

One of the most recent studies into aptitude test usage in recruitment was carried out by Test Agency Hogrefe and it revealed that 80% of FTSE 100 companies use aptitude tests in the recruitment process. Employers may also use personality tests in recruitment or ask you about your behavioural preferences and the best and quickest way to prepare for this is to buy disc tests online and complete a personality test prior to the interview so you know what to expect.

Further breakdown revealed that managers are the most likely to receive an aptitude test, with 8 out of ten facing psychometric tests. Interestingly, 13% of board level candidates also faced aptitude tests.

How can I improve my performance in an aptitude test?

A 2008 study reported in the Scientific American, Improving Fluid Intelligence with Training on Working Memory, showed that people can improve their fluid intelligence.

The four ‘take home’ points from the research were:

‘1. Fluid intelligence is trainable.
2. The training and subsequent gains are dose-dependent—meaning, the more you train, the more you gain.
3. Anyone can increase their cognitive ability, no matter what your starting point is.
4. The effect can be gained by training on tasks that don’t resemble the test questions.
‘
This survey shows that you can improve your performance in abstract reasoning (fluid intelligence) tests by simply practising abstract reasoning tests using a site like brainbench, prior to doing the test with your potential employer.

Since the crystallized intelligence tests (Numerical Reasoning), are based on your accumulative lifetime learning, it is hard to argue that two weeks of preparation will make a massive improvement to your capabilities on this area. However, practicing these tests will enable you to become accustomed to the question format and style of these tests which will mean you are better prepared which should enable you to perform better

Where can I practice aptitude tests?

There are many good providers of aptitude tests on the market which can be quickly revealed by a search on google. However, you can practice many of these aptitude tests by using a practice aptitude test service like this one from brainbench.com which allows you to prepare for your aptitude test. But, as well as containing aptitude tests Brainbench contains thousands of other competency tests, such as maths, programming, french, german, which you can use to certify your skills to employers and increase your chance of job and career success.

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