SHL Assessments - Test Format, Assessments and Advice (2023 Guide)
Learn about SHL assessments and all the tips and advice you will need to ace your SHL assessment.
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Note: AssessmentDay and its products are not affiliated with SHL. Our practice tests are for candidates to prepare for SHL tests; we do not sell tests for employers to use in selection.
About SHL
SHL is a psychometric test publisher, specialist in occupational psychology, and talent measurement consultancy well-used around the globe. As such, it has numerous clients from around the world which include FTSE 100 corporations and Fortune 500 companies. SHL has a large market presence in the industry of psychometric testing, has produced and continues to produce some of the most commonly-encountered psychometric tests in the United States and elsewhere in the world. Given this, it is likely that candidates will come across SHL tests during their recruitment applications.
Did You Know
SHL has a presence in over 50 countries and operates in over 30 languages.
The various SHL assessments
SHL provide psychometric tests at most levels of position, ranging from the senior executive to entry level administration. Their ability tests include numerical tests, verbal tests, and diagrammatic reasoning tests. As with most standard reasoning tests, SHL assessments assess your speed, accuracy and overall score during the course of an assessment day exam. We give a list here of the most commonly used SHL assessments:
- SHL Numerical Reasoning Tests: The math required in a numerical psychometric test is determined by the difficulty of GCSE level. The part required from you, is to interpret and figure out what calculation is required from the question, and under pressure of time. The topics are generally relevant to the workplace, meaning that the questions can be similar, and therefore realistic, to the role you are being recruited for. The SHL verify numerical reasoning test consist of 18 questions and typically lasts 17-25 minutes depending on job level. These tests are used to measure your ability with statistical data and numbers.
- SHL Verbal Reasoning Tests: Verbal reasoning tests will test your ability to understand and make logical deductions based on verbal/written data. Verbal psychometric tests used in selection usually take the form of a written passage followed by a series of questions with possible True, False or Cannot Say responses. Here is a useful explanation for the meaning of each of those responses. The SHL verbal reasoning tests consist of 30 questions and typically last 17-19 minutes, depending on job level. They are designed to measure a candidate's ability to evaluate the logic in various kinds of argument as presented in written form.
- SHL Inductive Reasoning Tests: Inductive reasoning tests have you thinking against the clock as you have to spot patterns from the sequences of images or graphics. One has to notice the variables and difference that occur across the sequence. The SHL verify inductive reasoning test consists of 24 questions and typically lasts 25 minutes. It is designed to test a candidate's ability to draw inferences and understand the relationships between various concepts independent of acquired knowledge.
- SHL Mechanical Reasoning Tests: The SHL mechanical reasoning test measures a candidate's understanding of basic mechanical principles. This typically involves the use and application of devices such as gears, handles and pulleys. SHL Verify provides a unique ability test online by randomizing questions from their item bank to ensure that candidates will have not had exposure to any specific test. The SHL verify mechanical reasoning test typically lasts 25 minutes.
- SHL Reading Comprehension Tests: The reading comprehension tests require a candidate to extract relevant information from written sources and make objective judgements on the basis of that information. The SHL verify reading comprehension test consists of 18 questions and typically lasts 25 minutes.
- SHL Deductive Reasoning Tests: Deductive reasoning requires you to look at the clauses and their outcomes. These are explored and discounted in both a positive and negative sense in order to arrive at the only possible outcome without contradicting the given premises. The SHL verify deductive reasoning test consists of 18 questions and typically lasts 10 minutes.
- The SHL Management and Graduate Item Bank (MGIB): This set of tests comprised of numerical, verbal and a specific Productive Thinking tests, aimed at graduate and management level positions. These productive thinking tests assess the abstract thinking and creativity of the candidate. SHL consider these to be more difficult that their standard Verify tests. The time limit for the verbal reasoning test is 25 minutes, the numerical reasoning is 35 minutes and productive thinking time limit is 32 minutes. These tests may be used for selection, assessment and for development.
- Bespoke ability tests: Lastly, SHL employ bespoke ability tests that are specific to an industry whether it be finance, sales, or role specific. These are custom made tests, which are tailored to the precise specifications requested by the company using the test.
SHL verify g+
This is one of SHL's most popular assessments and so I wanted to go into more detail on this one
The SHL verify g+ is a cognitive ability test used by employers to measure how well candidates can work with information, spot patterns, and solve problems.
This test combines three key skill areas - Numerical, Deductive, and Inductive reasoning - into one short assessment.
Verify g+ test format
- Total questions: 30 (10 per skill area)
- Time limit: 36 mins
- Average completion time: 32-26 mins
- Format: Multiple choice
What the SHL verify g+ measures
All three sections of the verify g+ will follow the same test format and question style as the individual numerical, deductive and inductive tests (just shorter).
1. Numerical reasoning
This section tests your ability to work with numbers, interpret data, and make decisions based on charts, graphs, and tables. You’ll need to apply the right mathematical methods to reach correct conclusions.
2. Deductive reasoning
Assesses how well you can draw logical conclusions from written information. You’ll be asked to evaluate arguments, identify assumptions, and complete scenarios using incomplete data.
3. Inductive reasoning
A non-verbal section where you’ll work with shapes and patterns. It measures your ability to detect rules and regularities and apply them to new problems.
How to prepare for the SHL verify g+
Practicing beforehand can make a big difference. Familiarity with question styles and time pressure helps you perform at your best.
Although the SHL verify g+ combines numerical, deductive, and inductive reasoning into one short assessment, on AssessmentDay these skills are practised separately - we provide full versions of each test type rather than a single blended version.
To prepare effectively, you should practise:
- Numerical reasoning tests
- Inductive reasoning tests
- Deductive reasoning tests
You can buy each test type individually, but if you want access to all of them, the Bundle Pack is the best value. It gives you access to our entire test library - including numerical, inductive, deductive, and many more - for a single one-off payment.
SHL Verify Interactive ✨
SHL Verify Interactive is a new series of tests that are have attempted to improve the candidate experience. This has been achieved by increasing the interactivity of the tests to make them more fun!
PRO TIP
If you taking one of these tests, it is highly likely to be extremely relevant to the industry/job role and will often assess multiple reasoning abilities within the same test.
SHL personality questionnaires
SHL not only provide psychometric tests, but also personality questionnaires. These can be used to assess whether your personality is a good fit for the role being considered. An example of an SHL personality questionnaire is shown below:
- The OPQ32:This questionnaire is a personality test designed by SHL. It comprises over a hundred question items that explore 32 specific personality qualities. Questions on the test will explore your preferences towards each of these qualities, and compile the results into a report, providing insight into your personality and your potential competencies.
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Prepare for SHL assessments
Our practice test packs are suitable for preparing for SHL assessments. Our practice tests come with solutions included.
Preparing for SHL assessments
SHL have a website which you can check out here: SHL.com They have a limited number of practice tests and sometimes run trials of new tests which are open for candidates to trial.
SHL assessment tips
Here are some tips for taking SHL assessments:
- Prepare and practice: Familiarize yourself with the types of questions and format of the assessments. Take practice tests to get an idea of the types of questions and the time pressure.
- Read instructions carefully: Make sure you understand the instructions for each section and question before starting.
- Manage your time: SHL assessments often have strict time limits, so it's important to pace yourself and prioritize answering the questions.
- Be accurate: Don't rush through the questions and make sure to double-check your answers for accuracy.
- Stay focused: Minimize distractions and maintain your concentration throughout the assessment.
- Stay calm: Don't panic or stress out. Take deep breaths and stay focused on the task at hand.
Other favored test publishers
There are multiple SHL alternatives that companies may use, here are some of the most popular: