WHAT ARE IQ AND APTITUDE TESTS?
An ‘IQ and Aptitude Test is designed to measure trait intelligence (IQ) and cognitive ability, which is indicated by your efficiency in processing information’.
An IQ and Aptitude test is an important element of a psychometric test. The tests are designed to measure trait intelligence (IQ) and cognitive ability, which is indicated by your efficiency in information processing. Whilst IQ and aptitude tests are designed to test your intelligence, you can actually practice for them, which in turn has been proven to increase scores.
The tests are predominantly used to determine if you are fit for a certain job. The tests used by an employer to assess candidates for a role will be indicative of the role they are required to perform.
For example, a bank would most probably use numerical and data interpretation tests whilst assessing bank cashier positions, whilst roles within the aviation industry would utilise spatial and abstract reasoning as part of their assessment. Therefore, it is important that you find out the types of test question you are going to encounter during your particular assessment, and then practice as many as possible under timed conditions in the days and weeks leading up to your test.
You can usually find out the types of test question you will be required to undertake by reading the pre-test materials sent by the test centre, or alternatively contacting the test centre directly and asking them for this information.
TYPES OF IQ AND APTITUDE TEST
IQ and Aptitude Tests are used in an array of different careers, and therefore allow employers to filter out strong candidates that are more likely to be successful in the job position.
Psychometric tests (or IQ and Aptitude Tests) are becoming increasingly used in job selection processes. They are a great way of assessing the key skills and qualities required for the job position in which you’ve applied for.
There are many different types of IQ and Aptitude Tests, including:
Depending on the job you have applied for, will depend on the type of questions that will come up in your IQ and Aptitude Test.
I suggest that you find out what type of test you are going to be sitting, and then tailor your preparation around this. Once you know what type of questions you are going to be sitting, you can practice lots of sample questions.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO SIT AND IQ AND APTITUDE TEST?
The time that you will be provided to sit the test will very much depend on the role you are applying for.
However, to give you an idea, the tests that form part of the UK clinical aptitude test last for a maximum of 14 minutes, during which time the candidate has to answer 55 questions.
The tests are designed so that it is very difficult to complete them. Whilst the assessor or test centre are looking for you to complete as many test questions as possible, they are also looking for you to get the questions you have answered, correct.
Therefore, during your preparation you must concentrate on speed as well as accuracy.
WHAT IF I DON’T FINISH ALL OF THE QUESTIONS?
In the majority of IQ and aptitude tests you are not expected to answer all of the questions. When you turn over the test paper, or when you start your online test, you may see that the total number of questions in the test is excessive for the amount of time you are given to answer them.
If this is the case, do not panic; you are not expected to finish the test. These tests are usually designed so that it is very difficult to complete all of the questions.
The key to remember is that you must try to answer as many questions as possible, but you should also aim for accuracy.
Some test centres will deduct marks for incorrect answers or guessing; therefore, the key to passing the tests is to aim for speed as well as accuracy!
WHY DO MOST PEOPLE FAIL AN IQ AND APTITUDE TEST?
One of the more common reasons why people fail their IQ and Aptitude Test is because they do not read the question. It is vitally important you read the questions carefully, and also take the time to listen to the 
brief prior to the test.
You should particularly pay attention to how you are required to answer the questions. Are you required to circle the right answer, strike it through, shade a box of your answer option, or write your answer option on a separate answer book?
Don’t forget, if you leave a question and want to come back to it at the end, you must make sure you leave a gap on the answer sheet, otherwise ALL of your proceeding answers will be wrong!
It is a good idea to pay attention to the time limit for the test. For example, if there are 40 questions in the test and you have 10 minutes to complete them, this gives you just 15 seconds per question on average.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
IMPROVING YOUR IQ AND APTITUDE
- The only way to improve your IQ for an IQ and Aptitude Test is to undergo plenty of sample questions over a prolonged period of time.
- Find out what type of aptitude test you are going to be sitting. This will help you focus your preparation. However, we highly recommend that you practice different types of questions in order to better your overall performance.
- Aim for both speed as well as accuracy. Avoid wild-guessing. Some tests deduct marks for incorrect answers, so be sure to find out the details behind your test.
Have a look at our How2become guide for more IQ assessments:
