How To Pass A Psychometric Test

Knowing how to pass a psychometric test is vital for today’s job market. Psychometric Tests are becoming increasingly popular during job selection processes, and test a variety of qualities and attributes. Psychometric testing is primarily used by employers to assess attributes such as numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and diagrammatic reasoning. Within this guide, we have provided you with many different testing sections, all of which form different parts of Psychometric assessment. This includes:

Numerical Reasoning. Numerical reasoning assesses your understanding of numbers, data, and the relationship between different numbers.

Verbal Reasoning. Verbal reasoning assesses your understanding of words, relationships between words, and the depth of your knowledge in relation to meanings, and grammatical basics.

Non-Verbal Reasoning. Non-Verbal reasoning is designed to test your understanding of shapes, and the relationships between different shapes in a sequence, or in the same pattern.

Spatial Reasoning. Spatial reasoning is designed to test the way you interpret images, and how well you can visualise movement or change between different images.

Mechanical Comprehension. Mechanical Aptitude tests your understanding of mechanics, and how forces interact with objects.

Electrical Comprehension. Electrical Comprehension tests are specifically designed to measure your performance in relation to electrical concepts. You need to engage with, and utilise, your skills and knowledge, and illustrate the key competencies and qualities required for particular job roles.

Personality Tests. Personality tests are used by employers to ascertain whether somebody is the right personal fit for their company.

All of the above mentioned test types are covered in this blog on how to pass a psychometric test, so keep reading and don’t forget to comment your answers to the sample questions – see how many you can get right!

Many selection process may require you to sit a numerical reasoning test so it’s important that you are prepared and know how to pass this type of psychometric test. A Numerical Reasoning Test is designed to assess mathematical knowledge through number-related assessments. These assessments can be of different difficulty levels, and will all vary depending on who you are sitting the test for. So, be sure to find out what type of Numerical Reasoning Test you will be sitting, to ensure you are fully able to practice prior to the assessment.

The majority of Numerical Reasoning Tests are administered to candidates who are applying for managerial, graduate or professional positions; any job that deals with making inferences in relation to statistical, financial or numerical data. However, some employers may use these tests as a way of determining important job-related skills such as time management and problem solving efficiency.

Sample Numerical Reasoning Question

Below is a right-angled triangle. Work out the length of side AB. Write your answer to the nearest whole number.

Verbal reasoning tests are another common type of psychometric test. Verbal Reasoning tests are designed to challenge your knowledge of words, the relationship between different words, and your general English language competency.

Be prepared to face a variety of test styles. The verbal reasoning test that you are required to undertake should be representative of the type of role you are applying for which should help you to identify the questions types you will face. This may make it easier for you to learn how to pass this type of psychometric test.

Sample Verbal Reasoning Question

Which word fits in both sets of brackets?
(Chase, Tease) (Perform, Act)

Play    Movie    Library    Shout

Non-Verbal Reasoning tests are often used to assess a person’s ability to recognise shapes and patterns in regards to formations. The questions appear in diagrammatic and pictorial form, often referring to these tests as abstract or diagrammatic reasoning.

The importance of a Non-Verbal Reasoning test is to determine how well you can understand and visualise information to solve problems. You need to be able to recognise and identify patterns amongst abstract shapes and images.

• Such tests may include:
• Determining identical shapes;
• Rotating shapes;
• Reflections of shapes;
• Finding the odd shape;
• Finding the missing shape;
• 3D shapes;
• Coding;
• Shading and colours;
• Number sequences.

All of these questions are likely to appear in a Non-Verbal Reasoning test. So, it is imperative that you get to grips with each question type and know how to answer them.

Sample Non-Verbal Reasoning Question

Which of the answer options completes the sequence?

The definition of spatial reasoning is ‘the ability to interpret and make drawings from mental images and visualise movement or change in those images.’

It is important that, before you sit your test, you find out the type(s) of questions you will be required to answer. You should also take steps to find out if the tests will be timed and also whether or not they will be ‘multiple-choice’ based questions. If the tests that you will be required to undertake are timed and of multiple-choice in nature, then we strongly advise that you practise this type of test question.

Sample Spatial Reasoning Question

Which of the answer options contains the correct blocks to create the question figure?

As part of the selection process for the job you’re applying to, you may be required to sit a Mechanical Comprehension (or Mechanical Reasoning) test. Mechanical Comprehension tests your ability to understand mechanical concepts such as force, gravity, weight, mass, momentum, electronics, and more.

Mechanical Comprehension is a combination of practical knowledge of mechanical objects and how forces interact with them, as well as the ability to apply mathematical formulae to real-life situations.

For example, you may be asked to calculate the mechanical advantage of a pulley system, or the acceleration of an object. Likewise, you may be asked to pick the right tool for a specific job, such as stripping insulation from wires. Essentially, Mechanical Comprehension tests a wide range of different ideas and concepts. We believe that the best way to prepare for these questions is to learn the rules and explanations for the different mechanical concepts, and then apply your knowledge using practice questions.

Sample Mechanical Comprehension Question

A force of 15 N is used to turn on a tap. The perpendicular distance from the pivot is 16 cm.

What is the moment of the force?

2.4 Nm     24 Nm     240 Nm     2,400 Nm

Within an Electrical Comprehension test, you will be assessed on how well you can articulate yourself in terms of electrical comprehension. Having technical knowledge is a requirement for certain types of job roles, and so it is important that you are able to highlight your skills in a competent and professional manner. The complexity of the test will depend on the job for which you are applying.

Any job that requires strong levels of electrical knowledge will often expect you to undertake an Electrical Comprehension test. Employers need to safeguard themselves with employees who show potential and will be able to perform the role to a strong level and to a high professional standard.

During an Electrical Comprehension test, you are likely to encounter the following types of questions:

• Simple Circuits
• Electrical Symbols
• Switches
• Lamps
• Electrical Safety
• Hazard Perception
• Electrical Energy
• Currents
• Voltages
• Resistance
• Resistors
• Diodes
• Electrical Measurements
• Process Flow
• Signal Flow
• Potential Difference
• Electrical Schematics
• Ohm’s Law
• Electrons
• Ammeter
• Units of Electricity
• Particles
• Atoms
• Energy Transfers

Sample Electrical Comprehension Question

The filament in a lamp has a resistance of 4 ohms. It takes a current of 0.3 A. What voltage does the lamp work at?

You may be wondering how to pass a psychometric test that includes a personality test as a component. Personality Tests are being used more and more in the job selection process. It allows employers to not only assess a person’s suitability for the job role through their experience and skills, but also takes into consideration how a person’s characteristics and personality traits could possibly help or influence the job role in some way. While it’s clear that the job application process proves difficult for everyone involved, it is the first step of making an impression, so portraying yourself in the right way is important.

Personality has become increasingly resourceful over the years to identify the right person for the right job; by taking a simple test, employers are able to narrow down their choices based on performance and personality traits that are desired. Personality traits represent different tendencies and preferences rather than exact predictors of behaviour. These tests are designed to assess your individual and interpersonal behaviour and therefore gain an understanding of the type of job role that is suitable to you. Personality tests seek to establish a deeper understanding of personal characteristics that often supply employers with an insight into recognising a strong candidate. These tests provide valuable information for employers, for which they can piece together to gain an overall impression of that applicant. They are designed to reveal aspects of a person’s character that employers often miss during the interview stage.

Sample Personality Questionnaire Questions

Rank yourself from 1-5 for each of the statements.

1 = Strongly Disagree     2 = Disagree     3 = Neutral     4 = Agree     5 = Strongly Agree

1. I deal with difficult situations.
2. I voice my opinions.
3. I am a self-confident person.
4. I am often the leader of the group.
5. I take charge.
6. I feel free to politely give my thoughts on a situation.
7. I am often considered easy going (Reversed)
8. I enjoy taking control of difficult situations.
9. I am good at leading people.
10. I am a confident person.