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What's an SHL Test? 

The SHL test is a series of psychometric assessments designed to measure a candidate's abilities, personality traits, and suitability for specific roles. The test is commonly used in recruitment and selection processes by companies worldwide to objectively evaluate potential employees' skills in areas such as reasoning, problem-solving, and behavior under different work scenarios.

Why SHL Tests?

SHL tests provide employers with insights into how well candidates will perform in a role, offering a standardized way to assess capabilities beyond resumes and interviews. These tests help companies find candidates who not only meet the technical requirements of a position but also fit well with the organization's culture and demands.

Which Employers Use SHL Tests?

SHL tests are widely used by leading employers across industries, including finance, consulting, technology, and engineering. Companies like Deloitte, HSBC, PwC, and Coca-Cola rely on SHL assessments to streamline hiring processes, ensuring they select the most qualified candidates efficiently. Many Fortune 500 companies use these tests as part of their talent acquisition strategies.

Why Do I Need to Take an SHL Test?

If you're applying for a role with an employer that uses SHL tests, taking the test is likely a required step in the application process. These tests allow employers to gauge your strengths in skills critical to the job, like logical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. A strong performance on SHL tests can significantly enhance your chances of progressing through the hiring stages and standing out as a top candidate.

Types of SHL Aptitude Tests

SHL aptitude tests come in various formats, each assessing different skills essential for job performance.

Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

• SHL General Ability Test: A comprehensive test designed to assess overall cognitive abilities by combining elements of numerical, inductive, and deductive reasoning. This test gives employers a well-rounded view of an applicant's analytical and reasoning skills. SHL
• SHL Verbal Reasoning: Evaluates your ability to understand and analyze written information, helping employers gauge your communication and comprehension skills. SHL Numerical Reasoning: Assesses your skills in interpreting data, statistics, and numerical information, which is vital for roles that require mathematical reasoning and data analysis.
• SHL Inductive Reasoning: Measures logical thinking and pattern recognition, testing how well you can identify trends and make predictions based on limited information.
• SHL Deductive Reasoning: Focuses on problem-solving and logical deduction, helping employers understand your capability to make sound decisions based on given facts.
• SHL Situational Judgment Tests (SJT): Tests your judgment and decision-making in hypothetical workplace scenarios, providing insights into how you might handle different situations on the job.

If you know about the different kinds of SHL tests, you can focus your study on the areas that your potential employer cares about the most, which will help you do well.

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Sample Questions

The SHL general ability test is a generic SHL test that includes a range of test types, such as numerical reasoning, inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning, to assess the overall cognitive abilities of the applicant.

Average time limit: 35 to 40 minutes.

Average number of questions: Depends on the position applied for.

Numerical Reasoning

Question: A company’s revenue in Q1 was $200,000. In Q2, revenue increased by 15%. What was the company’s revenue in Q2?

Explanation:
To find the Q2 revenue:

Calculate 15% of $200,000: 200, 000 ×  0.15 =  30, 000

Add the increase to the Q1 revenue: 200, 000 +  30, 000 =  230, 000

Answer: $230,000.

Inductive Reasoning

Complete the pattern below.

Correct Answer:

We can notice from the sequence of images that the rectangles move clockwise and the triangle moves counterclockwise. The correct answer is D.

Deductive Reasoning

If all engineers at a firm must have a degree in engineering, and Lucas works as an engineer at this firm, which of the following can be concluded?"

A. Lucas has a degree in engineering.

B. Lucas does not have a degree in engineering.

C. Lucas is not an engineer.

Correct Answer: A, "Lucas has a degree in engineering."

Explanation:
Since all engineers at the firm must have an engineering degree and Lucas works as an engineer, we can conclude that Lucas has a degree in engineering.

Verbal Reasoning

Armenia is a landlocked country that has complex topography. The country is vulnerable to landslides, mudflows and other natural hazards. These hazards have a negative impact on important infrastructures, agriculture and water resources. Another risk is drought, land degradation and desertification processes. The projection of climate change in Armenia has shown an increase in average annual temperature of 1.6^oC to 2.2^oC. An increase is predicted in the number of hot days and nights, and there will be a decrease in the number of cold days and nights. Another important projection is an increase in the number of consecutive dry days to 7 to 11 percent.

Question: What is the main consequence of climate risks for Armenia?

A) Decrease in economic growth
B) Decrease in cold days and nights
C) Climate change does not have negative consequences
D) Drought and desertification

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: 

Mechanical Reasoning

A lever is used to lift a heavy box. The lever has a fulcrum positioned closer to the box than to the point where force is applied. Which of the following statements best explains why this setup is effective?

A. It reduces the weight of the box.

B. It increases the force applied to the box.

C. It decreases the distance the box needs to be lifted.

D. It makes the box move faster.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

In this setup, the lever operates as a second-class lever, where the fulcrum is positioned closer to the load (the box). This configuration allows a smaller input force to exert a larger output force on the load, making it easier to lift the heavy box.

How to Prepare for SHL Tests

As a rule, SHL aptitude tests are based on basic mathematics and English, and require some basic scientific knowledge. The tricky part is completing the test accurately within the defined time limit.

If you don’t know how to prepare for SHL tests, these tips may be helpful for you:

• Know the exact type of test you will have to take: You can ask your recruiter to tell you what type of SHL test you are going to take. This will save time when you are preparing for the assessment and ensure you are preparing the right material.
• Practice SHL-style tests: Using practice tests that properly mirror the test you will be asked to take is the most efficient way to get prepared for your SHL test.
• Practice time management: Although most SHL tests only require basic knowledge, they test your ability to answer the questions correctly under time pressure. It is a good idea to set a timer when you practice SHL tests so you get used to the time pressure you will experience during the real exam.
• Improve your weakest skills: All of us have weaker areas that we feel less confident in. If, for example, you feel less comfortable in mathematics, you should try to improve your knowledge and skills in this area by taking numerical SHL practice tests.
• Set daily limits for your practice: Try to develop discipline and set daily goals for your practice.
• Ask for advice from professionals: If you are going to take a numerical reasoning test, for example, it is also a good idea to read some helpful advice from the industry professionals. You can also speak with your friends and ask them to give you some questions that will help you pass personality and motivational tests.

How to Pass SHL Tests

There is no single key to success for passing SHL aptitude tests but here are some tips that will help you pass your upcoming SHL test.

• Read the instructions carefully: This is extremely important for all types of SHL tests. Read all the questions slowly and try to pay attention to every detail of the information provided, the question and the answer options.
• Keep focused on each question: Think about one question at a time, keep focused and don't distract yourself by watching the clock too much. Remember that time is the most important resource during SHL aptitude tests.
• Do not forget about time management: Manage your time by keeping track of how many questions you need to answer in each test and how much time you have. Calculate how much time you can spend on each question and try to keep track. Remember that ideally, you should have enough time to attempt all the questions.
• Answer all the questions: No marks are lost for wrong answers; therefore, it is a good idea to attempt all the questions even if you are not sure your answer is correct. If in doubt, it is better to guess than leave a question unanswered.
• Keep calm and do not panic: Even if you get stuck, try to keep calm and think of ways to make an educated guess. Remember that your success largely depends on your mood and positivity.
• Learn from your mistakes: If you don’t pass an assessment, remember that every failure makes you a step closer to your success. Think about the lessons you have learned from your past failures, understand what you did wrong, improve your skills and knowledge, and never give up.