Numerical Reasoning Test F.A.Q.
Still have some lingering questions? Here are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Are Numerical Reasoning Tests Important?
A good grade on a numerical reasoning test won’t necessarily land you the job, but it might earn you an interview. Companies use numerical reasoning tests to screen candidates.
Because hiring is so competitive these days, large businesses often receive a glut of applications. Rather than asking the HR department to sort through hundreds of applications, companies will ask candidates to take a series of pre-employment tests. A manager will determine a passing mark, and only those who reach that mark will move on to the next stage in the hiring process.
An exceptional grade might help you stand out, but typically, a passing grade is considered a passing grade regardless of how high it is.
Why Do I Need to Take a Numerical Reasoning Test?
For many fields, numerical reasoning tests play a critical role in hiring decisions. Nurses and medical professionals, for instance, need to have a strong background in math if they’re going to be caring for patients.
How Do I Know What A Good Score Is?
You won’t necessarily know what a good score is. In many cases, the company that sells the test includes recommended score ranges. However, a manager is free to choose whatever number he feels as the lower threshold for interested applicants.
What’s considered a passing score for the same test may change depending on the context. Different businesses set different standards, and even managers themselves set different standards for different positions.
If you want to know whether your practice runs were within range, you should search for average scores by profession. These lists are usually pretty accurate, and most psychometric test companies offer a chart like this on their website. While managers may still decide that they’d prefer a slightly higher or lower score for prospective employees, these values should give you a fairly good idea of where you need to be if you want to be considered for the position.
Can I Use a Calculator?
Unless the directions specify otherwise, you should be able to use a calculator on your numerical reasoning test. Some tests do forbid the use of a calculator. Other tests don’t require the use of a calculator at all.
If you’re not sure whether you’ll need one or not, you should bring one anyway. Most psychometric tests are timed, and you’ll be at a disadvantage if you have to perform all of your calculations in your head or on your paper.
Make sure that when you leave for the assessment center, if in fact you are taking a proctored exam, you bring both a basic and a scientific calculator. Scientific calculators are not always allowed, and if your proctor forbids you from using one, you’ll want to have a standard four-function calculator as backup.
You shouldn’t need a graphing calculator unless you’re taking an advanced numerical reasoning test. If you are taking an advanced numerical reasoning test, know that proctors have the right to clear your calculator before testing begins.
Can I Prepare for a Numerical Reasoning Test?
Many job-seekers assume that numerical reasoning tests are unpredictable and that studying would be a waste of time. It’s true that if you have gaping holes in your knowledge, you’re probably not going to be able to compensate in a couple days’ time.
That being said, you can and should prepare for your numerical reasoning test. Companies assume that a certain percentage of candidates won’t bother completing the aptitude assessments at all. If you want to impress your future employers, you’re going to have to go through the tests, and if you’re spending the time to take the tests, you’ll want to know that you didn’t waste your time.
Practice questions will give you a fairly good idea of what to expect and how well prepared you are. These sample questions will also help you make efficient use of the limited amount of time you have.
Which Assessment Companies Use Numerical Tests?
