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Numerical aptitude tests are used by employers to measure
your ability to perform tasks involving the manipulation of
numbers. The questions in these tests range from
simple
arithmetic, for example, addition and subtraction, to more
intricate questions where you need to
interpret numerical
information presented as graphs, tables and diagrams.
There is no widely accepted definition of the difference between
numerical ability and numerical aptitude and as far as
psychometric tests are concerned the two terms are
interchangeable.
Numerical aptitude tests are administered under exam conditions
and strictly timed, a typical test might allow 30-40 minutes for
30-40 questions. The questions are almost always presented in
multiple-choice format and may become more difficult as you
progress through the test. These tests usually have more questions
than you can comfortably complete in the time allowed So don’t
worry if you can’t finish the test - it is the number of correct
answers which counts.
If you are applying for a job which involves working with figures
on a day-to-day basis, then the employer will regard your
numerical aptitude as a valuable predictor of your performance on
the job. However, since most jobs require you to work with numbers
at least some, numerical aptitude tests are among the most widely
used of psychometric tests.
There are several hundred numerical aptitude tests from different
suppliers on the market and they all vary in both the number and
difficulty of the questions that they contain. The duration of the
particular test you are given will depend on the job you are
applying for and how many other tests you are taking on the day.
Even though there are so many numerical ability tests available to
employers, the types of question used in these tests can be
classified into:
Numerical Aptitude - Computation
These questions involve basic math including: subtraction,
addition, division, multiplication, ratios, fractions, percentages
and decimals. You will need to practice making quick and accurate
calculations without using a calculator if you want to score well
on these questions.
Numerical Aptitude - Estimation
These questions require you to make quick estimates. You do not
have time to actually calculate these answers.
Numerical Aptitude - Reasoning
These questions test your reasoning ability rather than your
ability to do calculations. They invariably include some number
series questions where you need to work out which number or
numbers are missing from the series and may also include questions
where a mathematical problem is posed in words and your task is to
apply the necessary logic to find the solution.
Numerical Aptitude - Data Interpretation
These tests commonly use: line graphs, scatter-plots, pie charts
and tables which you need to understand and manipulate to answer
the questions. Data is sometimes shown in more than one format and
you may need to understand how the data relate to each other
before you can begin to answer the question.
Summary
Your score in the computation and estimation tests will depend on
your ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and
accurately. You can practice the type of questions you will be
given in these tests by downloading the
numerical computation and
numerical estimation practice tests.
Data Interpretation and numerical reasoning tests require you to
do fewer calculations than computation and estimation and you may
be allowed to use a calculator. However, you should still download
the
data interpretation and
numerical reasoning practice tests to
familiarize yourself with the type of questions you will be asked.
Everything you need to pass
psychometric tests
Answers to Numerical Reasoning
Questions
| 1) B |
2) D |
3) D |
| 4) B |
5) B |
6) C |
| 7) B |
8) D |
9) B |
| 10) E |
11) E |
12) C |
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