Barclays Assessment Practice
Comprehensive preparation guide for Barclays' multi-stage online assessment
Assessment Time
30-50 min
Part of multi-stage process
Providers Used
Cappfinity + SHL
Strengths + aptitude
Difficulty
Moderate
Practice strongly recommended
About Barclays' Online Assessment
Barclays uses a multi-component online assessment as the second stage of their application process, after the initial online form. The assessment is primarily delivered through Cappfinity and includes a strengths-based questionnaire, a numerical reasoning test (SHL-style), and a critical reasoning component. Cappfinity's approach focuses on identifying candidates' natural strengths and how they are energised at work, rather than trying to catch candidates out. Barclays does not require a CV at the initial stages, making the assessment the primary filter.
Assessment Components
Cappfinity Strengths Assessment
A series of short interactive tasks and situational questions measuring your natural strengths and working preferences. Cappfinity uses positive psychology: the goal is to identify what you are naturally good at and energised by, not to screen out weaknesses.
SHL Numerical Reasoning
A timed aptitude test requiring you to interpret data from tables and charts and answer multiple-choice questions. The Barclays version is SHL-style and tests your ability to work quickly and accurately with numerical data relevant to banking and finance contexts.
Critical Reasoning
Questions testing logical deduction and verbal reasoning, requiring you to evaluate whether conclusions follow from given premises. This component is also SHL-aligned.
Barclays Roles Using This Assessment
Graduate Programmes
- Investment Banking
- Retail Banking
- Technology Graduate Scheme
- Risk & Compliance
Experienced Hire
- Corporate Banking
- Wealth Management
- Digital Banking
- Operations
Top Tips for Barclays' Assessment
Practise SHL-style numerical tests specifically
The numerical reasoning component follows the SHL Verify format: data from charts and tables, multiple-choice answers, strict time limits. CogniPrep's SHL numerical practice tests mirror this format closely. Speed and accuracy both matter.
Be genuine on the Cappfinity strengths section
Cappfinity's strengths model identifies what you are naturally good at. Trying to present an idealised version of yourself typically produces inconsistencies the system flags. Respond to reflect how you genuinely work.
Know Barclays' values
Barclays' values, respect, integrity, service, excellence, and stewardship, underpin their strengths model. Understanding them helps you see what the situational questions are designed to surface.
No CV, so the assessment is everything at this stage
Barclays does not ask for a CV in the early stages. Your assessment results are the primary data point. Preparation is not optional; it is the difference between progressing and not.
Start Practicing for Barclays Today
Practice Cappfinity strengths tests and SHL numerical reasoning
Begin Barclays Assessment PracticeFrequently Asked Questions
Does Barclays use Arctic Shores?
Barclays primarily uses Cappfinity for their strengths assessment and SHL-style tests for numerical and critical reasoning, not Arctic Shores. CogniPrep covers both Cappfinity and SHL as supported providers so you can practise both components.
How long is Barclays' online assessment?
The full online assessment typically takes 30-50 minutes covering all components. The cognitive ability section (SHL-style) is around 10 minutes on its own. Allow 60 minutes to avoid feeling rushed.
What does Barclays look for in the results?
Barclays uses results to identify candidates whose natural strengths align with the role and who have the cognitive ability to work accurately with data under time pressure. Results are matched to role requirements rather than a single pass/fail threshold.