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Barclays SHL Assessment Practice

Preparation guide for the SHL numerical and verbal reasoning tests used in Barclays' online assessment process

Assessment Type

SHL reasoning

Numerical and verbal tests

Format

Timed, online

Multiple-choice, data-based questions

Stage

Early screening

Ahead of interviews

About Barclays' Online Tests

Candidates report that Barclays' online assessment for graduate and banking roles centres on SHL reasoning tests, typically covering numerical reasoning and verbal reasoning, alongside situational or behavioural questions about how you approach work scenarios. Barclays does not publish the name of its assessment vendor, so treat SHL as the best-documented current evidence for what candidates encounter, and confirm the exact format with your recruiter once you receive an invitation.

SHL Test Components

SHL Numerical Reasoning

A timed aptitude test requiring you to interpret data from tables and charts and answer multiple-choice questions. SHL's numerical tests are known for strict time limits and a focus on working quickly and accurately with figures relevant to banking and finance contexts.

SHL Verbal Reasoning

Passage-based questions asking whether a statement is true, false, or cannot be determined from the given information. This format tests careful reading and logical deduction rather than general vocabulary.

Situational and Behavioural Questions

Candidates also report situational judgement or behavioural questions asking how you would respond to workplace scenarios. These are typically used alongside the reasoning tests to build a wider picture of fit for the role.

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' SHL Tests

Practise the SHL numerical format specifically

SHL numerical tests follow a distinct 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.

Get comfortable with true/false/cannot say logic

SHL verbal reasoning asks you to judge statements strictly against the passage given, not against outside knowledge. Practising this format helps you avoid the common trap of answering from general knowledge rather than the text.

Know Barclays' values

Barclays' values, respect, integrity, service, excellence, and stewardship, are a useful reference point for situational or behavioural questions about how you would approach work scenarios.

Confirm the format with your recruiter

Barclays does not publish its assessment vendor, and processes can vary by programme and year. If your invitation email describes a different format, prepare for that rather than assuming it matches what past candidates have reported.

Previously Reported: Cappfinity Strengths Assessment

Earlier Barclays recruitment cycles, documented in sources from around 2023, described a strengths-based questionnaire delivered through Cappfinity as part of the assessment process. Cappfinity's approach uses positive psychology, focusing on identifying what you are naturally good at and energised by, rather than screening for weaknesses. This stage is not confirmed as current, and more recent, detailed candidate reports point to SHL reasoning tests as the assessment Barclays candidates now describe. If your invitation mentions a strengths assessment or Cappfinity by name, this background explains what to expect; CogniPrep's Cappfinity practice remains available for candidates who are invited to that stage.

Start Practicing for Barclays Today

Practice SHL numerical and verbal reasoning tests

Begin Barclays SHL Practice

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Barclays use Arctic Shores?

There is no verified evidence that Barclays uses Arctic Shores. The best-documented current evidence, detailed candidate reports from around February 2026, points to SHL reasoning tests, covering numerical and verbal reasoning alongside situational or behavioural questions. Barclays does not publish its assessment vendor, so confirm the exact format with your recruiter once you are invited.

Will I be asked to complete a Cappfinity strengths assessment?

Possibly, depending on the programme. Cappfinity was reported as part of Barclays' assessment process in earlier recruitment cycles and may still appear for some programmes. If your invitation names Cappfinity or describes a strengths-based questionnaire, that earlier format is what to expect; CogniPrep's Cappfinity practice covers it.

What does Barclays look for in the results?

Barclays uses assessment results, alongside the rest of your application, to identify candidates with the reasoning ability to work accurately under time pressure and whose responses to situational questions align with the role. Barclays does not publish pass marks or cut-scores.

Continue Preparing for Barclays

Practice the tests themselves

  • SHL practice testsThe most widely used aptitude tests globally - numerical, verbal, inductive, and deductive reasoning.
  • Barclays prep packUnlock every provider this employer is known to use in one purchase.
  • All practice testsEvery provider we cover, from game-based assessments to aptitude tests.

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