Clifford Chance Watson Glaser Test Practice

Two online tests, in a fixed order

Clifford Chance’s London how we hire page sets out the sequence. You apply, the firm emails you a practice version of its Immersive Online Assessment, and then the live one follows by email. Once that is done you are sent the Watson Glaser. Each test has its own four-day window, weekends included, and the deadline for both arrives by email after you submit your application.

The Watson Glaser at Clifford Chance

The firm describes its Watson Glaser as testing your ability to draw inferences, recognise assumptions, make deductions, interpret information and evaluate arguments. Those are the five question types of the Watson Glaser practice hub, one practice test each. Clifford Chance does not publish a pass mark, and nothing on its pages says how the score is weighed against the rest of your application.

For the reasoning behind the question types, rather than the drills, read our guide to critical thinking tests.

The Immersive Online Assessment is the firm’s own

Clifford Chance says the first test was shaped by research across its global network and built around the skills most strongly linked to success as a trainee. It names no outside supplier, and we have found no vendor page that claims it. We do not sell a copy of it, and we would rather say so than relabel something else. The practice version the firm emails you after applying is the only rehearsal that matches it.

The elements it lists still overlap with formats you can prepare for. The critical thinking part draws on the same skills as the Watson Glaser. Behavioural strengths and motivation tend to be judged through scenarios, so our guide to situational judgement tests is a sensible warm-up, and the error checking guide covers attention to detail.

Which route you are on changes what follows

The Challenge’s targetjobs listing adds one detail that matters: the early talent team reviews your application form only if you pass the Watson Glaser. Applications for this year closed on 19 October 2026, with a virtual session on 17 November and in-person days on 19 and 20 November at the firm’s Canary Wharf office. Legal Cheek reported in September 2026 that the pilot has 30 places. The Newcastle apprenticeship intake for September 2026 had six places and closed on 15 February 2026; check the careers site for the next round.

On the assessment day

Both the Training Contract and SPARK days follow the same shape: a case study that feeds a combined case study and competency interview, a written task built on the same case, and a group exercise. The competency half rewards structured examples, and our guide to the STAR method is a good place to build them. Clifford Chance also uses RARE’s Contextual Recruitment System, which reads your academic results in the context of your background.

Frequently asked questions

Does Clifford Chance use the Watson Glaser?

Yes. Its own London recruitment page names the test and gives its length: 40 questions in 30 minutes, completed within four days of the invitation.

Can I use AI in the online tests?

No. The firm states plainly that the use of AI is not permitted in the Watson Glaser.

Will Clifford Chance see my practice attempts?

Not the ones on its own practice tests. The firm says you can take them as many times as you like and that those attempts are for your preparation only.

Does SPARK lead to a Training Contract?

It can. Clifford Chance says successful completion may lead to an invitation to interview for a Training Contract, which is an interview, not an offer.

Are your tests the real Clifford Chance tests?

No. They are independent practice questions written to the published Watson Glaser format. They contain no real test items and are not supplied, reviewed or endorsed by Clifford Chance or by Pearson TalentLens, which publishes the Watson Glaser.