KPMG Assessment Practice
Comprehensive preparation guide for KPMG's multi-stage online assessment
Assessment Time
90 min
Complete in one sitting
Providers Used
Cappfinity + Arctic Shores
Embedded within one platform
Difficulty
Moderate
Practice strongly recommended
About KPMG's Recruitment Process
KPMG's UK graduate recruitment uses a multi-stage online assessment delivered through the Cappfinity platform. The primary assessment is called "Transforming Small Businesses", a 28-question untimed test (KPMG recommends 90 minutes) that combines situational judgement, numerical reasoning, and personality strengths questions. Arctic Shores game-based tasks are embedded within this process as behavioural assessments measuring cognitive abilities and personality traits. Subsequent stages include a "Delivering Outcomes" strengths and SJT assessment, a "Critical Thinker" stage, the LaunchPad assessment centre, and a final partner interview.
Assessment Components
Cappfinity: Transforming Small Businesses
The core stage. 28 questions blending situational judgement, numerical reasoning, and strengths-based responses. Untimed but KPMG recommends completing it in one 90-minute sitting. Questions are presented in a business scenario context.
Arctic Shores Games
Game-based behavioural tasks embedded within the KPMG online process, measuring cognitive processing speed, risk management, working memory, and decision-making. These are the same interactive games used by other Arctic Shores employers.
Cappfinity: Delivering Outcomes
A subsequent stage covering a strengths profile, personality assessment, and video submission. KPMG uses this to assess alignment with their values: integrity, excellence, courage, together, and for better.
KPMG Roles Using This Assessment
Graduate Programmes
- Audit
- Tax
- Consulting
- Deal Advisory
Experienced Hire
- Technology Consulting
- Risk Consulting
- Business Services
- Financial Services
Top Tips
Prepare for both Cappfinity and Arctic Shores
The KPMG process requires two different types of preparation. Practise the situational judgement and numerical reasoning components of Cappfinity, and separately practise the Arctic Shores game-based tasks. CogniPrep covers both providers.
Don't rush Transforming Small Businesses
This stage is untimed. KPMG recommends 90 minutes but you can take longer. Read each scenario carefully and respond deliberately. Rushing produces superficial answers that score poorly on both the SJT and strengths dimensions.
Don't try to game the results
Both Cappfinity and Arctic Shores capture patterns across many questions. Inconsistent responses are flagged. Respond naturally and let your genuine traits come through.
Prepare for the full multi-stage process
The online assessment is one part of a long process. Budget time to also prepare for the video submission, LaunchPad assessment centre, and partner interview stages.
Start Practicing for KPMG Today
Practice Cappfinity strengths tests and Arctic Shores games in one place
Begin KPMG Assessment PracticeFrequently Asked Questions
Does KPMG use Cappfinity or Arctic Shores?
Both. The primary Transforming Small Businesses assessment is Cappfinity. Arctic Shores game-based tasks are also embedded within KPMG's online process as behavioural assessments. CogniPrep covers both providers so you can practise the full process.
How long is the KPMG online assessment?
KPMG recommends setting aside 90 minutes for the Transforming Small Businesses stage alone. The full multi-stage online process, including Delivering Outcomes and Critical Thinker stages, spans several weeks.
Can I retake KPMG's assessment?
Generally you need to wait 6-12 months before reapplying. KPMG's policy can vary by programme, so check directly with their recruitment team for the latest guidance.