Next Assessment Practice
Preparation guide for the online assessments Next uses to sift store and stockroom applicants
What the evidence shows
Clevry, the assessment company formerly called Criterion Partnership, publishes a case study on its work for Next. It describes "bespoke role-specific cognitive ability tests and personality questionnaires, alongside online scored application forms" for Sales Consultants and Stockroom Assistants, used "at the early application stage", with over 150,000 candidate assessments in a three-month peak recruitment period. Next also has its own branded portal on Clevry's candidate platform, Psycruit.
The important word is bespoke. Clevry built these tests for Next, around Next's company values, so nobody outside the two companies knows the items. What you can practise is the Clevry format the tests are delivered in, and the kinds of reasoning a retail role needs.
Where the assessment sits in the process
- An online application, which Next scores
- The online assessments, straight after applying
- An interview or assessment session in store for those who progress
Next Roles With This Process
Store and Seasonal
- Sales Consultant
- Stockroom Assistant
- Christmas and peak-season temporary roles
Top Tips
Apply early for peak season
The case study describes a three-month recruitment peak running into Christmas. The volume is high and the assessments come at the first stage, so an early application and a prompt completion both help.
Practise the format, not the items
Clevry's platform shows questions in pages and will not let you move on until every question on a page is answered, with no way back. Our Clevry practice tests use the same rule, and the Essential and Enhanced levels are the closest to store roles.
Answer the personality questions as you are at work
There are no right answers on a personality questionnaire, and Clevry's are built to notice over-flattering or inconsistent answers. Describe how you usually behave at work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Next use Clevry?
Yes, according to Clevry's own published case study, which describes bespoke ability tests and personality questionnaires for Next's sales and stockroom roles. The case study is undated, so treat the details as how the process has worked rather than a guarantee of what you will sit this year.
Can I get the Next test questions in advance?
No. The tests were built for Next, and nothing about their content is published. Practising the Clevry format and the underlying skills is the useful preparation.
Is the Next assessment timed?
The case study does not say. Clevry's ability tests are usually timed, with the limit shown on the instruction page before the clock starts, while its personality questionnaires are untimed.