SHL Practice Tests

Financial tables and charts. Each question asks you to extract a figure and perform a calculation, usually a percentage change, ratio, or total. A calculator is allowed. The challenge is reading the data accurately under time pressure, not the maths itself.

A short passage followed by a statement. You choose True (the passage supports it), False (the passage contradicts it), or Cannot Say (the passage neither supports nor contradicts it). Base your answer only on what is written, not your general knowledge.

A sequence of shape frames each following hidden rules (colour cycle, size change, rotation, position shift). You identify the rules and select the correct next frame from five options. Rules often operate simultaneously across multiple dimensions.

Two to four premises are given. A conclusion follows. You judge whether it Definitely Follows (forced by logic), Possibly Follows (consistent but not forced), or Does Not Follow. Ignore whether the conclusion sounds true in the real world and judge strictly from the premises.

A workplace scenario is described. Four or five response options are listed. You rate each option from 1 (Very Ineffective) to 5 (Very Effective). Your ratings are compared against an expert key aligned to the employer's competency framework. Higher alignment to the expert key means a higher score.

One hundred and four blocks of four statements. For each block you select the statement most like you and the statement least like you. There are no right or wrong answers. The output is a personality profile across 32 dimensions grouped into Relationships with People, Thinking Style, and Feelings and Emotions.

Which companies use SHL tests?

SHL tests are used by thousands of employers globally, including Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, EY, Accenture, NHS, Civil Service Fast Stream, Barclays, HSBC, Shell, and many more. They are a standard screen at almost every major UK and US employer.

How hard is the SHL numerical reasoning test?

The maths itself is GCSE level: percentages, ratios, percentage change. The difficulty is reading the correct data from a table or chart quickly under time pressure. With practice, most candidates can significantly improve their score.

What does "Cannot Say" mean in the verbal test?

"Cannot Say" means the passage provides neither enough evidence to say the statement is true nor enough to say it is false. It is the most commonly missed answer type because candidates over-infer from their general knowledge. Stick strictly to what the passage says.

Is there a pass mark for SHL tests?

Employers set their own cut-off score, typically around the 50th–75th percentile depending on role competitiveness. You are compared against a norm group, so your absolute score matters less than where it places you relative to other candidates.

How long are the SHL Verify tests?

Numerical: 18 questions in 17–25 minutes. Verbal: 30 questions in 19 minutes. Inductive: 24 questions in 24 minutes. Deductive: 18 questions in 20 minutes. Times vary slightly by employer configuration.