Welsh Government EnglishCymraeg

Assessment preparation

Assessment tests are used during job interviews to help employers learn more about you and see if you have the right skills and abilities for the job. There are different types of assessments and tests.

Types of assessments

Assessment tests can take place online, at an assessment centre or place of work. Assessment tests are also known as:

  • Aptitude tests – these are designed to measure how you perform at tasks and how you react to situations. They explore things like your:
    • Numerical and verbal reasoning
    • Problem-solving skills
    • Logical thinking
  • Personality tests – they assess a person’s behavioural style and qualities like:
    • How you work best
    • Your team compatibility
    • If you're an introvert or extrovert

Start exploring what type of person you are by doing the Buzz Quiz.

  • Psychometric tests – these tests cover aptitude and personality and include:
    • Behavioural styles
    • Emotional intelligence
    • Cognitive abilities
  • Selection tests – usually used during a hiring process to evaluate how suitable a person is for the role and may include:
    • Job simulations
    • Skills assessments
    • Judgement tests

Some other examples of tests might include the employer testing your:

  • Maths skills - how you work with numbers
  • English skills - how you write, speak and understand English
  • Welsh skills – for some jobs in Wales, Welsh is essential or desirable. Find out more about Welsh language – a valuable skill for work
  • Practical assessments – how you perform in a specific task that’s key for the role you’re applying for
  • Situational judgement - you are given a scenario and asked to describe what action you took, and what the result was

Some of these tests are also timed, which means you need to complete them within a set time limit.

University assessments

Admission tests are used to help universities select candidates with most potential.

Cambridge and Oxford universities use admissions tests. University College London will introduce admissions tests for 2026 entry on mathematics and social science programmes using The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA).

These assessments focus on assessing if candidates have the range of mental abilities and behavioural attributes required for a career.

Some university degrees will expect students to sit assessment tests. Degrees like medicine, law, engineering and mathematics. Find out more on UCAS University admissions tests.

Prepare for selection tests and assessments

It’s important to prepare before any tests. It will help you feel confident and you’re likely to perform better. Before the test you should:

  • Practise as much as possible on free practice tests. Look at the general and job specific examples on this page
  • Plan when best to take the test. If possible, take the test when you are rested and have no distractions

Remember, if you have additional learning needs or specific requirements you can ask the employer to make reasonable adjustments for you, for example, allowing you extra time to complete the assessment.

During the test:

  • Read the instructions carefully and make sure you understand them. Double-check instructions to ensure you have not missed anything
  • Make sure you know how long you have to do the test before you start. If it is timed, set a timer or have a clock where you can see it
  • Don’t rush, take your time to avoid making mistakes. Manage your time – if you get stuck move to the next question
  • Make sure to take the test in a place where you won’t be interrupted or distracted
  • Make sure you have the equipment you need. It might be a calculator, pens, paper or a dictionary. Check what the guidelines say about what you are allowed within the test

Online assessments

If you have an online assessment, make sure that you:

  • Have a good internet connection
  • Have the right web links and log in details (if needed)
  • Are in a quiet place with no distractions
  • Allow enough time to do the test to the best of your ability

Job interview assessments

Selection tests can be part of the job interview. In addition to preparing for the job interview you may also need to get prepared to attend an assessment centre.

If your assessment is part of an interview or at an assessment centre, make sure that you:

  • Know where the venue is
  • Arrive with plenty of time to spare
  • Make a good impression – your reactions and behaviour are being observed at all times not just during the test

For extra practical advice about online job interviews visit video and telephone interviews.

General practice tests

Some examples of general practice tests include:

Job specific practice tests

Some examples of job specific practice tests include:

Interview techniques

Find out how to do a good interview using the STAR technique, get interview advice and preparation tips.  

Video and telephone interviews

Get help to prepare for video and telephone interviews. Preparing for video and telephone interviews is as important as it is for face to face interviews.

Going to university

How to apply, including UCAS deadlines, attending open days, student finance and clearing.