8 March 2023
Everything You Need to Know about Apprenticeship Aptitude Tests
Firstly, what is an apprenticeship aptitude test?
Before getting accepted onto an apprenticeship, candidates are required to pass an apprenticeship aptitude test. An aptitude test is a test designed to measure a candidate’s cognitive intelligence and ability to handle certain tasks.
The purpose of apprenticeship aptitude tests is to guarantee that potential apprentices have the qualifications and skills needed to complete the job. Aptitude tests vary in format and content from apprenticeship to apprenticeship.
That being said, the most common aptitude tests are verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning and abstract reasoning.
What format do they come in?
Aptitude tests are usually computer-based multiple-choice exams given under time constraints. These tests can be completed from the comfort of your own home, at an assessment centre, or at an employer’s office.
If they are taken at home, they are usually repeated in person when you go in for a face-to-face interview.
What to expect during the apprenticeship application process?
Depending on the sector you are going into, you will likely face a different combination of aptitude tests – apprenticeships require skills in various areas. Here is a list of some of the most common apprenticeship aptitude tests you may encounter:
- Numerical Reasoning Test – Assesses your ability to perform basic mathematical functions. You will be required to solve basic word problems and apply mathematical concepts to them.
- Verbal Reasoning Test – Extremely common as a prerequisite for many apprenticeships, this assessment asks questions related to vocabulary and text analysis. You will need to identify analogies, fill in the blanks and define words.
- Personality Test – An extremely popular tool that gives your future employer a better idea of your personality. This helps employers evaluate whether your character traits match those required for the position.
- Situational Judgement Test (SJT) – An SJT will present you with different work-related scenarios and assess how you respond to each one.
- Mechanical Comprehension Test – Usually given to those going into engineering, mechanical, manufacturing and energy apprenticeships. It measures your understanding of basic mechanical principles.
- Spatial Reasoning Test – Measures your spatial awareness. It presents various shapes and patterns and requires you to identify the relationship between them.
- Diagrammatic Reasoning Test – Uses diagrams and other non-verbal information to evaluate your logic and reasoning.
- Error Checking Test – A technical test that measures your ability to review documents and spot mistakes.
Which test providers offer apprentice aptitude tests?
Saville Consulting uses the Swift Comprehension Aptitude Test for a variety of apprenticeships: engineering, manufacturing, construction, and customer service. Would-be law or accounting apprentices may face the Saville Swift Aptitude Test too.
CEB’s SHL is one of the largest testing companies which offers various apprenticeship aptitude tests. The Verify Calculation test is given to those applying for administrative and clerical apprenticeships.
The Verify Mechanical Comprehension test is given to those applying for manufacturing or engineering apprenticeships.
Cut-e has also developed a series of aptitude tests for trainee and apprenticeship jobs.
These apprenticeship aptitude tests may include aspects of any or all of the following subjects: numeracy, literacy, deductive reasoning, spatial thinking, short-term memory, and technical understanding.
How can I prepare?
Depending on your apprenticeship, you will likely encounter a variety of different aptitude tests. So it’s important to do your research in advance and find out as much as you can about the test/s you will face.
Each apprenticeship application uses the services of a different assessment company, and each provider has its own test format, questions, and instructions for its aptitude tests.
Luckily, you will probably receive a clue about the assessment in the invitation for the test. There is usually a link to the test itself!
If you are still uncertain about which aptitude test/s you are going to take, don’t be afraid to ask. It’s important to make sure you prepare using practice materials similar to the actual exam.
Check out JobTestPrep’s apprenticeship aptitude test preparation pack. It includes verbal, numerical, error checking, spatial, mechanical, and diagrammatical reasoning practice tests, as well as seven study guides and twelve video tutorials.
Best of luck, candidates! You are already on your way to landing your dream apprenticeship.
This article was contributed by Jennifer Feldman. She is a speech and language expert and blogger at JobTestPrep.
