The ability tests available here can be used to help you:

• understand more about your strengths and how these might shape your career and personal choices;
• practise and improve your test-taking skills.

Tests like these are widely used by employers for both selection and staff development.  They are particularly useful because they:

• give everyone an equal opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities;
• show employers how you are likely to perform in a job, particularly if you have no previous experience of the job;
• give you feedback as to whether the job is really for you.

What will I need to do?

The ability tests look at your ability to work quickly and accurately under timed conditions.  To do your best you will need to:

• take the tests in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed;
• allow between 20 and 25 minutes for each test;
• have some scrap paper to make notes or do any calculations, but you should not use calculators;
• try to remain motivated throughout the test and do your best – the more you put in, the more accurate your results and the more you will get out of the experience.

Understanding your scores

The ability test reports contain information about how to interpret your scores.  To put your scores into context they are compared against a large group of people who have previously taken the test.  Because of this, your scores will only be valid if you complete the tests under appropriate conditions.

Using your results

You can use the results from the ability tests in a number of ways.

Practise for taking tests when going for a job:

• there is no better preparation than taking tests under timed conditions;
• the Reasoning Skills Tests reports have tips for how you can improve you test-taking skills
• read the report carefully and practise some of the abilities suggested;
• take the tests again after a few months and try to apply what you have learnt.

Career guidance:

• knowledge of abilities are important for making career decisions as you are generally happier doing what you are good at.

Applying skills:

• the Reasoning Skills Tests and Memory and Attention Test may show you to have abilities outside of your current areas of work or course of study – think about how you could apply these abilities;
• plan to develop any areas the tests have shown you need to work on – particularly those that may be important for areas you want to work in.