That said, they are increasingly common for any role that involves a level of data interpretation or numerical analysis, including marketing and HR. You may be required to sit a numerical reasoning test if you’re applying for a job in a numeracy-based sector, such as finance or insurance. Candidates are required to work with graphs, tables and charts to identify key facts and figures, and apply the correct logic to form an answer in response to a worded question. General arithmetic, percentages, fractions and averages are all common elements of a numerical reasoning test, but its main focus is statistical information. Unlike standardised maths tests, which demonstrate a student’s ability to learn and apply mathematical techniques based on a set syllabus, numerical reasoning tests reflect how successfully a candidate can apply numerical understanding in a realistic context. They’re often used in conjunction with other psychometric tests, including verbal reasoning tests, personality tests and situational judgement tests. The test is usually timed with multiple-choice questions based on charts, tables or graphs.
A numerical reasoning test is a psychometric assessment that measures a candidate’s numerical aptitude and their ability to interpret, analyse and draw conclusions from data sets.
