When applying for a job, it is common to have to sit a test of some degree that helps the employer assess further if you're a good match for the role and company, with the right amount of skills and knowledge.
One of the most popular assessments businesses use is the SHL General Ability Test (Verify G+).
This article will look at the Verify G+ test, its purpose, examples of questions and tips on taking the test.
What Is the SHL General Ability Test?
The name SHL General Ability Test comes from the company that developed the test - SHL.
This company creates and publishes psychometric tests for employers to evaluate potential candidates. Psychometric tests consist of verbal and numerical reasoning, focusing on accuracy and speed.
It's one of the most popular recruitment tests in the UK.
The test is taken electronically, with two different test versions, they are:
During the test, you can drag and drop content, draw lines or connect figures together.
This test is also adaptive, which means the more questions answered correctly, the harder the questions become. Alternatively, if questions are answered incorrectly, the test will become easier.
There are 36 minutes given to answer 24 questions, including:
This test is not interactive or adaptive, and as the name states, the questions require choosing from multiple-choice answers.
There are roughly 30 questions:
What Is the SHL General Ability Test (Verify G+) Format?
The general ability tests vary slightly, depending on the format. The Verfiy G version covers three topics, they are:
The entirety of the test is 24 to 30 questions, and the person taking the test has 36 minutes.
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SHL General Ability Practice Test Examples (2024)
If you have received the request from potential employers to take the SHL General Ability Verify G test, there is the opportunity to do practice tests through online free test websites.
To give you an idea of the type of questions you may be given, there is one example for each section below.
Example QuestionPeter sold 70% of his produce in different market fairs during August. He sold the rest of the products on his website. Peter managed to sell 120 products less on the website than at market fairs.
What was the total number of products Peter sold?
a) 200
b) 250
c) 150
d) 350
e) 300
Which shape comes next?
Maria, Julia, Laura and Meredith work for the same company. There are three offices with two desk spaces in each.
Below are four statements:
Which of the following statements can NOT be possible?
a) Only one of the statements is true
b) Only two of the statements are true
c) Only three of the statements is true
d) All four statements are true
How Is the SHL General Ability Test Scored?
It is good to know how the test is scored and to know what score to aim for. This helps with preparing for the test, knowing how much you need to get to pass.
Each section is scored separately, and then an overall score is given, which is generated with an average score.
The general rule is you need to score in the 80th percentile to pass the test. This means you score higher than at least 80% of the people who have taken the test and are testing for similar roles to you.
These roles are commonly split into four groups:
If you're applying for the supervisor role, and you scored higher than 80% higher than other people who were tested for supervisor roles, you will have passed and will be through to the next stage of the recruitment process.
If you fail the test, you will need to retake the test after the grace period. For most companies, the results are valid for one year.
When you have been told you will need to take the SHL ability, you're generally given just one week to prepare.
With this in mind, it is vital to use that time wisely. Here are some ideas for successfully preparing and passing the test.
Step 1 . Practice Online
There are many online sites that offer free practice questions for the test, and it's advised to look at these questions and practice under the time limit. This will give you not only an understanding of the test format but prepare you for the test leaving you less under pressure and more confident on the day.
Step 2 . Prepare for the Right Test
Perhaps before practising starts, it is imperative to ensure you are looking and preparing for the right test. As discussed above, there are different versions of the tests, so double-check the letter from the employer that states which test, and then triple-check the preparation for the right one.
Step 3 . Understand the Question Format and Types
This means ensuring you know how many questions there are in each section and how they are expected to be answered, whether it is multiple choice, for example.
Step 4 . Understand Your Strengths and Weaknesses
If there is one section where you're answering all the questions, but one where you're struggling, ensure to spend more time practicing the latter.
Step 5 . Rest Before the Test
Try to get a good night's sleep before the test, eat well and try not to be too busy the day of the test, so you're not tired.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are free tests online that can help someone prepare for the test. Ensure you know which type of SHL test you're doing to ensure you prepare properly.
The SHL general ability test is a psychometric test that many companies use as part of their recruitment process to ensure they employ the right candidate. It tests numerical, verbal and diagnostic skills.
The general role with SHL general tests is that if you score higher than 80% of the people who have taken the test for similar roles, you will pass.
The entirety of the test is 24 to 30 questions, and the person taking the test, with each section including eight to ten questions.
If you're applying for jobs, it could be likely that you're requested to take the SHL general ability test Verify G.
Though most of the time, it gives you just one week to prepare, there are many sites online that will help you do practice tests, giving lots of insight into the test.
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