Numerical tests for graduate engineering jobs
A degree in engineering can demonstrate your expertise in dynamics and calculus but employers want to know that you can meet the basic mathematical requirements. Numerical tests are a good way of doing this.
Who uses numerical reasoning tests? At what stage in the process?
Among the leading engineering employers featured in the TARGETjobs employer insights, a number specifically mention that they conduct numerical reasoning tests as part of the graduate recruitment process. These include:
- Airbus numerical test: psychometric tests are conducted online, if an applicant's initial application is successful, and include numerical skills, among others
- Babcock numerical test: graduates who pass the online application stage are then asked to complete online psychometric tests; these include numerical reasoning tests
- BP numerical test: likewise, those who succeed at the online application stage are given online tests, which include numerical reasoning
- E.ON numerical test: numerical reasoning is one of a number of skills tested for online, following on from the online application stage
- Jaguar Land Rover numerical test: numerical reasoning is initially tested for online, along with other skills, after the online application stage. These tests are then repeated at the assessment centre
- Network Rail numerical test: again, online testing follows the online application stage. These are situational judgement tasks (ie those that ask the candidate what they would do in a given situation) but are likely to include numerical elements
- npower numerical test: online numerical reasoning tests are conducted after the application stage
What the tests involve
Numerical reasoning tests your interpretation of numbers, charts and graphs: you may be asked to read data from a statistical table or solve problems using percentages, fractions or ratios. For all questions basic arithmetic is essential. Unless you are asked to do a technical case study, basic GCSE maths will be more useful for numerical tests than the advanced maths you have tackled for your degree.
Basic GCSE maths will be more useful for numerical tests than the advanced maths you have tackled for your degree.
Most numeracy tests are multiple-choice with up to ten possible options and only one definite right answer. A typical test might take about 30 minutes for 30 questions and will be carried out under exam conditions. Tests without a time limit become more difficult as you go on and are designed to see how many questions you can possibly answer.
Practice numerical tests
Practice tests are a great way to brush up your numeracy skills. Even if you’re confident that your maths is up to scratch it is definitely worth familiarising yourself with the format and timing of a typical numeracy test. Your careers service may hold testing sessions and have books and leaflets that you can take away.
During the test
Ask questions at the beginning if you’re unsure about anything. Don’t spend too long on any one question – if it’s taking you ages, move on. Read the questions carefully and check back over them if you have time at the end. Most numeracy tests are designed so that candidates rarely finish in the time given.
How test results are used in decision-making
Employers who use tests at the beginning of the application process are likely to make their decision based largely on your score, while those who test at the end are likely to use your score to supplement information they have already gathered. In the second case, you may be able to compensate for a low test score with an impressive interview or a high score in another aptitude test.