Everything You Need to Know about Apprenticeship Psychometric Tests

Once you’ve applied for an apprenticeship, you may be asked to do an aptitude or psychometric test.

This may be quite unfamiliar to you, so we’ve put this guide together with everything you need to know.

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What's an Apprenticeship Psychometric Test? Behavioural and Aptitude Tests Types of Psychometric Tests How to Prepare

What is a psychometric test?

Before getting accepted into an apprenticeship or even within the interview process, candidates may be required to pass an apprenticeship psychometric test. A psychometric test is designed to measure a candidate’s cognitive intelligence and ability to handle certain tasks.

The purpose of these tests is to guarantee that potential apprentices have the qualifications and skills needed to complete the job. They can vary in format and content from apprenticeship to apprenticeship.

That being said, the most common psychometric tests are verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning and abstract reasoning.

Psychometric tests: Behavioural and Aptitude

An aptitude test is a type of psychometric test. You may have also heard of behavioural tests. Again, they are a type of psychometric test. We have outlined them below to help you understand.

Behavioural Tests

These come in the form of personality tests which are there to determine what makes you tick. Your interests, your values and how you’ll fit in with the wider team. Some examples of these include situational judgment and emotional intelligence.

Aptitude Tests

These tests are all about your skills and how you’re able to demonstrate them. They’ll largely reveal to employers how you work. Some examples of aptitude tests include data analysis, verbal reasoning and error checking.

Types of Psychometric Test

Depending on the sector you are going into, you will likely face a different combination of psychometric 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.

Click here to access JobTestPrep's website, where you'll find examples and practice papers for all of the above tests.

What format do they come in?

Psychometric 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 apprenticeship interview.

How can I prepare?

Depending on your apprenticeship, you will likely encounter a variety of different 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 psychometric 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 tests 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.

Best of luck, candidates! You are already on your way to landing your dream apprenticeship.

This article was contributed by Jennifer Feldman, a speech and language expert.