How do numerical reasoning aptitude tests work?

What is the Numerical Reasoning Aptitude Test?

Numerical reasoning aptitude tests are developed to assess a candidate based on number operations, ranging from basic arithmetic to advanced level critical and logical reasoning. Numerical aptitudes are an integral part of aptitude class, where the number cognitive capabilities like arithmetic, number sequences, percentages, financial arithmetic, and data interpretation, are measured. These types of tests can be referred to as “number-smart”, and often categorized as “speed tests” since they are taken under a specific time allocation. These tests are designed to assess basic numeracy and do not allow the use of calculators.

The range of the test is diverse, as it can be used for the selection of different work-related job descriptions. This diversity ranges from high-level managerial positions to middle-level management positions to administrative and customer services, such as distribution and sales. 

What do Numerical aptitude tests measure?

The assessment is developed around the idea of the judgment of the candidate’s capability, to make number-based decisions without any sort of ambiguity. 

What are the test levels for the Numerical aptitude test?

Generically, a numerical aptitude test can be classified as low, middle and high-level tests, depending on what layer of management is to be selected.

The low-level administrators and customer service representatives are often tested for basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division), use of percentages, and basic financial arithmetic.

Middle-level management is often tested for basic concepts of arithmetic, percentages, financial arithmetic, number series (arithmetic, geometric, square, triangular, golden ratio etcetera) and some basic knowledge of graphical data representation.

The high-level numerical aptitude tests are used to assess candidates for key leadership and managerial position. Due to the critical importance of the role, these tests demand highly functioning cognitive thoughts and a thorough knowledge of arithmetic operations, percentages, number series, graphical data representation (graphs, histograms, control charts etcetera). The test strives to measure the thought process of the candidate, that can recognize logical patterns in data, interpret its significance and use that data to draw sound conclusions. High-level numerical reasoning aptitudes are designed so because, managers and leaders on top have to draw a roadmap for the future, so their ability to conclude numerical data is important for future trend projections and recognition of emerging patterns, that underlings are not able to see.

Who employs numerical aptitude tests?

Investment firms and banks, accountancy firms, and consultants majorly use numerical aptitude tests, for hiring purposes. They are used to assess candidates for the roles of managers (high, middle and low-level), distribution staff and sales personnel.

Types of numerical aptitude tests

As it is mentioned above, there are about a dozen of numerical aptitude tests available and each one of these, has been developed with a different set of the parameter in mind. For a candidate, it is highly recommended to do thorough research about the organization, job descriptions, and experiences shared by others who took the test. Also be aware that all the numerical aptitude tests have a time limit, so a candidate should practise more and more, timing himself, to get a better idea of how to do more.

We will do our best to shed light on all aspects of numerical tests, and what is to be expected on different levels of numerical aptitude tests.

Basic Numeracy or Numerical Literacy Tests

They are also referred to as basic math tests and cover the foundation concepts. The tests are designed to assess a candidate on the concept of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of numbers and fractions. It also assesses averages, decimals, and some key geometrical concept.

Almost all of the companies expect each desk job person to be numerical literate. These tests are simple, clear and concise, and are to be done within the allocated time frame.

Numerical Reasoning Tests

The concept of ‘Numerical reasoning” is broader than basic numerical literacy test and employ an advanced approach to assessment. This category can be classified as;

a) Word Problems

The concept of word problems is very sophisticated. The test is not only a numerical reasoning tool but also measures a candidate’s verbal efficiency. The statement of the question provides a verbal problem, with no illustrations. The statement contains all the necessary information, which points towards the solution of the problem, and a question within. The candidate has to figure out the problem and use the appropriate approach to solve the problem.

b) Number Series

The number series problems in a test are very common, and they are designed to look complicated, which in truth, they really are not. Number series are either picked from the existing number series already developed (rational number series, complex number series, arithmetic or geometric series, square series, cube series, Fibonacci series or Golden ration etcetera) or a statement is developed by certain governing logic. The candidate has to find logic and find the upcoming or missing number from the series. 

c) Ratios and Proportion

The test assesses the candidate’s knowledge of ratio and proportion, and the relationship of quantities about the degree of variation for different data types.

d) Financial Arithmetic

The numerical tests also employ financial calculation such as profit, loss, taxation and currency conversions. The tests often use a common approach, and employ unit conversions from one currency to other, using an exchange rate.

e) Graphs and Charts Interpretation

Graphs and charts are one of the most sophisticated approach, used by almost all major organizations to save time and keep an eye on progress keenly, by employing visual aid. A graph shows data w.r.t. certain variables. Another form of test can use tables, where the candidate has to conclude related data.

Now the most important thing, to be kept in mind is that all of these tests may use functions, percentages, decimals, and fractions all along. The development of these tests suggested focusing on a wide range of ideas, so stay prepared to be challenged while taking the numerical aptitude tests.

Sufficiency numerical aptitude tests

With the advancement of science and technology, there is a sudden rise in the specifically designed job description. The number of options has changed, and with this variation, came the concept of a better choice. To choose between two options requires the assessment of betterment.

Sufficiency tests present the candidate with two statements; both with a set of the specified data pool. It is to be decided,

1. What information is required?
2. Which option has sufficient data points?
3. Which statement can be used on its own?
4. Are both options helpful?
5. Does one of the two statements have enough information, on its own?

Advanced Numerical reasoning aptitude tests

Advanced Numerical reasoning aptitude tests are used for high-level applications of mathematical operations for analysis and data interpretation. These type of tests often do not have a limitation on the question statements and a candidate may have to think “out of the box” to keep up with the format of the test.

Also, these types of tests are often hard to characterize, but what they all seem to have in common is, the degree of accuracy and precision required for the solution of the tests.

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