5 TIPS FOR PASSING NUMERICAL REASONING TESTS
TIP #1 – Practice really does improve your skills. More than any other aptitude assessment, numerical reasoning can be improved the most through practice. If you struggle with maths, take a step back and learn why something works the way it does. When you get comfortable at that level move on to slightly more complicated maths questions. You can always take a step back. Understanding the foundation of maths and the different question types are essential. That is why you should always practice questions that provide a full explanation to how the answer was reached.
TIP #2 – Numerical reasoning tests are designed to put you under pressure through strict timed conditions. On average you will get 45-60 seconds to answer a question. This is why you must master the basic numerical approaches to maths questions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and be able to work out percentages, currency conversion, and get used to interpreting data. Most numerical reasoning tests are multiple-choice. This means if you practice and get a good understanding of basic maths, you can use estimation to choose the most logical answer if needed. This can be the difference in getting a few extra marks towards a pass!
TIP #3 – Learn your test provider and research the question types you will likely face. Some test providers will ask questions in a simple form, such as “Solve the following maths problem. 4² − 3² + 12 × 1.5 = ___” Whereas other test providers will ask the same question but buried in a block of text, giving the numbers context. Although the question ultimately remains the same, having more data to interpret can make word-based maths questions a lot harder for most people.
TIP #4 – Over prepare. There is a saying that “you can never be too prepared” and this is very true with numerical reasoning questions. If you know what style of maths questions you will face, prepare for harder style questions. This will make your actual test day feel a lot easier and take away some of the pressure. In addition, this will prepare you for any potential nasty surprises if the test is harder on the day – it is well known that sometimes test providers will send candidates preparation packs that are actually a lot easier than the actual test.
TIP #5 – Data interpretation questions are often the best question types to prepare with when you know you have a numerical reasoning assessment coming up. Why? Because Data Interpretation questions get you using a variety of maths calculations such as addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, percentages etc., and they also assess a wide variety of attributes such as detection of the question type, understanding data, deduction, and logical thinking.
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