Other methods of assessment
When you look through the list below, you should be able to work out what you are most likely to encounter. Of course, it’s always better to know in advance exactly what to expect.
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Written exercises
These tasks are used to test your written communication skills and attention to detail (including use of grammar and spelling). Usually, you will be given a set amount of time to write, for example, a short report based on information provided. Do not expect access to spell checkers, the Internet or Artificial Intelligence.
Logic-based tests
These are used to assess how well candidates think critically, solve problems and identify patterns under pressure. Rather than testing specific knowledge, these assessments evaluate reasoning ability and mental agility. Below are some common forms of logic-based tests:
Numerical sequence tests: Where you identify the rule or pattern governing a series of numbers and use it to determine the next value in the sequence. For example, identify ? in this sequence is 2, 4, 8, 16, ?. (The questions will almost certainly be tougher than this example.)
Diagrammatic reasoning tests: Where you identify patterns or sequences in shapes and symbols.
Verbal logic tests: Where you evaluate written statements for truth or consistency.
Technical assessments
Companies use these assessments to ensure candidates have the foundational skills required to succeed in a technical apprenticeship. Below are some examples:
Coding: For a software engineering or data science apprenticeship, a candidate might be given a simple coding problem to solve. This could involve writing a short script to sort a list of numbers, manipulate text or perform a basic calculation. You may be paired with another candidate. The company is less interested in the perfect solution and more in the candidate's logical thinking and approach to problem-solving.
Practical tasks: An aspiring civil engineer could be given a small design problem, such as calculating the load- bearing capacity of a simple structure or sketching a solution to a logistical issue.
Data analysis: A candidate for a data analyst or an accountancy apprenticeship might be given a spreadsheet or dataset and asked to use a specific formula to find an anomaly or create a simple chart to visualise a trend.
Skills tests
Aside from the skills tests I’ve listed above, you may be asked mental maths questions (e.g. 13 x 13) or to use a standard software package (e.g. Excel).
Portfolio review
In certain creative fields, such as architecture or graphic design, you may be asked to present your portfolio. In some respects, your thought process and journey is more important than your finished work. Your assessor will also be interested in your influences.
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