Try approaching your upcoming numerical reasoning test like a running race. You wouldn’t just turn up at the starting line and hope for the best, would you? Instead, you’d go out for training runs in the preceding weeks – starting with easy jogs then building up to faster sprints. On the race day you’d want to be rested, relaxed and in peak physical and mental condition. Putting in plenty of practice in the run up to your test should help you give a winning performance on your test day. So let’s get down to work!
Why should I practise?
Practising questions is proven to significantly improve your chances of passing a numerical reasoning test. Try to squeeze in as much advance practice as possible so that you can boost your confidence and keep a clear head on the day. Continually review what you have learnt during practice test sessions so that you use your time more effectively.
When should I practise?
First think about how much time you can spare for practising. Then set aside that time so you can conduct as many practice sessions as possible over a period of several weeks or months. Try to set aside a particular time of day when your mind is most alert.
I’d strongly advise against doing all your preparation in one huge hit. You will learn and retain much more if you undertake several practice sessions instead of one big one. At first it may seem as if you are only making small gains, but these small gains will soon add up to improved numeracy skills.
How much practice do I need?
That depends on why you are taking the test and your current skill level. Your numerical reasoning test may be a key to a new job or a new stage in your life. It is worth maximising your practice opportunities when your future is at stake.
The time required to improve your performance will vary between a few hours for those who are just a little bit rusty to several days for those who haven’t used their basic maths skills in a long time.
Where should I start?
If you don’t already know exactly what type of numerical reasoning test you will be taking, you should find out as your first step. Knowing what to expect on your test day will give you a big advantage, so learn as much as you can about the test you are going to take. Your recruiting organisation may send you practice material in advance of your test. This may be in the form of sample questions, either online or in printed format. The information should also outline why the test is being used in the process and – most importantly – the exact nature of the test that you will be taking on the day.
This practice opportunity levels the playing field and gives everyone a fair chance – particularly important for people who have not taken a numerical reasoning test before. If this material is not sent to you in advance, contact your prospective employer and ask for information about the test you are going to complete.
Before taking a practice test
- Identify a quiet place to work where you are unlikely to be disturbed. It is important to find an environment where you can work quietly and really concentrate.
- Clear away anything that may distract you before starting.
- Turn your mobile phone off.
- Have a clock or watch handy to time how quickly you work.
- Have plenty of scrap paper available to use.
During the practice test
Research has shown that most people’s concentration levels drop off after 40–50 minutes, so you should limit your practice session accordingly. Try to treat your practice session as a real test to help you get into the right mindset. This will help reduce any nerves on the test day.
Timekeeping techniques
It is essential to manage your time efficiently in the run-up to the test to ensure you fit in enough practice sessions. But how you use your time during the test is also extremely important, as during the real test you will be working under strictly timed conditions. You don’t necessarily need to finish the test in order to pass, but you do need a certain number of correct answers, so it is essential to pace yourself.
Right at the start of the test, work out roughly how long you should be spending on each question. Try to ensure that you do not spend longer than this as you work through the questions. Every 10 minutes or so, quickly check the time remaining against the number of questions that you have left to answer.
It is tempting to be overly cautious. Did the question really say that? What were the units again? You need to cultivate a focused technique that allows you to read the question, memorise what you’re being asked to do and then know when you have the required answer.
If you finish the test before the time is up use the remaining time to check your work or return to any questions that you could not answer.
A calculated risk
Many numerical reasoning tests allow you to use a calculator when completing them. On higher-level numerical reasoning tests there will certainly be many questions requiring the use of a calculator. However, don’t be tempted to use it on every single question. For time management reasons, only use a calculator if you are likely to make a mistake if you don’t use one.
After taking a practice test
- Circle any incorrect answers.
- Go through each answer explanation for those questions you got wrong.
Learn from your mistakes
Pay attention to any errors that you make throughout your practice session. This will help you learn where there are strengths and weaknesses in your numerical reasoning abilities. Are you still struggling with ratios? Or perhaps it’s percentages that you are having trouble with? Once you are aware of any weaknesses you can focus future practice sessions on this area.
Stretch yourself
Don’t just focus on practice questions that you can do quite easily – stretch yourself with harder questions. Undertake timed practice tests on a regular basis to get your brain used to working under pressure.
Common concerns
How do I know if I am improving?
Effective feedback is the key to improving your overall performance. After each practice session keep a record of how many questions you get right. Compare your performances so you can gauge your improvement over time.
Am I working at a steady pace?
Because most numerical reasoning tests are timed you need to be focused and alert. You obviously need to work accurately as there’s no benefit in getting questions wrong. But you also need to work briskly. Remember that someone who gets more questions wrong than you could actually get a better score, simply by also answering more questions correctly!
Am I avoiding careless mistakes?
If you find yourself making too many careless mistakes you clearly need to slow down. Yes, you need to work fast, but the key is to work at a pace that allows you to get questions right. It is also essential to read the question carefully to avoid sloppy mistakes, such as answering in the wrong unit of measurement.
Are any patterns emerging?
Look for trends. Do you tend to make more mistakes at the beginning of your practice session? This could be a consequence of nerves. You need to work on achieving a high level of focus as soon as you start work.
Are you making more mistakes near the end of your practice session? This could be because you are rushing the last few questions. You need to work steadily and maintain concentration throughout an entire test.
I’m not getting any better
Do you know why you are getting questions wrong? Learning from your mistakes is the key to improving. If you are unaccustomed to a particular type of question it makes sense to spend additional time familiarising yourself with them. Don’t assume that you can pass without learning how to answer that sort of question.
The questions are too difficult for me
In order to improve your score you need practice questions that mirror the difficulty level of the actual test you will be taking. The practice tests in Part II increase in difficulty, so start with the easiest questions and work your way up to the more challenging practice tests in subsequent chapters.
If you are finding even the easiest questions difficult it may be a sign that you need to go back to basics. For example, if you are guessing at questions involving percentages then you need to learn how percentages work. Do this before attempting any more practice questions.
Do
Don’t
 | Rely on one big practice session. Multiple practice sessions, limited to 40–50 minutes, will be more effective long term. |
| Make sloppy mistakes. Read the question and answer options carefully. |
| Go straight to the answers section without attempting to do the practice tests yourself. |
| Assume that you can pass the test by avoiding the types of question that you find most difficult. |
| Forget to double-check your answers if time permits. |