SHL General Ability is a psychometric assessment that measures an individual’s cognitive ability. It’s designed to assess an individual’s problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills, which are important for success in many different roles.
Exam Details
The general ability exam is a standard, multiple-choice exam. There are three main categories that questions will fall into:
- Deductive Reasoning – Tests your ability to use general information to come to a specific conclusion
- Inductive Reasoning – Assesses how well you can use specific information to come to a general conclusion
- Numerical Reasoning – Tests your ability to decipher word problems and statistical tables
While there are three different categories of questions, the exam will not be divided into sections. Instead, all of the questions will be mixed together. However, this does not mean the test is totally random, especially if you have taken practice tests beforehand. Most important to remember is that the difficulty level of the test is adaptive. Because it is an online exam, the difficulty of the questions will change based on whether you have answered previous questions correctly.
For the General Ability test, you will have only about 10 minutes to answer all of the questions — which means that each question should take only seconds to answer.
Exam Preparation
It is most important to practice in order to be successful on the general ability assessment, especially because there are multiple categories of questions and a tight time limit. The more you are exposed to example questions, the higher probability you will score high on this test.
The best way to expose yourself to these questions is by taking timed practice tests. Not only will investing in practice tests help acclimate you to the testing environment, but it will also help you quickly identify which areas you’ll need to improve upon.
SHL General Ability versions
SHL General Ability has several different versions, each of which is designed to measure different aspects of an individual’s cognitive ability. Here are some of the most commonly used versions:
- SHL Verify Ability Tests
SHL Verify Ability Tests are designed to measure an individual’s general cognitive ability. The tests are available in three versions: numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and inductive reasoning. Each test is timed and measures an individual’s ability to solve problems, make decisions, and understand complex information.
- SHL Verify Calculation Tests
SHL Verify Calculation Tests are designed to measure an individual’s ability to work with numbers and perform calculations quickly and accurately. The tests are available in two versions: numerical computation and data interpretation. Each test is timed and measures an individual’s ability to work with numerical data in a fast-paced environment.
- SHL Verify Interactive Tests
SHL Verify Interactive Tests are designed to measure an individual’s ability to solve problems and make decisions in a complex and dynamic environment. The tests are available in three versions: logical reasoning, situational judgment, and decision-making. Each test is timed and measures an individual’s ability to think critically and make sound decisions.
- SHL Verify Professional Tests
SHL Verify Professional Tests are designed to measure an individual’s ability to work in a professional environment. The tests are available in two versions: verbal analysis and numerical analysis. Each test is timed and measures an individual’s ability to understand complex information and make decisions based on that information.
| Assessment Version | Topics Covered | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| SHL Verify Ability Tests | Numerical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Inductive Reasoning | 25-30 minutes per test |
| SHL Verify Calculation Tests | Numerical Computation, Data Interpretation | 10 minutes per test |
| SHL Verify Interactive Tests | Logical Reasoning, Situational Judgment, Decision-Making | 15-20 minutes per test |
| SHL Verify Professional Tests | Verbal Analysis, Numerical Analysis | 20-25 minutes per test |
Overall, each version of the SHL General Ability assessment is designed to measure different aspects of an individual’s cognitive ability. By using the right version of the assessment for a particular role, organizations can ensure that they’re measuring the right skills and abilities in their candidates.
