FAQ

Common questions

Short, straight answers. For test-specific questions (SHL timing, CCAT calculator rules…), see the provider pages.

The tests

How long is a numerical reasoning test?

Typically 15–35 minutes. Per-question time varies hugely by publisher: roughly 60–90 seconds on data-interpretation tests like SHL or Saville, under 20 seconds on speed tests like the CCAT or Wonderlic.

Can you use a calculator?

Depends on the test. SHL, Saville, Talent Q and cut-e generally allow one; CCAT, Wonderlic and PI Cognitive do not. Find your test on our provider pages to practise under the right policy.

What maths do I need?

School-level arithmetic: percentages, ratios, averages, rates, basic algebra. The difficulty is reading data fast and avoiding the built-in traps, not the maths itself.

Are wrong answers penalised?

Usually not — most tests have no negative marking, so guess rather than leave blanks. Adaptive tests work differently: difficulty adjusts to your performance.

How do I know which test an employer uses?

The invitation email usually names the publisher (SHL, Korn Ferry, Criteria…). If it doesn't, the format described — or a search for the employer's process — usually settles it. Our provider guides describe each format so you can recognise it.

Scoring

What's a good numerical reasoning score?

Above the employer's percentile cut-off — commonly somewhere between the 30th and 50th percentile for screening, higher for competitive roles. Aiming for the 70th percentile gives a safety margin. See the score guide for the full picture.

How does this site's scoring work?

Real raw scores, named weak areas, and percentiles only against a clearly labelled baseline with a visible sample size. We never invent percentiles or population numbers.

This site

Is the practice test really free?

Yes — 12 questions, instant score, no signup and no card. A free account adds your full breakdown, per-question review and daily practice.

What does premium include?

Everything: the full question bank with unlimited practice, infinite fresh drills, all publisher simulators at full length, all mock tests and every worked solution. One payment, lifetime access, no subscription.

Are your questions real test questions?

No — and be wary of any site claiming otherwise (real items are confidential and using them would be cheating). Our questions are original, generated to match each publisher's format, difficulty and timing.

Are you affiliated with SHL, Criteria or other publishers?

No. All publisher names are trademarks of their owners; we match published formats and timings but are independent of every test publisher.