Some companies run a series of extended selection procedures, often called assessment centres, each lasting one or two days (sometimes longer).

Usually, these are after the first round of interviews and before the final selection but they can also be used as part of an initial selection process.

Assessment centres typically include a number of elements:

• Social/informal events
• Information sessions
• Tests and exercises

You will find more information on what to expect from:

• Prospects - information about typical tests and exercises
• TARGETjobs - a guide to assessment centres and what to expect

You can Download Practice Papers - from Psychometric Success. There are a range of practice papers available covering:

1. Numerical ability
2. Verbal ability
3. Abstract reasoning
4. Technical ability
5. Clerical ability

Have a go at some different practice tests to find out which areas you need to work on before attending an assessment centre or taking any tests. For some companies you will be ask to take an online test prior to the assessment day or interview for which a link will be provided.

• Assessment Centre HQ - includes company specific tests such as KPMG and PwC but please note that some of these tests are not free to use
• Candidate Talent - free psychometric practice tests
• Graduates First - I struggle with aptitude tests, how can I improve?
• Making Moves - a sample of different tests (free)
• Practice Aptitude Tests - for graduates and other job applicants
• SHL Tests - practice assessment centre tests online
• Psychometric Institute - offers online practice tests
• 123test - free practice tests including career, competency, IQ and team role tests

The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal is used in educational and business settings such as leading global law firms, Hogan Lovells and Linklaters. You can take their practice tests online:

• Hogan Lovells
• Linklaters
• PWC

JobTestPrep provides a wide range of psychometric tests including numerical, verbal, abstract and diagrammatic reasoning. It also offers practice Situational Judgement and Personality Tests as well as help for Assessment Centres.

Free practice tests from JobTestPrep are available:

• Aptitude and Personality Test
• Numerical Reasoning Test
• Verbal Reasoning Test
• Top employers' practice aptitude tests

Disabled Candidates - for disabled candidates, there may be multiple challenges when completing a psychometric test. This could mean you are unable to complete these tests to the best of your ability, without adjustments. AGCAS (Association of Graduate Careers Services) have produced a guide that provides advice and guidance to ace that test!

Psychometric tests - a guide for disabled candidates [PDF]

BBC Bitesize provides GCSE Maths resources which may help students to brush up on their maths skills before taking numerical tests: BBC Bitesize GCSE Maths