Aptitude Tests
Aptitude tests can knock you out early, so this page helps you know the format, practise smart, and avoid losing marks on preventable mistakes.
What & Why
- Aptitude tests are used by employers to assess skills like numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, abstract thinking, and situational judgement during the hiring process.
- These tests are common in graduate recruitment and may appear before interviews or show up again at the assessment centre.
- The good news: practice improves speed, accuracy, and confidence, especially when you train with realistic question types under time pressure.
Action Plan
1. Know what test you are taking
- Read the job posting and employer instructions carefully. Common formats include verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, abstract or diagrammatic reasoning, situational judgement, and game based assessments.
2. Practise the right way
- Do timed practice, not just untimed revision. Familiarity with question styles helps you move faster and make fewer mistakes.
3. Train for pressure
- These tests are designed to feel fast. Work out how much time you have per question, keep moving, and do not get stuck trying to perfect one answer.
4. Fix your weak spots
- Review your results after each practice round. If numerical questions slow you down, brush up on percentages, ratios, and fractions before your next attempt.
5. Set up properly on test day
- Use a quiet space, stable internet, and a laptop or desktop if possible. Read instructions carefully, complete the practice questions first, and keep a pen, paper, and calculator ready if allowed.
Free Practice Tools
Use the free university-provided platforms first. They are built for students, easy to access, and a better starting point than random test websites.
- Graduate First: Register with CityUHK email address to receive free access.
Pro Tips
- Read the question before the chart, table, or passage so you know what to look for.
- If you hit a hard question, make your best choice and move on. Losing time hurts more than missing one item.
- Answer honestly on personality style questions. These are about fit, not gaming the “right” answer.
- If you need more structure, practise with selection test resources before moving on to interviews and assessment centres.
Next Step
After this page, go to Self-Learning platforms to find out the platforms preparing yourself for the next stage of the selection process, not just the test itself.
