Which test format is most common in UK graduate recruitment?

SHL tests are used by 70-75% of major UK employers. Korn Ferry is second (10-15%). Most candidates focus on SHL Verbal and Numerical first, then add Inductive (logic) tests if applying to consulting.

How much should I practise psychometric tests?

Numerical and Verbal: aim for 10-15 full tests under timed conditions. This is typically enough to improve speed and accuracy significantly. Abstract/Inductive: 5-10 tests. Many candidates see improvement between test 1 and test 5, then plateau.

Does practising on the actual platform improve performance?

Yes. Official platforms (SHL Direct) use the exact same interface and timing as real tests. This familiarity reduces test-day anxiety. Practising on clone sites is good, but on the actual platform is better.

Is SHL Direct worth £49.99 when AssessmentDay costs £19.99?

Only if you're targeting firms that exclusively use SHL. If you're applying to multiple firms, AssessmentDay gives better value. If you're targeting Goldman Sachs or J.P. Morgan specifically, SHL Direct is worth it.

What if I fail the psychometric test?

Most firms give candidates one chance. Some allow re-sits after 6-12 months. Failing is uncommon if you practise — most failures are due to time management or rushing, not lack of knowledge.

Can I improve my psychometric test score by practising?

Yes, substantially. Most candidates improve 10-20 percentile points between their first and fifth practice test. After test 10, gains are smaller unless you focus on specific weaknesses.

Are psychometric tests biased?

Research shows SHL and Korn Ferry tests have small cultural and education biases, but they're designed to be fair. Practising mitigates any unfamiliarity with test format.

Is JobTestPrep worth the extra cost over AssessmentDay?

Only if you're applying to firms globally or need video explanations for every test. For UK graduate schemes, AssessmentDay covers everything you need.

Honest Comparison · 2027

Best Psychometric Test Practice Tools 2027 — Compared

Honest comparison with real pros and cons. We acknowledge where competitors are better.

Quick verdict

TOP PICKIntervyo

Best all-in-one platform. Psychometric tests plus HireVue, CV, and case interview prep in one subscription.

SHL Direct

Best for authentic SHL tests. Official practice from the test publisher. Most expensive but highest authenticity.

AssessmentDay

Best value. Large library of tests (SHL, Korn Ferry, Watson Glaser) at low cost.

JobTestPrep

Largest test library globally. 1000+ tests, but some less relevant to UK firms.

Graduates First

Best for entry-level graduates. Clear explanations and relevant tests for UK graduate schemes.

Feature comparison

Tool	Features	Firms	Price
Intervyo	Numerical, verbal, abstract, plus HireVue, CV checker, case practice	40+ firms	£29.99/mo
SHL Direct	Official SHL Verbal Reasoning, Numerical, Inductive, Occupational, Deductive	All firms using SHL	£49.99
AssessmentDay	SHL, Korn Ferry, IBM, Microsoft, Saville, Watson Glaser, Situational Judgement	All major test publishers	£19.99/mo
JobTestPrep	1000+ tests across all major publishers	All	£59/mo
Graduates First	SHL, Korn Ferry, numerical, verbal, abstract, situational judgement	UK graduate schemes	£9.99-£19.99/mo

Detailed reviews

Intervyo

Intervyo combines psychometric test practice with HireVue, CV review, and case interview prep. It's the most integrated platform for UK graduate scheme applications.

Pros

All-in-one platform — no need for separate tools

AI-scored feedback on tests and interviews

Firm-specific test libraries

Free demo available

UK pricing and support

Includes HireVue and CV tools

Cons

Smaller psychometric library than JobTestPrep (200+ vs 1000+)

Newer platform with less established reputation

Test library grows over time

Best for: UK graduates applying to 2-3 specific firms and wanting integrated prep.

SHL Direct

SHL Direct offers official practice tests from the publisher of the most widely used graduate aptitude tests. It's the gold standard for authenticity.

Pros

Official SHL tests — most authentic practice available

Covers all SHL test types (Verbal, Numerical, Inductive, Deductive, Occupational)

Instant scoring and feedback

Used by 75%+ of UK graduate schemes

Cons

Expensive (£49.99 for limited practice)

No integration with other prep tools

Limited test variety — only SHL

No explanations for incorrect answers

Best for: Candidates applying specifically to firms that use SHL tests.

AssessmentDay

AssessmentDay provides a large library of tests from all major publishers at a reasonable price. It's the best value for broad test preparation.

Pros

Large library covering SHL, Korn Ferry, IBM, Microsoft, Saville, Watson Glaser

Affordable (£19.99/mo)

Free demo with full tests

Detailed explanations for all answers

Timer feature matches real test conditions

Cons

Less firm-specific targeting than Intervyo

No integration with interview or CV prep

Community forum is small compared to JobTestPrep

Best for: Candidates wanting broad test preparation across multiple test publishers.

JobTestPrep

JobTestPrep offers the largest library of psychometric tests globally (1000+). It's the most comprehensive option but can be overwhelming for beginners.

Pros

Largest test library (1000+ tests)

Covers all test publishers

Detailed video explanations

Study guides for each test type

Well-established platform

Cons

Expensive (£59/mo)

Less relevant to UK graduates — includes tests for non-UK firms

Overwhelming for candidates new to tests

No integrated interview or CV prep

Best for: Serious test-prep candidates applying to many firms globally.

Graduates First

Graduates First specialises in UK graduate recruitment. Its tests are relevant to major UK employers and come with clear, graduate-focused explanations.

Pros

Affordable (£9.99-£19.99/mo)

Focused on UK graduate schemes

Clear explanations targeted at graduates

Includes situational judgement tests

Free tier available

Good community and support

Cons

Smaller library than JobTestPrep

Less comprehensive than SHL Direct for specific test publishers

Limited to UK market

Best for: UK graduates preparing for entry-level graduate scheme tests.

Pricing comparison

Tool	Monthly	Annual	Free trial
Intervyo	£29.99	£199.99	Yes — full demo
SHL Direct	N/A	£49.99 (package)	No
AssessmentDay	£19.99	~£240	Yes
JobTestPrep	£59	£89	No
Graduates First	£9.99-£19.99	~£120-£240	Yes

Who each tool is best for

Intervyo

UK graduates applying to specific firms (investment banking, consulting) seeking integrated prep.

SHL Direct

Candidates applying specifically to firms using SHL tests.

AssessmentDay

Candidates wanting broad test coverage across all major publishers at affordable price.

JobTestPrep

Serious candidates applying to many firms and willing to invest in comprehensive prep.

Graduates First

UK graduates preparing for entry-level graduate scheme tests at low cost.

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