What is the SHL test? Sections and question types
By the TestPrep editorial team · Updated
The SHL test in short
The SHL test is the aptitude test employers send through the test publisher SHL. Its SHL Verify tests measure three kinds of reasoning: deductive (which statement must be true), inductive (which image comes next in a pattern) and numerical (working with tables, graphs and calculations).
Which parts you get depends on the employer and the role, so check your invitation. Below you find what each part asks, one worked example per part and how to prepare. TestPrep is not affiliated with SHL.
Try a sample question right away
This gives you an immediate feel for the question style and the value of the practice environment.
The three parts of SHL Verify
- Deductive reasoning: you get a few facts and decide which conclusion must be true. Only what is stated counts.
- Inductive reasoning: you see a series of images and pick the one that continues the pattern.
- Numerical reasoning: you answer questions using tables and graphs, with percentages, ratios and other calculations.
In SHL Verify Interactive you answer by dragging and dropping instead of choosing an option. The reasoning is the same.
Source: SHL's own description of its cognitive assessments.
One example per part
Deductive: which statement must be true?
All team leaders attend the Monday meeting. Sam does not attend the Monday meeting. Which statement must be true? A: Sam is a team leader. B: Sam is not a team leader. C: Sam attends on Tuesday.
Answer: B. If Sam were a team leader, Sam would attend. C may or may not be true; nothing says so.
Inductive: what comes next?
A square gains one dot each step (1, 2, 3 dots) and turns 90° clockwise each step. What does the fourth square look like?
Answer: four dots, turned another 90° clockwise. Check each rule separately: the count and the rotation.
Numerical: a calculation from a table
Sales were 240 units in the first quarter and 300 in the second. By what percentage did sales rise?
Answer: 25%. The rise is 60, and 60 divided by 240 is 0.25.
How to prepare for the SHL test
- Check your invitation for the parts you will get.
- Try SHL's own practice tests on SHL Direct, so you know the format.
- Practise each question type until you recognise it straight away.
- Then practise against the clock, and read the explanation of every mistake.
On the day
- Take the test somewhere quiet, with time to spare before the deadline.
- For deductive questions, use only the facts given, not what you know.
- For numerical questions, read the question first, then find the data you need.