How to Practice Free SHL Test Questions (With Sample Questions and Tips)
May 09, 2025
Employers always want to know that they’re hiring the best possible candidates for each and every available job opening. It’s increasingly common for employers to use assessments as part of their recruitment process.
SHL testing is commonly used across the world to assess potential recruits as part of employment processes for a vast array of businesses.
If you’re applying for a position with a company that commonly uses SHL testing to assess candidates, practice can help to improve your performance. By familiarizing yourself with the assessment and the skills recruiters are looking for, you’ll be able to tailor your approach to give yourself the best possible chance of success.
In this article, you’ll find tips and tricks to help you prepare for your SHL assessments, as well as information about the types of tests you might come across and sample questions to help familiarize you with the test format.
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What Is an SHL Test?
Produced by Saville & Holdsworth Ltd, SHL assessments are a range of psychometric assessments used by employers to evaluate and assess potential candidates as part of company recruitment processes.
In most cases, this will be after the initial application reviews have been completed, but before in-person or virtual interviews take place. The results of SHL assessments are used to identify individuals who are most likely to succeed in the role they have applied for and prove to be an asset to the employer.
With options like numerical and verbal tests to assess cognitive ability, as well as personality questionnaires and situational judgment tests for employers to choose from, SHL tests offer comprehensive evaluation of candidates.
This helps to streamline recruitment processes and highlights the most suitable potential employees for each and every available position.
Why Practice Free SHL Test Questions?
It’s a good idea to practice and prepare for any assessments you might face, but thorough preparation for the SHL assessments is particularly important.
Your performance in SHL assessments will directly impact the likelihood of progressing to the next stage of the recruitment process. Employers will only select the best candidates from a pool of potential recruits, and SHL scores are used as part of this selection process.
SHL tests will often have strict time limits, with the objective being to answer as many questions as possible within the allotted time.
By practicing and familiarizing yourself with the format of SHL assessments, you will be able to improve your speed and accuracy when answering questions.
It can also help reduce anxiety on test day, build your confidence, and enable better recall. Practice tests will also enable you to identify any areas of weakness, meaning that you can focus your energy on improving where it’s needed most.
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Types of SHL Tests and Free Practice SHL Resources
There are several different options of SHL assessment for employers to choose from. Typically, candidates will be asked to complete numerical and verbal reasoning assessments, but reasoning tests and situational judgment tests can also be used.
The exact number of tests you’re required to complete will vary depending on the requirements of the role you have applied for.
SHL Numerical Reasoning Test
Numerical reasoning tests are commonly used for finance, technology, and engineering roles, which require employees to have a strong grasp of numeracy.
Typically, candidates will have around 20 minutes to answer between 10 and 18 questions designed to evaluate knowledge and understanding of a range of numerical concepts.
SHL Verbal Reasoning Test
Verbal reasoning is the ability to form conclusions and think logically based on written information.
Typically, verbal reasoning assessments are required for candidates applying for roles where reading and communication skills are essential. SHL verbal reasoning assessments are usually formatted as multiple-choice assessments with each question providing candidates with a sample text followed by a question.
SHL Inductive Reasoning Test
In a similar way to verbal reasoning, inductive reasoning assessments are designed to evaluate a candidate's ability to think logically and form conclusions based on information provided.
However, in the SHL inductive reasoning assessment, candidates are provided with patterns and diagrams rather than pieces of text.
These images will have a pattern or rule to follow, and the objective is to correctly identify a missing image from a series of options. These tests are able to identify individuals who have strong innovation and abstract thinking skills.
SHL Deductive Reasoning Test
Deductive reasoning is the ability to use problem-solving skills to apply a set of general rules to specific cases or scenarios.
Candidates will be expected to apply their problem-solving skills to correctly answer a range of questions under strict time constraints.
Typically, the SHL deductive reasoning test consists of 12 questions that need to be answered within 18 minutes.
SHL Situational Judgment Test (SJT)
By presenting candidates with a series of hypothetical workplace scenario questions, recruiters can easily identify those individuals who most closely align with the company’s needs, attitudes, and values.
Situational judgment tests are typically formatted as multiple-choice, with a range of potential answers to each scenario. The answer a candidate selects will be given a score based on how well it meets the requirements of the employer.
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Sample SHL Test Questions With Explanations
SHL Numerical Reasoning Test
Q1. A company’s sales rose from £120,000 to £150,000 in one year.
What was the percentage increase?
a) 20%
b) 25%
c) 30%
d) 18%
The correct answer is: b) 25%
Increase = £150,000 - £120,000 = £30,000
Percentage increase = (£30,000 / £120,000) × 100 = 25%
Q2. If 3 pens cost £2.40, how much would 10 pens cost?
a) £8.00
b) £6.40
c) £7.20
d) £7.80
The correct answer is: c) £8.00
Cost per pen = £2.40 ÷ 3 = £0.80
Cost for 10 pens = £0.80 × 10 = £8.00
Q3. A train travels 240 miles in 4 hours.
What is its average speed?
a) 55 mph
b) 60 mph
c) 65 mph
d) 70 mph
The correct answer is: b) 60 mph
Average speed = distance ÷ time = 240 ÷ 4 = 60 mph.
Q4. A store offers 25% off a £160 coat.
What is the discounted price?
a) £120
b) £130
c) £135
d) £140
The correct answer is: a) £120
25% of £160 = 0.25 × 160 = £40
Discounted price = £160 - £40 = £120
SHL Verbal Reasoning Test – Sample Questions
Read the passage and answer the question below:
“All employees are required to complete safety training within one month of joining the company. Employees who do not complete this training will not be permitted to access operational areas.”
Q1. Which of the following is true based on the passage?
a) Only senior staff need to complete safety training.
b) Training can be completed at any time.
c) Access to operational areas depends on completing training.
d) Operational staff do not need training.
The correct answer is: c) Access to operational areas depends on completing training.
The passage explicitly states that those who do not complete training cannot access operational areas.
Q2. “The company’s new flexible working policy allows staff to work from home up to three days per week, provided that business needs are met.”
Which of the following can be inferred?
a) Staff must work from home at least three days per week.
b) Business needs always come before remote work.
c) The policy only applies to full-time employees.
d) Staff are discouraged from working remotely.
The correct answer is: b) Business needs always come before remote work.
Remote work is permitted only if business needs are met, implying priority is given to operational requirements.
Q3. “Attendance at the quarterly town hall is optional, but employees are strongly encouraged to participate.”
What is the company’s stance on town halls?
a) They are mandatory.
b) They are discouraged.
c) They are voluntary but encouraged.
d) They are not held every year.
The correct answer is: c) They are voluntary but encouraged.
The passage describes the event as optional but “strongly encouraged.”
Q4. “After introducing the mentoring scheme, employee satisfaction increased by 15% over the following year.”
Which of the following is most supported?
a) Mentoring caused the satisfaction increase.
b) Mentoring had no measurable impact.
c) Satisfaction rose after mentoring was introduced.
d) The mentoring scheme replaced appraisals.
The correct answer is: c) Satisfaction rose after mentoring was introduced.
The passage notes the timing, but doesn't claim direct causation.
SHL Inductive Reasoning Test – Sample Questions
Q1. A sequence shows a triangle pointing up, then right, then down, then left. What direction will the next triangle point?
a) Up
b) Right
c) Down
d) Left
The correct answer is: a) Up
The triangle rotates 90° clockwise each time. After left, it returns to up.
Q2. What shape comes next in the sequence?
The correct answer is: d)
The pattern increases the number of sides by one each time.
Q3.
What is next in the sequence?
The correct answer is: b)
The sequence alternates fill status and changes shape.
Q4.
What direction comes next?
The correct answer is: c)
The arrows rotate 90° anticlockwise.
SHL Deductive Reasoning Test – Sample Questions
Q1. All analysts work with spreadsheets. Rachel is an analyst. Therefore:
a) Rachel does not work with spreadsheets.
b) Rachel might work with spreadsheets.
c) Rachel works with spreadsheets.
d) Spreadsheets are used by everyone.
The correct answer is: c) Rachel works with spreadsheets.
The premise states that all analysts do, and Rachel is one.
Q2. If no marketing managers attend finance meetings, and Jack attends a finance meeting, what can you conclude?
a) Jack is a marketing manager.
b) Jack is not a marketing manager.
c) Jack missed the meeting.
d) Jack works in finance.
The correct answer is: b) Jack is not a marketing manager.
Since no marketing managers attend, Jack must be from another department.
Q3. All employees who work more than 40 hours are eligible for overtime. Sam is not eligible for overtime.
Which must be true?
a) Sam works more than 40 hours.
b) Sam works fewer than 40 hours.
c) Sam is a manager.
d) Sam has refused overtime.
The correct answer is: b) Sam works fewer than 40 hours.
Only those over 40 hours qualify. If Sam isn’t eligible, he must work under that threshold.
Q4. If today is not Friday, then the office is closed. Today, the office is open. What day is it?
a) Friday
b) Saturday
c) Monday
d) Wednesday
The correct answer is: a) Friday
The office only opens on Friday. If it's open, it must be Friday.
SHL Situational Judgment Test (SJT) – Sample Questions
Q1. A team member regularly misses deadlines, affecting the project. What would you most likely do?
a) Do their work for them to meet deadlines.
b) Raise it in the next team meeting.
c) Speak to them privately to understand the issue.
d) Report them to your manager immediately.
The correct answer is: c) Speak to them privately to understand the issue.
Shows communication, empathy, and initiative before escalating.
Q2. You’ve been given a new task with a short deadline, but your schedule is already full. What do you do?
a) Say yes and figure it out later.
b) Decline and say you’re too busy.
c) Prioritise tasks and speak to your manager for guidance.
d) Ignore less important work to focus on the new task.
The correct answer is: c) Prioritise tasks and speak to your manager for guidance.
Demonstrates prioritisation and communication.
Q3. A colleague takes credit for your idea in a meeting. What’s your most likely response?
a) Publicly correct them immediately.
b) Say nothing and let it go.
c) Speak to them afterwards to clarify.
d) Report them to HR.
The correct answer is: c) Speak to them afterwards to clarify.
Calm conflict resolution without escalating unnecessarily.
Q4. A customer is unhappy and raises their voice. What should you do?
a) Tell them to calm down.
b) Listen calmly and apologise for the inconvenience.
c) Ignore them until they stop shouting.
d) Escalate to your manager immediately.
The correct answer is: b) Listen calmly and apologise for the inconvenience.
Shows emotional control, customer focus, and professionalism.
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Top Tips for SHL Test Success
Doing well in your SHL assessments is likely to directly impact whether or not your application progresses to the next stage of the recruitment process.
Preparation doesn’t have to be overly complicated. There are several relatively simple things you can do to ensure that you’re as ready as possible for test day.
Practice Free SHL Test Questions Under Timed Conditions
No matter which assessments you’re required to complete, you will need to be able to work under strictly timed conditions.
Being able to complete assessments within the time limit provided will mean that you can achieve your best possible results on the day. Practicing working to a time limit is the best way to fine-tune your ability to answer questions both quickly and accurately.
Read Instructions Carefully
Although SHL assessments will usually follow a standard format, it’s still important to make sure you read any instructions carefully.
Taking time to fully understand what you’re required to do will mean that you can avoid making unnecessary mistakes.
Don’t Get Stuck on One Question
It’s important to answer as many questions as possible within the time limit provided, as each correct answer will count towards your total.
Spending a lot of time on one question will potentially result in being unable to complete the test. This means that it’s better to leave a question and move on, rather than spending too long on something you find tricky.
Review Incorrect Answers to Learn
Good practice test packages will provide you with feedback to help fine-tune your revision process.
Taking the time to review your incorrect answers will help you to identify any areas in need of improvement and allow you to see where you’re making mistakes.
Use Reputable Practice Sites
There are plenty of websites offering free practice SHL test questions, but making sure you use a reputable site is essential.
While others might offer a vague overview or similar questions to those you’ll encounter in your assessments, they aren’t always updated regularly and may not be entirely accurate. Reputable sites like JobTestPrep will mean that you have access to the most up-to-date information and resources.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What companies use SHL tests?
From finance firms like Deutsche Bank and Nationwide to global leaders like Microsoft and Amazon, SHL assessments are widely used by companies across the globe to select the most suitable candidates for recruitment.
Are SHL tests hard?
They can be. Numerical reasoning is often considered to be the most challenging of the SHL assessments.
However, taking time to practice and understand what your potential employer is looking for in a candidate will mean that you’re as prepared as possible when it comes to taking your assessments.
How are SHL tests scored?
Scoring is done using a percentile ranking system. This takes the results of all candidates and ranks them against one another and a sample of scores from individuals who are performing the tasks required of the role applied for to identify those who perform best.
Can I use a calculator in SHL numerical reasoning tests?
Most SHL numerical reasoning tests will allow the use of a calculator. However, there is an assessment called the SHL calculation test which doesn’t allow calculators. Make sure to thoroughly read the instructions for the test you’re taking before starting.
How soon do I get SHL test results?
Candidates aren’t normally provided with their results. Instead, they’re sent directly to the employer for their review. Candidates who achieve the required score will progress to the next stage of the recruitment process.
For unsuccessful candidates, failure to achieve the required score will usually mean the end of their application.
Final Thoughts
If you’re asked to complete SHL assessments as part of the recruitment process for a job you’ve applied for, preparation is key. Employers want the best possible candidates for each role, so performing well in your assessments is vital.
Making use of free online resources like practice tests and sample questions (such as those found on JobTestPrep) will mean that you’re as prepared as possible ahead of test day.
As with all things, consistency is key, and understanding the importance of performing well in these assessments will help you to feel more confident in your skills, knowledge, and abilities on the test day.
