How to Prepare for the Talent Q Test in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide
May 07, 2025
The Talent Q series of assessments were first launched in 2006 by Roger Holdsworth, one of the founders of well-known talent acquisition specialists SHL.
These tests are used as part of the recruitment process in a number of different industries and some of the Talent Q tests are also used to help identify training needs and career progression opportunities.
In this guide we will examine what the different Talent Q tests are and how they are administered, as well as some information about how the tests are scored.
We will also give you some tips for success so that you can pass your Talent Q assessments.
Prepare for Your Talent Q Test with JobTestPrep
What Is the Talent Q Test?
The Talent Q series of tests are based on the computer-adaptive model, which Holdsworth believed would give a more insightful look at each candidate. In practice, this means that the difficulty of each question is based on how well you answer the question before.
If you get the question correct, the next question will be more difficult. If you get the question wrong, you will be given an easier question next.
The benefit of the Talent Q series of questions is that the company using them can ‘blend’ them to create a bespoke battery of assessments that touch on the important competencies, abilities, skills and aptitudes needed for the success of a candidate.
Some Talent Q tests are designed to be used at the beginning of the recruitment process for volume hiring, such as in a call center. Others are created to give a more in-depth look at the traits of a candidate towards the end of the hiring process, or as part of talent development and career progression for a candidate already in the role.
Talent Q tests are often used in the recruitment process for major pharmaceutical and financial companies, so if you have applied to somewhere like RBS, Virgin Atlantic or AstraZeneca you can expect to take a Talent Q test.
Although the Talent Q series was created in 2006, the business was acquired by Hay Group in 2014, so the tests are now administered by Korn Ferry, another well-regarded pre-employment aptitude test publisher.
Prepare for Your Talent Q Test with JobTestPrep
Talent Q Test Categories
There are several different test categories and candidates might be expected to take one test or several as part of the recruitment process.
The tests are relatively short and all are completed online via a link that is sent to the candidate, although sometimes they are taken at an assessment center or during a training day.
Elements
The Elements group of assessments covers basic aptitudes:
- Numerical reasoning
- Logical reasoning
- Verbal reasoning
They are most often used in the recruitment process of more senior positions, such as managers and professionals or graduates.
The verbal reasoning test presents candidates with information in the form of a passage of text. They need to quickly read and understand the writing to answer the multiple-choice questions about it.
There are 15 questions that the candidate must answer in just 15 minutes.
In the numerical reasoning Elements test, the candidate is given some numerical data in a table or graph and they will need to complete some basic operations to find the correct answer from the multiple-choice options.
This section presents 12 questions that should be answered in 15 minutes.
The final part of the Elements series is the logical reasoning assessment. A candidate is assessed on their critical thinking based on spotting patterns and trends in unfamiliar information, in this case a series of shapes or images. The candidate needs to find the rule that governs the sequence and apply it to find the missing item from the multiple-choice options.
Again, this test asks 12 questions to be answered in 15 minutes.
Aspects
The Aspects assessment comes in two forms, each lasting eight minutes, and they are designed for high-volume recruitment for roles that do not require as high a level of aptitude (the roles that are covered by the Elements and other tests).
You are likely to find the Aspects Ability and Aspects Styles assessments in the recruitment process for roles in customer service, call centers or sales.
The Aspects Ability assessments are further divided into three tests:
- Verbal – Similar to the verbal reasoning assessment in Elements; 12 questions
- Numeracy – Basic numerical ability using simple operators and things like percentages; 12 questions
- Checking – Questions compare sets of data and the candidate needs to find the mistake in eight tables of data.
The Aspects Styles is a self-assessment questionnaire and looks at behavioral preferences.
Dimensions
The Talent Q Dimensions assessment is a simple yet flexible personality questionnaire. You are likely to come across this assessment towards the end of the application process or when you are looking for a promotion.
The key factors that this assessment looks at include:
- Preferences in the workplace
- How you approach a task
- What you find energizing and motivating
- Your preferred style of relationship management
In the assessment, you will be provided with a number of statements that you have to rate as to whether you think they are true of your behavior at work. The rankings are from 'completely untrue' to 'very true'.
The results of this assessment present a report that contains different profiles, which are as follows:
- Team profile
- Behavior at work profile
- Trait profile
- Sales profile
- Role match profile
The test will also tell the recruitment team about the facets of your behavior or personality that could present a derailment risk, and include a report about your potential for leadership.
The Dimensions test is relatively short, taking no more than 25 minutes.
Motivations
Another questionnaire-based assessment, in the Motivations test the recruitment team want to know what you value and what motivates and drives you at work.
During this 30-minute assessment, you will be presented with blocks of four statements about motivations, and you will have to rate each between 'extremely important' and 'not important'.
As an adaptive test, if you rate two statements in a block the same, you will be asked extra questions to narrow down the answers. This is one of the tests that is most likely to be used as part of the process for career progression.
Situational Judgement Tests
In the Talent Q situational judgement test, you will be asked to respond to common workplace problems that are presented in realistic scenarios.
For each scenario, you will be presented with several different courses of action that could be taken to solve the problem.
The answers that you give are compared to an ideal candidate persona that will have been created by the recruitment team, focusing on key competencies for the role. The way your answers match to this will create what is known as a ‘fit’ score.
Prepare for Your Talent Q Test with JobTestPrep
Talent Q Example Questions
Talent Q Elements: Numerical Reasoning
Question 1:
A company’s quarterly profits (in £000s) were:
Q1: 240, Q2: 265, Q3: 230, Q4: 275
What was the percentage increase in profit from Q3 to Q4?
a) 15.2%
b) 19.6%
c) 20.5%
d) 25.8%
The correct answer is: b) 19.6%
(275 – 230) / 230 × 100 = 45 / 230 × 100 ≈ 19.57%
Question 2:
A survey shows 35% of customers chose Brand A, 25% Brand B, and the rest Brand C. If 560 customers were surveyed, how many chose Brand C?
a) 140
b) 224
c) 196
d) 280
The correct answer is: b) 224
40% of 560 = 0.4 × 560 = 224
Question 3:
If a product’s price is reduced by 20% to £48, what was the original price?
a) £55
b) £56
c) £58
d) £60
The correct answer is: d) £60
£48 = 80% of original price → £48 / 0.8 = £60
Talent Q Elements: Verbal Reasoning
Question 1:
Passage:
"Sales of renewable energy products increased by 18% year-on-year, with wind turbines accounting for the highest growth. Solar panels, though still popular, saw a decline in residential installations."
Which of the following is true?
a) Solar panels were the most purchased product
b) Wind turbines declined in sales
c) Residential solar installations decreased
d) Sales remained constant
The correct answer is: c) Residential solar installations decreased
The passage states solar panels "saw a decline in residential installations."
Question 2:
Passage:
"Candidates are expected to complete a training programme before taking up a managerial post. Those with previous leadership experience may skip parts of the programme."
Which of the following is false?
a) All candidates must complete some form of training
b) Some parts of training are optional for certain candidates
c) Prior leadership experience is required for a managerial post
d) The training precedes assuming the post
The correct answer is: c) Prior leadership experience is required for a managerial post
It's not required; it only exempts candidates from parts of training.
Question 3:
Passage:
"While hybrid working has become the norm in several industries, some managers argue it reduces productivity, whereas others believe it enhances work–life balance and job satisfaction."
What can be inferred?
a) All managers oppose hybrid working
b) Work–life balance always leads to reduced productivity
c) There is no consensus on the effects of hybrid working
d) Hybrid working increases absenteeism
The correct answer is: c) There is no consensus on the effects of hybrid working
The passage presents contrasting views, indicating a lack of agreement.
Talent Q Elements: Logical Reasoning
Question 1:
A shape sequence goes: triangle → square → pentagon → ?
What comes next?
a) Hexagon
b) Circle
c) Octagon
d) Square
The correct answer is: a) Hexagon
The number of sides increases by 1 each time: 3 → 4 → 5 → 6
Question 2:
A black square rotates 90° clockwise and becomes white every second step. What is the fifth step?
a) White square, rotated 90°
b) Black square, rotated 180°
c) White square, rotated 270°
d) Black square, rotated 360°
The correct answer is: c) White square, rotated 270°
Steps:
1 – Black 0°
2 – Black 90°
3 – White 180°
4 – White 270°
5 – White 270° (still white, same rotation)
Question 3:
Series of arrows: ↑ → ↓ ← ↑ → ?
What is the next direction?
a) ↓
b) ←
c) ↑
d) →
The correct answer is: a) ↓
The sequence repeats every four steps: ↑ → ↓ ←
Talent Q Aspects: Checking
Question 1:
Compare the following two reference numbers:
REF-A92/XT-45829-B
REF-A92/XT-45892-B
Are they the same?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Only one digit differs
d) They are duplicate entries
The correct answer is: b) No
‘45829’ vs ‘45892’ – the order of digits is different.
Question 2:
Set 1: 23.09 | 58.32 | 77.88
Set 2: 23.09 | 58.23 | 77.88
Is there a discrepancy?
a) No
b) Yes – one digit differs
c) Yes – all values differ
d) Yes – two digits differ
The correct answer is: b) Yes – one digit differs
58.32 vs 58.23 – only one digit is different.
Question 3:
Invoice 1: 995-ACE-LN7
Invoice 2: 995-ACE-1N7
Are these the same?
a) Yes
b) No – typo in second character set
c) No – 'L' and '1' are different
d) No – both segments differ
The correct answer is: c) No – 'L' and '1' are different
‘LN7’ vs ‘1N7’ – L vs 1.
Talent Q Dimensions: Personality
(Respondents choose: a) Completely Untrue, b) Somewhat Untrue, c) Somewhat True, d) Very True)
Question 1:
"I often seek out new and challenging situations at work."
The correct answer is: Subjective – but for roles requiring initiative, d) Very True is preferred.
Question 2:
"I prefer working alone rather than in a team environment."
The correct answer is: Subjective – but for team-based roles, a) Completely Untrue or b) Somewhat Untrue is preferred.
Question 3:
"Deadlines motivate me to perform at my best."
The correct answer is: c) Somewhat True or d) Very True, depending on the role.
Talent Q Motivations
(Rate from a) Not Important, b) Somewhat Important, c) Important, d) Extremely Important)
Question 1:
How important is it that your work is recognised by others?
The correct answer is: Subjective – but in leadership or sales roles, d) Extremely Important can be preferred.
Question 2:
How important is job security compared to opportunities for fast promotion?
The correct answer is: Depends on role. In stable roles, c) Important or d) Extremely Important for job security may be ideal.
Question 3:
How important is it to have variety in your daily tasks?
The correct answer is: d) Extremely Important – often a desirable trait in dynamic roles.
Talent Q Situational Judgement Test (SJT)
Question 1:
Scenario: A team member frequently misses deadlines, affecting performance.
What do you do?
a) Report them to your manager immediately
b) Speak to them privately to understand the cause
c) Ignore it – it’s not your responsibility
d) Complete their work yourself to meet the deadline
The correct answer is: b) Speak to them privately
Shows initiative and conflict resolution without escalation.
Question 2:
Scenario: You have a tight deadline and limited resources.
What do you do?
a) Ask your manager for help prioritising tasks
b) Attempt to complete everything, even if quality suffers
c) Delegate parts without telling your manager
d) Complain to colleagues about the timeline
The correct answer is: a) Ask your manager for help prioritising
Proactive and collaborative approach to solve resource issues.
Question 3:
Scenario: A colleague takes credit for your idea in a meeting.
What do you do?
a) Publicly confront them
b) Discuss the issue privately later
c) Let it go
d) Complain to HR
The correct answer is: b) Discuss the issue privately later
Balances assertiveness with professionalism.
Talent Q Test Scores
The Talent Q tests are scored in different ways depending on the type of test.
For the Elements and Aspects Ability assessments, your score is presented as a percentile. This compares your score to a norm group of other test takers, which is likely to be the same people who have applied for the role you have applied for.
In the personality, motivations and behavior assessments, your answers are dealt with in more depth and compared directly to the key competencies and traits that the recruitment team say are necessary for success in the role.
For all the Talent Q tests, there is no target mark that you should aim for to pass the test; each company will look for different scores and answers depending on their needs.
It is worth remembering, therefore, that when you are taking one of the aptitude tests you need to score as high as possible to be considered for the next stage.
For the personality, behavior and motivation tests, you need to bear in mind what the recruitment team are looking for in a potential employee.
You can check out this information on the company website, or by using the details given in the job description – and that should tell you what traits the **ideal candidate persona** will have.
You cannot really ‘fail’ a Talent Q test, but if you do not reach the required standards your application will not be taken further, and you will be dropped from the recruitment process.
In some cases, you might be allowed to retake the assessment if you get to reapply for the role, but you will need to check with the recruitment team.
Prepare for Your Talent Q Test with JobTestPrep
How to Prepare for a Talent Q Test
Take Online Practice Tests
Nothing beats practice to make you feel more confident, and there are different places that you can practice Talent Q tests.
JobTestPrep is an excellent resource for this.
Practice tests should be timed in the same way as the real thing and taken under exam conditions to replicate what will happen when you take the real thing.
Using practice tests will make you feel much more comfortable with the structure and layout of the assessment and give you the opportunity to get used to the way you need to answer the questions.
Understand the Question Formats
Each test type is looking for different things, which means the question formats will differ.
- Verbal – Passages of text with questions that have multiple-choice options
- Numerical/Numeracy – Application of mathematical operations to solve problems; multiple-choice answers
- Logical – Sequences of shapes or images with missing items, spot the pattern to find the right answer from the multiple-choice options
- Checking – Find the differences in seemingly identical tables of data
- Dimensions – Rate statements based on how true you feel they are about you
- Motivations – Rate statements based on whether each statement is important to you
- Situational Judgement – Choose the right course of action to solve the problem
When you know what you are meant to be doing in the assessment, it is much easier to work to your full ability.
Practice Under Timed Constraints
The time pressure in the Talent Q assessments is one of the most challenging factors, so it is essential that you are practicing under the right conditions.
If you are taking a practice test that doesn’t have a built-in timer, use a stopwatch or your smartphone to get the right experience. You will have only a few seconds to answer the questions so working fast and efficiently is paramount.
Read Questions Carefully
This might sound a bit obvious, but when you are rushing through answering the questions in your Talent Q assessment make sure that you take enough time to read the question properly.
If you do not know what the question is asking, you aren’t likely to get it right – and that could mean missing marks.
Not Getting Stuck at a Question
As time is such an important part of the Talent Q assessment, it is paramount that you do not spend too much time on one question. If it is too hard, guess and move on. The adaptive nature of the assessment means that if you get it wrong, the next question will be easier.
Getting stuck on a question could mean not finishing the test.
Focus on the Task at Hand
Talent Q assessments can offer up possible answer choices that are so completely random they could throw you off the scent – but don’t get distracted by things that are not relevant.
You will need to remain laser-focused throughout the assessments to complete them in time and give your best – and distractions could be disastrous.
Prepare for Your Talent Q Test with JobTestPrep
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Talent Q test?
A Talent Q test is a computer-adaptive assessment that is used as part of the recruitment process. Some Talent Q tests assess aptitudes, while others assess personality, work behavior and motivations.
Is the Talent Q test hard to pass?
Talent Q tests tend to be difficult because they have tight time limits and questions must be answered quickly. While the subject matter and content might be straightforward in most cases, the exam conditions can make even the easiest questions harder to answer.
Where can I prepare for the Talent Q test?
The Korn Ferry website has lots of resources to help you prepare for your Talent Q assessments, but you can also find a wealth of useful information like practice tests and revision tips on the JobTestPrep site.
How many questions are on the Talent Q test?
The number of questions on the Talent Q test depends on which test you are taking. For the Elements tests there are between 12 and 15 questions, while the Aspects assessments ask between eight and 12 questions.
Can I take the Talent Q test online?
The recruitment team administers the Talent Q test, usually as part of the hiring process for a job. Sometimes you might be asked to take a Talent Q test as part of a training process for a role you are already in, or as an assessment for your suitability for a promotion.
How can I cheat on the Talent Q test?
Nominally, you might be able to cheat on the Talent Q test by asking someone else to take it for you, but the whole point of the assessment is to make sure that you are suitable for the role you have applied for. If you are found out, however, you won’t get the job and could face more serious consequences.
Where can I find more sample questions for the Talent Q test?
There are some excellent Talent Q resources such as free sample questions and full practice tests available on the JobTestPrep website.
What companies require passing the Talent Q test?
Talent Q tests are used in the application process for several industries and roles, and you are likely to come across them if you apply for a job at Citi, Lloyds Banking Group, RBS, Virgin Atlantic and AstraZeneca.
What is a good score for the Talent Q test?
There is no general passing score for the Talent Q test, but it is worth bearing in mind that you will need to score higher than the other candidates as well as achieving the percentile score needed to be considered for the role you have applied for.
In the personality and behavior assessments, your results will be compared to the key competencies and traits that the role requires.
When will I find out my results after taking the Talent Q test?
You will find out your results from the Talent Q test when the recruitment team share that information with you – in most cases, your result will be available to the recruiters immediately, but they might need to wait for the results of other people’s assessments to decide on whether to take your application further.
For more details, speak to the recruitment team.
What is the passing rate for the Talent Q tests?
There is no standard passing rate for the Talent Q tests; the score you will need to move on to the next stage of the recruitment process will depend on the company that you have applied for and the requirements of the role.
Where can I find a study guide for the Talent Q test?
For a full and informative study guide for all the Talent Q assessments, look for the PrepPack from JobTestPrep.
This has a wealth of information including revision materials, what to look out for, and lots of sample questions and practice tests for you to hone your test-taking skills.
Prepare for Your Talent Q Test with JobTestPrep
Final Thoughts
The Talent Q series of assessments are used in many different recruitment processes, and thanks to their adaptive nature they are able to assess and stretch the abilities of every test taker.
The results from these tests give the recruitment team much more insight into each candidate, especially during personality and motivation tests.
Taking a Talent Q test needs laser focus as most of the tests have extremely tight time limits and this can put extra pressure on a candidate, making the easiest questions feel much more difficult.
For the recruiters though, the Talent Q assessments provide a fuller picture of what to expect from a candidate if they are offered the role.
