Aptitude tests are basically used to determine your logical reasoning and thinking abilities. These tests are timed and constitute of multiple choice questions. Your test result is compared to that of a control group in order to judge your abilities. These days many aptitude tests are undertaken online. However, you might be asked to give a written one too.
Aptitude tests are basically divided into two types: speed tests and power tests. Speed tests include straight forward questions and you are required to answer correctly in the specified time period. Speed tests are used in selection at the administrative and clerical level. On the other hand, power tests are used to select people at the professional and managerial level. These tests include a lesser number of more difficult questions.
Before going in for an aptitude test, the most important thing that you need to keep in mind is the type of questions you will be asked. There is no point practicing the questions that you will not be asked. There are different types of questions that you might have to face in an aptitude test. These are as follows:
- Verbal ability: These questions are basically used to test your communication abilities. They consist of testing your spelling, grammar etc.
- Numeric Ability: These types of questions are used to test your ability to handle numbers. They consist of basic arithmetic, number sequences and simple mathematics. You will generally get numeric ability questions in management level tests. Here you might also have to interpret charts and graphs.
- Abstract Reasoning: These questions determine a person’s ability to recognise the hidden logic of a pattern and then find the solution. They are a part of most of the aptitude tests because they show your ability of how quickly you can pick up new things.
- Spatial Ability: These questions are generally a part of the tests where your job requires you to have good spatial skills. Spatial ability determines how you see shapes in two dimensions or create two- dimensional pictures of three-dimensional objects in your mind.
- Mechanical Reasoning: These questions evaluate your familiarity with physical and mechanical principles. Mechanical reasoning questions are asked in tests for military selections, police forces, fire services, and many other craft, technical and engineering jobs.
- Fault Diagnosis: These tests are basically conducted to hire technical professionals who can diagnose and repair electronic and mechanical systems.
- Data Checking: These questions determine how precisely and quickly you can find errors in data. They are asked in tests where candidates for clerical and data input jobs have to be selected.
- Work Sample: These types of tests include a sample of the work that you will be expected do.
All you need to do is manage your time effectively so that you can clear the aptitude test in the given time.