Cappfinity Numerical Reasoning Test (CAPP)- Ultimate Study Guide
A Cappfinity test is a strengths-based assessment that uses a unique scoring system, different to other psychometric tests. Unlike other similar aptitude testing methods, the Cappfinity assessment has no time limit, and so you have as long as you need to complete the test.
Cappfinity have a number of different tests, including the numerical reasoning test. Many companies give these tests to candidates as part of the job application process to check their numerical aptitude. If you are faced with taking one or various Cappfinity tests, you might be wondering what it is, how you can prepare, and what you need to do to pass.
Read on to learn all you need to know about Cappfinity and preparing for their tests.
Table of Contents
About the Cappfinity tests
The Cappfinity test, sometimes called a CAPP test, was devised in 2005 by two psychology experts — Dr Alex Linley and Nicky Garcea — and has quickly become a leader in psychometric testing for recruitment.
There are several areas covered by the CAPP tests and these are:
- Verbal
- Numerical
- Critical Thinking
- Situational Strengths (this will determine whether you are a right fit for the culture of the organisation to which you are applying)
Cappfinity Numerical Reasoning Test
The numerical reasoning test is designed to evaluate your ability to read, interpret and analyse sets of data presented in table or graph form. These questions may be quite complicated, particularly as there is no time limit for the test.
There will be three types of questions:
Multiple Choice: You select the correct answer from a given set of possible answers
Ranked Questions: You will be asked to put a series of answers into the correct order
Free-form Questions: You will be asked to perform a calculation and insert your answer
Because of the adaptive nature of the tests, each question will alter in difficulty based upon how you performed in the previous question.
Is the Cappfinity Numerical Reasoning Test timed?
Cappfinity tests are not timed. However, the time you take to answer each question, along with your overall accuracy, contributes to your final score. Therefore speed is still a factor of success when taking the test.
Using Job Test Prep resources can help you to recognise the format.
How is the Cappfinity Numerical Reasoning Test measured?
A peculiarity of the test is that the better you perform, the harder the questions will become. Conversely, if you start to struggle, the questions will become easier. This means that future employers will be able to see the level at which you perform best.
Because the tests are reactive to the candidate undertaking them, then it is highly improbable that any two candidates will ever sit the same test. There is an enormous bank of questions, and the structure and format of the test stay the same whatever questions are posed.
What are the other Cappfinity tests?
If you are taking the Cappfinity Numerical Reasoning Test, you may also need to take one or several of the following Cappfinity tests.
Cappfinity Verbal Reasoning Test
The verbal reasoning tests will assess your verbal comprehension. There will be five different question types:
- Drag and Drop – matching responses and statements
- Filling in blanks and completing sentences correctly
- Ranking statements from most to least positive
- Correctional questions – you will be asked to spot and correct grammar & spelling, and punctuation mistakes
- True or False statements about a passage of text
Cappfinity Critical Reasoning Test
In these assessments, you will face a series of multiple-choice questions designed to evaluate your critical thinking. You will be asked to evaluate arguments, interpret information, draw conclusions, make judgments and recognise inferences and assumptions.
Cappfinity Situational Strengths Test
These tests will help your prospective employer to evaluate your ability to solve workplace problems. They will also be able to see how your strengths and competencies match the role for which you are applying and how you will be able to fit into the company culture.
Situational Strengths Tests
These will vary from one employer to the other depending upon the role and the organisation. Different companies will measure applicants against different sets of criteria, although the test structure will stay the same. You will be given a series of hypothetical workplace scenarios along with a set of possible responses. It will be your task to decide which action you would be most or least likely to take and rank the answers in order accordingly.
Which organisations use CAPP tests?
CAPP testing is widely used by a variety of different organisations due to its proven accuracy when assessing and evaluating potential candidates. The tests are mainly used in the retail, technology, pharmaceutical, financial and professional sectors.
Many organisations are known to use CAPP testing, including:
- Barclays
- Nestle
- Microsoft
- Lloyds Banking Group
- BT
- Aviva
The tests are branded according to the corporate identity in order that they appear aligned to the organisation as a whole.
How can I prepare for the Cappfinity Numerical Reasoning Test?
As with all assessment processes, your best chance of success is practice and preparation. Job Test Prep can provide a range of resources designed to familiarise you with test formats and structure. The more you practise, the quicker and more accurately you will be able to work, especially under pressurised test conditions.
The fact that CAPP tests are so different from other aptitude tests you may have encountered makes preparation even more crucial.
Job Test Prep’s materials include:
- 3 numerical thinking practice tests
- 3 verbal thinking practice tests
- 3 critical thinking practice tests
- 1 situational strength practice test (SJT)
When you practise your tests, be sure to set yourself strict time limits. Remember, even though there is no time limit when taking the test, your score will be affected by how quickly you are able to answer the questions. The quicker, and of course, more accurately you can work, the better.
Take some time to research the organisation to which you are applying. What are its core beliefs? What is the culture of the organisation? Understanding what makes the organisation tick and the ethics under which it operates will give you an advantage when answering questions – particularly if you are asked to sit a situational strengths test.
How can I make sure I pass the Cappfinity Numerical Reasoning Test?
1. Be sure to practice and prepare: Use the Job Test Prep test materials to familiarise yourself with question types and formats.
2. Read the question carefully: There are a variety of different question types, so it is important that you take time to carefully understand the instructions given; misunderstanding the question could cost you valuable marks.
3. Ignore the timer: The CAPP tests are not timed as such, but there will be a timer on the screen (the tests are done online). Do not allow the timer to distract you or make you anxious. Stay focused and work as quickly and accurately as you can. If you have had plenty of practice, then your timing shouldn’t be an issue.
4. Time yourself when practising the tests: Do this to gain an understanding of how quickly you can answer the questions. Your speed and score should increase with the more tests you do, and you will be able to pre-assess your speed in relation to your accuracy and vice versa.
5. Beware of deliberately misleading questions: Some of the language and phrasing will have been used to try and trip you up and test your competence. Read each question or paragraph carefully and make sure you refer back to it when answering the question if necessary.
6. Use a pen and paper to make notes or aide memories: This will help you to organise your thoughts and remember salient points, especially if the language used is complex. Taking notes could help you to combine speed and accuracy in your answers.
7. Create favourable study conditions: When practising at home, make sure you are in a quiet, uninterrupted space and that you have a reliable internet connection. You will only get one chance to sit your CAPP test, so you will need to make sure you have the optimal conditions on test day too.
How will the Cappfinity Numerical Reasoning Test be scored?
You will be scored using an algorithm to calculate your mark, which will combine both the speed and the accuracy with which you completed the test.
Cappfinity tests are deliberately complex in order that organisations can be sure to hire the very best candidates for the job. In such fiercely competitive circumstances, it is therefore vital that you are well practised and well prepared for your assessment.
With huge numbers of applicants competing for the same jobs, and the financial and time implications to organisations of hiring the wrong candidate, it is not surprising that companies are keen to get things right the first time. They will want to know that you are the best person for the role.
They also want to ensure that you are the best person to fit in with the current team and the work culture of the organisation.
You will usually be expected to take the test online in your own home or a location of your choosing. In some cases, you may be expected to take the test at a designated assessment centre under supervision, but this will very much depend on the individual company.
Familiarity with the format of the assessments and the types of questions will enable you to feel calm and relaxed on the day of your test and less likely to make mistakes under pressure and perform at your best. Job Test Prep can provide you with practice resources that give you the very best chance of success to beat your competition and secure your dream job!
Recommended Reading –
- SHL Numerical Reasoning Test Guide
- UBS Numerical Reasoning Test Guide
- How to Prepare for a Critical Thinking Test?
Written by Karen Stanley
Karen is a former teacher of 20 years and ten times published author. She writes content for educational organisations and businesses, nationally and internationally. She coaches new and budding writers through to publication and is passionate about creativity; she runs creative writing workshops in schools and fostering agencies.
Sarah is an accomplished educator, researcher and author in the field of testing and assessment. She has worked with various educational institutions and organisations to develop innovative evaluation methods and enhance student learning. Sarah has published numerous articles and books on assessment and learning. Her passion for promoting equity and fairness in the education system fuels her commitment to sharing insights and best practices with educators and policymakers around the world.
