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Civil Service Numerical Reasoning Test – Ultimate Study Guide with Practice Questions

If you’ve successfully submitted an application to the Civil Service, you may have been invited to complete a set of verbal and numerical reasoning tests.

These tests are among the most common psychometric evaluations used during the Civil Service hiring process. They assess how competent you are while dealing with written and numerical information.

Take the Civil Service Numerical Reasoning Test to improve your score.

The thought of sitting these tests can make even the most qualified candidates nervous. However, with proper preparation and lots of practice, you can easily ace them and move on to the interview process.

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What is the Civil Service Numerical Reasoning Test?

Numerical reasoning tests measure your ability to perform calculations and solve problems based on numerical information. The information is relevant to the everyday work tasks you’ll be expected to perform in the job.

During these tests, you’ll be given numerical information and data that you must interpret. Then you must answer a series of questions.

What is the format Civil Service Numerical Test?

You will be shown some numerical information in the form of one of the following:

  • Table
  • Graph
  • Chart

You will then answer three or four questions about the information in the data. The questions typically have multiple-choice answers for you to choose from. All the information you need is included on the page, but you may need to draw logical conclusions and make simple calculations.

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Is there a time limit?

The Numerical Reasoning Test is timed. As a very general rule of thumb, you should spend about a minute on each test question. Be sure to practise ahead of time to ensure you can answer everything thoroughly.

Managing your time is also crucial during the tests themselves. During your preparation phase, make a note of how long each assessment will last and how many questions you’ll need to answer during that time. This way, you can calculate if you will be able to answer the questions in the time provided.

With that said, don’t obsess over the time while taking the actual tests. Doing this can distract you from providing cohesive, thorough questions since you’ll be stressing out about watching the clock instead. By taking practice tests ahead of time, you’ll have a better feel for how long each type of question will take you to answer, which can save you from focusing on the clock while taking the test.

Is the Civil Service Numerical Test hard?

Many times, qualified applicants will look at sample questions for the numerical reasoning tests and think that the tests will be easy. However, even though the questions may appear simple, they do require thorough analysis and proper comprehension to answer completely, especially under a pressured time limit.

Online practice tests can help you sharpen your skills and expose your weaknesses, which will increase your confidence.

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How to prepare for the Civil Service Numerical Reasoning Test?

Knowing exactly what to expect on the numerical reasoning test drastically increases your chances of passing. Not to mention the expected format and time constraints placed on each test. Here are some top preparation tips for the Civil Service Numerical Test.

Research the test

If you can, it may help to contact the hiring manager and ask for any information about the test they can provide. Knowing who the test publisher will be can help you learn if there are any specific requirements. You will discover if any equipment, such as a calculator, is allowed.

Additionally, many test publishers share their example questions online, so it can be beneficial to check their websites before creating your study routine.

Familiarise Yourself with the Topics

The Civil Service numerical reasoning tests assess your general mental abilities. The numerical test measures your ability to perform calculations and solve problems based on numerical information.

Familiarising yourself with common questions ahead of time by taking practice tests can make you quicker and more confident, allowing you more time to complete any complicated questions during the actual test.

Create a Consistent Study Schedule

Adhering to a regular study schedule can make all the difference when it comes to being prepared.

If you’ve already completed your formal education, you may no longer be in the habit of preparing for and taking exams. When you don’t have the structure of formal education to keep you on track, it can be difficult to avoid distractions and study consistently.

Staying disciplined and organised while preparing for the tests can keep you from getting overwhelmed. Do this by breaking down your test preparation into smaller parts and scheduling a set time to study every day.

Take Online Practice Tests

No matter how well you did at maths in school, practising is essential. Taking online practice tests allows you to familiarise yourself with:

  • The format
  • The time it will take you to complete each question
  • The content

Becoming complacent before taking any test can lead to low scores, especially during Civil Service competency tests. Avoid re-doing the application process by practising ahead of time as often as you can.

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What are the top resources?

JobTest Prep provides quality preparation guides for those of you taking a Civil Service verbal or numerical reasoning test.

Check reliable sites like this first, but it can also be helpful to search for advice from others who have done the tests recently. Find quality information online from people who offer tips and advice on acing these tests, and incorporate the information you learn into your study routine.

Simulate the test conditions

You’ll likely be asked to complete your numerical reasoning test online. Since reading on-screen can take longer than a standard paper test, you may find that the best way to familiarise yourself with the online test format is to take practice tests. While practising, make sure to simulate the actual conditions of the test by:

  • Finding a quiet space where you can be alone without interruptions
  • Putting away distractions like your mobile phone, notes, and turning off music or the television
  • Timing yourself to ensure you can complete the test within the specified time limits

It can be easy to complete practice tests without trying very hard, but you’re not likely to improve much at all by slacking during the practice tests. If you cannot replicate the actual test conditions at home, you may try visiting a local library or coffee shop. Just make sure it is as quiet and distraction-free as possible so that you’re making the most of your practice time.

Hone Your Time Management Skills

When preparing for the numerical reasoning test, it can be easy to waste valuable studying time during your unproductive hours. Some people find that they have an easier time staying focused in the morning, while others only feel productive later in the day. Make sure you are studying during your most productive hours to have an easier time retaining information.

Something that many people find helpful is to set specific tasks for what you’ll be focusing on during your study time. For example, if you are studying basic maths like calculating percentage changes, schedule time to focus on only that until you are confident with your skills. This can help make the study process feel more manageable and allow you to devote the proper amount of time to the things you need help with.

Take Care of Yourself

When preparing for a numerical reasoning test, it is common for people to encounter stress, anxiety, and sleep loss. These can be major contributors to performing poorly in the test.

Feeling confident about your abilities can go a long way towards helping you feel relaxed before the test, so study as much as you can while still taking time to do things you enjoy and get the proper amount of sleep.

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What about the Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test?

The other common test for the Civil Service is the Verbal Reasoning Test. This measures your ability to identify important information and draw logical conclusions from the provided written instructions. During these tests, you are typically given a passage of text and asked questions about what you’ve read.

The test is usually timed, so you only have a specific amount of time to read the text quickly, understand it, and identify the answer. In most cases, you are asked three or four questions based on each text passage.

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Conclusion

If you aren’t sure how to start preparing for your upcoming Civil Service Numerical Reasoning test, Job Test Prep offers preparation materials like practice tests and guides to help you get ready. Visit their website today to get a head start on your test preparation today!

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