SIG Online Test: Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated on August 24, 2023

A career in quantitative trading can be challenging but very rewarding at the same time. Aside from the high earning potential and fast-paced environment some professionals seek, it also allows for learning opportunities and collaboration.

Quantitative trading firms such as the Susquehanna International Group (SIG) are known for their cutting-edge strategies and innovative approaches to trading. Their global operations and diverse products and services require professionals who are willing to do all the work and go beyond what is expected. In order to find the best job candidates, the firm’s employment process includes the SIG Online Test, an assessment that aims to challenge and bring out the best in all its applicants.

SIG Online Test: Overview

The Susquehanna International Group is a global quantitative trading firm known for its expertise in options trading, market making, and technology-driven trading strategies. They participate in the options and equities markets, cryptocurrency, commodities, energy, fixed income, and foreign exchange.

As part of its recruitment process, SIG provides a series of tests, both technical and psychometric, to help human resources teams assess applicants. These tests are typically provided by psychometric assessments developer Talent Q, which was acquired by Korn Ferry in 2014. Korn Ferry is another pre-employment psychometric test developer that aims to help prospective employers objectively measure job candidates’ compatibility with the position. Their tests evaluate a candidate’s cognitive abilities, personality traits, leadership potential, and other job-related skills.

There are three general topics for Talent Q or Korn Ferry Assessments: logical, verbal, and numerical. The number, variety, time limit, and difficulty of the tests for each job opening may vary depending on its roles and scope of responsibilities. You can check out our Korn Ferry Assessment Guide to get an idea of the time limits per category.

Becoming part of SIG can begin even one before finishing their bachelor’s degree or graduate degrees. SIG provides opportunities for graduating students with internships in its various branches and departments. However, those applying directly for a job will go through a general application process.

Take note that the time limit also depends on each test. Make sure to read all instructions carefully and refer to the human resources officer in charge of your communication to avoid any errors on the day of the assessment.

How to Register for the SIG Online Test

Those applying for quantitative analysis, trading, and technology positions are usually required to take the online assessment. Once you find a job opening you are interested in, you can sometimes find the flow of the application process in the description. An example application process for a Quantitative Researcher Program is as follows:

1. Apply
2. Maths Assessment
3. Recruiter Interview
4. Quant Interviews
5. Final On-site Interview
6. Offer

Here is another example, this time for a Statistician position:

1. Apply
2. Online Assessments
3. Recruiter Interview
4. Quant Interview
5. Final On-site Interview
6. Job Offer

SIG explicitly notes that it does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or search firms. Furthermore, any resume or referral submitted in the absence of a signed agreement will become the property of SIG and no fee will be paid.

The process starts with applying on the website, where you will provide personal information and upload your resume. You will also have a choice to apply via LinkedIn. Once you fill out and submit all forms, your resume will be assessed. Those eligible will receive instructions on how to access the online assessment platform, which could be the Korn Ferry/Talent Q Testing Site. You will have to follow all instructions, including making an account and accomplishing the tests within a given timeline.

After the tests, you will notice that there are usually interviews. Should you get to this stage, it is important that you prepare for job interview questions that are related to your position, your personal and career goals, as well as the achievements and challenges you have faced. This stage is an important turning point as interviewers can include your potential team leader or supervisor, who will help assess your compatibility with the company.

Questions to Expect in the SIG Online Test

The SIG online assessment test is designed to assess candidates’ quantitative aptitude and critical thinking skills. The test may consist of a combination of multiple-choice questions, mathematical puzzles, logical reasoning problems, and data interpretation challenges. Here are some sample questions from the many assessments you may face during your online test:

Logical Test Sample Question #1:

Decipher the pattern and determine the missing symbol:

∆ ⌈ ∗ ∇ ⌊ ? ⌋

a. ⌉

b. ‡

c. ⊖

d. ⇆

In this question, the logical pattern is based on the arrangement of symbols above and below a line. If we look at the symbols’ positions in the series, we can see that they alternate between being above and below a line:

• Above: ∆, ∗
• Below: ⌈, ∇, ⌊

The missing symbol is represented by “?”, and we need to find a symbol that fits the pattern and should be positioned above the line. Among the given options, the symbol ⌉ is the only one that fits the pattern. It’s positioned above the line, just like the symbols ∆ and ∗ in the series. The answer is therefore a. ⌉.

Logical Test Sample Question #2:

A group of six friends—Alice, Bob, Carol, David, Emily, and Frank—are seated in a row of chairs facing forward. The following information is known about their seating arrangement:

1. Alice is not seated next to Bob or Emily.

2. Carol is seated exactly two places away from Frank.

3. David is seated to the immediate right of Emily.

4. Bob is seated to the immediate left of Emily.

Given these conditions, who is seated in the middle chair?

a. Alice

b. Bob

Carol

c. David

d. Emily

e. Frank

Let’s analyze these conditions step by step:

• Condition 3 tells us that David is seated to the immediate right of Emily. Therefore, the seating arrangement could look like this:

_Emily – David – ? – ? – ? – ?_

• Condition 4 states that Bob is seated to the immediate left of Emily. So, Bob must be to the left of Emily:

_Emily – David – Bob – ? – ? – ?_

• Condition 2 says that Carol is seated exactly two places away from Frank. Since David is already seated to Emily’s right, and Bob is to Emily’s left, Carol must be seated two places away from Frank:

_Emily – David – Bob – ? – Carol – ?_

• Condition 1 indicates that Alice is not seated next to Bob or Emily. Since Bob is already seated next to Emily, Alice must be seated next to David:

_Emily – David – Bob – Alice – Carol – ?_

• With Carol being two places away from Frank, and we know that there are six seats in total, Frank must be the last person:

_Emily – David – Bob – Alice – Carol – Frank_

Therefore, the person seated in the middle chair is c. Carol.

Verbal Test Sample Question:

In recent years, the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) has grown significantly due to concerns about environmental impact and the depletion of fossil fuels. Many countries are offering incentives to encourage the adoption of EVs, such as tax credits and reduced registration fees. While the benefits of EVs are evident, there are still challenges to widespread adoption, including the limited availability of charging infrastructure and the higher upfront costs compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

Based on the passage, which assumption can be made about the challenges faced by electric vehicles?

a. Charging infrastructure is currently widespread and easily accessible.

b, Traditional gasoline-powered vehicles do not face any challenges.

c. Tax credits and reduced registration fees are the only incentives offered to promote EV adoption.

d. Higher upfront costs are a factor inhibiting the adoption of electric vehicles.

This question requires you to identify the assumption made in the passage regarding the challenges faced by electric vehicles. The passage mentions challenges such as the limited availability of charging infrastructure and the higher upfront costs of EVs. The assumption underlying these challenges is that higher upfront costs and limited charging infrastructure are indeed significant factors inhibiting the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

With these said, the correct answer is d. Higher upfront costs are a factor inhibiting the adoption of electric vehicles, as it does not suggest that charging infrastructure is widespread (option a), it doesn’t make a claim about traditional gasoline-powered vehicles facing no challenges (option b), and it doesn’t mention that tax credits and registration fees are the only incentives (option c).

Numerical Test Sample Question #1:

Company X operates in three different regions: North America, Europe, and Asia. The table below provides data on the revenue generated by Company X in each region for the last fiscal year:

Region	Revenue (in millions)
North America	$650
Europe	$480
Asia	$320

Additionally, the company’s total expenses for the year were $800 million. Calculate the percentage of total expenses represented by the revenue from each region. Round your answers to the nearest tenth of a percent.

a. North America: 81.3%, Europe: 60.0%, Asia: 40.0%

b. North America: 40.8%, Europe: 30.0%, Asia: 20.0%

c. North America: 81.3%, Europe: 60.0%, Asia: 60.0%

d. North America: 40.8%, Europe: 30.0%, Asia: 30.0%

To solve this question, you need to calculate the percentage of total expenses represented by the revenue from each region. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Calculate the total revenue: $650 (North America) + $480 (Europe) + $320 (Asia) = $1,450 million.
2. Divide the revenue from each region by the total revenue and multiply by 100 to get the percentage.

• North America: ($650 / $1,450) * 100 ≈ 44.8%
• Europe: ($480 / $1,450) * 100 ≈ 33.1%
• Asia: ($320 / $1,450) * 100 ≈ 22.1%

The answer is, therefore, b. North America: 40.8%, Europe: 30.0%, Asia: 20.0%

Numerical Test Sample Question #2:

Sarah is an experienced trader who manages an investment portfolio with a mix of stocks and bonds. The table below provides data on the current value of her portfolio and the percentage allocation to each asset class:

Asset Class	Current Value ($)	Allocation (%)
Stocks	$200,000	60%
Bonds	$130,000	40%

Over the last year, the value of stocks increased by 12%, while the value of bonds increased by 5%. Calculate the total value of Sarah’s portfolio after the one-year period, rounded to the nearest dollar.

a. $332,100

b. $370,700

c. $360,500

d. $343,000

To solve this question, you need to calculate the increased value of stocks and bonds and then calculate the total value of the portfolio after one year:

1. Calculate the increase in value for stocks: $200,000 * 12% = $24,000
2. Calculate the increase in value for bonds: $130,000 * 5% = $6,500
3. Add the increased value to the initial value to get the new values of stocks and bonds.
4. Calculate the total value of the portfolio by summing up the new values.

The new value of stocks is: $200,000 + $24,000 = $224,000

While the new value of bonds is: $130,000 + $6,500 = $136,500

Because the total value of the portfolio adds up to $360,500, the correct answer is therefore c.

In addition to this, you should also prepare for possible personality tests or assessments. But don’t fret, preparing for pre-employment assessments can be easier with prep packs. Head on over to our partners at JobTestPrep to get practice tests, study guides, and more!

How to Prepare for the SIG Online Test

Preparing for any pre-employment assessment takes time and effort. SIG looks for employees who are skilled in many different aspects. When preparing for the online tests, here are some tips you should follow to increase your chances of getting to the next level of the application process:

• Brush up on your basics – expect questions that range from algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics. Review basic mathematical concepts and practice solving problems quickly. Once you master these, move on to more complex topics.
• Don’t be afraid to ask – to better organize your review sessions, try to ask your human resources officer about the tests you will be taking. If they are able to specify which tests, then focus on those subjects. If they are unable to, then it is best to review all topics.
• Check the time – since the time limit on each test may vary, it is best to use test prep packs that will give you an idea of the time allotted. Base the time of your practice sessions on this.
• Prepare your device – if you are asked to take the online assessment at home, make sure to check your connection and device before taking the test. Prepare for a backup wifi and use the recommended device for the platform.
• Read all instructions – quantitative researchers, traders, and statisticians are expected to be thorough, as one small mistake may bring the whole operation down. Read all instructions and make sure to follow them before, during, and after taking the test.
• Breathe in, breathe out – traders work well under a lot of time pressure, and are expected to complete this assessment in the same way. Do not let panic take over you when taking the exam. Breathing exercises and affirmations before the test can help you focus all your energy on the test.
• Take advantage of your resources – Talent Q provides tips and answers to frequently asked questions about their platforms. Take advantage of these to help you in your preparation

SIG Online Test Results

The results of the test will provide SIG with valuable insights into each candidate’s strengths and areas that might need improvement. Aim to pass in the top quartile of the assessment for a higher chance of landing an interview. You can follow up with the HR officer or manager or inquire about the timeline for the test results.

SIG values education more than anything. It is important that this reflects on your scores and interview answers. Those who become SIG traders participate in extensive training to hone their quantitative ability by improving their decision-making, game theory, and quantitative modeling skills.

Feel the Pressure, Experience the Rewards

The SIG online test is a crucial part of the Susquehanna International Group’s employment process. These tests gauge skills and personality, which bear heavy weight in their decision-making. The general subjects in these assessments include numerical, logical, verbal, and personality tests, which should be thoroughly prepared for.

The quantitative trading industry can be cutthroat, so it is understandable that the job application process is also strict and highly competitive. It is not enough to just pass the tests, you must also try to aim for a high score. This test is a preview of the challenging but exciting career path you may be taking on at SIG.