Ever taken an Aptitude Test before?
One of these days, you probably will. It could be one of the requirements for securing a job, an internship or the NHEF Scholars’ Program. In this article, we’ll walk you through the wisdom behind aptitude tests and how to scale (pass) them with adequate preparation and tips!
What is an Aptitude Test?
When you apply for a job or any position in a multinational company that typically has many applicants, your selection wouldn’t only be based on your CV or Cover letter or even academic transcript, no matter how good it is.
Such large organisations use aptitude tests or cognitive ability assesments to further narrow down the number of applicants based on their critical thinking, speed and accuracy in answering easy but tricky questions.
Aptitude or Cognitive Ability tests are commonly used in recruitment or assessment processes to screen applicants based on their on-the-spot ability, which says a lot about their human value and their potential for overcoming challenges.
Read: How to Create a CV with Work Experience
Introducing the NHEF Cognitive Ability Aptitude Test
This year, with the impressive increase in applicants of the NHEF Scholars’ Program, the organisation has adopted the use of Cognitive Ability Testing as part of its screening procedure. Applicants with strong application documents have been sent invitation emails containing details of the test, and they’re given about two days to answer a 30-minute test containing 30 questions.
What does this mean?
It means that you can log into the test interface, which is being conducted by Jobberman, anytime within those two days, but once you log in, the countdown begins and your test will expire after thirty minutes.
Jobberman is a leading career development and recruitment solutions company which often connects qualified job seekers with verified employers.
Structure of the NHEF Cognitive Ability Aptitude Test
The NHEF Cognitive Ability Test is divided into 3 sections, each containing 10 questions to be answered in a maximum of 10 minutes. Ensure that you submit before the 10 minutes elapse to avoid losing your progress.
The three sections broadly cover areas such as:
- Critical Thinking: These questions are designed to test your logic and thinking ability by answering questions that usually need “common sense”, drawing conclusions from statements or “stating the obvious”.
- Numerical Reasoning: This is where you might need to use the on-screen calculator to solve some algebra or quantitative questions. Some might have diagrams too. Passing such tests is not always based on your mathematical ability in school, therefore, it is important to practise well.
- Verbal Aptitude: In this section, you’ll be required to fill in blanks with words or phrases that would best suit presented questions. A good way to answer questions in this section is by reading them in your mind and asking yourself which sounds most appropriate.
How to Practice for Aptitude Tests
To practise for the NHEF Cognitive Ability Test or any other Aptitude test, check out resources or past questions by test administering organisations such as Dragnet and Jobberman. You may also check the following:
Jobberman Access August 2023 Past Questions
Scholarship, Job and Aptitude Test Past Questions
The NHEF Aptitude Test Rules & Tips
Applicants who are successful in the first stage of preliminary screening will be invited to take the Online Assessment. When writing the NHEF Aptitude Test, note the following:
- The test is proctored. This implies that the actions of the candidates would be monitored during the test.
- Do not engage in any form of malpractice, either by seeking help from a friend or family to take the test for you. Malpractice may lead to outright disqualification.
- Be time-conscious and practise fast reading. Ensure you submit before the time elapses to avoid losing the marks for any section.
- The tests are conducted in batches; questions would most likely be quite different for each candidate.
- It is advisable to take the test on a computer in order to access the full functionalities such as on-screen calculator.
- Take the test alone in a well-lit and quiet environment.
- Do not use headphones, earpods or earpieces.
- In case you’re in need of jotting, ensure that your note paper is blank before the start of the test.
- Clear your environment from any possible implicating materials.
- Be calm and regulated. A lot of what you’ll be asked is based on residual knowledge and your ability to respond to challenges. Therefore, speed and accuracy are key!
What’s Next after the NHEF Cognitive Ability Test?
Some applicants who have performed well in the first test batch have been invited for interviews. The first round of interviews would be conducted from Monday, 6th May 2024 to Saturday, 11th May 2024.
Applicants are given the liberty to choose a convenient time for their interview within the time frame. However, some candidates would still receive cognitive ability test invitations and if successful, their interviews would also be scheduled at later dates.
Already shortlisted?
You may gain more insight on the NHEF Interview process and common questions via the post: https://smartbukites.com/nhef-interview-questions-ultimate-guide-to-preparation/