Verbal Comprehension Test (VT1.1)
Measures vocabulary and basic verbal skills using language which reflects the requirements of technical occupations. Tasks include sentence completion, analogies, finding synonyms, and finding acronyms.
Mechanical Comprehension Test (MT4.1)
Measures the understanding of basic mechanical principles and their applications to a number of devices, including pulleys, gears and levers. A core skill relevant in many technical jobs. The problems are presented to the candidates as three-dimensional drawings, hence the test measures knowledge of physics to a lesser degree than similar tests.
Fault Diagnosis Test (FT7.1)
Assesses the ability to identify faults in logical systems. No specialised knowledge is required. The test requires an individual to locate which element in an arrangement of coded symbols is not working as specified. FT7.1. is recommended for both technicians and engineers.
Visual Estimation (ET3.1)
Measures spatial perception and the ability to make accurate visual comparisons. It is particularly suitable for craft and operator level jobs involving basic design and assembly work.
Applied Technology Series (ATS) for Engineers and Technical Staff
Tests of this battery measure abilities necessary for engineers and technicians.
Diagrammic Thinking (DTS6)
Assesses the ability to follow a sequence of interdependent symbols arranged in a logical order. This ability to apply checks and follow sequences is likely to be relevant in tracking process control systems, debugging software and in systems design.
Mechanical Comprehension (MTS3)
Assesses the understandig of basic mechanical principles and their application to such devices as pulleys and gears and simple structures.
Numerical Estimation Test (NTS2)
Measures the ability to estimate quickly the answers to numerical calculations. Knowledge of fractions and percentages is required as well as that of basic arithmetic. The task is to select the best estimate from a number of options. Calculators are not allowed in this test.
Following Instructions (VTS1)
Measures the ability to follow written instructions. The topics covered are relevant to a technical environment and draw on the kind of material often associated with equipment manuals or operating instructions. No prior knowledge of technical word is assumed.
Fault Finding Test (FTS4)
Assesses the ability to identify faults in logical systems. The test requires the candidate to locate what element in an arrangement of colour coded symbols is not functioning. No specialist knowledge, but visual and reasoning ability are required. The test is appropriate in many applications including operating machinery, when quick fault finding is necessary.
Spatial Checking Test (STS5)
Measures the ability to locate differences between complex designs rotated and reversed in two or three dimensions. This ability is likely to feature in the checking and design of electronic systems, engineering components and in some applications of computer-aided design (e.g. CAD).
Information Technology Test Series (ITTS) for Programmers, System Operators and Software Developers
The Information Technology Test Series is appropriate for the selection, development and promotion of staff working in information technology. The tests measure specific skills and abilities necessary for various IT-tasks.
Syntax Checking Test (CIT4)
Similarly to CIT3, this test also measures speed and accuracy in the checking of strings of letters and numbers, but in this case the candidate has to decide whether a line from a computer programme complies with a set of rules. A highly relevant test for any jobs that include any form of coding, programming or software checking.
Spatial Reasoning Test (SIT7)
Measures a candidate’s ability to visualize spatial relationships. Specifically, it measures the ability to visualize and manipulate shapes in three dimensions given a twodimensional drawing. The test discriminates at a high level and measures spatial ability relevant for engineers, designers, draughts people and IT staff working with graphics.
Number Series Test (NIT2)
Measures high level numerical reasoning skills rather than skill in computational work. In particular, it assesses the ability to recognise the relationships between numbers, therefore the test is appropriate for any IT job where the recognition of numerical relationships or sequences is important. Calculators are not allowed.
Diagramming Test (DIT5)
This test primarily requires logical reasoning. To solve the test candidates must follow a set of instructions to manipulate a series of figures. This test simulates the ability to handle multiple and interdependent commands, an important ability in most IT jobs.
Verbal Reasoning Test (VIT1)
Measures the ability to evaluate the logic of written information. The test samples a range of computer relevant material such as user manuals, technical manuals, computer text books and computer press articles. The task of the candidate is to decide for a list of statements if they are true or false in the light of the information contained in the passage. The test is not knowledge based but designed to measure whether the candidate has the ability to understand and interpret written material.
Computer Checking Test (CIT3)
This is a test of speed and accuracy in the checking of character strings made up of letters, numbers and symbols. These are important basic skills in any area of programming and especially important for computer data entry staff.
Diagrammatic Reasoning Test (DIT6)
In this test candidates have to infer a set of rules from a flow-chart and apply these rules to new situations. This test is a high level measure of symbolic reasoning ability and is especially relevant in jobs that require the capacity to work through complex problems in a systematic and analytical manner, for example, in systems analysis and programme design.
Management and Graduate Item Bank (MGIB) for Middle Managers and Graduates
SHL’s arguably most widely used test battery, the Management and Graduate Item Bank measures logical reasoning with business-related verbal and numerical tasks. MGIB can be used in selection as well as development and promotion.