Arithmetic Assessment

Everything you need to know

The Arithmetic assessment tests an individual by asking a short mental arithmetic question and using the answer to gain an accurate picture of the respondent’s abilities. This test is most effective at displaying a candidate’s use of math in real life, work-related situations.

Arithmetic Assessment

What is the arithmetic skills test?

An Arithmetic test is a well-known way to assess an individual’s mental maths skills. This numerical reasoning test features questions that require candidates to show a basic level of knowledge and apply it to the relevant equations. 

Designed to test an individual’s mental arithmetic ability, during the Arithmetic test individuals are expected to solve simple to complex mental math questions. This is an aptitude test focused on numerical reasoning and can be a useful aid for employers to assess potential employees’ math skills.

This test consists of questions on fractions, decimals, and percentages, assessing an individual’s ability to apply the correct knowledge. Due to the nature of this test, it is not advised to use calculators for help finding answers.

To gain a broad estimation of a candidate’s skills this test also features short mathematical questions around distance, area, and volume as well as basic addition, subtraction, and division. With every level, the difficulty is raised accordingly.

Candidates are presented with 30 questions to complete in 15 minutes. Each response is automatically recorded, and a point is given for every correct answer. Any question that is skipped or answered incorrectly will result in no point being added. It can be a good exercise to take the free practice questions for preparation and to sharpen skills.

  • Practice test available
  • Randomised presentation
  • 15 minutes available
  • 10 minutes average completion time
  • 30 questions presented
  • 240 questions in pool

Who is the arithmetic skills test aimed at?

When hiring for roles that involve dealing with numbers or finances, mental maths is a vital skill to have. Although basic arithmetic is used in an array of positions there are certain positions such as Accounting, Sales assistant, or Data analyst where this skill is more important.

With this Arithmetic test, an employer can narrow down their list of potential employees and gauge whether they have the necessary skills for the job at hand.

More jobs that could benefit from numerical reasoning tests include Private tutors, Financial managers, Research assistants and software or sound engineers. Data interpretation comes in many forms and an aptitude test will often provide more insight into or confirm an individual’s skills better than interview answers.

While it may not be the maths that was learnt in school, correct knowledge of number application can save time and confusion in the workplace and is seen as a valuable asset to have. 

Arithmetic Assessment

3 Arithmetic Test Levels Available

There are three different Arithmetic levels available, each level is used to assess different abilities. The assessments are available at Fundamental, Core and Professional levels, with every level increasing in difficulty. The more challenging levels will cover new material and expand on criteria from the previous levels.

01 Fundamental

At this test level candidates are required to show understanding of the basic principles of maths and perform simple mental arithmetic calculations with common whole numbers (between 1-100).

Any candidate taking the Fundamental level of this numerical test is expected to have knowledge of this subject at a foundation GCSE graduate level. 

02 Core

At this test level, candidates are expected to show understanding of intermediary principles of math and perform mental arithmetic calculations using uncommon (101+) numbers, decimals, and fractions.

Any candidate taking the Core level of this test is expected to have knowledge that aligns with a higher-level GCSE graduate. 

03 Professional

In this test, candidates are required to show thorough understanding and perform mental arithmetic calculations using complex numbers, decimals and fractions. This test builds upon the material covered in the Fundamental and Core tests and increases the complexity of the mathematical problems presented.

Any candidate taking the Professional level of this test are expected to have numerical skills that align with an A-Level graduate.  

Why use an Arithmetic Test?

Assess an individual’s ability to succeed at their job

Mathematical ability plays an important role in many professions, allowing employers to gain insight into an individual’s problem solving and critical thinking skills. As a pre-employment assessment, this test can eliminate the possibility of unsuitable individuals being hired and assess an individual’s ability to succeed at their job.

While we do have access to technology such as calculators, a fundamental understanding of numerical problem solving is the basis for mathematical prowess.

The way that an individual approaches this aptitude test can be an indicator of cognitive ability. Being able to make fast and accurate calculations is a sign of good data comprehension that can be applied in the workplace.

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