6 Tips for Numerical and Verbal Reasoning Tests

Numerical and verbal reasoning tests are the most common psychometric tests used in hiring processes, not just in the private sector but also in Civil Service exams. These tests make most candidates nervous, but with the proper preparation, you can ace them!

So, what exactly are numerical and verbal reasoning tests? Well, numerical reasoning is not really a test of pure arithmetic ability but instead assesses how competent you are in dealing with numerical information.

Similarly, verbal reasoning tests assess how well you can make deductions when presented with textual information. They usually evaluate your linguistic understanding and use of verbal comprehension and logic to extract and analyze the provided information.

According to a study, 75% of Fortune 500 companies rely on psychometric tests. Furthermore, arithmetic reasoning tests are also a part of the Civil Service Examsconducted by New York State. So, how can you ace these tests? Here are some valuable tips that you can use!

Practice Makes Perfect

This might be stating the obvious, but there’s a reason so much emphasis is put on practice. It’s pretty simple: to get good at something or learn something new, you have to practice. Some studies say 10,000 hours of practice is required to become an expert; others say 20 hours are enough.

Nevertheless, no one can dismiss the importance of practice. When it comes to numerical and verbal reasoning tests, practice sharpens your skills, leads you to your weaknesses so you can address them, and increases your confidence.

It’s common for qualified individuals to look at sample questions and think that the test will be easy or that they already know it. These questions often appear simple and easy on the surface but do require analytical thought and comprehension.

If you become complacent, it can lead to low scores and dampen your confidence when you finally take the test. Instead, practice as many numerical and verbal reasoning questions as you can find.

Follow your Study Schedule Religiously

While practice is critical, doing it on a regular basis is also crucial. Making a study schedule is essential, especially for hiring aptitude tests or civil service exams. Why? Because it’s likely that you have already finished your formal education. You’re no longer in the habit of taking exams, let alone preparing for them. You also don’t have the structure of formal education to nudge you. It’s all up to you. So, you start by making a study schedule and sticking religiously to it.

Instilling discipline and organization in your preparation will keep the overwhelming stress at bay. Break down your preparation into parts and allocate a fixed time daily to study, but more importantly: stick to it.

Just Like the Real Thing – Replicate the Examination Hall

Taking practice tests isn’t really helpful if you’re not trying very hard. You have to take into consideration the ticking clock and the actual stress of taking the exam. You can achieve this by simulating the actual conditions of the test.

This may sound difficult, but all you have to focus on is timing yourself, finding a separate space with no interruptions, and getting rid of all distractions such as your music, electronic devices, or notes.

When we are practicing casually, we give up too easily and flip the pages to see the actual answer. Instead, replicate the examination hall conditions to really challenge yourself to get a better idea of your readiness.

Work Smarter, Not Harder – Manage Your Time Effectively

The mantra “work smarter, not harder” is applicable here because working smarter is all about using your productive hours effectively. When you work smarter, you take control of your time instead of being controlled by it.

When it comes to preparing for an exam, working smarter is about scheduling your study hours effectively. For instance, Charles Darwin did not work long hours every day. Instead, he only did focused work for a few hours in the morning after breakfast.

When it comes to preparing for an exam, you have to make sure you design your study schedule so that you actually study during your productive hours. It’s also important to be specific in your focus; for instance, decide what exactly you’re going to do before you sit down.

Time is of the Essence – Get Used to the Time Limit

One thing that candidates often overlook when it comes to preparing for an exam is the time limit. You can spend hours daily practicing and solving problems and attempting questions, but it will be useless if you aren’t doing anything to keep your speed in check.

Attempting these questions in a limited amount of time can be overwhelming, which is why it is important to time yourself and see how quickly you are solving a practice exam. Slowly but surely, you’ll start noticing that your speed is increasing and you’re doing more in less time.

Join a Preparatory Course for Proper Guidance

Joining a preparatory course takes away the stress of planning and organizing your study. Instead, you take advantage of expert guidance to prepare for your exam effectively. This is especially crucial for those taking civil service exams because there’s no room for failure.

Civil service exams don’t come around very often. For instance, in NYS, they are only offered once every four to six years. If you don’t ace your exam, your chances of retaking them are slim.

At Civil Service Success, we offer preparatory courses for specific exams. For instance, you can join the prep classes for the NYS Court Officer exam or the Suffolk County Police test preparation.

These specific courses combine relevant course material taught by expert professionals to improve your chances of acing the exams. Contact us now to learn more.