Aptitude Test: Free Practice, Sample Questions, and How to Pass (UK Guide)

What is an aptitude test?
An aptitude test is a timed assessment designed to measure how you think, solve problems, and process information. It is not a test of how “smart” you are in general. It is a test of specific skills that employers and educators care about, such as numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, logical thinking, and attention to detail.

Why are aptitude tests used?
Employers use aptitude testing to predict how well someone might perform in a role, especially when lots of people are applying. Schools may use similar tests to identify strengths, learning preferences, and support needs.

Common types of aptitude tests

• Numerical reasoning (percentages, ratios, tables, charts)
• Verbal reasoning (reading short passages and making careful conclusions)
• Logical reasoning (patterns, sequences, rules)
• Abstract or diagrammatic reasoning (shapes and visual patterns)
• Situational judgement (choosing the best response at work)
• Error checking and attention to detail (spotting differences fast)

You will also hear people use terms like mental aptitude test, cognitive test, and psychometric test. These are often used interchangeably in job applications. The name changes, but the goal is usually the same. Measure how you think under time pressure.

If you want to get confident quickly, you need exposure to the most common question styles. Below are aptitude test sample questions and answers to help you practise the way real tests feel.

Numerical reasoning sample question

Question: A shop reduces a £80 item by 25%. What is the new price?

Answer: £60

Explanation: 25% of £80 is £20. £80 minus £20 equals £60.

Verbal reasoning sample question

Passage: “The company introduced a new rota system. After three months, staff reported improved work-life balance. However, customer call wait times increased during peak hours.”

Question: True, False, or Cannot Say: “The new rota system reduced customer call wait times.”

Answer: False

Explanation: The passage says wait times increased during peak hours.

Logical sequence sample question

Question: What number comes next? 3, 6, 12, 24, ?

Answer: 48

Explanation: The pattern is doubling each time.

Percentages under pressure sample question

Question: A team completes 45 tasks on Monday. On Tuesday, they complete 20% more. How many tasks do they complete on Tuesday?

Answer: 54

Explanation: 20% of 45 is 9. Add 9 to 45 to get 54.

Accuracy and attention to detail sample question

Question: Which code is different?

• ABT-4917
• ABT-4917
• ABT-4197
• ABT-4917

Answer: ABT-4197

Explanation: The digits are in a different order.

When you practise, do not just check if you got it right. Ask a better question. Why did you get it wrong, and what will you do differently next time? That is how your score improves.

Most people search for aptitude test practice because they want two things. They want to know what will come up, and they want to improve quickly. The best practice is realistic, timed, and repeated.

Where to find free practice

• National Careers Service style guidance pages and practice advice for psychometric tests
• Employer career pages (some employers share example questions)
• Free aptitude test sites that offer short practice sets, often called aptitude test free or cognitive test free

Benefits of online aptitude test practice

• You can practise in short bursts and build momentum
• You can train your timing, which is often the real challenge
• You can identify your weak areas fast and fix them

Simple tips that work

• Practise little and often, even 15 minutes a day helps
• Time yourself, but review your mistakes calmly afterwards
• Learn the common shortcuts, like percentage methods and ratio simplification
• Build a small toolkit of strategies for each question type

If you are preparing for recruitment, you might also see searches like free pre employment testing or aptitude test online. The main thing is to practise in the same format you will face for the real assessment, especially if it is timed and multiple choice.

It is normal for parents to search for an aptitude test for kids, especially if a child is preparing for school assessments or you want to understand how they learn best.

Why kids can benefit from aptitude-style tests

• They can highlight strengths such as verbal reasoning, pattern spotting, or maths thinking
• They can show where confidence is lower, which helps with targeted support
• They can encourage good learning habits, like reading carefully and checking work

How to support your child

• Keep it low pressure, treat it like a game or a challenge
• Use short sessions, stop before they get tired
• Praise effort and focus, not just the final score
• Do a few practice questions together, then let them try independently

Important note for parents: aptitude-style tests are just one snapshot. They do not define your child. They are most useful when they lead to supportive habits, not labels.

Format and timing
Most aptitude tests are multiple choice, timed, and completed online. Some are supervised remotely. Others are completed at home with a time limit. The key thing to remember is that speed matters, but accuracy matters more.

Simple strategies that improve your score

• Read the instructions slowly at the start, it prevents silly mistakes
• Answer the easier questions first if the test allows it
• Do not get stuck, move on and return later if possible
• Use rough working for numerical questions, even quick notes help
• Keep your eyes on the clock, but do not panic

Managing test anxiety
Feeling nervous is normal. The best way to reduce anxiety is preparation and familiarity. Do a few timed practices so your brain learns that the format is safe and predictable.

A simple routine that helps is:

• Sleep properly the night before
• Eat something light and drink water
• Set up your space, quiet room, charged laptop, stable internet
• Take a slow breath before you click start

After the test
If you get feedback, use it. Look at which areas were weaker and focus your practice there. If you do not get feedback, reflect anyway. Which question types felt slow or confusing? That tells you what to practise next.

Many people start with a free cognitive test or an aptitude test free practice set. That is a great first step. Once you know which tests you will sit, the fastest progress usually comes from realistic, role-specific practice under time pressure.

If you want structured practice that mirrors real recruitment assessments, How2Become can help with:

• Full aptitude test practice sets across numerical, verbal, logical, and abstract reasoning
• Work-style questions, including scenario-based judgement
• Clear explanations so you learn from every mistake
• Timed practice so you build the right pace

Use the button below to access practice resources and improve your score.