If you’re applying for a role with UBS, one of the world’s leading investment banks, you’ll need to pass a series of online assessments before you reach the interview stage. These tests are designed to evaluate not just your knowledge and ability, but also your potential to thrive in UBS’s fast-paced, analytical environment.
Whether you’re applying for an internship, graduate scheme, or experienced position, understanding what to expect, and how to prepare, will give you a major advantage.
What Are the UBS Assessments?
UBS uses online psychometric tests and situational assessments to filter candidates who best fit their company culture and required skill sets. These assessments are provided by third-party testing companies such as Aon (Cut-e) or SHL, depending on the role and region.
Here’s what you might face:
UBS Numerical Reasoning Test
You’ll be presented with data in tables, charts, or graphs and asked to make calculations or interpret information quickly and accurately. This assesses your ability to work with numbers under time pressure which is a critical skill in finance and investment banking.
UBS Verbal Reasoning Test
This section evaluates your ability to understand and interpret written information. You’ll read short passages and answer questions that test your comprehension, logical thinking, and decision-making.
UBS Logical or Inductive Reasoning Test
These questions measure how well you can identify patterns, relationships, and trends. These are all key abilities for problem-solving and analytical thinking.
UBS Cultural Match or Situational Judgement Test (SJT)
This test assesses your workplace behaviour and decision-making style. You’ll be given realistic work scenarios and asked to choose the most effective response. UBS wants to see if your approach aligns with their values such as collaboration, integrity, and innovation.
What UBS Is Looking For
UBS looks for candidates who demonstrate:
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Strong analytical and numerical skills
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Professional communication and teamwork
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Integrity and sound judgement
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Adaptability and resilience under pressure
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Curiosity and a genuine interest in financial markets
Even if you’re not from a finance background, showing that you can think critically, solve problems, and work collaboratively can make a real difference.
How to Prepare for the UBS Assessments
The key to success is practice – not just general aptitude practice, but UBS-style preparation that mirrors the real tests you’ll face.
Here’s how to prepare effectively:
✅ 1. Take UBS-style practice tests
Familiarise yourself with the format, timing, and question style of the UBS assessments. The more you practise, the more confident and accurate you’ll become.
✅ 2. Work on your speed and accuracy
These tests are timed, and UBS often sets tight limits. Practising under realistic conditions will help you balance accuracy with speed.
✅ 3. Review your mistakes
Analyse where you went wrong in practice tests. Understanding why an answer was incorrect helps prevent the same errors on test day.
✅ 4. Develop strong numerical and logical skills
Spend time revising basic numeracy, percentages, ratios, and data interpretation. For logical reasoning, work on recognising patterns and sequences quickly.
✅ 5. Understand UBS’s values
In the situational judgement test, answers are often judged against UBS’s key values. Research the company’s mission, principles, and workplace culture so your responses reflect their expectations.
UBS Numerical Scales Sample Question
ANSWER = TRUE
EXPLANATION: In this test, you will need to read the question and then navigate to the correct tab containing the information. In this case, the question states that the profits made in the last quarter were £42,100. Your task is to find the correct tab containing the data that would validate the claim as true, false or impossible to say. This question states: “In the last quarter of 2022, the total profits were £42,100.” To break this down into steps, we need to do the following:
STEP 1: Find the correct tab which contains the data. In this case, the total profits tab contains the correct data set.
STEP 2: Analyse the data contained in the tab to locate the correct data to validate.
STEP 3: Make the required calculation. In this case, the last quarter of 2022 is October, November and December. Add the three figures; 12.2 + 13.4 + 16.5 = 42.1. 42.1 x 1,000 = £42,100. So we can validate this statement as true.
UBS Verbal Reasoning Sample Question
Answer: False
EXPLANATION: You can see from the Pet Insurance tab which shows that recovery therapies are only included with Diamond pet insurance policies. In this test, you must read the question and then navigate to the correct tab containing the information. In this instance, the question states that gold and platinum are suitable pet insurance policies if you want recovery therapies included. Your task is to find the correct tab containing the data to validate the claim as true, false or impossible to say. This question states: “If I wanted recovery therapies included in my pet insurance, I would choose gold or platinum.” To break this down into steps, we need to do the following:
STEP 1: Find the correct tab which contains the data. In this case, the pet insurance tab contains the correct data set.
STEP 2: Analyse the data contained in the tab to locate the correct data to validate.
STEP 3: Study the information provided to ascertain if the statement is true, false or impossible to say.
UBS Inductive Reasoning Sample Question
Answer: D
EXPLANATION = The amber shapes remain the same on all 3 rows, the green pies and black lightning bolts on the second row are mirrors of their respective shapes on the top row. The black lightning bolt and green pie on the last row are vertically flipped & rotated clockwise 90° from the second row.
UBS Cultural Match Sample Question
A longstanding client requests a complex solution outside your team’s usual services. Delivering this would require reallocating resources and delaying other commitments. The client has been patient but expects a high-quality outcome, and your manager is concerned about team workload. What do you do?
A. Engage the client to fully understand their needs and explore feasible tailored solutions.
B. Offer the closest standard solution and explain the limitations.
C. Refer the client to another team that might handle the request.
D. Provide a phased approach that meets some client needs immediately while planning further enhancements.
Best answer: A. Engage the client to fully understand their needs and explore feasible tailored solutions. This demonstrates strong client focus.
Worst answer: B. Offer the closest standard solution and explain the limitations. This may leave the client’s underlying needs unmet.
Final Thoughts
Getting through the UBS assessments is your first major hurdle on the path to a career with one of the world’s most respected financial institutions. With the right preparation and practice, you can stand out from the competition and impress your assessors.
Start today. Prepare smarter, build your confidence, and give yourself the best possible chance of success.
Get Ready with Our UBS Online Assessment Training Platform
To help you succeed, we’ve created a dedicated UBS Assessment Training Platform built to replicate the real UBS tests and give you everything you need to excel.
When you sign up, you’ll get:
💻 Realistic UBS-style practice tests (numerical, verbal, logical, and situational)
🧠 Step-by-step explanations and score tracking
📈 Performance analytics to identify your strengths and weaknesses
⏱️ Timed simulations that match the real test environment
Whether you’re applying for a graduate role or an experienced position, this is the most effective way to prepare for the UBS assessments with confidence.
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