SHL
GlobalFounded 1977

SHL Group

The world's leading talent assessment company

1977
Founded
14 million+
Assessments/year
190
Countries
50+
Languages
75%
Fortune 500 clients
200,000+
Norm group size

SHL is the global leader in talent assessment, delivering 14 million+ assessments annually across 190 countries in 50 languages. Their Universal Competency Framework (UCF) underpins all assessments, ensuring valid, fair and legally defensible selection. Used by 75% of Fortune 500 companies, SHL's Verify Interactive platform represents the current state-of-the-art in adaptive cognitive testing.

Test Formats & Structure

Verify Interactive G+ (General Ability)

Hard
36 min
30 Q
Adaptive numerical + verbal + inductive

Verify Numerical Reasoning

Hard
17-25 min
18-24 Q
Data tables, charts, graphs

Verify Verbal Reasoning

Medium
17-19 min
18-24 Q
Passage comprehension, True/False/Cannot Say

Verify Inductive Reasoning

Hard
24 min
24 Q
Pattern sequences, matrix completion

OPQ32r Personality Questionnaire

N/A
25-35 min
104 Q
Forced-choice behavioral statements

Motivational Questionnaire (MQ)

N/A
25 min
144 Q
Rating scale statements

Sample Questions

Example questions in the style of this publisher's assessments.

Numerical Reasoning

A company's revenue grew from €2.4M to €3.1M. What is the percentage increase? (A) 22.6% (B) 25.8% (C) 29.2% (D) 31.4%

Calculate: (3.1 - 2.4) / 2.4 × 100 = 29.2%. Always check your calculation before selecting.

Verbal Reasoning

All managers are responsible for team performance. Some team leaders are managers. Therefore: (A) All team leaders are responsible for team performance (B) Some team leaders are responsible for team performance (C) No team leaders are responsible for team performance (D) Cannot say

The correct answer is (B). Only 'some' team leaders are managers, so only 'some' are responsible. Avoid over-generalizing.

Inductive Reasoning

What comes next in the sequence? ○ ◯ ● ◉ ○ ◯ ● ◉ ○ ◯ ?

Identify the repeating pattern (4-element cycle). The answer is ●. Always look for cycles, rotations, and size/color changes.

Companies Using SHL

Microsoft
Siemens
Heineken
Deutsche Bank
Coca-Cola
Deloitte
Shell
HSBC
Nestlé
Barclays

Expert Preparation Tips

1

Practice under timed conditions. SHL Verify tests are strictly time-limited. Numerical: ~1 min/question, Verbal: ~1 min/question.

2

For numerical tests, practice reading data tables and charts quickly. You'll have a calculator. Use it efficiently.

3

For verbal tests, always base your answer on the passage only. 'Cannot Say' is correct when the passage doesn't confirm or deny the statement.

4

For inductive tests, look for 4 types of changes: size, color/shading, rotation, and number of elements.

5

The G+ (General Ability) test combines all three in 36 minutes. Practice switching between test types quickly.

6

SHL tests are taken online and proctored. Ensure a stable internet connection and a quiet environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SHL Verify Interactive platform?

Verify Interactive is SHL's adaptive cognitive testing platform. Tests adjust in difficulty based on your responses, providing a more accurate measurement of ability in less time. The interface is modern and includes interactive data visualizations.

How does SHL score their tests?

SHL uses a percentile-based scoring system. Your raw score is compared against a norm group (e.g., 'Graduate' or 'Management' level). Cut-offs are set by the employer rather than by SHL and are rarely published; they vary by role and intake, so aim to score as high as you can within your norm group.

Can I retake an SHL test if I fail?

Most companies allow a 6-12 month waiting period before retaking. Some companies use different SHL test versions to prevent practice effects. Always check the specific employer's policy.

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