Practice for the SHL Calculation Test
The SHL Calculation Test is a brief but challenging evaluation of your ability to conduct mental arithmetic. This page is dedicated to helping you understand what to expect from the exam, including a summary of the main challenges and calculation test examples.
What Is a Calculation Test?
A Calculation Test is any numerical assessment that requires performing quick and efficient mental arithmetic. The math itself is typically nothing more complex than basic operations, but the challenge is keeping up with the time constraint.
Performing calculations without digital assistance requires mapping out the path to a solution and using mathematical tricks and shortcuts, without which it becomes very difficult to finish each question in time. Therefore, the test measures your problem-solving ability, numerical intuition, accuracy, and performance under pressure.
💡 Besides SHL, a math calculation test is provided by Optiver, TestGorilla, Procter and Gamble's Digit Challenge, and others.
What Is the SHL Calculation Test?
The SHL Calculation Test is a multiple-choice mental math test provided by SHL and is often used to assess candidates for positions in industries such as nursing, police, and more.
Below, you can find an in-depth look at the assessment, including free SHL Calculation Test Examples. Here is a rundown of the important aspects of this test.
- The test is brief: it contains 20 questions to be solved in 6 minutes.
- Each question is timed individually, with 18 seconds per question (!)
- The questions are multiple-choice, with 5 options each. This allows for elimination and other methods.
- You cannot go back once a question is solved or the timer runs out.
- Calculators are not allowed on the exam.
- The test is sometimes referred to as the SHL Verify Calculation Test.
SHL Calculation Test Practice
The questions on the assessment are all structured as a single-variable equation. The variable is marked using a question mark (?), and you must choose its value from five possibilities.
The questions on this particular SHL numerical reasoning test are usually limited to basic math operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division). They focus on the candidate's ability to strategize and cope with the strict time limits rather than on knowledge of complex math.
Below, we will explore free sample problems. More are available on our pack.
Gain Access to SHL-Style Online Mathematics Calculation Questions, With Full Solutions and Explanations
Excelling at this type of assessment requires practice. Our SHL PrepPack allows you to solve numerous questions.
Additionally, each question features a solution that reveals shortcuts and tricks you may have missed. By the course's completion, our goal is for numerical proficiency and intuition to become second nature.
The pack covers the Calculation Test, as well as all other SHL tests - including the SHL Personality Test.
SHL Calculation Test - Example Questions and Answers
Let’s dive into sample questions and answers for the SHL Calculation Test.
Sample Question #1
Solve the following equation:
132 × 8 : ? = 88
Tip: The solution here requires you to be comfortable enough with fractions to immediately notice shortcuts. This is achievable with a bit of theory, and a lot of practice. Brush up on your fractions. If possible, memorize the multiplication table so you can quickly recognize when numbers are easily divisible, streamlining the path to a solution.
Sample Question #2
Solve the following equation:
48 x 15 – 60 + ? = 778
Tip: Time is the most stressful aspect of this test. Not only because it forces you to find resourceful ways of solving the questions, but also because the very pressure can stunt you. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the assessment, thus reducing test anxiety.
Preparing for Other SHL Assessments
SHL is a major provider of common aptitude tests for employers. This page focuses on their calculation test. However, they also provide a longer, more comprehensive SHL Numerical Reasoning Assessment. Other Cognitive Assessments include the SHL Mechanical Reasoning Test, the SHL Checking Test, and the SHL Verbal Reasoning Test. SHL is also the owner of the AMCAT Employability Test.
SHL also provides a personality test known as the Occupational Personality Questionnaire.
SHL test scores are unique in that they employ percentile scores rather than absolute scores. Thus, your grade represents your rank amongst other test takers. SHL has its own test-taking platform called Talent Central.
You can learn more about your SHL Assessment or take a free SHL practice test online.
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Pass the SHL Numerical Calculation Test
If you are concerned about the 18-second time limit, you can use our practice pack to ensure preparedness. It includes:
- Both timed and untimed practice tests, so you can start stress-free and build on the pressure when you feel ready.
- Guides and explanations covering ratios, percentages, division, and more.
- Video tutorials and written study guides – filling you in on the theory behind the test and ensuring you have the knowledge required.
- Practice tests by topic – allowing you to isolate specific math skills that need improvement.
- Full solutions – including tips, hacks, and shortcuts to help you minimize your response time.
- Full simulations – mimicking the real testing conditions and familiarizing you with the assessment.
Learn to perform calculations with ease. Ace your hiring process and land that job!
FAQs
The test does not allow the use of a calculator, as that would negate the point of assessing your mental math skills.
Like all SHL assessments, you are ranked against a norm group and given a score based on your percentile. You get an A for being in the top 10% of test-takers. This is considered a very good score.
Practice. Knowing the math is not enough. Success on this test is dependent on your ability to swiftly identify and utilize shortcuts. This is a skill that can be acquired by doing.