The SHL tests, designed to identify how well an applicant can reason from written and numerical information, provide the candidate with passages of text or tables, graphs and charts of numerical data from which they must use to select the correct multiple-choice answer. The tests are not specific measures of literacy and numeracy but they do involve comprehension of written information as well as some capability with basic arithmetic calculations such as averages, ranges and proportions. The verbal reasoning requires a reading level equivalent to Year 12 or ‘sixth-form’, whilst the numerical reasoning requires a standard of mathematical knowledge roughly equivalent to GCSE.
SHL, a pioneer in the field of occupational psychometrics has ensured that the standard and difficulty of these tests has remained constant over the last decade allowing employers to make like-for-like comparisons and to assess current graduates against the scores of previous hires.
John Bateson, chief executive officer at SHL Group, commented; “Whatever your views on the comparative difficulty of A-Levels, our research shows that among those applying for typical graduate jobs the standard of numerical and verbal reasoning is declining.
“With more and more job applicants having virtually identical academic records, including high-grade A-levels and 2.1 degree passes’ employers are finding it very difficult to spot the real high achievers who will add value to their organisations. Our tests are increasingly popular because we provide employers with objective tools which provide a constant benchmark that allows them to make informed judgements as to which applicants will succeed in their organisations, thus reducing their reliance on academic qualifications.”
About SHL Group PLC
SHL is the world-leading provider of psychometric assessment and development solutions. The company supports organisations in the selection, recruitment, promotion, succession planning and development of talented people at all levels and across all sectors. Operating in 40 countries and more than 30 languages, the SHL Group devises innovative approaches to help organisations increase productivity and gain competitive advantage through the more effective use of their human capital. SHL has over 5,500 organisations as clients, including many of the Global and Times Top 1000, and is recognised as the foremost provider of objective assessment products in the world. For more information please visit www.shl.com.
Note to editors:
Data are from 1996 to 2004 on 22,439 manager and graduate applicants to UK companies and to public sector organisations. 28% are applicants to Finance & Business Services, 24% to Engineering & Manufacturing, 17% to Transportation & Distribution, and 11% to Banking. Demographics are 35% women, 8.1% non-whites, 53% graduate applicants, average age is 26 years with a range from 17 to 54. The scores reported are for Verbal Reasoning and Numerical Reasoning tests.