Parents of Successful PWC Applicant 2024
Well done on successfully submitting your application! Half of the applicants won’t have made it this far, so you’re already performing above average! Now it’s time to take it to the next level.
The next stage of the Ernst and Young job application procedure is the aptitude test (/online assessment stage). During this process, you will be undertaking numerical, verbal, and inductive reasoning tests. This stage differs for different service lines and some of them ask you to sit only the Numerical reasoning test (NRT), while others would ask you to take more or less from three reasoning tests, prior to moving on to the Job Simulation Assessment stage.
To learn more about each of the Numerical reasoning (NRT), Verbal reasoning (VRT), and Inductive reasoning (IRT) please read our relevant guidance pages.
The Job Simulation stage would involve a mix of multiple-choice, written submission, and also submitting answers in a video format.
Once you've picked a convenient date from the options available, you will usually have a week or two to prepare. As we all know, job tests can be daunting and how can you be fully confident of putting in a perfect performance if you lack Big Four experience? Show us your passion and hard-working attitude and we will give you the support you require to land your dream job.
Ernst and Young have designed the aptitude test to assess you against their strengths criteria. These criteria are unique amongst Big Four companies, as the others use a ‘key competencies’ system instead. The test will be time-limited, so you must be able to withstand pressure. Our training will ensure that you are fully confident and prepared for any eventuality. Imagine the embarrassment and panic caused by ‘freezing up’ during the Ernst and Young aptitude test and you’ll realise just how important this is.
Ernst and Young only provide a very vague description of their strengths system on their website, with no details on the initial and follow-up questions you can expect to face. However, you can draw on the experience of our experts, who have previously worked for Big Four firms, to give you a major advantage in this area.
The relevant software has been developed for the company by Saville Consulting and Capp, a renowned global occupational psychology consultancy that publishes various psychometric tests for Ernst and Young worldwide. Saville Consulting offers free psychometric tests on their website, accessible here. Capp management consulting firm produces EY Aptitude Tests and Situational Strength Tests, accessible here. The four sections of EY psychometric tests are as follows:
A. The Situational Strengths tests are based on specific business scenarios which you are tasked to rank in order from 1 to 5, with 1 being what you are most likely to do and 5 being what you are least likely to do. There will be one question per scenario, leading to a total of 20 questions (20x1). There is no time limit to answer these questions however usually successful candidates complete this test within 15 to 20 minutes. You are expected to demonstrate your ability in task management, succinct communication, and work ethics. Read more.
B. The numerical reasoning tests are based on data presented in formats such as graphs and charts. There will be two questions per scenario, leading to a total of 12 questions (6x2) that must all be answered within 12 minutes. You are expected to demonstrate your ability with figures, your analytical skills, and sensible time management. Read more.
C. The verbal reasoning tests consist of a series of statements that you must class as true, false, or cannot say. There will be two questions per scenario, leading to a total of 12 questions (6x2) that must all be answered within 18 minutes. You are expected to demonstrate your business judgement and problem-solving skills. Read more.
D. In the inductive reasoning tests, you must observe symbolic patterns in a sequence of graphical scenarios. You have to find a pattern then apply your theory by checking if that logic fits with the next set of figures. There will be one question per scenario, resulting in 12 questions that must be answered within 12 minutes. You are expected to demonstrate your logical reasoning powers. Read more.
Ernst and Young will not provide you with an informational booklet in preparation for this stage, so you need the relevant information and guidance well in advance. Do not think that you can successfully guess your way through the aptitude test, as you will be sorely mistaken.
Your performance during the aptitude test will be kept on the company record and used during Ernst and Young’s final considerations to decide whether or not you have landed the role. It is more than possible to successfully get through this stage by attaining a passing grade, but fail to secure employment when Ernst and Young take a look at your collective performances over the whole recruitment process.
Ernst and Young grade your ability on each stage between 1 point and 5. It is assumed by Ernst and Young that if an applicant can demonstrate ‘core capabilities’ (strengths) and attain the full 5 marks during the aptitude test process then they automatically become a perfect match for the firm.
This means you need to score the maximum 5 points on every single stage to set yourself apart from rival job seekers and cannot afford to take a job test without having been properly prepared by Green Turn.
Our research findings show that approximately 35%of applicants fail Ernst and Young’s aptitude test, which in practice means that they have basically ruined their chances of ever securing a job with the firm. You are in a race against time – vacancies are quickly filled due to the major salary and status benefits provided by Big Four companies. Give your chances a serious boost by purchasing our preparation pack, which includes:
We also offer totally free online practice tests. Click here to practice free Saville Consulting style EY numerical and verbal reasoning tests.
Green Turn is the market leader and the only specialist company worldwide that offers specific training on how to secure a Big Four job delivered by former employees of the companies in question. We have fifteen years’ experience of successfully fast-tracking people like you into positions with the top companies and regularly receive positive feedback on our training methods. By purchasing our preparation packs, you are gaining access to an invaluable network of former Big Four employees who have the required knowledge and desire to advance you into a dream job. We pride ourselves on our clients’ 90-to-100% pass rates and it’s in our interests that you achieve employment so that the retention level stays high.
Practice free EY psychometric tests Saville Consulting style to prepare for your real EY online aptitude tests and assessment centre. Click the link below to begin your free practice test. The test requires a free registration to track your performance and enable personalised questions with solutions in your User Panel.