About the tests

Test format

All tests are multiple choice with 5 potential answers. Candidates are awarded points for correct answers and penalised for wrong answers in order to discourage guessing.

Tests come in one of the three types:

• All questions of equal difficulty, each carrying 1 point
• Questions varying in difficulty between 1 and 3, each carrying 1, 2 or 3 points
• Questions varying in difficulty between 1 and 5, each carrying between 1 and 5 points

A candidate is awarded the number of points reflecting the question's difficulty for a correct answer and penalised 1/5 of the question's difficulty for a wrong answer. A question can be passed with no points accumulated or deducted. For example, for a question carrying 3 points, a correct answer increases the score by 3 points, a wrong answer decreases the score by 3/5 (0.6) points, while a pass does not vary the score.

Test scores are calculated as a percentage by dividing the total number of points by the maximum possible number of points. Scores range between -20% (all answers wrong) and 100% (all answers correct). If a candidate passes all questions, the score is 0%.

Tests are timed and must be completed in the time set by the test setter. The time limit allows for the candidates to consult reference books, but not find the solution to the problem, just as they would in a real job situation.

Mock tests are available and allow the candidates to introduce themselves into the format and the mechanics of taking the test.

On-line test limitations

Examiners must take into account the limitations of on-line tests when deciding how to interpret the scores. Known limitations are:

• Test taken by somebody else instead of the candidate
• Candidate consults external sources in order to derive the correct answer

Probably the best way of mitigating the above limitations is to make the candidates aware that if they are invited to take the recruitment process further, further KSA tests will be administered in controlled conditions.