What are Talent Q tests?
Back in 2006, psychometric pioneer Roger Holdsworth—best known for co-founding SHL—decided traditional aptitude exams felt stale. He introduced a new generation of assessments that adjust to each test-taker in real time. That concept caught on fast, and in 2014 the Hay Group (now part of Korn Ferry) bought Talent Q. Today these tests are delivered in more than 40 languages for employers such as Lloyds, RBS, and Ford.
If you’ve been invited to take a psychometric test—whether it’s part of a job application or a professional development program—preparation is essential.
Why Prep Matters: Especially for Ability Tests
The more you practice, the better you perform. Simple as that.
Psychometric ability tests (like verbal, numerical, and logical reasoning) are designed to assess how well you work under pressure. The best way to build confidence and improve your results is by practising regularly with similar question formats.
Why Talent Q Feels Different
- Adaptive design
The questions change in difficulty as you answer them. Get one right? The next item ramps up. Miss one? It eases off. Recruiters love this because it pinpoints your true ability level quickly. - Blended content
Talent Q can combine multiple item types—so verbal, numerical, and logical challenges might sit side by side in a single session, giving hiring teams a multi-angle view of you. - Deliberate curveballs
Expect extra answer options, distracting data, and tight time limits. Those layers of complexity separate surface-level competence from genuine mastery.
Categories of Talent Q test
There are 5 categories of Talent Q test
| Category | Purpose | Typical Audience | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elements | Core aptitude (verbal, numerical, logical) | Graduates & managers | |
| Aspects | Competency snapshot (ability or style) | Early-stage screening | |
| Dimensions | Personality & work style | All levels | |
| Motivations | Drivers and values | All levels | |
| Situational Judgement | On-the-job decision-making | Role-specific |
Elements: Verbal, Numerical & Logical Reasoning
Verbal – 15 passages/questions
Numerical – 12 data problems
Logical – 12 shape/sequence puzzles
You have up to 15 minutes for each section, so speed and accuracy both matter. Practise beforehand and you’ll find heavy data tables much less intimidating.
Quick demo (Numerical)
Dimensions: A Deeper Personality Lens
This questionnaire asks you to rate statements from “very true” to “completely untrue.” The output can be sliced many ways:
Trait profile – Your dominant characteristics
Team profile – How you’ll gel with colleagues
Sales profile – Natural fit for commercial roles
Derailment report – Traits that may surface under stress
Potential report – Indicators of leadership promise
Motivations: What Really Drives You
Here you weigh how important various workplace factors are—from recognition to autonomy to remuneration. Honest answers help both you and the employer see whether the role’s rewards line up with what keeps you engaged.
Situational Judgement: Decisions on the Job
You read short workplace scenarios and pick the response you’d most likely choose. Recruiters then compare your choices with the behaviours the role demands. If you’re vying for a sales post, for instance, answers that highlight proactive customer care will probably score well.
What you should know about Talent Q Assessment
Practice, don’t cram. Regular practice improves both speed and confidence, especially with the tight time limits Talent Q is famous for.
Stay truthful. Adaptive algorithms and personality inventories are built to spot inconsistencies; authenticity always pays off.
Think role fit. While honesty is crucial, keep the job description in mind. Emphasise responses that reflect the priorities of the position you want.
We strongly advise you to consider our comprehensive package of practice questions to master your preparation efforts. Access an extensive array of practice questions thoughtfully compiled to closely emulate the actual test format. You can conveniently study these materials at your convenience.