Which Companies Use the SHL Test
What is the SHL test and how can you practice for it?
The SHL test is a widely used pre-employment assessment that measures cognitive abilities, personality traits, and job-related skills. Common SHL tests include numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, inductive logic, and situational judgment. Practicing SHL tests helps improve speed, accuracy, and confidence. Free SHL practice tests are available online to simulate real exam conditions and prepare effectively for job assessments used by top employers worldwide.
The SHL test is one of the most widely used pre-employment assessment tools across industries. Developed by Saville and Holdsworth Limited (SHL), these tests evaluate cognitive ability, behavioral traits, and job-related skills to help employers make more accurate hiring decisions. Many global and U.S.-based companies rely on SHL tests to filter candidates during recruitment, particularly for roles requiring analytical thinking, leadership, or problem-solving under pressure.
What Is the SHL Test?
The SHL test includes a range of assessments such as:
SHL General Ability Test
Numerical Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning
Inductive and Deductive Reasoning
Situational Judgment Tests (SJT)
Personality Questionnaires (OPQ)
These assessments are tailored to match specific job roles and industries. The results help hiring managers compare candidates not just on resumes but on standardized cognitive and behavioral benchmarks.
Why Do Companies Use the SHL Test?
SHL assessments are used to predict a candidate’s potential performance, fit for the company culture, and likelihood of success in a role. Companies choose SHL for several reasons:
1. Improved Hiring Accuracy
SHL tests help reduce unconscious bias by focusing on objective data rather than subjective impressions during interviews.
2. Faster Screening at Scale
Large companies hiring hundreds or thousands of candidates annually use SHL to quickly filter top talent without manual review of every application.
3. Predictive Performance Models
SHL assessments are backed by decades of psychometric research and can accurately predict job performance, retention rates, and employee engagement.
4. Consistency Across Locations
Multinational companies benefit from using SHL tests because the assessments can be deployed in multiple languages and remain consistent across global offices.
Which Companies Use SHL Tests?
Here’s a look at some major organizations across sectors that use SHL assessments as part of their hiring process:
| Company Name | Industry | SHL Test Usage Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Accenture | Consulting | Graduate roles, managerial assessments |
| Amazon | Technology/Retail | Leadership, operations, and tech hiring |
| Coca-Cola | Consumer Goods | Sales, supply chain, and executive roles |
| KPMG | Professional Services | Numerical/verbal reasoning and logical tests |
| HSBC | Banking & Finance | Graduate and intern programs |
| PepsiCo | Food & Beverage | Talent screening for corporate roles |
| Shell | Oil & Energy | SHL OPQ and cognitive ability tests |
| Unilever | Consumer Goods | Graduate and leadership development programs |
| Ford Motor Company | Automotive | Cognitive, personality, and technical reasoning |
| Microsoft | Technology | Logical reasoning and personality assessments |
These companies value SHL tests for assessing more than just technical skills—they use them to evaluate leadership potential, teamwork capabilities, decision-making skills, and adaptability to dynamic work environments.
Types of Roles That Commonly Require SHL Testing
Graduate schemes and internships
Management and leadership development programs
Engineering and technical roles
Sales and customer service positions
Financial analysis and consulting
SHL tests are especially common in industries where analytical and logical reasoning are essential to success.
Real-World Examples
Unilever’s Future Leaders Program uses SHL’s situational judgment and personality questionnaires to find culturally aligned candidates who are likely to thrive long-term.
HSBC includes SHL numerical and verbal reasoning tests in the early screening stages for graduate applicants.
Accenture uses SHL tests to ensure their consultants are not only technically skilled but also logical, adaptive, and culturally aware.
What Happens After the Test?
After completing an SHL test, your score is compared to a norm group—typically people in similar roles or with similar educational backgrounds. The employer then uses your percentile rank to determine whether you progress to the next hiring stage.
High scores can fast-track your application, while weak results might lead to disqualification, depending on the company’s benchmark. That’s why preparation matters.
Can You Prepare for SHL Tests?
Yes. Practicing SHL-style questions can significantly improve your performance. Free and paid practice materials are available online, and working on sample tests can help you:
Get familiar with the question types and time limits
Reduce test anxiety by knowing what to expect
Improve your speed and accuracy
If you’re applying to companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Unilever, or KPMG, you’re likely to face an SHL test. Preparing in advance can give you a competitive edge, increase your confidence, and improve your chances of landing the job.
Components of Cognitive Ability Testing – Harver Assessment
| Component | What It Measures | Example Task | Key Skills Tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Recognizing patterns, sequences, and abstract logic | Choose the next shape in a pattern | Abstract thinking, pattern recognition, deduction |
| Numerical Reasoning | Understanding numbers and performing calculations | Solve word problems, interpret charts or graphs | Arithmetic, data analysis, mental math |
| Verbal Reasoning | Reading comprehension and verbal logic | Interpret short passages and answer related questions | Reading skills, language processing, logic |
| Problem-Solving & Decision-Making | Analyzing situations and choosing best actions | Prioritize tasks or resolve work-related scenarios | Critical thinking, prioritization, fast decision-making |
| Attention to Detail | Spotting small differences and detecting errors | Identify errors in text or mismatched data entries | Accuracy, focus, concentration, processing speed |
FAQ
The SHL test is a pre-employment assessment used by companies to evaluate candidates’ cognitive abilities, behavioral traits, and job-related skills. It includes various subtests like numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, logical thinking, and personality questionnaires.
Companies use SHL tests to make more accurate and fair hiring decisions. These tests help identify high-potential candidates, reduce hiring bias, improve employee retention, and predict job performance based on standardized metrics.
SHL tests are popular in consulting, finance, technology, consumer goods, engineering, and energy sectors. Major employers like Amazon, KPMG, HSBC, Unilever, and Shell use SHL tests to screen applicants for roles across various functions.
SHL assessments are commonly used for:
Graduate and internship programs
Leadership and management positions
Finance, consulting, and data analysis roles
Technical and engineering jobs
Sales and customer service positions
The difficulty level depends on the specific test and role. The cognitive ability tests are often challenging due to strict time limits and complex reasoning questions. However, preparation and practice can significantly improve performance.
SHL test scores are often reported as percentile rankings. Your performance is compared to a norm group relevant to the job you applied for. Employers use this data to decide who advances in the hiring process.
Test duration varies by assessment type:
Cognitive ability tests: 15–30 minutes
Situational judgment tests: 20–30 minutes
Personality questionnaires (OPQ): 30–45 minutes
Check your test invitation for specific timing.
