Succeed at psychometrics: what are Revelian tests and how do you

prepare for them?

Long term employment prospects for Australian graduates are stronger
than ever. But getting that first job - that first step on the
ladder to success - can be tricky. A 2015 report from the Foundation
for Young Australians revealed that, although participation in
education is on the rise, graduates are not absorbing the skills
required to obtain their dream jobs. Therefore, employers are
increasingly turning to psychometric tests, such as the Revelian
tests, to assess the skills of potential candidates.

It is essential for you to pass these tests with flying colours in

order to stand out from the crowd. But not to worry, because the
Revelian tests can be prepared for.

This article outlines the purpose and structure of the Revelian

tests and will provide invaluable test tips designed to help you
maximise your potential and secure that dream job.

What are the Revelian tests?

Founded in 1999, the company Revelian (formally Onetest) “deliver

streamlined, interactive and reliable psychometric solutions,
customised to meet unique business requirements”.

In other words, the Revelian tests allow companies to identify

suitable candidates for positions within their business, based on
data-focused insights into their cognitive ability and personality.

Revelian has expertly developed aptitude tests in the following

areas:

• Cognitive ability
• Verbal reasoning
• Numerical reasoning
• Abstract reasoning

Other Revelian tests include:

• Personality
• Values and culture fit
• Work preferences
• Reliability and integrity
• Emotional intelligence

There is also a “game-based” cognitive ability test where the

candidate immerses themself in a fun and entertaining game designed
to test their suitability for the job.

Why are the Revelian tests important?

Every year, over 200,000 people worldwide take Revelian tests,

making it a tried and tested solution for businesses looking for the
very best candidates. If you are a graduate in Australia, it is
highly likely you will be asked to take a psychometric test when
applying for jobs. It is therefore beneficial that you absorb the
information in this article and prepare appropriately.

Revelian identifies various characteristics of candidates with the

cognitive ability required to succeed at work, including:

• The ability to work to a high degree of accuracy and efficiency

• The ability to make effective decisions
• Constructive and logical problem solving
• An intelligent approach to unknown concepts and situations

For a graduate just entering the world of work, the standards

expected of you can be daunting. However, just as you can learn to
write a successful CV, or practise your interview skills, you can
learn how to pass the Revelian tests. The key is to understand the
format of the tests, the style of questions, and to be able to
complete the questions within the given time frames.

The Revelian Cognitive Ability Test

The Revelian Cognitive Ability Test (RCAT) does what it says on the
tin, it tests your cognitive ability (or “general intelligence”).

Structure of the RCAT

Candidates are asked 51 randomly selected questions of increasing

difficulty. These must be answered within 20 minutes. No two
candidates are asked the same set of questions, giving the employer
reliable, honest data.

The test is divided into three sections:

1. Verbal questions
2. Numerical questions
3. Abstract reasoning questions

Let’s explore each of these sections in turn:

1. Verbal questions

Verbal questions assess your ability to accurately read and

interpret English. This could be in the form of word association, or
questions which ask you to identify groups of words or draw logical
conclusions.

Example 1:

“Four of these are alike in some way. Please select the other two.

• run
• bus
• walk
• boat
• car
• train”

(Source: www.revelian.com/cognitive-ability-test/)

The answer is “run” and “walk”. The similarity between the other
four options is that they are modes of transport.

2. Numerical questions

The numerical questions assess your ability to understand and work

with numbers. Such questions might include number series, word
problems and Sudoku-like problems.

Advanced mathematical knowledge is not required. However, it would

be beneficial to brush up on the basics of addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division.

Example:

“What is the next number in the series?

1 2 4 8 16”

(Source: https://www.12minprep.com/quizzes/rcat-free-sample-test/)

The answer is 32 as the numbers are being doubled or multiplied by

two each time.

3. Abstract questions

These questions test whether you can come to a logical conclusion

when faced with abstract information. For example, you may be asked
to find the odd one(s) out or identify patterns and similarities
between shapes.

The key is to remember that such questions look complicated but will
generally have a simple answer when worked through logically.

The Revelian Verbal Reasoning Test

The Revelian Verbal Reasoning Test is specifically designed to test

reading, comprehension and interpretation. The candidate has 10
minutes to try and answer 35 questions. It is generally anticipated
that most candidates will not complete all of the questions.
However, the faster you answer questions and the more you answer
accurately, the better your score will be.

This test may be used by employers who require candidates with an

exceptional standard of comprehension. For example, for those
required to analyse complicated reports or draw conclusions from
highly technical written texts.

Example:
“Which two statements together PROVE that Megan has brown hair

1. Jane likes the colour of Megan’s hair

2. The only hair that Jane likes is brown
3. Megan likes long hair
4. Jane has long hair
5. Megan’s hair is not blonde”

(Source: http://www.revelian.com/verbal-reasoning-test/)

The answer is 1 and 2. If brown is the ONLY hair colour Jane likes,
then it logically follows that if Jane likes Megan’s hair, then
Megan’s hair must be brown.

When preparing for this test, work through the question, mark the
key words then try to look for the logical conclusion. For example,
the question above asks for two statements TOGETHER which PROVE
Megan has brown hair. The correct statements alone do not provide
proof, only when read together does it become a certainty that Megan
has brown hair.

The Revelian Numerical Reasoning Test

If an employer requires a candidate to handle large amounts of

numerical data, or be able to make logical decisions based on
numerical data, they may require the Revelian Numerical Reasoning
Test.

This test requires candidates to answer 25 questions in 12 minutes.

As with the verbal reasoning test, it is anticipated that a
candidate will be unable to complete all of the questions. However,
the speed and accuracy with which a candidate can answer the
questions will define their final score.

The questions will ask you to use logical reasoning and numerical
skill to complete series, interpret data from tables and graphs, and
to solve equations.

Example:

“What is the missing number that should take the place of the
question mark?

? 7 10
6 9 …
8 … 14”

(Source: http://www.revelian.com/numerical-reasoning-test/)

The answer is 4. The rows increase in increments of 3 from left to

right and the columns increase from top to bottom in increments of
2. You can confirm this by working out the other missing numbers.

The Revelian Abstract Reasoning Test

A candidate who excels in abstract reasoning will be suitable for a

large variety of jobs. It indicates an ability to work with new and
complex concepts, to use logical reasoning to solve problems, and to
learn quickly. Therefore employers may utilise the Revelian Abstract
Reasoning test to identify the very best of the best candidates.

Candidates are required to answer 32 questions in 10 minutes. As

with the verbal reasoning and numerical reasoning tests, it is
anticipated that candidates will be unable to complete all of the
questions. However, your ability to answer as many questions as
quickly and accurately as possible will be reflected in your final
score.

The questions will often be presented as image sequences. You will

be asked to identify patterns or which images are the odd ones out.

Example:

http://3k6ai8wv1o52alqj92vnnvv1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-
content/uploads/2016/03/Abstract-reasoning-example-question.png

(Source: http://www.revelian.com/abstract-reasoning-test/)

Answer: the bottom left and bottom right images are the two odd ones
out. This is a logical conclusion because the other four images can
be sorted into identical pairs. Therefore it follows that the
remaining two images, which are not identical, are the odd ones out.

Other Revelian tests

In addition to the cognitive ability, verbal reasoning, numerical

reasoning and abstract reasoning tests, Revelian has produced the
following tests:

• Personality
• Values inventory (and culture fit)
• Work preferences profile
• Work reliability (and integrity)
• Emotional intelligence
• Game-based cognitive ability

Revelian Personality Tests

These tests assess candidates’ personal strengths, motivations, and

workplace behaviours. This allows the employer to identify
candidates who are the best fit for a role from a behavioural
perspective.

There are two kinds of Revelian Personality Test

1. The behavioural profile

2. 16 personality factors

1. The behavioural profile

The behavioural profile test comprises of 24 questions which can be

answered in 10 minutes (this is the estimated time for completion.
The test itself is not timed). For each question you are presented
with four statements and you must select which one sounds most like
you and which one sounds least like you.

For example, the choices may be:

1. Ambitious, determined
2. Outgoing, welcoming
3. Steady, systematic
4. Considered, thorough

(Source: http://www.revelian.com/behavioural-profile/)

There are no right or wrong answers. Just try to answer the

questions honestly. The goal is to give your potential employer a
snapshot of your personality which will predict your future
behaviour at work.

2. 16 personality factors

The 16 personality factors test comprises 170 multiple choice

questions which can be answered within 30 minutes (again, the test
is untimed so you can take your time).

It is often used as a secondary selection tool for the final, and

very best, candidates.

Values inventory (and culture fit)

This test allows employers to assess how closely the candidates’

values align with their own. It can predict various things such as
how long the candidate will remain in the job and their level of
productivity.

The test comprises of 20 questions, and can be completed within 10

minutes. The test is untimed.

Work preferences profile

As with the values inventory, the work preferences profile allows

employers to assess what candidates value within their jobs and
whether the job at hand will provide them with fulfilment. This can
predict how productive an employee will be and how long they will
stay with the employer.

The test comprises 84 questions, and can be completed in 15 minutes.

The test is untimed.

Work reliability (and integrity)

This test provides employers with a scale which can assess the
reliability of candidates. For example it can test whether
candidates have the right attitude towards corporate theft, or
whether they are likely to take many days off work, even when they
are not ill.
The test comprises 54 questions and should be completed within 10
minutes. The test is untimed.

Emotional intelligence

A person with high emotional intelligence will be able to balance

their emotions with logic and understand their own emotions and the
emotions of others. Such candidates may indicate leadership
qualities and excel at communication, making them more productive.

You will be asked situational questions, for example to identify the

emotions shown in a photograph of a hypothetical colleague. The test
comprises of 141 questions, and can be completed within 40 minutes.
The test is untimed.

Game-based cognitive ability tests

As previously touched upon, this test assesses candidates’ cognitive

ability through the use of games. The games are intended to be fun
and immersive, leading to accurate data unaffected by the stress or
nerves associated with taking a test.

The first of these games is “Theme Park Hero”. You are required to
role play as a theme park manager and are tasked with managing the
efficient operation of the park. The test takes 10 minutes and you
play several mini games, such as fixing a roller coaster and
planning and building a new ride. The games get more difficult as
you progress.

The second Revelian game-based cognitive ability test is “Cognify”.

The game is comprised of minigames designed to test your problem
solving abilities, numerical reasoning and verbal knowledge. For
example, the minigame “numbubbles” gives you a number then requires
you to pop the bubble containing the correct equation for that
number.

Which Australian companies and organisations use the Revelian tests?

Revelian is one of the biggest psychometric testing companies in

Australia. It is therefore likely that you will be required to take
one when applying for graduate jobs.

Below are some of the companies and organisations known to use

Revelian tests:

• Australian government
• New South Wales government
• Honeywell
• John Holland
• Caltex
• Bendigo and Adelaide Bank
• Manpower
• AMP
• Moose Toys
• Absc
• ComActivity
• Sunwater
• Synapse
• HESTA
• Deloitte
• BMW and BMW (Australia)
• Telstra
• Medina Hotels
• Technip
• PPB Advisory
• ARUP
• Toga Hospitality
• Pepsico

General Revelian test tips for success

Practice

There are countless practice tests you can take online for free. Try
searching for “Revelian test practice questions” or "Revelian test
questions".

Time yourself taking the practice tests

The faster and more accurately you complete them, the better your
final score will be. Remember you have about a minute to answer each
question. If a question is taking too long, skip it. If you have
time you can come back to it at the end.

Familiarise yourself with the types of questions that come up

Learn the format and style of the questions.

Identify areas for improvement

If you consistently struggle with the numerical reasoning questions,

focus your practice on them.

Learn to work through the questions logically

Underline key words in the question to ensure you are not tripped up
by the words. Then identify patterns or use powers of deduction to
find the correct answer.

Enter the test with a refreshed mind

Ensure you get at least eight hours' sleep the night before taking
the test. Eat well and ensure you drink plenty of water.

Finally, although there is no way to predict which questions you

will be asked, following the tips outlined in this article will
boost your chances of success. Learn the format of the tests and
practice completing the questions within the time limit, and you
have the tools to excel at the Revelian tests.