SHL-style drills
SHL-style general ability, multiple choice (Verify G+ format)
30 questions in 36 minutes, 10 each of numerical, deductive and inductive, with five options each
Used by KPMG (Unverified), Barclays (Unverified), Jefferies (Unverified)
The format
- Questions30, 10 of each ability
- Time36:00 on one countdown
- AnsweringFive options, A to E
- Moving onNext, with no going back
- DifficultyAdapts as you go
About 72 seconds a question if you want to reach the end
Question types
- NumericalA table or chart, then a question to work out10
- DeductiveWhich statement must be true, or cannot be, from a few facts10
- InductiveThe pair of cells that completes a grid of shapes10
Have ready
- A calculator of your own, as none appears on screen
- Pen and paper for working
- 36 quiet minutes, as the clock can't be paused
How to approach it
- Check the unit and any rounding in the question before you start
- A statement that must be true holds in every case the facts allow
- In the grid, check rows and columns first, then the patterns
- Harder questions after a good run are a sign it's going well
More optionsExtra time, examples, shortcuts
- Examples firstUntimed questions with worked answers before the clock starts
- Keyboard shortcutsA to E pick an answer and Enter moves on
Single-key shortcuts can clash with some screen readers, so switch them off if they get in the way
Other SHL-style drills
Format notes
What this drill copies from the published format and how sure we are of each value, checked 22 September 2026
| Parameter | Value | Label |
|---|---|---|
| QuestionsThe published limit is up to 30, and this drill always gives 30 | 30: 10 numerical, 10 deductive and 10 inductive | OfficialSource for Questions |
| TimeMost people take 32 to 36 minutes | 36 min on one countdown, in one sitting | OfficialSource for Time |
| Options | 5 per question, lettered A to E, one right | OfficialSource 1 for OptionsSource 2 for Options |
| Numerical questions | A table or chart, then a question | OfficialSource for Numerical questions |
| Deductive questions | A short list of facts, then which statement must be true or cannot be true | OfficialSource 1 for Deductive questionsSource 2 for Deductive questions |
| Argument questionsThe provider also lists spotting strong and weak arguments, which this drill leaves out | Not in this drill | OfficialSource for Argument questions |
| Inductive questions | A 5 by 5 grid of symbols with two cells missing, and five pairs to choose from | OfficialSource for Inductive questions |
| Order of abilitiesSources don't say whether the abilities come in blocks or mixed, so this is our choice | Mixed in turn | Unverified |
| DifficultyThe test is adaptive, but the three levels and the size of each step here are our own | Adapts: harder after a right answer, easier after a wrong one | OfficialSource for Difficulty |
| Screens | One question per screen: pick an answer, then Next | OfficialSource for Screens |
| Going back or skippingOnly one prep site says so, though it fits an adaptive test | Not allowed, so Next needs an answer | UnverifiedSource for Going back or skipping |
| Wrong answersOnly one prep site says so | Score zero, with no penalty | UnverifiedSource for Wrong answers |
| ReportScores are set against a comparison group; with none here, this drill shows raw marks | A score per ability plus general ability | OfficialSource for Report |
| Per-question timerAny per-question limit would be stated on the instructions page | None | OfficialSource 1 for Per-question timerSource 2 for Per-question timer |
| At time-out | Answers stop at 00:00 and anything not reached scores nothing | OfficialSource for At time-out |
| Stepping away | The clock keeps running | OfficialSource for Stepping away |
| Calculator | None on screen, your own is allowed, with pen and paper | OfficialSource for Calculator |
| Examples first | Instructions and example questions before the clock | OfficialSource 1 for Examples firstSource 2 for Examples first |
| Extra time | Only when the employer agrees it | OfficialSource for Extra time |
| Extra time hereOur option for practice, not part of the published format | Standard, +25% or +50% | Unverified |
Who uses it
What the evidence says about each employer, checked 22 September 2026
KPMGUnverified
Its 36-minute numerical and logical test points to this provider's practice tests, without naming a version
BarclaysUnverified
One prep site names this provider's general ability test without saying which version, and the bank's own wording says interactive
JefferiesUnverified
One prep site gives 30 questions in 36 minutes, which matches this multiple-choice version, while another describes the interactive one
Independent practice in the style of SHL's published format. Not affiliated with or endorsed by SHL