Skip to main content
financeprep.uk
SHL-style drills

SHL-style interactive general ability (Verify Interactive G+ format)

24 numerical, deductive and inductive tasks in 36 minutes, answered by dragging values, moving bars and drawing tiles

Used by Barclays (Reported), Standard Chartered (Unverified), KPMG (Unverified), PwC (Reported), Jefferies (Reported), Deutsche Bank (Unverified)

The format

  • Tasks24, the three abilities mixed
  • Time36:00 on one countdown
  • AnsweringDrag values, move bars, tap to draw
  • Moving onNext, with no going back
  • DifficultyAdapts as you go
About 90 seconds a task if you want to reach the end

Task types

Numerical, 8 tasks

  • Set barsDrag a bar's handle or use the arrows to match the facts
  • Split a pieDrag the borders between slices until each share is right
  • Fill a tableDrag values into the empty cells, leaving any spare
  • Rank by a figureWork out a figure for each item, then drag them into order

Deductive, 8 tasks

  • Fit a scheduleDrag items into days so every clue holds
  • Order from cluesDrag items into order using comparisons
  • Approve or rejectCheck each request against every rule

Inductive, 8 tasks

  • Draw the next tileTap regions of a framed tile to shade or stripe them
  • Continue a pathTap numbered and lettered nodes in order, to a stated length

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

  • Read the information first, then the instruction
  • Next needs an answer, so make your best attempt and move on
  • Part-right answers still earn marks, so fill in what you can
  • Harder tasks after a good run are a sign it's going well
More optionsExtra time, examples
Extra time
  • Examples firstUntimed tasks with worked answers before the clock starts

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

Format notes
ParameterValueLabel
TasksThe published limit is up to 24, and this drill always gives 2424OfficialSource for Tasks
Time36 min on one countdown, in one sittingOfficialSource for Time
AbilitiesNumerical, deductive and inductive, all three for everyoneOfficialSource for Abilities
Tasks per ability8 of eachReportedSource 1 for Tasks per abilitySource 2 for Tasks per ability
Order of abilitiesSources don't say whether the abilities come in blocks or mixed, so this is our choiceMixed in turnUnverified
DifficultyThe test is adaptive, but the three levels and the size of each step here are our ownAdapts: harder after a fully right task, easier after a mostly wrong oneOfficialSource for Difficulty
AnsweringDrag, set and tap rather than pick from a listOfficialSource 1 for AnsweringSource 2 for Answering
Task types in the provider's samplesSeen in sample screens, described in our own words and drawn in our own styleSetting bars, splitting a pie, shading regions of a framed tile, joining numbered and lettered nodesOfficialSource 1 for Task types in the provider's samplesSource 2 for Task types in the provider's samplesSource 3 for Task types in the provider's samples
Path lengthOur addition so each path has one answer, as the sample screens don't show whether the real test states itStated with the start of each pathUnverifiedSource for Path length
Filling a tableThe provider's wording includes filling in spreadsheetsValues dragged into a tableOfficialSource for Filling a table
Scheduling, ordering and approve or rejectIncluded in the deductive tasksReportedSource 1 for Scheduling, ordering and approve or rejectSource 2 for Scheduling, ordering and approve or rejectSource 3 for Scheduling, ordering and approve or reject
Ranking by a worked-out figureIncluded in the numerical tasksReportedSource 1 for Ranking by a worked-out figureSource 2 for Ranking by a worked-out figure
ScreensOne task per screen with Next at the bottom and a counterOfficialSource for Screens
Next buttonIt looks disabled in the sample screens, which suggests every task needs an answerStays pale until you've answeredUnverifiedSource for Next button
Going back or skippingOnly one prep site says so, though it fits an adaptive testNot allowedUnverifiedSource for Going back or skipping
Partial creditPartial scoring is published but its rules aren't, so marking by the share of parts right is our rulePart marks for part-right answersOfficialSource for Partial credit
DeviceBuilt for phones first, works on any screenOfficialSource for Device
ReportScores are set against a comparison group; with none here, this drill shows raw marksA score per ability plus general abilityOfficialSource for Report
Per-question timerAny per-question limit would be stated on the instructions pageNoneOfficialSource 1 for Per-question timerSource 2 for Per-question timer
At time-outAnswers stop at 00:00 and anything not reached scores nothingOfficialSource for At time-out
Stepping awayThe clock keeps runningOfficialSource for Stepping away
CalculatorNone on screen, your own is allowed, with pen and paperOfficialSource for Calculator
Examples firstInstructions and example questions before the clockOfficialSource 1 for Examples firstSource 2 for Examples first
Extra timeOnly when the employer agrees itOfficialSource for Extra time
Extra time hereOur option for practice, not part of the published formatStandard, +25% or +50%Unverified
Who uses it

What the evidence says about each employer, checked 22 September 2026

Independent practice in the style of SHL's published format. Not affiliated with or endorsed by SHL