Consultancy Assessment Test Tips 2025 to Pass First Try

Applying for a consultancy job? Whether you’re targeting McKinsey, BCG, Bain or a Big 4 firm, you will likely face online assessment tests as an early screening step. These tests are used to filter out a large number of applicants based on skills like problem-solving, numerical reasoning and personality fit. The good news? With the right preparation, you can turn these assessments into a strength and boost your chances.

Below are 7 proven tips to help you prepare for consultancy assessments in 2025, followed by 3 practice questions with explanations.

Close-up of a contract signing with hands over documents. Professional business interaction.

1. Know What Type of Test You’re Facing

Not all firms use the same assessments. Some rely on SHL, Aon or TalentQ platforms, while others create their own in-house tools. These assessments are typically completed online and are often the first hurdle in the recruitment process.

Numerical reasoning
Logical or inductive reasoning
Situational judgment tests
Personality questionnaires
Game-based assessments (in some Big 4 applications)

Action tip: Google “[Firm Name] assessment test site:reddit.com” or use Glassdoor to find real-life applicant reviews. Many candidates share recent questions and formats which can help you tailor your preparation.

2. Practice in Real Test Conditions

You must simulate actual test conditions. Online assessments are usually timed, and many are adaptive (they get harder as you answer correctly). Practicing casually will not help you develop the test-taking stamina required.

To practice effectively:

Use a timer (around 60 seconds per question)
Eliminate distractions
Use only tools that are allowed (usually no calculator)
Practice with realistic test formats

Why this matters: Firms are evaluating both your knowledge and your ability to perform under pressure. A calm but efficient mindset will set you apart.

3. Master Shortcuts for Numerical Tests

You don’t need to be a math genius, just smart and efficient. These tests are about interpreting data quickly and spotting trends.

Helpful techniques:

Estimating quickly instead of calculating exact answers
Recognizing chart layouts and units
Recognize distractor options that look correct but are not
Spotting trick answers
Learn to convert percentages and ratios fast

Many candidates waste time doing unnecessary calculations. Focus on strategy and accuracy.

image of the assessment tests with study table and mountains and see in the back

4. Train Your Logical Thinking

Logical reasoning tests, often used in McKinsey Solve, BCG Pymetrics or Bain’s digital assessments, measure your ability to detect patterns and solve visual puzzles.

Preparation tips:

Practice shape sequences, rotations and movements
Look for changes in position, number or size
Use elimination when you’re unsure

These exercises train your brain to spot abstract patterns, a core skill in consulting work. See below for some real life Assessment Question!

5. Take Situational & Personality Tests Seriously

These tests are not random or soft, they are highly structured to assess your behavioral tendencies and decision-making style. Consultancy firms use these tests to identify candidates who align with their values and client-facing roles.

In a typical SJT, you’ll face work-related scenarios and need to rank your responses from most to least effective. Personality tests may ask you to agree or disagree with statements about your behavior.

Tips:

Be honest but consistent
Avoid extreme answers unless clearly justified

Stay consistent. They look for patterns, not perfection. Think about what a top consultant would do, calm under pressure, structured in decisions, empathetic yet efficient.

6. Learn to Manage Time Like a Consultant

Time management is a key skill firms test for, not just through your answers but also how quickly you move through sections.

Train yourself to:

Practice skipping questions that are time-consuming
Learn when to make quick decisions and move on
Review test results to see where you spent the most time
You don’t need a perfect score. You need a high score in the time available.

You don’t have to finish everything, just maximize your correct answers in the time given.

7. Stay Calm and Focused

The most underrated part of online assessments is your mindset. Tests are designed to create mild stress. Being anxious can lead to silly mistakes even if you know the material.

Techniques that help:

Take breaks between each section, the assessment also encourage you to do so
Visualize success before starting
Focus fully on one question at a time
Many top scorers credit their performance to mental control, not just content mastery.

A calm brain performs faster and avoids simple mistakes.

Practice Questions with Answers

These examples are similar in difficulty to what you might see on SHL, Aon, or BCG/McKinsey-style digital assessments, especially in numerical and logical reasoning. They are designed to give you a realistic taste of what you’re up against. 

Found these tricky? That’s normal. Real assessment tests are intentionally challenging. If you want structured practice and performance analytics, check out our other expert tips and practise questions.

Numerical Reasoning:

Question:

A consulting project is expected to generate a 12% profit margin on revenues. However, due to increased costs, the margin drops by 25% relative to the original margin. If the new profit is €135,000, what were the total revenues?

A) €1,000,000
B) €1,125,000
C) €1,200,000
D) €1,500,00

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:
Original profit margin = 12%
Drop of 25% → New margin = 12% × 0.75 = 9%
So, €135,000 = 9% of revenue → Revenue = €135,000 / 0.09 = €1,500,000

Logical Reasoning (Pattern Recognition):

Question: Identify the missing figure in the 3×3 matrix:

image of practise matrix (for article consultancy)

Options:

A) 🔴
B) 🔵
C) 🔺
D) 🟢

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:
In each row, the three shapes cycle through 🔺, 🔵, 🔴 in a different order.

So:

Row 2: 🔴 🔺 🔵
Row 3: 🔵 🔴 🔺
Row 1 should logically be: 🔺 🔵 🔴

Therefore, ❓ = 🔴

What makes this tricky is:

You need to identify both shape frequency and positional rotation
Distractors like 🟢 test visual bias

This level of abstraction is common in inductive reasoning tests.

Situational Judgment:

Scenario:
You’re in a fnal stage of finishing a project for an important client. Your manager assigns you a last-minute internal data-cleaning task, due in 90 minutes. Meanwhile, you receive an urgent email from a client requesting clarification on a slide before a board meeting in one hour.

A) Ignore the manager and focus fully on the client
B) Respond quickly to the client with minimal detail and focus on the internal task
C) Escalate the conflict to HR to avoid responsibility
D) Acknowledge both tasks, clarify the deadline with the manager and prioritize the client if critical

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:
Consultants must balance internal deadlines with client-facing demands, especially when timelines overlap.

A is client-first but shows disregard for internal process.
B is safe but could harm client satisfaction.
C shows lack of accountability.
D shows ownership, communication, and prioritization, all critical traits in consulting roles.

Real-world assessments test how you think, not just what you do. That’s why our full simulation tests don’t just give answers, they explain what recruiters look for in each decision.