Which SHL test am I taking? How to decode your invitation email
Your SHL invitation email almost always names the test — the hard part is decoding the wording. This guide maps the exact phrases SHL uses to the test you will actually face, its format and timing, and the right place to prepare. Get this right before you practise: prepping the wrong format wastes the days you do not have.
- “Numerical Ability” = numerical, “Verbal Ability” = verbal, “Inductive” = pattern recognition, “Deductive” = logic puzzles.
- “Interactive” means a build-the-answer format (drag, rank, schedule) — not multiple choice.
- “Verify G+” / “General Ability” is a mixed battery — prepare numerical, deductive, and inductive together.
- OPQ is a personality questionnaire, not a pass/fail test.
- If the email names no test, expect a Verify cognitive screen and prepare across numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning.
Decode your SHL invitation email
Find the test name in your invite and match it below. Each row links to the full Forge guide for that test.
| If your email says… | You are taking | Format | Prepare with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Numerical Ability / Numerical Reasoning / Verify Numerical | Numerical reasoning | Data tables & charts; interactive or MCQ | SHL Numerical guide |
| Verbal Ability / Verbal Reasoning | Verbal reasoning | True/False/Cannot Say passages; adaptive or MCQ | SHL Verbal guide |
| Inductive / Abstract / Diagrammatic Reasoning | Inductive reasoning | Pattern sequences; interactive or MCQ | SHL Inductive guide |
| Deductive Reasoning / Interactive Deductive | Deductive reasoning | Constraint puzzles or statement-and-conclusion logic | SHL Deductive guide |
| Verify G+ / General Ability | Mixed cognitive battery | Numerical + deductive + inductive in one test | All three guides above |
| Situational Judgement / SJT | Situational judgement | Workplace scenarios; rate or rank responses | SHL SJT practice |
| OPQ / Occupational Personality Questionnaire | Personality questionnaire | Self-report work style; no right answers | Answer honestly & consistently |
“Verify” vs “Verify Interactive”: how to tell
The same skill can come in two delivery styles, and your invite usually signals which:
- Verify (standard): multiple choice — you pick the correct option. Static tables, passages, or image sequences.
- Verify Interactive: you build the answer — drag a line, rank with badges, schedule on a timeline, or work an animated scenario. The word “Interactive”, or any mention of dragging or scheduling, gives it away.
What each test actually involves
One line on each, with the full guide a click away:
- Numerical: interpret data from tables and charts under time pressure — GCSE-level maths, calculator allowed.
- Verbal: decide whether statements are True, False, or Cannot Say from a passage — evidence discipline, not vocabulary.
- Inductive: spot the rule in a sequence of shapes or codes and predict the next item.
- Deductive: work from stated rules to the one arrangement or conclusion that must follow.
- Situational Judgement: choose or rank the best response to a realistic workplace scenario.
- OPQ: a personality questionnaire that profiles your work style — answer honestly.
If your email names no test
Some employers hide the provider until you start. Use the context: a graduate cognitive screen is almost always a Verify ability test or a General Ability battery. Prepare across numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning, and look for a practice or example question in the portal — it usually reveals the format before the timer starts.
Found your test? Practise it on forge
Real-format SHL practice for every test type above — timed exactly like the real thing, with worked explanations on every question.
See SHL practiceFrequently asked questions
How do I know which SHL test I am taking?+
Your invitation email almost always names it. 'Numerical Ability' is the numerical test, 'Verbal Ability' is verbal, 'Inductive' is pattern recognition, 'Deductive' is logic puzzles, and 'Verify G+' or 'General Ability' is a mixed battery. If it only says 'SHL assessment', expect a Verify cognitive test and prepare across numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning.
What is the difference between SHL Verify and Verify Interactive?+
Verify is the standard multiple-choice family. Verify Interactive uses build-the-answer tasks — dragging, ranking, scheduling, or animated scenarios — instead of picking from options. If your invite says 'Interactive', expect to construct the answer rather than select it.
What is SHL Verify G+ or General Ability?+
It is a mixed cognitive battery that combines numerical, deductive, and inductive reasoning in one timed test, rather than a single skill. If your invite mentions G+ or General Ability, prepare across all three rather than just one.
My SHL email doesn't say which test — what do I do?+
Use the role and portal context. Graduate cognitive screens are usually a Verify ability test or General Ability battery. Prepare across numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning, and check the portal for a practice or example question that reveals the format.
Is the SHL OPQ a test I can pass or fail?+
No. The OPQ is a personality questionnaire, not an ability test. There are no right or wrong answers; it profiles your work style. Answer honestly and consistently rather than trying to 'beat' it.