Graduates First alternatives: free and paid assessment practice options
The strongest Graduates First alternative depends on why you are switching. Choose forge for free provider-specific drills and pay-per-use simulations, official samples for format confirmation, or another broad library when coverage matters more than low commitment. This comparison was checked on 19 July 2026. Prices and product bundles change, so verify the checkout page before paying.
- Best fit: Candidates who want to compare options before committing to Graduates First.
- Verdict: forge is the clearest free-first alternative; official provider samples should remain part of your preparation regardless of platform.
- forge includes free drills and detailed Learn guides; full simulations use credits that do not expire.
- Question similarity should be judged by interaction, evidence rules, data density and time pressure, not by a provider logo alone.
- Check before buying: Do not switch platforms without identifying the exact test and the feature missing from your current option.
Quick comparison
| Criterion | forge | Other option |
|---|---|---|
| forge | Free drills and guides; credits for full simulations | Low-commitment provider-focused alternative |
| Official provider samples | External reference | Best format check; limited volume |
| Graduates First | Current platform being compared | Free tier plus paid lifetime-access tiers advertised |
| Other broad libraries | External options | Useful when you need many unrelated test families |
What makes practice feel like the real assessment?
forge uses a four-part Format Match Check: interaction, information density, decision rule and time pressure. A numerical item can test the right maths and still be weak practice if the chart is too clean, the distractors are obvious or the interface removes the navigation work found in the real format.
- Interaction: multiple choice, build-the-answer, ranking, dragging or recorded response.
- Information density: realistic tables, tabs, charts, passages and irrelevant data.
- Decision rule: the same evidence standard, calculation family or constraint logic.
- Time pressure: pacing that forces selection and review, not leisurely worksheet solving.
This is the basis for saying forge questions are representative of real provider formats. It is not a claim that forge reproduces confidential test items or that every forge question is harder, better or identical to every live assessment.
Why candidates look for Graduates First alternatives
The usual reasons are price, paying for unused categories, an access model that does not fit the application timeline, or practice that feels too generic for the invitation. Name your reason before comparing sites.
If Graduates First's free sample matches your live assessment closely, changing platforms may not help. If the mismatch is interaction or explanation quality, test the alternative's sample rather than relying on its feature list.
When forge is the better alternative
forge makes sense when you want to learn and drill for free, then spend only on full simulations you will actually sit. It is especially useful when a detailed provider guide helps you identify the right practice route.
A broad paid library may still be better when you face several unrelated tests and value one large bundle more than provider-specific depth.
Try representative practice before paying
Start with free drills and detailed guides. Use a credit only when you want a full timed simulation and detailed performance report.
Start freeWhat is free on forge?
Free accounts include drills, games, topic practice, the Daily Challenge and a performance dashboard. The Learn hub includes worked SHL, AON, Cappfinity, Talent Q, HireVue and employer guides. Full employer-style simulations use one credit each; credits never expire.
forge is also preparing free YouTube walkthroughs and a downloadable practice-planning template. They are upcoming resources, not part of the current product comparison.
Research basis
We checked the public pages below on 19 July 2026. We did not purchase every competitor bundle, so this review compares publicly described coverage, access and samples. That limit matters, particularly when a paid pack contains material that is not visible before purchase.
- forge pricing and access
- Graduates First practice platform
- Official SHL candidate practice tests
- AssessmentDay practice platform
- Graduates First practice platform
- JobTestPrep SHL practice page
Related guides
- Best SHL practice tests
- Free vs paid SHL practice
- Best aptitude-test practice websites
- forge pricing and free access
- All forge practice formats
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free Graduates First alternative?+
forge is a free-first option with drills and detailed guides. Official provider samples are also essential for confirming format.
Why switch from Graduates First?+
Switch only for a specific reason such as format mismatch, price commitment, access terms or explanation quality.
Does forge require a subscription?+
No. Full simulations use credits, and credits do not expire. Free drills and guides do not require a paid subscription.
Can I use more than one practice site?+
Yes, but use each for a defined purpose. Repeating generic questions across several sites is rarely efficient.
Are forge questions real?+
forge uses real, representative questions designed around public provider formats. It does not reproduce confidential live test items.
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