SHL test practice: numerical, verbal and inductive reasoning
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SHL is one of the largest online assessment providers. Its ability tests, often called Verify, cover numerical, verbal and inductive (or deductive) reasoning, sometimes combined into one test. PwC UK, for example, names SHL as its assessment platform. This guide explains each section and where to practise the underlying skill here.
Scope at a glance
SHL ability tests usually cover numerical, verbal and inductive reasoning. Practise the skill behind each section, then learn the employer’s own interface.
The three SHL reasoning sections
- Numerical reasoning: read tables and charts, then calculate percentages, ratios and changes. Practise with data interpretation questions.
- Verbal reasoning: read a passage and decide if each statement is true, false or cannot say. Practise with the free verbal reasoning page.
- Inductive reasoning: find the rule behind a sequence of figures. Practise with the figure series questions and solver.
Prep providers report that some SHL tests are adaptive, and that newer interactive versions use drag-and-drop answers. The exact product name is in your invitation, so check it before you start practising.
Original numerical example
Sales rose from 240 to 300 units. What is the percentage increase?
- Change = 300 − 240 = 60.
- Divide by the starting value: 60 ÷ 240 = 25%.
- Dividing by 300 instead (20%) is the most common mistake: the base is always the earlier figure.
Original verbal example
“The trial included 60 firms; most chose to keep the shorter week.” Statement: “Productivity rose.”
- The passage says nothing about productivity.
- The answer is Cannot Say, even though the statement sounds plausible.
Which employers use SHL?
PwC UK’s early-careers page identifies SHL as the platform for its cognitive assessment. Many other employers use SHL for some roles, but providers change, so rely on your own invitation rather than lists online.
Put the method into practice
After the 24-hour full-feature trial, get 10 random new questions per practice type (10 lifetime memory rounds) and use each solver 10 times for free, with no daily reset. Paid access unlocks new generated questions and continued solving with 7-day access.
Sources and updates
Official sources checked on 2026-09-29. Company, region and year limits are explained above. Examples and study suggestions are our own, not employer questions or endorsements.