AstraZeneca SHL Assessment: How to Pass + Practice Questions

What Is the AstraZeneca SHL Assessment?

SHL assessments are one of the most commonly used pre-employment screening tests. Recruiters often use the information gathered through these assessments to select the best possible candidates for each role.

AstraZeneca requires employees who can manage in fast-paced and highly regulated working environments. By using SHL testing, recruiters can identify candidates who align with their company values and ethos, as well as those with the core skills and attributes required for a specific job. 

Typically, applicants are asked to complete AstraZeneca SHL assessments after the initial CV screening process. Successful individuals are then invited for interviews. 

In this article, you will learn more about the AstraZeneca SHL assessment and how you can effectively prepare for it. 

What to Expect in the AstraZeneca SHL Test

The AstraZeneca SHL test is usually administered in sections relating to different skills and knowledge desirable for employees.

This usually includes sections on numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, logical reasoning, and situational judgment tests.

Some candidates may also be asked to complete the SHL Verify interactive test. 

As well as measuring core skills and understanding, recruiters are looking to assess whether an applicant's views and values align with AstraZeneca’s core values.

Typically, tests are formatted as multiple-choice and have a strict time limit. This means that candidates will need to be able to answer both quickly and accurately to achieve their best possible scores.

Numerical Reasoning

This section of the AstraZeneca SHL assessment considers how well individuals can read, understand, and infer from numerical data. 

This can be in the form of graphs, charts, or other numerical information. Applicants will then be asked questions relating to the information they have been given. 

Verbal Reasoning

Verbal reasoning skills are assessed by providing candidates with a sample of written text. Individuals are then required to answer questions relating to the information they have just read. 

By answering verbal reasoning questions, recruiters can accurately assess how well candidates can comprehend written information and form conclusions based on what they have read. 

Logical or Inductive Reasoning

Logical (or inductive) reasoning questions are designed to assess an individual's ability to form logical conclusions based on the information provided. 

This is done with a variety of different questions. Some questions will provide candidates with a series of images. They will then need to select the correct answer for the sequence based on similarities or trends they have identified. 

Other questions provide information in written format. Again, candidates will be offered a selection of possible answers to a question, and they will need to choose the correct answer by correctly identifying the trends or patterns from the information provided. 

Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs)

Situational judgment tests aim to identify a candidate's behavior, attitude, and soft skills in relation to a role they have applied for. 

In terms of the AstraZeneca SHL assessment, the situational judgment section considers how well an individual is likely to fit within the company. 

They will be required to answer questions based on a series of hypothetical workplace scenarios with a selection of potential answers. The answers provided by candidates will highlight to recruiters the individuals who are most likely to be a good fit for the company and role. 

AstraZeneca SHL Test Example Questions

Numerical Reasoning

Question 1:

AstraZeneca’s research and development (R&D) spend was £1.8 billion last year. This year, it increased by £450 million.

What is the percentage increase?

a) 20%
b) 22%
c) 25%
d) 30%

The correct answer is: c) 25%

Increase = £450m
Percentage increase = (450 ÷ 1,800) × 100 = 25%

Question 2:

A pharmaceutical plant produces 12,000 units of medicine per week. Due to increased demand, production rises by 15%.

How many units will now be produced each week?

a) 13,400
b) 13,600
c) 13,800
d) 14,000

The correct answer is: b) 13,800

15% of 12,000 = 1,800
12,000 + 1,800 = 13,800

Verbal Reasoning

Question 1:

Read the statement and answer the question:

"AstraZeneca is committed to making healthcare accessible and affordable, with a strong focus on global partnerships to improve patient outcomes."

Which of the following is true based on the statement?

a) AstraZeneca only operates in the UK.
b) AstraZeneca aims to improve patient outcomes through partnerships.
c) AstraZeneca is not concerned about healthcare affordability.
d) AstraZeneca avoids partnerships with other organisations.

The correct answer is: b) AstraZeneca aims to improve patient outcomes through partnerships.

The statement clearly mentions this.

Question 2:

Which statement strengthens the argument:

"AstraZeneca’s focus on innovation is crucial to its long-term success."

a) AstraZeneca spends less on research than its competitors.
b) The company has a history of launching market-leading medicines.
c) Innovation does not affect pharmaceutical companies' profits.
d) The pharmaceutical industry is unaffected by new developments.

The correct answer is: b) The company has a history of launching market-leading medicines.

This supports the argument that innovation drives success.

Logical (Inductive) Reasoning

Question 1:

Identify the next number in the sequence:

3, 6, 12, 24, ?

a) 36
b) 42
c) 48
d) 50

The correct answer is: c) 48

The pattern is: ×2 each time

3 × 2 = 6
6 × 2 = 12
12 × 2 = 24
24 × 2 = 48

Question 2:

Which letter comes next in the sequence:

D, F, I, M, ?

a) N
b) P
c) Q
d) R

The correct answer is: b) P

Pattern: +2, +3, +4, +5 letters

D (+2) → F
F (+3) → I
I (+4) → M
M (+5) → P

How to Prepare for the AstraZeneca SHL Assessment

Taking the time to prepare for the AstraZeneca SHL assessment can significantly improve your ability to perform well in the tests. This is especially true for those applying for science or technology-related roles who may not have previous experience with the aptitude testing process.

There are several ways you can prepare for your assessments. 

Familiarize Yourself With SHL Question Formats

The AstraZeneca SHL test is made up of multiple-choice questions. Working through practice tests and sample questions is an excellent way of familiarizing yourself with the style of questioning on the assessment. It’s also a good way of understanding what the test is looking for in terms of your answers. 

Taking practice AstraZeneca SHL assessments under test conditions will also enable you to practice answering quickly and accurately, as the real test will have a strict time limit. 

Improve Core Reasoning Skills

Applicants taking the AstraZeneca SHL assessment are being tested on their core reasoning skills. Your performance in these areas will impact whether or not your application proceeds to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Taking the time to work on strengthening numerical accuracy, reading comprehension, and pattern recognition skills will mean that you’re able to perform to the best of your ability on the day.

Understand AstraZeneca’s Core Values

AstraZeneca selects applicants based on their reasoning and cognitive ability, but it also screens individuals on how well they are likely to fit within the company and its ethos. 

Values like integrity, teamwork, and innovation are seen as highly desirable attributes for potential employees. Having a good understanding of AstraZeneca’s core values will enable you to consider questions in relation to how well your answers fit the values being sought after. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AstraZeneca SHL test?

The AstraZeneca SHL assessment is a pre-employment test that evaluates the reasoning skills of applicants as well as considers how well they are likely to fit within the company. 

It is typically administered after the initial CV screening process and before in-person interviews take place.

How long is the SHL test for AstraZeneca?

Most AstraZeneca SHL assessments will take between 45 and 60 minutes to complete, although this can vary depending on the number of sections being administered.

Is the AstraZeneca SHL test difficult?

Some people find that the strict time limits and need for speed and accuracy make the AstraZeneca SHL test challenging. This is why it’s so important to prepare thoroughly beforehand.

Can I retake the SHL test?

No. In most cases, the AstraZeneca SHL assessment is administered as part of the recruitment process. So, if you don’t achieve the required scores, the process stops there. You would need to apply for alternative roles and retake the SHL test as part of a new application process. 

Where can I find AstraZeneca SHL practice materials?

There are several websites offering sample questions for SHL assessments. JobTestPrep provides candidates with a comprehensive overview of the AstraZeneca SHL test, as well as tips and practice tests to help prepare for the assessment.

Final Thoughts

If you are hoping for a role within AstraZeneca, you will likely be asked to complete the AstraZeneca SHL assessment as part of your recruitment process. This is an opportunity for you to show your potential for excelling in a global pharmaceutical environment and highlight your suitability for a role.

Performing well in this test is key for progressing to the next stage of the recruitment process, with successful applicants being invited for interviews following their assessments.

Taking the time to thoroughly prepare is key to performing to the best of your ability and highlighting your suitability as a candidate. It’s important to focus on cognitive skills and behavioral alignment, as both of these are equally important in terms of application progression. 

Taking the time to work through sample questions and practice tests will help to familiarize you with the test format and can be used to implement additional revision or research, which will improve your performance on the day.