The Bank Teller Test: A Complete Guide

Recruiters want to know that potential new employees will be able to perform all of the tasks required of them within their role. 

Employers increasingly use assessments as part of their recruitment process to identify the best possible candidates for available roles. 

One such test is the Bank Teller Test; used within the banking industry to assess candidates' skills concerning potential roles as bank tellers. Candidates are tested on their performance in key areas such as attention to detail, customer service and accuracy in performing transactions. 

Success in the Bank Teller Exam is an essential step in the recruitment process for those wishing to work within this area of banking. 

Within the guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about preparing for the Bank Teller Test, as well as helpful tips for performing at your best on the test day. You will also find Bank Teller Exam sample questions to aid you in your preparation. 

What Is the Bank Teller Test?

Bank tellers perform a range of duties, including cashing checks, making deposits and withdrawals, and handling currency conversions. Because of the level of responsibility that the role requires, it’s important to ensure that the best candidates are selected for each role. 

The Bank Teller Test is an aptitude test that focuses on evaluating essential skills used by individuals working as bank tellers. This will include testing math proficiency and customer service skills as well as assessing attention to detail and problem-solving.

In most cases, candidates will be required to complete the Bank Teller Examination after submitting their initial application. Banking recruiters will then evaluate the results of candidates’ tests before selecting those who will move on to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Typically, the assessment will have between 20 and 24 multiple-choice questions to answer. Candidates will usually have a time limit of around 45 minutes. 

There isn’t a specific passing score, as the Bank Teller Examination is used by a variety of different banks to evaluate candidates. Individual recruiters set their own passing requirements. It’s important to answer questions both quickly and accurately to achieve the best possible result.

Taking the time to practice and learn about the Bank Teller Exam can significantly improve your performance on the day.

Key Sections of the Bank Teller Test

The Bank Teller Examination has been designed to evaluate a range of core skills required for working within this customer-facing banking role.

Although the exact test you will take may vary depending on the role and institution you have applied to work for, testing will commonly include questions relating to four key areas. 

Numerical Accuracy

Questions focussing on numerical accuracy are designed to assess whether candidates have a range of core math skills required within banking. This will include addition, subtraction, percentage calculations and handling currency. 

Customer Service Skills

As bank tellers, individuals will be required to handle a range of inquiries and complaints while maintaining appropriate service standards. 

Customer service skills questions assess how well a candidate is able to deal with a range of hypothetical scenarios and whether they are able to match the ethos of the bank they have applied to work for. 

Attention to Detail

Working within banking requires candidates to work thoroughly and accurately. Questions relating to attention to detail are designed to assess an individual's ability to recognize errors, maintain accurate records, and accurately complete tasks. 

Ethics and Integrity

An understanding of honesty, confidentiality, and the importance of integrity are vital for those working within banking. 

Questions relating to ethics and integrity are designed to determine whether candidates hold the core values and standards required by the institution they have applied to work for. 

Bank Teller Assessment Test Example Questions

Basic Math Skills

Questions 1:

A customer deposits $250 and then withdraws $75. What is the customer's new balance if their initial balance was $500?

a) $675
b) $675
c) $500
d) $625

The correct answer is: d) $625

Start with the initial balance of $500, add the deposit ($250), and then subtract the withdrawal ($75):

500 + 250 − 75 = 625

Question 2:

If a check for $1,200 bounces and there is a $35 fee for insufficient funds, what will the total amount deducted from the account be?

a) $1,200
b) $1,235
c) $1,200
d) $1,250

The correct answer is: b) $1,235

The total amount deducted includes the bounced check and the fee:

1,200 + 35 = 1,235

Customer Service Skills

Question 1:

A customer is upset because they were charged an overdraft fee.

How should you respond?

a) Explain that fees are standard and cannot be reversed
b) Listen to the customer’s concerns and offer to review the account
c) Tell them they should have monitored their balance better
d) Ignore their complaints and assist the next customer

The correct answer is: b) Listen to the customer’s concerns and offer to review the account.

It's important to acknowledge the customer's feelings and offer assistance to resolve the issue.

Question 2:

A client asks for help with online banking, but they seem confused about the process.

What is the best way to assist them?

a) Tell them to read the instructions on the website
b) Walk them through the process step-by-step
c) Suggest they come back later when they understand better
d) Offer them a brochure on online banking

The correct answer is: b) Walk them through the process step-by-step.

Providing hands-on assistance helps the customer feel supported and ensures they understand the process.

Understanding Banking Policies

Question 1:

What is the Federal Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance limit per depositor in a bank?

a) $250,000
b) $100,000
c) $500,000
d) $1,000,000

The correct answer is: a) $250,000

The FDIC insures deposits up to $250,000 per depositor per insured bank.

Question 2:

 If a customer wants to open a savings account, which of the following is typically required?

a) A minimum deposit amount
b) A loan application
c) Proof of income
d) A credit report

The correct answer is: a) A minimum deposit amount

Most banks require a minimum deposit to open a savings account.

Attention to Detail

Question 1:

You notice that a customer has written a check with the amount stated incorrectly in numbers and words. What should you do?

a) Accept the check without any action
b) Ask the customer to clarify the correct amount
c) Return the check and inform them it’s invalid
d) Process the check for the lower amount

The correct answer is: b) Ask the customer to clarify the correct amount.

It's important to ensure accuracy and clarify discrepancies before processing the transaction.

Question 2:

While balancing the cash drawer at the end of the day, you find a discrepancy of $50. What is your first step?

a) Report it to the manager immediately
b) Close the branch and leave for the day
c) Check for mistakes in your transactions
d) Ignore it and hope it resolves itself

The correct answer is: c) Check for mistakes in your transactions.

Before escalating the issue, it’s essential to review your work for potential errors.

How to Prepare for the Bank Teller Assessment Test

Bank Teller Exam Practice Tests 

One of the best tools when it comes to preparing for an assessment is the use of practice tests and sample questions. Free Bank Teller practice tests and Bank Teller Exam sample questions will help to familiarize you with the format of the assessment and style of questioning. 

It will also mean that you can identify any weak areas in need of additional study, and track your progress to see your improvement.

Math Practice
 

Many of the questions within the Bank Teller Test will involve completing calculations. These could include currency conversions and interest calculations. Making sure that you brush up on these skills will ensure that you’re able to answer questions accurately.

Scenario Prep

Some of the questions on the Bank Teller Assessment Test will involve thinking about hypothetical scenarios and the appropriate response when handling a situation.

Employers will want to know that you are able to manage potentially difficult customers or complicated situations in a way that meets with their expectations and ethos. Taking time to think about potential customer service situations will mean that you’re better able to consider how to answer questions within the test. 

Timed Conditions

You are likely to have approximately 45 minutes to answer all of the questions within the Bank Teller Assessment Test. 

Because of this, it’s important to practice answering sample questions or Bank Teller practice tests under timed conditions. This will help you to learn how to answer quickly and accurately. Answering as many questions as you can within the time limit will enable you to obtain the best possible score. 

Stress Management 

Tests and assessments can be stressful situations, especially if the results can mean whether or not employment is at stake. 

If you’re someone who finds exams stressful, practicing mindfulness techniques can help to get those feelings of anxiety under control and help you to maintain focus. 

Research the Company

It’s a good idea to thoroughly research the ethos and the values of the company you’re applying to work for. 

Doing this can help you to understand their requirements and expectations when it comes to answering questions relating to ethics, attention to detail, and customer service. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What skills are tested in the Bank Teller Test?

Questions within the Bank Teller Test typically relate to four key areas: numerical accuracy, customer service skills, attention to detail, and ethics and integrity.

Are there any specific math skills required for this test?

The Bank Teller Test aims to evaluate core math skills like addition, subtraction and currency conversion. Practicing these skills and brushing up on concepts like percentages will enable you to answer the math questions within the test.

How is customer service evaluated on the test?

Candidates are asked a range of hypothetical questions relating to potential customer scenarios they could face while working as a bank teller. The objective is to select the answer most-suited to the scenario that matches the employer’s policies and ethos. 

What score is typically required to pass?

There is no set passing score. Individual banks will decide on their requirements from candidates. 

Because of this, it’s important to score as highly as possible. The higher your score is, the better your chance of progressing to the next stage of the recruitment process. 

What’s the best way to practice for the attention to detail section?

One of the best ways is through using practice Bank Teller Tests. These will help you to understand how to answer.

It might be a good idea to also consider the STAR (situation, task, action, result) method, as this can help you to evaluate information and determine the appropriate response. 

Final Thoughts

It’s vital for those working as bank tellers to have the skills and attributes needed to be successful in their roles. 

Assessments like the Bank Teller Test have been uniquely designed to evaluate skills like customer service and problem solving, as well as the mathematical ability required to undertake tasks relating to the job.

If you’re asked to complete the Bank Teller Test as part of the recruitment process for a position in banking, careful preparation is key. 

Using practice tests and sample questions to brush up on rusty math skills, and giving thought to hypothetical customer relations scenarios can enable you to answer confidently and showcase your carefully honed skills.

However you choose to prepare for the Bank Teller Test, it’s important to remember that the passing score is decided by individual companies. 

So, it’s always best to score as highly as you possibly can to increase your chance of progressing through to the next stage of the recruitment process and embarking on the career you want.