McKinsey SHL Test: Guide With Practice Questions

Global managing consulting firm McKinsey provides professional services to governments and corporations across the world. With more than 45,000 employees across over 65 countries, McKinsey boasts a diverse workforce.

Some of the many career opportunities available with McKinsey include business analyst, consultant, accountant, and data engineer.

McKinsey is a highly reputable organization with a mission to recruit the best quality employees.

To onboard the brightest talent from across the globe, McKinsey has a complex hiring process consisting of three stages: application, aptitude tests, and a final interview.

One of the aptitude tests that McKinsey uses is the SHL assessment.

In this guide, you will learn what the test includes and how to prepare for it effectively.

What Is the McKinsey SHL Test?

The McKinsey SHL test forms part of the McKinsey recruitment process. Administered by assessment provider Saville and Holdsworth Limited (SHL), it is a pre-interview screening test that you will be invited to take if your application is shortlisted by McKinsey recruiters.

The purpose of the McKinsey SHL Test is to assess a candidate’s cognitive abilities and behavioral traits.

The main part of this computer-based exam consists of two sections:

• A numerical test
• A verbal test

You may also be asked to take an inductive or logical reasoning test called a Problem Solving Test or PST.

The numerical and verbal reasoning questions will evaluate your ability to apply logic using numbers and words.

You will have 44 minutes to answer 48 questions, so practicing good time management is crucial if you want to score highly on the McKinsey SHL Test.

The questions in the SHL Test are presented in a random order and are timed. This means that the time you take to answer each question will be factored into your final scores. For this reason, you should do lots of practice with sample tests so you can learn to answer simple questions quickly without deliberating for too long.

The SHL Test does allow you to use a calculator, which will help on the numerical reasoning section. However, you will still need to sharpen your mental arithmetic skills. Some of the basic numerical reasoning questions can be answered faster without a calculator, and you will want to save time wherever possible.

Candidates will typically take the test at a proctored site but taking it at home may be an alternative option.

There are several types of SHL test, and the format most used by McKinsey is the General Ability Test. This assessment is also known as VerifyG+, so you may see either of these names on your test.

It is important to note that the SHL General Ability or VerifyG+ Test has two versions. One is interactive and the other is multiple choice, and they consist of different question types.

You should check your test invitation for details, so you don’t waste time preparing for the wrong version.

The McKinsey SHL Test is one part of the recruitment process that comes after your written application. If you pass the test, you will move onto the interview stage.

The McKinsey Interview

There are typically two rounds of interviews to further shortlist candidates. Both interviews usually last 45 to 60 minutes and consist of two parts:

• Case study interview
• Personal experience interview (PEI)

The first part of the interview will take up 75% of your session and will require you to learn a case study about a company facing an issue. The interviewer will provide you with documents such as graphs and tables that contain details about the company. They will then ask you questions such as how you would solve an issue or how you would boost business.

The second part of your interview will make up 25% and will include the interviewer asking you a behavioral question. This may be something like, ‘describe a time where you resolved a difficult problem’ or ‘tell me about a time when you led a team through a difficult situation.’

After your interviews, your performance throughout the recruitment process will be evaluated. If successful, you will be given a job offer.

What to Expect in the McKinsey SHL Assessment

The McKinsey SHL assessment consists of three reasoning tests:

• Numerical
• Verbal
• Logical

Understanding the format of the test will help you prepare and achieve a high score.

Numerical Reasoning

In this section, you will need to interpret data from charts and graphs to answer 18 questions in 25 minutes.

For each question, you will need to read an unseen passage and perform calculations such as basic arithmetic, fractions, ratios, percentages, and conversions.

These are multiple-choice questions, so if you are unsure of an answer then choose what seems most likely to be correct.

This section measures your critical thinking, ability to interpret and analyse data, and math skills.

Verbal Reasoning

For the Verbal Reasoning test, you will have 19 minutes to answer 30 questions.

These questions will present you with a set of short passages that you need to read carefully. There will be three to five follow-up questions to check your understanding of the passage.

By analysing the data, you will infer whether the provided statements are ‘true,’ ‘False’ or ‘You cannot say’ based on the information in the passage.

The verbal reasoning section measures your logical thinking skills and reading comprehension, the ability to understand written information.

Inductive or Logical Reasoning

As well as numerical and verbal reasoning, you may be assessed on your inductive or logical reasoning. This takes the form of a McKinsey SHL Problem Solving Test or McKinsey Digital Assessment.

This test differs from traditional assessments as it is in a game format. The Problem Solving Test measures a candidate’s abilities in the following five areas:

• Decision-making
• Situational awareness
• System thinking
• Critical thinking
• Metacognition

You will be given 71 minutes to solve five tasks within two scenarios. The scenarios may ask you to create a sustainable ecosystem with a balanced food chain or analyze the population of animals based on a set of data.

McKinsey SHL Test Example Questions

Numerical Reasoning

Question 1:

A company’s revenue increased from £250,000 in 2022 to £325,000 in 2023. What was the percentage increase in revenue?

a) 24%
b) 28%
c) 30%
d) 35%

The correct answer is: b) 30%

Percentage increase = ((325,000 - 250,000) ÷ 250,000) × 100
= (75,000 ÷ 250,000) × 100
= 0.3 × 100
= 30%

Question 2:

If a train travels 240 miles in 4 hours, what is its average speed in miles per hour?

a) 50 mph
b) 55 mph
c) 60 mph
d) 65 mph

The correct answer is: c) 60 mph

Average speed = Total distance ÷ Total time
= 240 miles ÷ 4 hours
= 60 mph

Verbal Reasoning

Question 1:

Read the statement below and answer the question:

"All employees at GreenTech Solutions receive annual training on cybersecurity policies. Sarah has worked at GreenTech Solutions for three years."

What can you conclude from the statement?

a) Sarah is an expert in cybersecurity.
b) Sarah has received at least one cybersecurity training.
c) Sarah has not received any cybersecurity training.
d) Sarah trains other employees on cybersecurity.

The correct answer is: b) Sarah has received at least one cybersecurity training.

The statement tells us that all employees receive annual training. Since Sarah has worked there for three years, she must have received at least one training session. No assumptions about her expertise or her role as a trainer can be made.

Question 2:

Choose the statement that best completes the argument:

"Many people believe that electric cars are more environmentally friendly. However, this overlooks the fact that electric cars still contribute to pollution because..."

a) They are more expensive than petrol cars.
b) They require electricity, which is often generated from fossil fuels.
c) Their engines are less powerful.
d) They are quieter than traditional cars.

The correct answer is: b) They require electricity, which is often generated from fossil fuels.

The argument is about how electric cars still contribute to pollution. Option (b) provides a logical reason that supports this argument.

Logical (Inductive) Reasoning

Question 1:

Look at this sequence of shapes:

▲, ●, ▲, ●, ▲, ?

What comes next?

a) ●
b) ▲
c) ■
d) ◆

The correct answer is: a) ●

The sequence alternates between ▲ and ●. After ▲, the next shape should be ●.

Question 2:

Which figure completes the pattern?

Pattern:
1, 4, 9, 16, ?

a) 20
b) 24
c) 25
d) 36

The correct answer is: c) 25

The sequence follows the pattern of square numbers:

1² = 1, 2² = 4, 3² = 9, 4² = 16
so the next is 5² = 25

How to Prepare for the McKinsey SHL Test

Preparation is key if you want to pass the McKinsey SHL Test and move to the next stage. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success.

Use Official-Style Practice Tests

It is crucial that you understand the different sections of the test as well as how much time you have for each set of questions. This will save valuable seconds on the day as you can get straight to answering.

The best way to do this is by practicing using SHL-style practice materials. These online resources, such as those found on JobTestPrep, will help you familiarize yourself with the kind of questions you may find on the test.

By using official-style practice tests, you can review the correct answers and explanations to further your understanding. This feedback will strengthen your ability to apply reason to information.

Sharpen Your Core Skills

One of the best ways to prepare for the SHL assessment is to brush up on your math and English skills.

To prepare for the numerical reasoning test, revise concepts such as ratios, fractions, percentages, and conversions.

As you will be allowed a calculator, you should familiarize yourself with the different functions. You should also practice answering basic arithmetic skills, as it will often be quicker to solve these mentally.

For the verbal reasoning test, work on your reading comprehension by answering questions about an unseen passage of text.

Lastly, you can prepare for the problem-solving test by strengthening your critical thinking and pattern spotting skills.

Practice Under Time Pressure

The SHL test has a strict time limit, so it is a good idea to practice against the clock. 

Give yourself 25 minutes to answer 18 numerical reasoning questions and 19 minutes for the 30 verbal reasoning questions.

This will highlight whether you need to speed up to finish the test or slow down to ensure you answer correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SHL test for McKinsey?

It is a timed cognitive ability assessment used to evaluate numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning skills.

Is the McKinsey SHL test hard?

Yes, it is designed to be challenging and competitive, reflecting the high standards of the firm.

Can I fail the McKinsey SHL test?

While there’s no traditional pass/fail, low scores may eliminate you from further stages.

How long is the SHL test?

Typically 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the version used.

Where can I practice for the McKinsey SHL test?

JobTestPrep and other test providers offer tailored SHL-style practice tests.

Final Thoughts

The SHL test is an important part of McKinsey’s hiring process, as it ensures that it recruits the best talent with the required skills and knowledge.

While the test can be challenging, success is entirely possible with preparation. The key things to focus on are improving your time management and ensuring you understand the test format.

Taking any test can seem daunting, but remember that you have already impressed the McKinsey hirers with your application. The SHL assessment is a chance to showcase your strengths and demonstrate why you would be a perfect fit for the company.