PwC SHL Assessment: Step-by-Step Guide With Questions

What Is the PwC SHL Assessment?

SHL assessments are a commonly used tool in the recruitment process for a large number of companies. They are a relatively simple way for recruiters to identify the candidates who are most likely to possess the skills and attributes they are looking for in potential employees.

SHL assessments are designed to assess reasoning skills, problem-solving ability and professional judgment in relation to the role applied for and the preferences of individual companies.

For candidates applying for graduate roles, apprenticeships, and internships with PwC, SHL testing is an essential step in the recruitment process.

The PwC SHL assessment is typically administered after the initial CV screening process has taken place. Successful completion of the PwC SHL assessment results in candidates progressing to the next stage of the recruitment process. This usually means being invited for in-person or virtual interviews.

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

What to Expect in the PwC SHL Test

The PwC SHL assessment is a multiple-choice style test, split into different sections. Each section aims to assess a different area of knowledge or skill. In most cases, candidates will be required to complete assessments that focus on numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, logical reasoning, and situational judgment.

It’s important to remember that recruiters aren’t just looking for knowledge of core skills like numeracy and literacy. They are also actively seeking individuals who portray attention to detail skills and ethical decision-making abilities. Keeping this in mind when answering questions on the PwC SHL assessment can help to shape the way you answer so that you’re highlighting the attributes being sought. 

Each section will have a strict time limit, so it’s vital for candidates to be able to answer questions both quickly and accurately to answer as many questions as possible and attain the best score they can.

Numerical Reasoning

Numerical reasoning questions are designed to accurately assess a candidate's ability to read, understand, and infer information from numerical data.

In the numerical reasoning section of the PwC SHL test, individuals are asked a series of questions with a selection of potential answers. These could include graphs and charts as well as other numerical information. 

Verbal Reasoning

The verbal reasoning section of the PwC SHL assessment considers how well a candidate is able to read and understand written information.

By presenting candidates with a variety of text samples and related questions, it’s possible to accurately assess comprehension and reasoning skills.

Inductive or Logical Reasoning

Logical reasoning aims to consider how well a candidate is able to recognize patterns. Questions are formatted as multiple choice, with a series of either images or written information. 

The objective is to identify the pattern rules between the provided information and then, using this information, select the correct answer from a range of possible solutions. 

Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs)

Employers will often use situational judgment tests to evaluate how well a potential employee aligns with their companies core values and attitudes. 

In the PwC SHL assessment, candidates are expected to answer a range of hypothetical workplace scenario style questions as part of the situational judgment test. 

For each question, candidates are presented with a range of potential answers. The answers given will then be scored depending on how well they align with the company culture of PwC. 

PwC SHL Test Example Questions

Numerical Reasoning

Question 1:

PwC’s audit team reviewed 1,250 financial statements in Q1 and 1,625 in Q2. What was the percentage increase in the number of statements reviewed?

a) 25%
b) 28%
c) 30%
d) 35%

The correct answer is: c) 30%

Increase = 1,625 – 1,250 = 375
Percentage increase = (375 ÷ 1,250) × 100 = 30%

Question 2:

A client’s revenue decreased from £820,000 to £738,000. What is the percentage decrease?

a) 8%
b) 9%
c) 10%
d) 12%

The correct answer is: c) 10%

Decrease = £820,000 – £738,000 = £82,000
Percentage decrease = (82,000 ÷ 820,000) × 100 = 10%

Verbal Reasoning

Question 1:

Read the statement and answer the question:

"PwC prioritises delivering quality assurance services while maintaining independence and integrity."

Which of the following is true based on the statement?

a) PwC compromises on integrity to deliver services.
b) PwC only offers tax services.
c) PwC values independence when providing assurance services.
d) PwC’s services are free of charge.

The correct answer is: c) PwC values independence when providing assurance services.

The statement clearly mentions independence and integrity.

Question 2:

Which statement weakens the argument:

"PwC’s success is entirely due to its global network."

a) PwC’s global network spans over 150 countries.
b) PwC’s clients cite expertise and innovation as reasons for loyalty.
c) PwC’s size makes it attractive to international clients.
d) PwC’s global network helps deliver services efficiently.

The correct answer is: b) PwC’s clients cite expertise and innovation as reasons for loyalty.

This suggests success is not entirely due to the global network.

Logical (Inductive) Reasoning

Question 1:

What is the next letter in the sequence:

B, E, H, K, ?

a) M
b) N
c) O
d) P

The correct answer is: b) N

The pattern increases by +3 each time:

B (+3) → E
E (+3) → H
H (+3) → K
K (+3) → N

Question 2:

Find the missing number:

6, 11, 18, 27, ?

a) 35
b) 36
c) 37
d) 38

The correct answer is: b) 36

Pattern: Add consecutive odd numbers

6 + 5 = 11
11 + 7 = 18
18 + 9 = 27
27 + 9 = 36

How to Prepare for the PwC SHL Assessment

Preparation is essential when it comes to the majority of workplace and recruitment assessments. 

Making sure that you fully understand what to expect during the test, the type of conditions used for testing, and the attributes PwC looks for in employees will mean that you’re more relaxed and confident in your abilities on testing day.

There are several relatively simple ways you can prepare for your PwC SHL test, but, whichever methods you choose, it’s important to remember that consistency is key.

Practice SHL-Style Tests Regularly

Regular practice tests, such as those found on JobTestPrep, are an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the test format. As well as being able to answer a range of questions similar to those found on the PwC SHL test, candidates will often be provided with comprehensive feedback and tips for improving their scores. 

Completing these practice tests under timed conditions will also help you to learn how to answer questions both quickly and accurately.

Strengthen Core Skills

A strong understanding and ability in data interpretation, reading comprehension, and abstract reasoning techniques is key to performing well in the PwC SHL assessment. 

Taking the time to work on and strengthen these skills can help you avoid making unnecessary errors and enable you to achieve your best possible results on the day.

Align with PwC’s Core Behaviors

There are five core behaviors PwC recruiters look for in potential employees: 

• Acting with integrity
• Making a difference
• Caring
• Teamwork
• Reimagining the possible

Making sure that you’re well-versed in these core values, as well as the PwC graduate competency framework, can help to influence the way that you structure answers so that they reflect desirable attributes. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the SHL test used by PwC?

PwC uses an online assessment tool that measures cognitive ability and behavioral judgment. This assessment usually comprises several sections, each targeted to assess a different area of skill or knowledge.

Is the PwC SHL test hard?

Yes, it is often considered to be a challenging assessment due to the time pressures involved and the highly competitive recruitment process. Only applicants with the highest PwC SHL assessment scores will progress to the next stage of the process. 

When do I take the SHL test in the PwC hiring process?

In the majority of cases, PwC SHL assessments are completed after the initial CVs or applications have been reviewed and before any in-person or video interviews are offered. 

Can I retake the PwC SHL test?

No. Typically, a failure to achieve the required score on the PwC SHL assessment will mean that your application process ends. You can apply for alternative roles within PwC in the future, and you will need to take SHL assessments again as part of that new process. 

Where can I find SHL-style practice questions for PwC?

There are several websites offering sample questions and practice tips. JobTestPrep offers comprehensive study packages with complete practice tests and feedback on your results to help you improve performance. 

Final Thoughts

Performing well in the PwC SHL assessment is an essential step for anyone hoping for employment with PwC.

By assessing a range of skills, including verbal and numerical reasoning, professionalism, as well as logical thinking, recruiters are able to select the best possible candidates for each and every role.

Your PwC SHL test is an opportunity to demonstrate your suitability as a candidate and your readiness to embark on a career with PwC. Taking the time to prepare for your PwC SHL assessment with practice tests, such as those found on JobTestPrep, will enable you to identify any areas of weakness you may have as well as familiarize you with the format of the test. 

A thorough, consistent approach will mean that you’re able to perform to the best of your ability on the day.