How to Ace UBS Assessment Tests: Guide/Tips/Examples

UBS is a global financial services and investment bank. As a result, it hires vast numbers of employees at all levels. This includes apprenticeships as well as experienced professionals with decades of experience.

To ensure that the best possible applicants are accepted for every role, UBS employs a range of assessments as part of its recruitment process. 

Every individual applying for a position within UBS will be expected to complete these assessments, so it's important to fully understand what they are and how to perform at your best in them.

In this article, you will learn more about the UBS tests, what they cover and how to prepare for them. You will also get answers to frequently asked questions. 

What Are the UBS Assessment Tests?

With so many applicants for each and every vacancy at UBS, it’s important to make sure the right people are hired. This is why UBS assessment tests – sometimes called the UBS Junior Talent Cognitive Assessments – were developed.

There are two main assessments that are used as part of the application and interview process. The tests you will take will largely depend on the role you have applied for.

UBS Culture Match Assessment

The UBS Culture Match Assessment (sometimes referred to as the UBS Culture Match Junior Talent Assessment) aims to identify those candidates whose work ethic and values most align with those of UBS.

At its core, this is a situational judgement assessment. It aims to assess how well an individual matches the values and ethos of UBS by presenting them with a range of hypothetical workplace situation questions. Candidates will then select the response they feel is most appropriate for each situation. 

The UBS Culture Match Assessment test is computer-based, with multiple choice options for each question. Applicants will face 15 questions in total.

There is no time limit, and most candidates will complete the assessment within 20 minutes.

Some of the skills looked for in this test are problem solving, conflict resolution, critical thinking and situational judgement.

In order to perform well, it’s often a good idea to familiarise yourself with the UBS core values. This will help you to understand what is important to UBS as a company and what attributes it values in its employees.

As there is no time limit for this test, you will be able to take your time reading the questions and considering all of the available options before selecting the responses you feel are most appropriate.

Sample UBS Culture Match Assessment Questions

Sample Question 1: Work Prioritization

Scenario: You have been assigned to work on a critical project that has a tight deadline. However, a team member from a different department asks for your help on a task that will also require considerable time and effort.

What do you do?

a) Focus entirely on your project, as it is your primary responsibility.
b) Offer to help the colleague but set clear boundaries on how much time you can spare.
c) Drop your current project to assist your colleague, as teamwork is important.
d) Delegate your project to another team member and assist your colleague.

The best answer is: b)

Answer B strikes a balance between commitment to your primary responsibility and being a team player. UBS values both strong individual performance and collaboration. Setting boundaries ensures that you can manage your workload effectively while still being supportive.

Sample Question 2: Ethical Dilemma

Scenario: You discover that a colleague has made a significant error in a report that has already been sent to a client. The colleague asks you to keep it quiet and says they will correct it without informing the client. How do you respond?

a) Respect your colleague's request to keep it quiet and help them correct the mistake.
b) Insist that the colleague informs the client immediately to maintain transparency.
c) Report the error to your manager to ensure the issue is addressed properly.
d) Correct the error yourself and inform the client directly.

The best answer is: b)

UBS places high importance on integrity and transparency. Answer B is the best choice because it prioritizes ethical conduct by ensuring that the client is informed. It also encourages the colleague to take responsibility for their actions.

Numerical Reasoning Test

As the name suggests, the UBS numerical reasoning test is designed to assess a candidate's numeracy skills. 

There are 18 questions in total and, unlike the UBS Culture Match Assessment, this assessment is timed. Individuals will have 18 minutes to answer as many questions as possible, so it is vital to work quickly as well as accurately.

Because of this, even if you’re not sure about an answer, it’s better to select something rather than leaving it blank. A blank answer will always be incorrect, whereas a guess could potentially still be a correct answer.

You will be assessed on your ability to solve a range of different mathematical questions. These will cover subjects including data interpretation, percentages, fractions, financial mathematics and logic.

Sample UBS Numerical Reasoning Questions

Sample Question 1: Profit Calculation

Scenario: A company sells two products, A and B. In one month, the company sold 800 units of Product A at $15 each and 600 units of Product B at $20 each. The production cost per unit is $10 for Product A and $12 for Product B.

What is the total profit for the company that month?

a) $8,800
b) $9,000
c) $9,200
d) $9,600

The correct answer is: a) $8,800

Revenue from Product A: 800 units × $15 = $12,000
Revenue from Product B: 600 units × $20 = $12,000
Total Revenue = $12,000 + $12,000 = $24,000
Cost for Product A: 800 units × $10 = $8,000
Cost for Product B: 600 units × $12 = $7,200
Total Cost = $8,000 + $7,200 = $15,200
Total Profit = Total Revenue – Total Cost = $24,000 – $15,200 = $8,800

Sample Question 2: Percentage Increase

Scenario: The number of clients at a financial advisory firm increased from 1,200 to 1,500 in a year.

What is the percentage increase in the number of clients?

a) 20%
b) 25%
c) 30%
d) 35%

The correct answer is: b) 25%

Increase in clients = 1,500 – 1,200 = 300
Percentage Increase = (300 / 1,200) × 100 = 25%

How the Tests Are Administered

Both of the UBS assessments are computerised, multiple-choice tests. 

Assessments will usually take place at a testing centre or UBS offices. Candidates will be given a date and time to attend.

Make sure to remember to take proof of identity with you as well as any other documents which are requested.

How to Interpret the Results

The results of your UBS assessments will usually be made available to you within 48 hours. This is when you will know whether you have been successful in reaching the next stages of the recruitment process or not.

If you have been unsuccessful in passing the UBS assessment tests, you will be able to ask for feedback. 

This can sometimes be useful for you in knowing any areas that might need to be improved if you wanted to apply for an alternative role with UBS in the future.

How to Prepare for the UBS Assessment Tests

Preparation is key when it comes to feeling confident in assessments. Whether you’re someone who generally does well in tests, or an individual who tends to feel anxious, there are benefits to taking time for preparation before sitting the UBS assessments. 

This doesn’t have to be a long-drawn out process, and many of the tips can be done easily without any cost to you other than your time.

Practise Your Maths

Passing the numerical reasoning assessment is essential for those looking for a role within UBS. Make sure you practise your basic maths skills so that you can perform to the best of your ability.

Research the UBS Ethos 

You’ll want your UBS Culture Match Assessment answers to be honest but also align with the values UBS seeks in its employees.

So spending some time reading about the UBS work culture and ethos will help you to see whether your values will align, as well as provide information about what it might potentially be looking for in a new employee.

Relaxation Techniques 

If you’re someone who gets stressed during tests, practising breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques can help to get your anxieties under control.

Sleep Well 

Never underestimate the benefits of a good night's sleep. Studies have shown that being tired before tests and assessments can impact your ability to recall information.

Practice Tests and Resources

Practice tests are an excellent tool when it comes to preparing for any test or assessment.

Whether you choose to look at sample questions or complete entire practice tests, this process will help you to familiarise yourself with the format of USB assessments tests.

You can then use your UBS Culture Match Assessment answers, as well as your UBS numerical reasoning answers, to identify any areas you may need to work on, or find ways to highlight your individual strengths.

Taking a practice UBS assessment online can also be an excellent way of helping you to feel calm and relaxed when assessment day comes. You will know what to expect and feel confident that you have prepared as much as you possibly can ahead of time.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How many UBS assessments are there?

There are two main assessments used as part of the UBS recruitment process. These are the UBS Culture Match Assessment, and the USB numerical reasoning test.

Are the UBS assessments timed?

The UBS Culture Match Assessment test does not have a time limit. Most applicants will complete the test within 20 minutes.

The UBS numerical reasoning test is timed. Candidates have 18 minutes to answer as many questions as possible. 

What happens if I fail a UBS assessment?

In most cases, this will be the end of your application process for that particular position. You will be able to apply for other roles in the future and will be required to retake the assessments in relation to those applications.

What is the UBS Culture Match Assessment? 

The UBS Culture Match Assessment evaluates how well a candidate's values and behaviours align with UBS's corporate culture and values.

What is in the UBS cognitive assessment? 

The UBS cognitive assessment includes tasks measuring numerical, verbal and logical reasoning abilities to assess candidates' problem-solving skills.

How to pass the UBS assessments? 

To pass the UBS assessments (sometimes called the UBS junior talent cognitive assessments), practise numerical, verbal and logical reasoning, understand UBS's values and demonstrate cultural fit.

Where can I prepare for the UBS assessments? 

Prepare for UBS assessments using online UBS assessment practice tests, test preparation websites, and resources on UBS's recruitment page.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hoping to start a career within UBS or are seeking a promotion, it is likely that you will be required to sit the UBS assessment tests as part of the process.

Before your assessments, make sure you take time to practise sample tests and questions. Use the information provided by these assessments to help you identify any areas of weakness, and work to polish your key skills. All of these steps will help you to perform to the best of your ability on the day.

By practising and using relaxation techniques to control any anxieties, you will be able to walk into your test feeling confident that you have the knowledge and skills required to secure your dream role.