Bank of America · Psychometric Tests
Bank of America sifts candidates through IBM Kenexa (Kenexa Assess) before any interview. Below: the exact format, what each section tests, and how to practise it in identical conditions until you walk in confident.
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The format
At the very front of the cycle, after the CV and motivation answers clear an ATS eligibility check and before the HireVue stage.
Most psychometric tests split into 3-5 sections, each with its own clock. Speed and accuracy both count.
Modern formats get harder if you answer correctly, easier if you struggle. Your final score reflects what you can actually do under time pressure.
Bank of America sets a pass mark per test type. Below it, you don't progress regardless of how strong the rest of your application is.
Completion window. The invitation arrives within 24-72 hours of applying, with a strict 3-5 calendar-day deadline. Each active section must be finished in a single sitting once started.
By division. GCIB faces a three-part numerical, verbal and SJT set; Global Markets adds a high-speed numerical plus inductive/logical layer; Global Technology emphasises logical, diagrammatic and inductive reasoning, sometimes with an algorithmic module on Glider AI.
Recent changes. BofA has kept a traditional psychometric approach (text, spreadsheets, charts, matrices) rather than moving to game-based apps, periodically refreshing the Kenexa question banks.
The provider
Bank of America configures its own selection of IBM Kenexa (Kenexa Assess) modules. Below: the exact products in the suite, why they were chosen, and what the provider's reputation is across the candidate pool.
History at Bank of America. Kenexa has been used for multiple cycles, with question banks periodically refreshed to protect integrity.
Candidate reputation. Kenexa is known for strict, down-to-the-second time constraints designed to simulate a fast-paced trading floor or banking bullpen, testing accuracy against a countdown.
Section breakdown
Each section has its own format, timer and trap pattern. Worked examples below show exactly what you will see and where candidates drop points.
20 questions · 20 minutes (about 60 seconds per question)
What it tests. Rapid data extraction, multi-step arithmetic, currency conversion and base-metric estimation.
Worked example. From regional revenue and FX-rate tables, compute combined operating profit in GBP across two regions, ignoring distractor data, and read footnotes for thousands-versus-millions scale.
Common traps. The exact-calculation trap (computing to the penny when options are widely spaced) and missing scale footnotes.
How to handle it. Use a physical calculator with memory functions and a gridded scratchpad; round to eliminate unrealistic options.
24 questions · 20 minutes
What it tests. Strict logical deduction from the text and identifying definitive versus conditional language.
Worked example. On a passage stating electronic providers 'tighten spreads in quiet conditions', the statement that they provide wider spreads is False; whether geopolitical conflict is the primary volatility driver is Cannot Say.
Common traps. Importing outside knowledge, and generalising a conditional fact to all conditions.
How to handle it. Read the statement first, then scan; if the text does not explicitly prove it, the answer is Cannot Say.
14-24 questions · 12-20 minutes
What it tests. Abstract pattern identification and tracking several independent variables at once.
Worked example. An outer square resizes, an inner circle moves clockwise and a triangle rotates and changes shade; isolate one variable at a time to find the next figure.
Common traps. Fixating on one variable, or rushing on a first visual impression without verifying the rule holds.
How to handle it. Use component isolation: track one element across the sequence, eliminate options, then track the next.
15-20 scenarios · Usually untimed or a 25-30 minute target
What it tests. Professional prioritisation, risk and compliance awareness and team collaboration.
Worked example. An internal data error threatens a client report deadline; correcting the model and staying late with a clear summary is most effective, while delivering known-wrong data on time is least effective.
Common traps. Choosing individualistic routes or passively escalating every minor issue.
How to handle it. Align with Responsible Growth: prioritise compliance, data accuracy and transparent communication over a quick fix.
30-50 blocks · Untimed
What it tests. Behavioural consistency and alignment of risk tolerance, team focus and analytical focus with the role.
Worked example. Rating agreement with statements such as 'I prefer clear, structured guidelines' versus 'I enjoy navigating ambiguity'.
Common traps. Gaming an idealised banker profile (the platform pairs similar questions to detect inconsistency) or always choosing extremes.
How to handle it. Pick a clear, professional persona based on your real style and answer consistently throughout.
Pass mark
Results convert to a percentile ranking against the cycle's global norm group of top-tier applicants, not a raw score.
Methodology. Scores combine across modules, but a section-minimum floor applies: a numerical score in the bottom half auto-rejects front-office applicants even with 99th-percentile verbal or inductive scores.
Response time. A pass invites HireVue within 7-14 days.
Score visibility. A dark-score platform: candidates never see raw scores, percentiles or answer breakdowns.
How to practise
Same provider, same section structure, same time pressure. With a scored report after every test so you can fix the weakest section before the real one.
Free practice section, scored. Full report unlocks with the Pack.
Why candidates fail
Specific failure patterns documented across past applicants. Most are avoidable with structured preparation.
Misallocating time on one question
Over two minutes on a single chart or matrix drains the budget and forces rushed guessing.
Misinterpreting verbal constraints
Choosing True on outside knowledge rather than what the text explicitly supports.
Calculation errors under pressure
Reversing numerator and denominator on percentage or margin questions.
Treating the SJT casually
Everyday logic rather than institutional banking, compliance and accountability standards.
Not knowing the interface
Opening the link without practising the specific data layouts and multiple-choice format.
Inconsistent personality answers
Contradicting earlier behavioural responses, which flags the profile.
What works
Concrete habits drilled by candidates who clear the cut-off, drawn from applicant accounts and practice patterns.
A fast calculator technique
Use a familiar physical calculator and its M+ / M- memory for multi-step questions.
A strict 60-second cut-off
If a question is not solved in 60 seconds, eliminate outliers, guess and move on.
Variable isolation on abstracts
Track shading, rotation and size independently to eliminate options systematically.
An organised scratchpad
A clean, gridded notepad so you never lose your place in a multi-step problem.
Pre-test calibration
Test hardware, update the browser and secure a quiet space before opening the link.
Values-aligned SJT answers
Reflect collaborative growth and risk management consistently across scenarios.
From past applicants
Anonymised candidate accounts of how recent applicants approached the Bank of America assessment. Each covers the prep, the experience, and the outcome.
GCIB Corporate Banking (passed)
Prep. Practised timed data extraction.
Experience. Three parts: Kenexa numerical, verbal and an SJT, with a 4-day deadline. The numerical was fast and full of distractor data in the tables; learned to scan for the exact metric. Spent too long on the second problem and guessed the last two. Prioritised data accuracy and team communication on the SJT.
Outcome. Status moved to Under Review in four days, then a HireVue invite.
Global Markets summer analyst (passed)
Prep. Two weeks of timed data-extraction drills.
Experience. A tough numerical section on product-margin and currency tables, plus an inductive section with three rules changing at once (rotation, shading and line movement). Isolated one variable at a time to rule out options quickly.
Outcome. Cleared the assessment and advanced to the video interview.
Practice strategy
Practise the traditional data-table and text-deduction formats, not game-based apps.
Kenexa-style simulation
The Intervyo Bank of America pack runs the Kenexa-style timed numerical, verbal and inductive formats that mirror the real interface.
Strict timing drills
Practise at 50 seconds for verbal and 60 for numerical to build pacing and the discipline to move on.
Free practice on Intervyo
Run psychometric practice in the relevant formats and keep a mistake log of question type, error and fix.
Time investment. Passers typically dedicate 10-15 hours over two weeks of timed practice blocks.
Time management
FAQ
Modern Chrome, Edge, Safari or Firefox with JavaScript and cookies on and ad-blockers off; a desktop or laptop is strongly preferred.
The other rounds
Psychometric Tests is one of four rounds. The Pack covers all four end to end.
Bank of America Pack
Practise the exact IBM Kenexa (Kenexa Assess) format ahead of time, scored against the Bank of America pass mark. One Pack covers HireVue, psychometric tests, live interviews and the assessment centre.
Get the Bank of America Pack · £69Intervyo is not affiliated with or endorsed by Bank of America, SHL, Pymetrics, Cubiks, AON or any other assessment provider. Test details are sourced from past applicants and published guidance; verify on the firm's careers site before applying. Sector: Investment Banking.
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