Lazard · Psychometric Tests
Lazard sifts candidates through Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) 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
Issued shortly after the application is reviewed, before the HireVue.
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.
Lazard 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. A short window of around 72 hours to complete once the link is live.
By division. Broadly consistent across Financial Advisory tracks.
Recent changes. No major format changes recently; the early-stage screen remains a short, strictly timed test, and the exact provider has varied by cycle.
The provider
Lazard configures its own selection of Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) 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 Lazard. An early-funnel screen that filters for analytical speed and accuracy before the interviews.
Candidate reputation. Regarded as demanding, mainly because of the time pressure across mixed question types.
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.
Mixed within the test · Strict
What it tests. Fast arithmetic, ratios, percentages and data interpretation.
Common traps. Spending too long on one hard item and running out of time.
How to handle it. Move quickly, skip and return, and keep a clean scratchpad.
Mixed within the test · Strict
What it tests. Comprehension and logical evaluation of short passages.
Common traps. Bringing in outside knowledge instead of judging on the text.
How to handle it. Answer strictly on the passage; decide and move on.
Mixed within the test · Strict
What it tests. Pattern recognition, sequences, matrices and syllogisms.
Common traps. Matrices and syllogisms catch out the unpractised.
How to handle it. Isolate one rule at a time and eliminate options.
Pass mark
Scored on speed and accuracy across mixed question types, benchmarked against the applicant pool.
Methodology. A genuine cut: below-threshold scores end the application for the cycle.
Response time. Around one to two weeks to the next stage.
Score visibility. Candidates do not see raw scores or detailed feedback.
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. Keep practising free on Intervyo.
Why candidates fail
Specific failure patterns documented across past applicants. Most are avoidable with structured preparation.
Poor pacing
Over-investing in early hard questions leaves too little time for the rest.
No format-specific practice
Meeting matrices and syllogisms cold under time pressure costs marks.
What works
Concrete habits drilled by candidates who clear the cut-off, drawn from applicant accounts and practice patterns.
Timed practice
Rehearse full-length sets under the clock so pace is automatic.
Sharpen mental maths
Drill percentages, ratios and quick arithmetic to free up time.
From past applicants
Anonymised candidate accounts of how recent applicants approached the Lazard assessment. Each covers the prep, the experience, and the outcome.
Financial Advisory, Analyst
Prep. Two weeks of timed cognitive and numerical practice, focusing on abstract patterns and quick maths.
Experience. Mixed question types under a tight overall clock; the abstract section was the hardest, so I isolated one variable at a time and kept moving rather than stalling.
Outcome. Cleared the assessment and received the HireVue invitation within a week.
Practice strategy
Preparation should match a timed, mixed-format reasoning test rather than a single test type.
Intervyo timed aptitude practice
Numerical, verbal and abstract sets under realistic time pressure, scored with a per-section debrief so you can see which type is dragging your pace.
Mental-maths drills
Short daily percentage, ratio and arithmetic drills to build the speed the test rewards.
Time investment. Around 10-20 hours of timed practice over two to three weeks is typical for strong scorers.
Time management
FAQ
The provider has varied by cycle: most recent reports describe the CCAT, though some cite an SHL-style numerical and verbal test. The format is consistent either way, timed numerical, verbal and abstract reasoning, so practise all three under a strict clock rather than betting on one provider. You typically get around 72 hours to complete it.
The other rounds
Psychometric Tests is one of four rounds. Practise each one free on Intervyo.
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Intervyo is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lazard, 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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