Numerical reasoning
10-12 questions · Untimed, but total completion time is logged against the norm group
What it tests. Data interpretation, percentage changes, currency conversions (GBP, EUR, USD), ratios and extracting metrics from multi-layered charts.
Worked example. Read a budget-overrun scenario for a UK public-sector transport client, isolate the right table from surrounding qualitative context, and compute a percentage increase or currency split.
Common traps. Information overload: Cappfinity surrounds the required table with irrelevant qualitative context. Candidates waste time processing the whole narrative.
How to handle it. Precision over raw speed. Sloppy early errors stop the adaptive engine from scaling you into the higher-scoring brackets. Keep a calculator and notepad to structure formulas.
Verbal reasoning
10-12 questions · Untimed, total time tracked
What it tests. Communication precision, comprehension of complex business prose and spotting logical fallacies in client briefs or regulatory summaries.
Worked example. Complete a client-brief sentence with the most logically sound conclusion, watching qualifiers like 'solely', 'principally' and 'permanently'.
Common traps. Bringing external assumptions into the text and choosing an answer because it makes real-world sense rather than being supported by the passage.
How to handle it. Treat it as a strict logic puzzle. If a conclusion cannot be 100% verified by the words in the text block, reject it.
Critical & logical reasoning
8-10 questions · Untimed, total time tracked
What it tests. Deductive and inductive logic; separating objective fact from assertion.
Worked example. Identify a hidden assumption the author relies on to bridge their evidence and conclusion.
Common traps. Confusing an inference (a justified next step) with an absolute deduction.
How to handle it. Map the logical chain on your notepad with simple conditional notation, and look for unstated assumptions.
Situational judgement
Scenario-based · Untimed, total time tracked
What it tests. Practical intelligence, ethical decision-making and alignment with PA's methodologies.
Worked example. A scenario where a passive option escalates straight to a Partner without any initial investigation, versus a proactive collaborative option.
Common traps. Selecting the passive, conflict-avoidant option or escalating prematurely.
How to handle it. Adopt a proactive, collaborative, analytical mindset framed through PA's purpose of bringing ingenuity to life, balancing client delivery with relationship sustainability and team wellbeing.
Strengths-based & personality questionnaire
Series of statements · Untimed
What it tests. Behavioural consistency and alignment with consulting traits: adaptability, curiosity, resilience and commercial awareness.
Worked example. Differently phrased statements probing your comfort with ambiguity and learning agility.
Common traps. Selecting Strongly Agree for every positive trait; the engine uses consistency checks across rephrased questions to flag artificial responses.
How to handle it. Be authentic but role-conscious: do not present yourself as someone who only functions with rigid, unchanging instructions.
Custom task-based speed modules
Interactive tasks · Speed-based
What it tests. Attentional control, rapid information filtering and cognitive flexibility under a fluid, accelerating environment.
Worked example. Rapidly categorise data points as items move on screen, maintaining accuracy as the pace increases.
Common traps. Panicking when the speed rises, causing a cascade of consecutive keyboard errors.
How to handle it. Use a proper keyboard on a flat surface, never a trackpad or phone. Stay calm, keep a steady rhythm and focus on accuracy even as it accelerates.