Bain online test - what is it ?

Hi Jean Marc,

You'll see a similar answer here from me as to your McKinsey question :)

All of these tests are very similar

Format? Somewhat. Content and what's required from you ability-wise? Not at all.

The best way is to really find online tests / questions and practice. Regardless as to whether is a new or old test, the principles are mostly the same:

• Time management (need to think quick)
• Business knowledge/context (incl key formulas)
• Critical thinking (answers that are very similar to each other...clues "hidden" in the text)
• Ability to interpret data/charts

Think of it as a merge of a case and the GMAT/GRE.

You need to be clear on some key case-related and account formulas (margin, growth, breakeven, etc) as well as be good at critically understanding the question (including nuance to questions) and parsing through complicated text with a fair amount of distraction.

You'll also need to be good at chart/graph reading.

The (old) McKinsey PST, BCG Online Test, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so leverage resources across all of them.

https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/bcg-online/

https://www.shl.com/shldirect/en/practice-tests

https://www.psychometricinstitute.co.uk/Free-Aptitude-Tests.asp

Hi Jean Marc,

There is not a standardized format, but I recommend preparing it with the SHL tests

Here some free link to practice with the quantitative part of SHL test
- https://www.gradtests.com.au/test/starttest/TestType/2/TestId/45/practice/1
- https://www.wikijob.co.uk/aptitude-test/verbal-reasoning-practice
- https://www.practiceaptitudetests.com/sign-up/programme/shl
- https://www.shldirect.com/en/practice-tests
- https://www.jobtestprep.co.uk/jobtestprep/testPlayer.aspx?atr=1&skinid=9&localeSetting=en-GB&sLanguage=en-GB&test_id=E_FreeSHL_Numerical&mode=timed&template=FreeTestTemplate&endURL=%2ffree-shl-numerical-test-results-page&endURLName=Exit+Test&cancelURLName=Exit+Test&cancelURL=signout.aspx&ReturnURL=%2fmaster-ceb-shl-numerical-test&layoutype=1&layoutype=1&testTitle=Free+SHL-Style+Numerical+Test&adPageID=&itemCode=E_FreeSHL_Numerical

Hope it helps,
Antonello

Hello Jean Marc,

Most of the online tests are very similar, and test the same skillset. It´s a good thing, since you can prep for them with a very unified approach. 

I would strongly recomment you practice it with the Integrated Reasoning part of the GMAT exam.

There are free exams in the internet that you can use for practice (the one of LBS MBA page, Verits prep, as well as some free trials for courses such as the one of The Economist (https://gmat.economist.com/)

Furthermore, you can leverage the MBB tests (https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/bcg-online/, https://www.psychometricinstitute.co.uk/Free-Aptitude-Tests.asp, and many others)

Hope it helps!

Hello Jean,

There are currently at least two different Bain online test:

• SOVA Assessment: it's a test very similar to SHL with verbal, numerical and logical (figures sequences) sections. I have good preparation material and some questions that are equivalent to the ones of the real test, that can be leveraged to prepare the SOVA or similar test (e.g. PST).  
• Remote online test: it's a test similar composed by three sections:
  • Problem solving: Business case with qualitative questions and a lot of exhibit - 16 questions 30 mins
  • Mathematical reasoning:  numerical and logical questions, very similar to SHL - 15 questions 30 mins
  • Video answer - You will be asked to answer 2 questions and record yourself - 20 mins

Feel free to send me a message if you want more information and to set up a preparation with mock questions very similar to the real ones.

Best,
Luca

Hi Jean Marc,

Which office are you applying to exactly?

That will make a big difference!

Pascal

Hey there,

At the moment, there is not ONE Bain Online Test but several floating around:

• Aptitude Test: this test evaluates your cognitive skills and zeros in on your logical, numerical, and verbal reasoning.
• Personality Test: this test is very similar to the questions that gauge your personality. You will need to rate statements between most like me and least like me,

There are 3 other elements that are reported less frequently by candidates

• Analytical Test: in this test, Bain borrowed heavily from the GMAT to ask you about critical reasoning, data sufficiency, and problem-solving
• Business Case: this element is a full-fledged business case, as you would also see in a case interview. However, the format is digital with multiple choice questions, very similar to the BCG Online Case or the old McKinsey Problem Solving Test
• One-Way Video Interview: the one-way video interview makes you answer and record behavioral and case questions.

I have written a detailed article here: https://strategycase.com/the-bain-online-test/ and more specifically for the SOVA here: https://strategycase.com/bain-sova-test/

Reach out to HR to understand what type of assessment you will have to face, then prepare accordingly.

Cheers,

Florian

Hi Jean Marc,

Bain doesn’t have a global test as other companies. Would be great if you could share the location you are applying to, as will help to direct you on the right prep.

Best,

Francesco