Hey, I'm a masters student over at WBS and i'm looking to break into consulting. Question Regarding: Aptitude tests

Hi there, 

Yes, the format of the tests is different but they do all test pretty much the same skills. 

These same skills are also the ones that are tested for in the actual live case interview (you could think of the screening tests as a lower bar than the actual case interview). 

I would recommend that you practice with any old tests, like the former McKinsey PST test, or any other test that you find for free online, just to build a knowledge and skill base. 

Then as you will approach screening tests with specific companies you can go deeper into practicing specifically for those tests.

Best,
Cristian

Hello there,

Some of them resemble GMAT while others are more like IQ tests 😅

There are good videos about each one of them on Youtube* and I know that the coach Francesco has courses for Solve (maybe for others as well, I don’t recall), with a money-back-guarantee.

Good luck!

Best,

Mari

Hi there,

You're right—aptitude tests vary by firm, but they fall into a few common buckets:

1. Reasoning tests (numerical, verbal, logical) – Used by firms like Deloitte and EY, often powered by SHL or Talent Q.
2. Game-based tests – McKinsey (Solve) and BCG (Pymetrics) use these to assess traits and problem-solving style.
3. Case-based tests – Bain’s SOVA or BCG’s Casey simulate mini business cases with charts and data.

To prepare:

• Use platforms like JobTestPrep or AssessmentDay for general practice.
• Research test formats used by each firm (Glassdoor, Reddit, PrepLounge).
• Practice firm-specific styles once you know which you're targeting.

Happy to help in your prep at any stage – feel free to reach out.
 

Best,

Evelina

Hey there!

Totally get that, it is confusing at first! Each firm has its own style, but here's a simple way to prep:

I normally recommend to start with SHL-style practice (for Bain/TestGorilla, Deloitte, some boutiques), then do McKinsey Solve prep (mini-games + logic), and BCG’s Casey chatbot (case-style online test). Use platforms like AssessmentDay, JobTestPrep, or MConsultingPrep for practice. Focus on mental math, logic, and fast reading.

Let me know your target firms, I can help tailor it more!

Best,
Alessa 

Hi there,

Q: I'm just really lost on how to prepare for the aptitude/assessment for all the different companies cause it looks like each company has their own test/version of the test.

Indeed, consulting companies use specific tests, and some are unique to a particular company. Once you have clarified the exact test (BCG and Bain use different tests in different countries, for example), you can look for specific materials or simulations for that.

For McKinsey and BCG, you can find some resources below (full disclosure: I am the author):

▶ McKinsey Solve Game Combo Guide

▶ BCG Chatbot Software Simulation

Good luck!

Francesco