Morgan Stanley Investment Bank Online Assessment

You might struggle to get great answers here since the forum is primarily aimed at candidates for management consulting roles. 

My recommendation, though, would be to reach out to recent hires or grads from your university who went to MS and ask what sort of resources they used. At least you know then that those resources work. 

Best,
Cristian

hey there :)

from what I know and also based on a close friend of mine who works at Morgan Stanley, the online assessment is usually the standard global Morgan Stanley test, so nothing DACH specific. it typically focuses on numerical reasoning, logical reasoning and some situational judgement, and platforms like SHL style tests or assessmentday type resources are the closest fit. usually you have a limited window to start the test, often a few days after receiving the invite, and once you click start the timer runs, so keeping the page open does not pause anything. I would prep a bit, then take it in one focused sitting rather than waiting too long. happy to help if you want to discuss concrete prep or expectations in more detail.

best,
Alessa :)

That is a very common point of anxiety. It is standard for high-volume firms like Morgan Stanley to deploy these online assessments immediately upon application submission—they function as an automated, immediate filter before any human review takes place.

First, do not keep the page open. The deadline is almost certainly attached to the automated email trigger that you received, not when you physically click the link. These deadlines are usually hard-set to 48 or 72 hours. Check your inbox right now and find that confirmation email; it will state the deadline clearly. Missing it is an immediate disqualification, so treat the assessment as urgent.

In terms of content, you need to reframe what the OA is actually measuring. For a high-tier IB role, the assessment is generally not testing technical finance knowledge or regional specifics. It is testing core cognitive ability, pattern recognition, and pressure management under time constraints. Given the DACH region and the firm's structure, you are likely facing a combination of verbal/numerical reasoning and a situational judgment test. Focus your training on generic numerical speed drills—practicing speed interpreting graphs and tables—and behavioral pattern recognition, not specific IB valuation methodologies.

You need speed and familiarity with the format above all else. Find reputable practice tests for the major providers (SHL). Spend a few hours running full mock tests to get used to the pace. Since human review is contingent on passing this gate, dedicate your effort here first.

Hope it helps!

Hi there,

I suggest you posting this question in the Investment Banking section as your answers you'd receive would probably be more targeted.