Oliver Wyman Assessment

That's a very practical question about the OW assessment style. You are smart to differentiate between GMAT-style quant and the specialized online assessments (OAs) used by the top consulting firms.

Here is the reality: you can almost entirely disregard the GMAT as a preparation tool for this. The Oliver Wyman Numerical Reasoning Test is firmly in the camp of the dynamic, case-lite assessments, making it stylistically much closer to McKinsey RedRock or the BCG tests. These OAs don't test complex math skills; they test your speed in analyzing interactive charts, filtering data, and spotting trends that lead to a business conclusion. You are usually asked to interpret dynamically revealed data tables rather than just solving a static word problem.

If you have seriously prepped for the McKinsey Solve, you are 80% of the way there. The critical pivot for OW is practicing speed reading complex visuals. While the firm says there is "no strict time limit," the assessment is scored heavily on efficiency and accuracy. Realistically, you will likely encounter 12–15 data analysis questions structured into a few modules, and you need to complete them quickly—aim for around 3–5 minutes per module. Use your Solve prep to train your eye to find the critical path in a chart quickly, and then focus on finding specific, high-fidelity OW practice tests if possible to get used to their interface.

The Competency Assessment is a high-stakes cultural fit filter. Answer those scenarios honestly based on the core values you saw on their career page (intellectual curiosity, authenticity, collaborative drive). They are trying to filter out candidates who look great on paper but will create internal friction.

Hope this helps you focus your last-minute prep! All the best.

The Oliver Wyman assessment has two parts. First, a competency assessment where they show you scenarios from day-to-day work at the firm. They want to see if your values align with theirs. Second, a numerical reasoning test with interactive charts and tables. This part is timed and scored.

On the style of the numerical test:

It's closer to GMAT and SHL-style numerical reasoning than McKinsey Redrock. You'll get charts, tables, and data sets, then answer questions based on them. It's more traditional data interpretation and math, not the case-like ecosystem thinking you see in Redrock.

There are some interactive elements like clicking through tabs or different data views. But the core skill is reading data quickly and doing accurate calculations.

On the number of questions and time:

Expect around 15-25 questions. They say at least 20 minutes, but most people take longer. Plan for 30-40 minutes to be safe.

On how to prepare:

• Practice SHL or cut-e style numerical reasoning tests. Free samples are available online.
• Focus on charts, tables, percentages, ratios, and growth rates.
• Practice under timed conditions. Speed matters.
• Brush up on basic math: percentage change, averages, ratios.

On whether McKinsey Solve prep is enough:

No. Redrock is too different. It tests pattern recognition and systems thinking. OW's test is more traditional numerical reasoning like GMAT. If you've only done Solve, add SHL-style practice to your prep.

On the competency assessment:

Be honest. There's no trick here. They want to see if your values match the firm's culture. Don't try to game it. Just answer based on how you'd actually behave.

Good luck.

Great that you have a clear idea of the format. 

The more specific structure has changed from year to year. However, what's clear is that they don't use anything gamified like McK, and the tests are rather closer to GMAT questions or pattern identification tests. 

Do look online for specific tests, and even ask the recruiter if they have any samples, BUT also just practice with any consulting firm test formats you can put your hand on (the format tends to be very similar across the firms, so there's not much point obsession for the exact version for that exact firm). 

Best,
Cristian