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Bain LondonOnline Assessment Test

Bain Big 4 online test prep numerical online test
New answer on Mar 11, 2021
5 Answers
2.0 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Mar 10, 2021

Hello Everyone,

I have got an invite for doing the online assessment for bain. Most forums here mention it is like GMAT. But most resources I have read online mentioned that it is Sova Assesment test.

Can anyone please guide me here. The Bain email says it will be a 1 hour 15 minute test with two main sections. First section is personality assessment. And the second section will cover numerical, verbal and logical reasoning. If I go by the official email it does sound like Sova Assessment style.

Thanks for all the help here.

Regards,

Ab

(edited)

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Francesco
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replied on Mar 11, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Bain is using different tests worldwide, which also changed due to the pandemic, so this is why you may find some conflicting information.

The structure for the test in London is currently the following (it is always good to confirm with HR just in case, to be sure they haven't changed something):

  • Based on SOVA
  • Requires around 75 minutes
  • Parts include:
    • Personality test – You have to rate what seems closer to your personality
    • Numerical – SHL based. They provide a graph and you have to perform calculations based on that
    • Verbal – SHL based. You have to state if the answer is true/false/cannot say
    • Logical – More challenging than the equivalent SHL part. You have to identify the pattern in series identifying what’s next

Hope this helps,

Francesco

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Anonymous A on Mar 11, 2021

Thanks Francesco, this was really helpful!

Florian
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replied on Mar 11, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

I have written a detailed free article on the SOVA covering several of your points here: https://strategycase.com/bain-sova-test/

The full SOVA tests three different reasoning skills as well as your personality.

Verbal reasoning

Verbal Reasoningevaluates your skill to understand complex information under time pressure. In this format, you have to read one or more paragraphs to answer a multiple-choice question.

Logical reasoning

Logical Reasoning. Bain recruiting focuses on inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning looks at how you handle abstract concepts and unfamiliar information. For example, you might be asked to continue a logical sequence (figures, numbers, etc.).

Numerical reasoning/ math

Numerical Reasoning questions focus on your ability to handle complex quantitative data. They use tables and other exhibits to present data and ask you to elicit specific information and facts in a multiple-choice style question.

Personality traits

The most common format that is reported is based on the SOVA Personality Test, conducted via two types of questions:

  • Traditional personality test: Read a number of sentences and decide how much this is true for you based on a scale of: Least Like Me, Little Like Me, Neutral, Somewhat Like Me, Most Like Me
  • Situational judgement test: You are seeing a video or statements related to a workplace situation and have to rank responses from Last favourable to Most favourable

Let me know if you have any questions :-)

Cheers,
Florian

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Anonymous A on Mar 11, 2021

Thanks Florian! This is really helpful!

Ian
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updated an answer on Mar 11, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi,

I think you've misunderstood.

Noone has said it IS the GMAT. They've said it is like the GMAT. In that, it's a merge of the GMAT and a Consulting Case.

I.e. It's a GMAT-Style test that assess business knowledge, chart reading ability, etc.

You should essentially expect the SOVA test, and, in order to prepare for it, you can use any of the Online Assessment Tests consulting companies use (Bain Sova, BCG Online, McKinsey PST (old), etc.)

None of this is contradictory!

Good luck!

(edited)

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Antonello
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replied on Mar 11, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, I confirm it is the SOVA test. GMAT simulations are good for practicing but I also recommend SHL

Here some free link to practice with 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

Best,
Antonello

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Anonymous A on Mar 11, 2021

Thanks a lot, I am using jobtestprep and shl. I will look over other options too before my test. Appreciate the help!

Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Mar 11, 2021
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi there,

The tests might differ from office to office.

All potential tests are pretty similar. If you have already prepared for case interviews and good at reading charts, analytical thinking, and mental math, this test won't be tough for you.

Basically, to prepare, you can use mock potential tests for Bain, BCG, PST (McKinsey), or GMAT, and after every test, look into a solution to see where you have gone wrong. 3-4 mock test would be enough for you to prepare for the potential test.

I have written two guides on potential tests for McKinsey and BCG, hit me up if you are interested:

Check it here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/bcg-potential-testonline-case-2-14

https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/mckinsey-pst-2-10

If you have any additional questions, I am happy to help!

Cheers, GB

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