What online test provider does Bain use for their London office?

Question

I have contacted HR and they said:

"Once you apply, you will receive an online blended assessment, comprised of short cognitive ability tests (numerical, verbal and logical), and questions around personality and motivation."

They did not, however, say whether it was CEB SHL or Cubiks or something else entirely.

Two further questions:

1) Is the test as equally difficult than PST/BCG test, or is it slightly easier (calculator allowed etc)?

2) Does Bain then give an on-paper maths test at their office like McK & BCG?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi,

To my latest knowledge (beginning of 2018) Bain London uses:

CEB’s SHL for Associates (aka analysts)
CEB’s SHL & Cubiks for Consultants (aka post-MBA/experienced hires)

Regarding your two additional questions:

Is the test as equally difficult than PST/BCG test, or is it slightly easier (calculator allowed etc)? Difficulty is subjective :)…the test tests very similar skills to the other MBBs' - Practice is key
Does Bain then give an on-paper maths test at their office like McK & BCG? According to my information, these tests have been used only in South America so far. You can find some examples from Bain Brazil here (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/k4akdv138j7ma3d/AAAuKT3OyPWO0aZ8h2v8ZQo4a?dl=0) but I haven't heard them being used in Europe, North America, or Asia (yet).

How to best prepare for the Bain online test

Ask your HR contact at the London office whether they can share with you a sample test, and which section they are going to test so you can prepare ahead (the biggest risk is that they are not going to tell you more than what they have already)
Prepare for the Business Case section: The Bain test (to my knowledge) is heavy on chart interpretation with a few words, as well as numerical computation and reasoning. It is important that you are familiar with this questions and practice consulting math on a regular basis.

I hope this helps,

Good luck,

Jacopo