Cubiks Tests

Cubiks tests are comprehensive assessment tests developed by Cubiks HR consultancy to help firms select the best candidates for vacant job roles.

Different job applicants take different tests, depending on the position applied for. These psychometric tests are usually taken online within a specified time frame.

Throughout the years, Cubiks online tests have been a popular choice for many companies. The tests are well balanced and provide a deep understanding of a candidate’s strengths.

Every question is meant to analyse a specific skill set, and individuals will need to score a minimum percentage to stand a chance of getting the jobs they are applying for.

Different Types of Cubiks Test

Each of the Cubiks online tests is designed to assess a particular skill set. Some of them will be taken at an assessment centre and others are available to take at the candidate’s leisure.

Below is a list of the most common Cubiks tests that you are likely to encounter for a job application:

Ability Tests

The ability tests are used to examine how the candidate can process and analyse different types of information.

The principal test is the Logiks intermediate and advanced test, each of which has three sections: numerical, verbal and abstract.

The intermediate test gives 12 minutes to answer 50 questions, while the advanced test gives you 20 mins to answer 30 questions.

• Numerical section – Numerical reasoning aims to assess an individual’s ability to scrutinise numerical data using rudimentary computational skills. The numerical puzzles will vary from word-based maths problems to more straightforward algebra. The intermediate test has 16 questions and you have 4 minutes to answer them. The advanced test will expect you to answer 8 questions in 8 minutes.
• Verbal section – Candidates will be provided with text-based questions that are business-oriented. These are designed to test your verbal reasoning skills. This section in the intermediate test has a total of 24 questions and you have 4 minutes to answer every question. The advanced test gives you 8 minutes to answer 12 questions.
• Abstract section – In this test, the applicant is given diagrammatic patterns and will use their observation and reasoning to determine the missing element. This is meant to assess the candidate’s ability to perform analysis and come up with logical inferences. For both the intermediate and advanced test, you will be required to answer a total of 10 questions in 4 minutes.

Personality Assessments

These are also known as the PAPI tests. They are used to analyse the key factors that trigger your behaviour at work, as well as your preferences and working style.

There are two sections: the PAPI N and the PAPI I. The test covers interpersonal skills and core performance qualities.

• PAPI N – You will be rating statements from 1 to 7 depending on your level of agreement. These statements relate to how you like to behave at work and you should answer honestly, as there are no right or wrong answers. This test is untimed, and should take approximately 25 to 35 minutes to complete.
• PAPI I – You will be given three statements at a time and are required to pick the answer that describes you best and the one that describes you least, leaving one unpicked. Each answer will be analysed and used to determine your abilities and suitability to work in the organisation. PAPI I is untimed and typically takes 30 to 35 minutes to complete.

Situational Judgement Tests (SJTs)

These tests will gauge your natural response to a number of work-related scenarios that are related to the role you are applying for. The test is used to deduce your performance efficiency and decision-making skills.

The tests cover topics such as planning organization and communication, among others. You will be asked to rate or rank the responses to each scenario, based on their possible effectiveness.

The 'Reasoning for Business' (RfB) Cubiks Test

Despite being an old package of Cubiks tests, these are still used by some companies, so you may come across them.

They test a candidate’s reasoning skills in different areas of business and are much the same as the Logiks tests that have now replaced them.

Companies That Use Cubiks Tests

Cubiks tests are an established means to test candidates during the recruitment process and, as such, are used by many large organisations.

Some of the most notable companies that use Cubiks test include:

• National Audit Office (NAO) – An independent parliamentary group in the UK. It usually audits governmental departments and agencies.
• KPMG – One of the ‘Big Four’ accounting organisations.
• Scania – One of the biggest automotive manufacturers.
• Lantmannen – A Swedish agricultural company that focuses on numerous food industries and bioenergy.
• Knauf Insulation – An insulation manufacturer.
• AREAS – A travel and leisure company.
• ArcelorMittal – A mining company and steel supplier.

How Cubiks Tests Work in Practice

Cubiks tests are usually classified into two sections: personality and ability.

The ability tests are split into advanced and intermediate. The advanced tests are a bit longer and tougher than intermediate tests, and are often used for senior staff.

The ability tests will usually be timed, whereas the personality test won’t be.

The tests are taken via Cubiks’ online system and are sometimes supervised under exam conditions. The tests are scored automatically by the system.

Sample Questions with Answers

Below are some sample questions with answers, to give you an insight into what to expect when taking a Cubiks test.

Many more sample questions can be found on the Cubiks website.

Sample Numerical Ability Question

Today is Monday 11th August, and Tessa’s exam presentations will take place in 45 days. What day is that?

a) Friday 26 September
b) Wednesday 25 September
c) Wednesday 24 September
d) Tuesday 24 September
e) Thursday 25 September

The correct answer is: e) Thursday 25 September

Explanation:

First, you will have to note that ‘today’ is 11 August. August has 31 days, so there are 31 – 11 = 20 days left in August.

Remember we have 45 days until the presentation, so there will be 25 more days in September until the big day. Or, in other words, the presentation will be on 25 September.

To get the day, you need to work out how many weeks there are in 45 days. So 45 divided by 7 = 6.42 (or 6 weeks and 3 days).

Monday + 1 week will also fall on a Monday. This means that Monday + 6 weeks will still be Monday. You then go ahead and take Monday + 3 days to get Thursday.

Sample Verbal Ability Question

Please give a word that is the exact opposite of ‘simplicity’.

a) Confusion
b) Intricacy
c) Distance
d) Faithfulness

The correct answer is: b) Intricacy

Explanation:

‘Simplicity’ refers to something being easy to understand or do. The opposite of that is something complex or perplexing; the synonym for which is ‘intricacy’.

How to Prepare for a Cubiks Test

Cubiks tests can be very challenging and the ability tests especially will require you to negotiate tricky analytical questions within a tight time limit.

Below are some preparation tips:

• Take practice tests. The best way to ensure that you pass your Cubiks test is to familiarise yourself with the questions and pressure before the test day. This will boost your confidence and keep you calm throughout the test.
• Take note of the time. The time limits are designed to challenge you. Make sure you're aware of how many questions you are expected to answer in the time allotted, and work quickly and methodically. Practice as much as you can in real test conditions.
• Do not disturb. If you are sitting your test at home, make sure you are in a quiet environment and won't be disturbed. It's a good idea to let your family or housemates know that you will be taking the test, and put a notice on your door as a reminder.
• Be honest. If you are taking a Cubiks personality test, make sure you have spent some time thinking about the sort of employee you are, and what behaviours are important to you. When answering personality questions, never try to second-guess what the ‘correct’ answers might be.
• Read the instructions. Don't fall into the trap of thinking you know what the question is asking without reading it fully. Make sure you take a second to read the instructions carefully before beginning the test, and focus on answering the actual question asked.