On this page, you'll get essential info coupled with helpful tips to help ensure that you pass your Basic Skills Tests.
If you're like many other applicants, you probably don't like the idea that passing an assessment test is a precondition to getting a job offer.
Facing this type of competitive test can be stressful, but if you know exactly what to expect and how to handle it, you’ll feel calmer and ready to succeed.
And with an accurate preparation kit, you’ll surely hit your goal score and get the job you desire.
Now, the Basic Skills Test usually consists of quantitative and verbal topics and there are two main test providers who run it:
Click on the links to learn more about them or keep reading to get more information and sample questions.
Not sure which basic skills test you'll be taking? Email us at askdavid@jobtestprep.com and we will find the right preparation pack to meet your needs.
Looking for information about the QTS skills test? Go to our QTS page for more information.
What Are Basic Skills Tests?
Basic skills tests are a cumulative name for tests intended to assess basic math and verbal skills (sometimes additional skills will also be tested, such as mechanical or clerical aptitude, depending on the position). These tests are mostly conducted for applicants to entry-level positions and apprenticeships (the two most popular of which are the IBEW Aptitude Test for electricians and the EIAT for elevator mechanics).
On the private market, the two most common basic skills tests are the Criteria Basic Skills Test (CBST) and the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test (WBST).
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Wonderlic Basic Skills Test
The WBST (Wonderlic Basic Skills Test) assesses your cognitive skills. The test ranks your verbal and mathematical abilities and evaluates your potential to succeed in the workplace. It measures the ability to learn, adapt, solve problems, and understand instructions.
You’ll have 40 minutes to complete the test: 20 minutes for 50 language questions and 20 minutes to solve 45 quantitative problems. Both can be very challenging since you have about 20 seconds for each question.
How fast can you answer this question? Try it out:
Choose the answer that best describes the sequence of events outlined in the question, without omitting any details or changing the meaning.
Event: Larry quit his job after the accident.
Event: He enrolled in college and received a full scholarship.
Event: He eventually became a faculty member.
The correct answer is A.
The sentence that best describes the sequence of events stated, without omitting any details or changing the meaning is:
Larry left his job after the accident. He went on to study in college with a full scholarship and eventually became a member of the faculty.
By adopting the right approach, you can cut down your solution time.
Remember when applying for a job you’re being compared to other candidates.
Only those with the top scores will have a chance to get a job offer, so good preparation is key.
Click here for more information about Wonderlic's basic skills test or take a practice test for free.
Criteria Basic Skills Test
The CBST (Criteria Basic Skills Test) is designed to evaluate your math and verbal skills. It paints a broad picture of your ability to learn, train, and pay attention to details. You’ll have 20 minutes to answer 40 questions on language skills, spelling, basic grammar, and math.
Your final score report includes:
While the questions are not complicated, the time limit makes it harder to answer all of them correctly.
Try to answer this CBST sample question as fast as you can!
Solve for the positive value of ‘y’ for the following equation:
(1/2)y2 - x2 = x/2 where x=4
Answers:
A. 18.5
B. 4.5
C. 6
D. 9
How much time did it take you?
(1/2)y2- x2 = x/2 \ x=4
(1/2)y2- 42 = 4/2
(1/2)y2- 16 = 2 \ +16
(1/2)y2 = 18 \ *2
y2 = 36 \ √ (sqrt)
y = 6
The correct answer is C.
With accurate training and specific solving techniques, you can significantly shorten the time it takes to answer any question.
To learn more about another popular Criteria assessment, which is similar in some ways to the CBST, visit the Criteria CCAT test page.
FAQs
Yes! We absolutely can. Our customers improved their scores by 73% after completing the practice. We have conducted an internal survey among our customers, and the results show an enormous improvement of 73% between their starting score and their final score after finishing the preparation.
No, you can’t use a calculator during the test. You must calculate the answers by yourself.
The passing score changes between different companies. Usually, just an average score is not enough, and employers continue with the candidates who score on the top percentile.
