Free Clerical Aptitude Test Practice Questions and Guide

What Is a Clerical Aptitude Test?

The pre-employment clerical aptitude test measures how well candidates perform tasks associated with administrative or clerical office work. Common clerical tests include A typing exam, verbal reasoning, basic numeracy, error-checking proficiency, and SJT tests. Examples include the State Farm assessment.

Clerical Job Types

An assessment of clerical abilities assesses the majority of skills required to be successful in a wide variety of clerical positions and administrative jobs. Various clerical jobs require passing clerical ability tests, including:


Clerical Exam Practice Questions

In order to pass the clerical ability test, you need to prepare with a few kinds of practice aptitude tests. Here are a few clerical practice examples. 

Example Question 1 - Verbal - Applying Information

Read the RULE carefully and answer the question.

RULE

SECURE PASSWORD SELECTION

Make your password as long as possible. Always use at least 6 characters in your password, at least two of which are numeric.
The use of personal information (i.e. name, phone number, and address) in your password should be avoided.
Do not use words or names that are listed in standard dictionaries.
Never use a password that is the same as your account number.
Do not use passwords that are easy to spot while typing them in. Passwords such as '12345' should be avoided.

Which of these employees set their username and password best according to the RULE?

Employee: Ronny O’Sullivan; username: gargaar; password: 9871234.
Employee: Hank Shaffer; username: fargo06; password: england11.
Employee: Ernie Serkin; username: quoran; password: bevvpoki5.
Employee: Betty Fallon; username: BettyF; password: b164e25.

Explanation

The correct answer is (D).

Search for the best answer. Note that some of the statements in the rule are definitive, while others are somewhat open to interpretation. You can start off by eliminating the answer choices that are absolutely wrong. "Do not use words or names that are listed in standard dictionaries." – You can eliminate answer (B) because the password uses a name listed in standard dictionaries; namely, "England." "Always use at least 6 characters in your password, at least two of which are numeric." – You can also eliminate answer (C) as the password only contains one numeral; namely; "5."

Thus you are left with answers (A) and (D). They both follow all the absolute statements mentioned in the RULE. Next, compare them in regard to the other statements.

"Do not use passwords that are easy to spot while typing them in." – Ronny's password can be spotted quite easily while being typed in, especially in comparison with Betty's.

"Make your password as long as possible." – Both passwords are 7 characters long. In all, Betty's password is better than Ronny's.


Example Question 2 - Clerical - Error Checking

In the table below, are the two highlighted sets of information the same?

clerical error checking sample question

 A. Yes.
 B. No.

 

Explanation
The price is not identical.

* A tip for solving these types of questions:

When asked whether the information is the same (or not) it is preferable to start by comparing the highlighted cells of the compatible columns, containing the smallest amount of data, in that case, it's the 'Price' columns. In that specific case, the answer emerges right away as the data appearing in the two highlighted cells of the 'Price' columns is different.


Had that data been the same, you would have to move to the cells of the compatible columns, containing a larger amount of information (in this case, the highlighted cells of the 'SKU' columns) and go over the data, as quickly as possible comparing each letter/number simultaneously as you progress.


Example Question 3 - Clerical - Filing

Which of the following names would come first if they were arranged for alphabetic filing?

A. D. B. Jones.
B. Drew B. Jones.
C. Drew Barry Jomes.
D. Dylan Jones.

Explanation

The correct answer is C.

The names are rewritten for alphabetic filing (last name, then first name, then middle name).
Jones D B, Jones Drew B, Jomes Drew Barry, Jones Dylan.

Arranged by alphabetic order.
Jomes Drew Barry, Jones D B, Jones Drew B, Jones Dylan.

The names in their original form.
Drew Barry Jomes, D. B. Jones, Drew B. Jones, Dylan Jones.

Solving Tip:

This question seems hard, but in fact, it is actually a no-brainer depending on whether you notice the hidden 'm' in 'Jomes'.

Based on the first 3 letters (of the last names), C comes first. Thus option C is the answer.


Example Question 4 - Verbal - Vocabulary

IMPERIOUS is the opposite of...

A. ARROGANT.
B. MOODY.
C. SUBSERVIENT.
D. QUIET.
E. STORMY.

Explanation

The correct answer is (c) subservient.

Imperious means "domineering in a haughty manner; dictatorial; overbearing," so the antonym is subservient. Arrogant is a similar word but not a synonym. Quiet and stormy are not related.

Therefore, the correct answer is subservient.


Example Question 5 - Verbal - Grammar and Spelling

Choose the word that best completes the sentence:

High-end ____ firms have managed to weather the ____ crisis well.

A. manufacturing, ekonomic.
B. manufactoring, economics.
C. manufactures, economis.
D. manufectoring, economies.
E. None of these.

Explanation
The correct answer is (E).

High-end manufacturing firms have managed to weather the economic crisis well.

Incorrect Answers

Manufacturing is the first word; you can eliminate C and D as it is spelled wrong.
The second word needs to be singular so you can eliminate B, and A is spelled wrong, leaving you with "none of these."


What Skills Are Required to Pass the Clerical Aptitude Test?

A clerical candidate must exhibit strong scores on the skills listed in the tables below:

Working Habits
Speed/Accuracy:

Clerical workers must work quickly to complete tasks and to keep up with a demanding environment. Accuracy and attention to detail are critical, as even the smallest error may lead to serious repercussions.

Efficiency:

Clerical workers must be skilled at completing tasks efficiently.

Time Management:

The ability to manage time is crucial for clerical workers, as they are responsible for performing multiple tasks. Spending too much time on one task may come at the cost of productivity for other tasks.

Organization:

Since clerical workers are responsible for multiple tasks such as maintaining records, taking notes, and scheduling meetings and appointments, etc. a clerical worker must be supremely organized.

Self-discipline:

Clerical workers are assigned tasks with the expectation they will be completed without supervision. Self-discipline must be maintained in order to complete these tasks properly and efficiently.

Personality Skills
Communication Skills:

Clerical workers are often required to answer telephones, relay messages to others and interact with clientele. Good communication skills require the ability to convey messages accurately and to comprehend what others say.

Helpfulness:

Clerical workers are often required to provide assistance to others. Being helpful and friendly will make a good impression.

Discretion:

Both confidentiality and responsible decision-making are essential behaviors that clerical workers should possess. Clerical workers frequently have access to private information that must remain confidential.

Accepting Criticism:

It is important to maintain composure when being criticized. A successful clerk or teller will learn to accept and benefit from criticism.

Office Skills
Numerical Reasoning:

Clerical workers may be required to use numerical and mathematical skills to calculate and record data accurately. Therefore, arithmetic and chart reading are vital skills for a clerical worker.

Verbal Reasoning:

Clerical workers must be able to quickly organize and comprehend the multiple tasks assigned to them. Proper use of verbal reasoning skills includes grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Filing:

Although most filing today is done electronically, many companies still file documents manually. It is usually the responsibility of clerical workers to file these documents correctly and sort documents efficiently.

Typing/Proofreading/Data Entry:

Today, it is essential that clerical workers possess strong computer skills. These include touch-typing, data entry, and familiarity with basic computer programs, especially those used in an office setting. Clerical workers should also be skilled at proofreading both their own work as well as the work of others.


Clerical Test Format

Normally, a test lasts 30–35 minutes and is divided into short sections of 2–3 minutes each. It is possible for some sections, such as verbal reasoning and data filing, to take longer (for example, 5–7 minutes).


How to Practice for The Clerical Aptitude Test?

Keeping a few ground rules in mind will help you prepare for the clerical aptitude test.

Rule 1: Make Sure You Read the Questions Carefully

Don't let the time limit make you skip critical steps. Due to the time constraint, you might feel pressured to rush it, but it's more important to be accurate and precise when answering test questions.

Rule 2 Manage Your Time Wisely

When practicing, make sure you review the test sections and segment them by levels of difficulty, which parts are the hardest and take the most time, and which are easy and can feel like a breeze. Organize your time accordingly. Don't waste all your time and energy on the hardest questions.

Rule 3 Manage Stress Levels

Do not let stress get the best of you and undermine your preparation. Stick to your studying game plan once you have it figured out.

Rule 4 Always Check Your Answers

During practice or when taking the actual test, review your answers and make sure you didn't make any significant mistakes.

Many aspects of clerical aptitude tests require you to comprehend and analyze data, which is why returning to previous questions can be very helpful.


Why Practice?

Becoming familiar with the structure of a test invokes confidence and enhances test performance. Exposure to sample questions and using clerical test practice prior to the exam may also substantially reduce anxiety and fears.

JobTestPrep can provide you with numerous practice questions with detailed explanations covering all the skills necessary to succeed on clerical and bank teller assessment tests.

Practice tests are timed and adhere to the same structure as the actual test to provide real-life test conditions. Preparing in advance will help you improve your score, which, in turn, will increase your chances of being offered the job.


Links that May Be Helpful

 

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