The cognitive tests provided by SHL are considered difficult by most test candidates.
The Talent Central Platform does not rank candidates based on absolute score (i.e. the number of correct answers) but rather on relative score. This means you will be graded according to how well you performed compared to past test-takers.
The high difficulty level of SHL tests is meant to ensure a wide distribution of scores. If the tests were too easy, most candidates would score similarly, making it difficult for employers to distinguish between candidates.
The difficulty of SHL tests can be startling to many job-seekers experiencing them during their recruitment process. Practice tests can make a significant difference for many.