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Taking the online test

Image: Mark Lord Photography

Once you’ve completed the first stage of our application process you will have seven days to complete your combined verbal reasoning, verbal comprehension, and situational judgement online test. To help you with this stage we’ve put together some advice and guidance.

Before the test

1. Before you take the test there are a few ways you can prepare.

For the verbal reasoning:

  • Take time to practise some verbal reasoning tests, such as with the free preparatory resources at This will help you become more comfortable with the format, and allow you to practise working quickly and accurately under timed conditions.

For the verbal comprehension:

  • Please note that we are not testing your knowledge of social work jargon – rather, we will ask you to consider the language used in the examples given, and test your interpretation of what it means in the context described.

For the situational judgement:

  • Although we do not expect you to have any specific knowledge about social work, we will ask you how you would approach or what action you would take in each scenario.
  • In preparation for this part of the test, research children’s social work a little to familiarise yourself with the types of scenarios we might ask you about.
  • Put yourself in the shoes of a social worker and keep in mind the competencies we assess against when completing this exercise.

2. There is no need to brush up on general knowledge. Everything you need to answer each question will be specific to the text included in the test.

3. Plan when you are going to take the test to fit in with when you feel most alert and focussed. For some people this is in the morning, for others it’s the evening.

Taking the test

1. Try to find a quiet space to take the test to avoid distractions.

2. Ensure you have a suitable device to take the test on (a large screen can allow you to see the whole text without scrolling) and a strong internet connection for the duration of the test.

3. Take time before sitting the test to get in the zone and focus on what you are going to do. Clear your mind of clutter as you would for a job interview.

4. Read the instructions carefully. Make sure you know how long you have for each question, that you understand the structure of the test overall and how you will navigate through it.

During the test

1. Some people find it helpful to read the question before reading the passage of text so they know what they are looking for. Take time on the first question to find out what works for you!

2. Double check the exact command word in the question. For example, it may say doesn’t rather than does.

3. You may want to read the whole extract through. This will save you from rereading it when you have further questions on the same extract.

4. Sometimes we may ask you to define a particular word. If you are not familiar with the word look at the context and tone of the sentence, and the other words around it to help you decipher its meaning.

Finally, stay calm and focussed throughout the whole process of preparation and testing to help ensure that you perform to the best of your ability. Remember that we want you to do well.

If you have any urgent queries regarding Frontline’s psychometric test, please contact the Recruitment team:

Good luck and we look forward to welcoming you to the assessment centre!