Psychometric tests are a core part of recruitment in South Africa, especially for banks, telcos, large corporates and graduate programmes. Efficient time management on test day separates confident passers from candidates who run out of time. This guide gives practical, high-impact techniques for pacing, prioritising and practising across the most common psychometric formats used in SA recruitment.
As an assessment coach working with South African candidates, these strategies are drawn from widely used providers (SHL, Thomas and local suppliers) and the real constraints you’ll face at assessment centres and remote online tests.
What to expect: common test types and timing patterns
Most employers use combinations of the following test types. Understanding their timing helps you plan realistic pacing.
| Test type | Typical format | Time pressure example | Primary skill tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Numerical reasoning | 20–30 multiple-choice, calculator allowed | 20–40 minutes | Data interpretation, calculations |
| Verbal reasoning | 20–40 MCQs | 15–30 minutes | Comprehension, inference |
| Logical / Abstract reasoning | 20–40 pattern-based items | 15–30 minutes | Pattern recognition, non-verbal logic |
| Situational Judgement (SJT) | 12–20 scenarios | 15–30 minutes | Decision-making, behavioural fit |
| Personality inventories | 100–200 statements | Untimed but long | Trait measurement (honesty best practice) |
| Technical / coding tests | Varied: short problems, MCQs or coding tasks | 30–180 minutes | Domain knowledge, coding skills |
Common local test publishers and guidance: SHL, Thomas and Local Providers: How South African Psychometric Tests Work and How to Prepare.
Core time-management principles (apply to every test)
- Prep > Panic: Practice under timed conditions. Familiarity reduces time spent understanding question formats during the test.
- Read instructions once; follow them strictly. Misreading scoring rules or allowed aids wastes time.
- Scan before you start: Quickly estimate difficulty and allocate time per question accordingly.
- Flag & move on: If a question will take longer than your per-item allotment, mark it and return after easier items.
- Use the buffer: Always keep a 5–10% time buffer for review if possible.
- Avoid perfectionism: Psychometric tests reward speed and consistent accuracy over isolated perfect answers.
Pacing strategies by test type
Numerical Reasoning
- Typical: 20–24 questions in 20–30 minutes.
- Strategy:
- Spend ~70–80% of your time on straightforward calculations and data extraction.
- Per-item target: 45–90 seconds depending on complexity.
- Do a quick scan: solve all low-effort items first (tables, single-step calculations).
- Use calculator efficiently: set up equations cleanly and avoid reworking the same calculation twice.
Verbal Reasoning
- Typical: 20–40 items, short passages.
- Strategy:
- Per-item target: 30–60 seconds for direct inference; 60–90 seconds for comparative text.
- Read passage once with purpose: identify conclusion, tone and scope.
- Answer questions based on text only — don’t rely on external knowledge.
Logical / Abstract Reasoning
- Typical: pattern sequences or matrix items.
- Strategy:
- Per-item target: 30–60 seconds for simpler patterns; 60–120 seconds for complex matrices.
- Look for progression rules (rotation, addition, shading).
- If stuck after your per-item limit, flag and move to next.
Situational Judgement Tests (SJT)
- Typical: ethical or role-based scenarios.
- Strategy:
- Read scenario once; identify the key problem and stakeholders.
- Use the employer’s values as a filter — prioritise options that show teamwork, accountability or customer focus depending on role.
- Per-item target: 45–90 seconds.
Technical and Coding Tests
- Typical: longer blocks (30–180 minutes).
- Strategy:
- Triage problems quickly: implement easy wins first.
- Allocate 60–70% time to coding or technical tasks you can complete fully (including basic tests).
- Reserve final 20–30% for debugging, edge cases and comments.
- Practice common libraries and input/output handling before the test.
For SA-specific technical interview prep: Technical Tests in SA IT and Engineering Interviews: How to Practise and Pass Coding/Technical Assessments.
Practical on-the-day checklist
- Bring permitted aids (approved calculator, ID).
- Choose a quiet, charged device for remote tests; close background apps.
- Allocate a dry-run for remote proctoring: camera, microphone, internet.
- Set an internal timer with visible checkpoints (halfway, 75% time).
- Use scratch paper or digital notes for calculations and quick sketches.
- Stick to your per-item time targets; be disciplined when flagging items.
For assessment centre dynamics and timing during a full day, see: Assessment Centre Day Playbook: Group Tasks, In-Tray Exercises and Role-Plays for South African Candidates.
Sample time allocation templates
Below are sample minute allocations for typical online timed tests. Adapt to the exact number of questions and total time you receive.
| Test | Questions | Total time | Per-item target | Review buffer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHL-style Numerical | 24 | 24–28 min | 60–70 sec | 2–4 min |
| Verbal Reasoning | 36 | 18–24 min | 30–40 sec | 2–4 min |
| Abstract Reasoning | 24 | 24 min | 60 sec | 2–4 min |
| SJT | 16 | 24 min | 60–90 sec | 2–4 min |
| Coding task | 3 problems | 90 min | 20–30 min per problem + review | 10–15 min |
For structured practice materials: Numerical, Verbal and Logical Reasoning Practice for South African Recruiters (Free Test Strategies).
Practice plan: 4-week schedule (high-yield)
Week 1: Baseline timed tests for each format. Identify weakest areas.
Week 2: Focused drill sessions — short timed sets (20–40 min) for weak areas. Daily short review.
Week 3: Full mock test under exam conditions twice. Analyse mistakes and timing breakdown.
Week 4: Light revision, strategy consolidation, and mental preparation (sleep, nutrition, rest).
If you want structured mock days and scoring templates for graduate programmes, consult: Mock Assessment Centre Exercises and Scoring Guide for South African Graduate Programmes.
Reducing stress and cognitive load
- Practice mindfulness micro-breaks to reset (30–60 seconds breathing).
- Use consistent pre-test routines (same breakfast, warm-up test).
- Build speed through repetition; accuracy follows consistency.
- Avoid last-minute cramming — it increases decision friction and slows you down.
After the test: interpret feedback and improve
When you receive feedback, focus on time-based errors (slow but accurate vs. accurate but many mistakes). Employers value both speed and calibrated judgment; interpreting psychometric feedback helps you tailor future practice. See: Interpreting Psychometric Feedback in South Africa: What Scores Mean to Employers.
Final tips for South African assessment contexts
- Employers like candidates who manage time and show consistent reasoning under pressure. Know what top recruiters look for: What Top Employers Look for in Assessment Centres: Behavioural Markers and Scoring Criteria in South Africa.
- For assessment centre day expectations (banks, telcos, corporates) read: Interview Preparation South Africa: What to Expect at an Assessment Centre (Banks, Telcos, Big Corporates).
- For consulting roles with case interviews, adapt time management to problem structuring and hypothesis testing: Case Interview Examples and Frameworks Used by South African Consultancies and Corporates.
Time management is a trainable skill. With deliberate timed practice, a reliable per-item strategy, and strong test-day routines you’ll improve both speed and accuracy — and stand out in South African recruitment processes. If you want, I can create a personalised 4-week timed-practice plan based on your target role and chosen test providers.