Saville Assessment

Saville Assessment (formerly Saville Consulting) is a Human Resources (HR) firm, as well as an international publisher of pre-employment and business development tests. The firm was founded in London in 2004 and has grown tremendously since; its exams are used in over 80 countries worldwide and have been translated into over 30 languages. With numerous clients such as Jaguar, Land Rover, Nestlé, and Ernst and Young, Saville Assessment is one of the leading companies in the field of aptitude and personality testing, both in the UK and around the world.

Saville Aptitude Tests

Saville Assessment has created a variety of assessment tools and aptitude tests, designed especially for the hiring and development process. The main focus of these tests are verbal and numerical skills, although logic, abstract, spatial reasoning and other skills are also evaluated. The test series vary according to specific professions and the various industries. Candidates may encounter assessments relating to a number of different aptitude categories throughout their hiring process. The most popular test series are the Swift assessments, which are aptitude tests designed to assess a candidate’s critical abilities, combining different types of reasoning in order to meet varying requirements. Each Swift test includes between two and three categories and lasts between 9.5 and 19.5 minutes.

On the following page you will find a comprehensive preparation pack which includes all the different types of Swift tests! Practice for the exam using this pack and arrive prepared for the real tests – this is especially useful if you expect to take a number of assessments or if you are not sure which test you will be asked to take.

Swift Analysis Aptitude

Total duration18 minutes
CategoriesVerbal
Numerical
Diagrammatic
Time per category6 minutes
AvailabilityOnline at home/ Online supervised/ Hard Copy at home
Compatible positionsHigh level positions (managers, directors, professionals, graduates, and management trainees)
PreparationStart Practising now!

The Saville Swift Analysis Aptitude Test is an 18-minute test that evaluates critical thinking skills using 3 categories of mini-tests:

  • A 6-minute verbal category.
  • A 6-minute numerical category.
  • A 6-minute diagrammatic category.

This test is designated for high-level positions such as directors, managers, graduates, and management trainees. You can take it at home either online or in hard copy, or online at a recruitment centre under supervision.

Verbal Analysis Example

Swift Analysis Aptitude: Verbal Question

1. Which of the following answers would meet the emerging consumer demands described above?

  1. Breakfast clubs
  2. Cooking lessons
  3. Healthy snacks
  4. Nutritional Advice
Answer and explanation

Answer C is correct. The passage suggests that consumers are more interested nowadays in healthy products, adapted to on-the-go eating.

2. Which of the following most accurately summarizes the passage's main point?

  1. Eating habits have changed
  2. Manufacturers need to produce healthier food
  3. Meals and snacks need to be prepared quickly
  4. People want to be able to eat quickly
Answer and explanation

Answer A is correct. The passage discusses the evolution of eating habits from a traditional meal to one that is adapted to a person's lifestyle.

Numerical Analysis Example

Swift Analysis Aptitude: Numerical Question

1. The Online channel had the lowest proportion of sales by repeat customers during the year.

  1. True
  2. False
  3. Not possible to say
Answer and explanation

The correct answer is A. The percentage of repeat transactions for the Online channel sales were indeed the lowest, with only 23% compared to the other channels with (60%, 72%, and 35%).

2. How many Mail Order transactions were made during the year?

  1. 7,200
  2. 72,000
  3. 720,000
  4. 7,200,000

The correct answer is C. According to the table, the volume of Mail orders was 1,512 million units (1,512,000,000). This number needs to be divided by the average number of units per transaction (2,100) – the result is 720,000 transactions.

Diagrammatic Analysis Example

The diagrammatic reasoning questions are designed to assess your ability to quickly understand logical processes. For each question you will be presented with a panel and an illustration. The panel describes what each operator does in words, while the illustration provides an example of each operator's effect. Your goal is to use the information provided in the panel and the illustration in order to decipher the operator used or the result obtained, depending on the position of the question mark (INPUT/ PROCESS/ OUTPUT).

Swift Analysis Aptitude: Diagrammatic Question

1. What type of INPUT could replace the question mark?

Swift Analysis Aptitude: Diagrammatic Question
Answer and explanation

The correct answer is:

Swift Analysis Aptitude: Diagrammatic Answer

As the "plus" operator changes the circle's size.

2. Which PROCESS might replace the question mark?

Swift Analysis Aptitude: Diagrammatic Question
Answer and explanation

The correct answer is:

Swift Analysis Aptitude: Diagrammatic Answer

 – each process changes a different object. The "hashtag" changes the triangle's shade while the "plus" changes the circle's size.

Are you interested in Practising more for the Saville Swift Analysis Aptitude Tests? Go to the following page and find complete practice tests for each section, as well as study guides, video tutorials, and score reports.

Swift Analysis Verbal and Numerical

Total duration24 minutes
CategoriesVerbal
Numerical
Time per category12 minutes
AvailabilityOnline
Compatible positionsHigh level positions (managers, directors, professionals, graduates, and management trainees)
PreparationStart Practising now!

The Swift Verbal and Numerical Analysis test is a 24-minute assessment, which consists of two mini-tests (verbal and numerical ability), each lasting 12 minutes. This test is often used to assess candidates for high-level positions, such as directors and managers. The Swift Analysis Verbal and Numerical test is available only online. The test is very similar to the Swift Analysis Assessment, excluding the diagram category, as it focuses on verbal and numerical skills only. Therefore, the sample questions are the same for both tests.

Saville Swift Comprehension Aptitude

Total duration9.5 minutes
CategoriesVerbal
Numerical
Error Checking
Time per category4 min/ 4 min/ 90 seconds
AvailabilityOnline at home/ Online supervised/ Hard Copy at home
Compatible positionsOperational, commercial, customer service, and administrative staff (apprentice and junior)
PreparationStart Practising now!

Saville's Swift Comprehension Aptitude test is a 9.5-minute assessment. It measures critical thinking skills through 3 categories:

  • Verbal reasoning, which lasts 4 minutes.
  • Numerical reasoning, 4 minutes.
  • Error checking, 90 seconds.

This test is adapted for operational, sales, customer service and administrative staff. You can take it at home either online or in hard copy, or online at a recruitment centre under supervision.

On the following page you can find a complete preparation pack for the Saville Swift Comprehension Aptitude Tests, including full practice tests, explanations, and video tutorials.

Verbal Example

Saville Swift Comprehension Aptitude: Verbal Sample

1. Which one of the following would best replace the word 'enhance' without changing the passage's meaning?

  1. Increase
  2. Reduce
  3. Reinforce
  4. Manage
Answer and explanation

The correct answer is A. "Increase" is the only word that can replace "enhance" without changing the passage's meaning.

Numerical Example

Saville Swift Comprehension Aptitude: Numerical Sample

1. How many days were spent working on Client Support?

  1. 22
  2. 23
  3. 46
  4. 220
  5. 460
Answer and explanation

The correct answer is E. According to the pie chart, 23% of staff time was spent on Client Support. The given total of days is 2000. Thus, 23% of 2000 is 460.

Error Checking Example

This type of exercise aims to evaluate your ability to review information. You will be presented with a table containing a list of information to be verified. Your task is to determine whether the item in the second information box, appearing at the bottom of the screen, has been transposed correctly from the original table.

For questions marked with an asterisk, you must verify that the coding key has been applied correctly. Each question set has a different format and coding key.

Saville Swift Comprehension Aptitude: Error Checking Sample

Please select any option(s) that apply.

  1. All information has been copied correctly
  2. There is an error in the Company Name
  3. here is an error in the Serial Number
  4. There is an error in the Type
  5. There is an error in the Date
Answer and explanation

The correct answers are C, D, and E. The Serial Number, Type, and Date have all been copied in an incorrect manner.

Saville Swift Executive Aptitude

Total duration18 minutes
CategoriesVerbal
Numerical
Abstract
Time per category6 minutes
AvailabilityOnline
Compatible positionsHigh level positions (managers, directors, professionals, graduates,  and management trainees)
PreparationStart Practising now!

The Swift Executive Aptitude Assessment is very similar to the Swift Analysis Aptitude test. It too lasts 18 minutes and is composed of 3 mini-tests (6 minutes each) and it is intended for the same level of candidates (high level and managerial positions). There are several differences between the two tests:

  1. The 3 mini-tests: both exams assess numerical and verbal abilities, however the third exam differs between them; the Swift Executive Aptitude Assessment includes an abstract category as opposed to a diagrammatic one.
  2. The Swift Executive Aptitude is only available online. It is not available to take at an office under supervision, nor can you obtain a hard copy.

Whilst taking this test we recommend that you place a piece of paper, pencil, and a calculator next to you, in case they may help.

For examples of verbal and numerical category questions, click here.

Are you looking for a full practice test? The following page includes everything you need: a complete Saville Swift Executive Aptitude Test preparation pack, with full practice tests, separate practice questions for each section, as well as video tutorials and study guides.

Abstract Question Example

Which figure can replace the question mark in the following sequence?

Saville Swift Executive Aptitude: Abstract Sample
Answer and explanation

The correct answer is:

Saville Swift Executive Aptitude: Abstract Answer

We can see that the square and the 3/4 circle alternate within the sequence. The third circle rotates 90 degrees each time, as does the coloured triangle in the corner.

Saville Swift Technical Aptitude

Total duration10 minutes
CategoriesSpatial
Mechanical
Diagrammatic
Time per category3 min/3 min/4 min
AvailabilityOnline at home/ Online supervised/ Hard Copy at home
Compatible positionsTechnical jobs (production workers, engineers, designers, and scientists)
PreparationStart Practising now!

The Swift Technical Aptitude test is a short assessment divided into 3 categories:

  • A spatial reasoning category lasting 3 minutes.
  • A mechanical reasoning category lasting 3 minutes.
  • A diagrammatic reasoning category lasting 4 minutes.

This test is designed specifically for technically oriented positions such as production workers, engineers, designers, and scientists.

You can take it at home either online or in hard copy, or online at a recruitment centre under supervision.

Spatial Example

Saville Swift Technical Aptitude: Spatial Sample

Which of the shapes above differs from the other three?

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D
Answer and explanation

Answer C is correct. We can see that the space in the middle of the shape is smaller than in the other three.

Mechanical Question Example

Saville Swift Technical Aptitude: Mechanical Sample
Saville Swift Technical Aptitude: Mechanical Sample Question

Which one of the objects is different in shape from the other three?

  1. Direction A
  2. Direction B
  3. Neither direction
Answer and explanation

Answer A is correct. We can see that the gear on the right rotates anticlockwise and thus pushes the teeth of the left gear downwards so that it rotates in the opposite direction (marked as direction A in the diagram).

Diagrammatic Reasoning Question Example

The diagrammatic section here is the same as in the Swift Analysis Aptitude Test. You can find an example here.

Saville Swift Apprentice Aptitude Test

Total duration19.5 minutes
CategoriesVerbal (4 minutes)
Numerical (4 minutes)
Error Checking (1.30 minutes)
Spatial (3 minutes)
Mechanical (3 minutes)
Diagrammatic (4 minutes)
AvailabilityOnline
Compatible positionsAll types of apprentice and entry-level personnel
PreparationStart Practising now!

The Swift Apprentice Aptitude test is a 19.5-minute test. It is Saville's most comprehensive assessment and consists of 6 categories of mini tests:

  • Verbal Reasoning lasting 4 minutes.
  • Numerical reasoning, 4 minutes long.
  • Error identification, 90 seconds long.Spati
  • al reasoning, 3 minutes.
  • Mechanical reasoning, 3 minutes.
  • Diagrammatic reasoning, 4 minutes.

Saville's Swift Apprentice Aptitude is suitable for assessing candidates for all types of jobs (operational, sales, customer service, administrative, etc.) at the apprentice or entry level. It is only available online.

Examples of questions from the Saville Swift Apprentice Aptitude test can be founded in the other sections.

How Are Saville Aptitude Test Results Presented?

  • The employer receives the test results as a comprehensive report. The report contains an explanation about the specific test, a detailed graph showing the candidate's results in comparison to the average scores, in this case against the corresponding positions (directors and managers). It also contains the candidate's results in each category presented as a normative scale.
  • It is important to note that the candidate's response speed is also evaluated and presented in the test report, as well as his or her accuracy.
  • The questions you will find in the assessments are usually of a medium level. However, different candidates may feel that these questions are easier/ harder for them, depending on their strengths and weaknesses, in particular the type of reasoning that comes most naturally to them. For instance, some will pass the numerical test with ease, whereas others may do better on verbal reasoning tests and will have trouble with numerical questions.
  • Generally speaking, time is your main enemy with these tests. The most important thing is not to waste too much time on one question! If you find yourself stuck on a particular question, move on to the next one and come back to it at the end, if you have time left.
  • It is crucial to become familiar with the format and style of the various types of assessment. By understanding what the test requires and carefully reviewing the instructions before taking the tests, you are sure to make fewer mistakes. The more practice tests you take, and the more study guides you review, you will better understand how to answer questions effectively and quickly and improve your technique.
  • Proper preparation for tests involves tackling examples of all test question types. If you understand the logic behind the different types of questions, you will be able to answer them in a much faster and intuitive manner. The preparation you did before taking the test will therefore grant you a significant advantage in comparison to an unprepared candidate. You can find all-inclusive Swift tests preparation packs, as well as video tutorials and study guides, on the following page.
  • During the assessments, the employer will also examine your behaviour and exercise-solving methods, such as time over accuracy; some candidates may take time to answer each question at the risk of not answering all of them, whilst others may rush to finish on time but make mistakes, etc. This additional information is then correlated with your correct answers and analysed, in order to determine your suitability for the position.
  • Say no to stress! It will only confuse you and cause you to lose precious time. Take a deep breath before you start the test and make sure you are in a quiet and comfortable environment – you cannot stop the test once it has started.

Saville Personality and Motivation Tests

Wave questionnaires are tools that measure the different aspects of an individual's personality, motivations, and skills, as well as assess their preferred work environment. Available online in over 40 languages, Wave questionnaires are available in two versions:

 Wave Professional Styles QuestionnaireWave Focus Styles Questionnaire
Duration40 minutes13 minutes
UseRecruitment process (finalists), internal mobility, assessment center, individual coachingPre-selection, recruitment process, team coaching
AvailabilityOnline via Oasys
PreparationStart Practising Now

Saville Wave Strengths

Saville's Wave Strengths questionnaires are tools for measuring and assessing an individual's typical work behaviours. There are five different Wave Strengths questionnaires, available online in over 30 languages, and each tailored to specific jobs and positions:

PositionsTests
Directors, managers, and professionals
Recent graduates and management trainees
Work Strengths
Operational staff in fields such as manufacturing, engineering, construction, and transportationOperational Strengths
Sales personnel in the fields of sales marketing, business development,
and financial services
Commercial Strengths
Customer service representatives in call centres, in the hotel, leisure, health, and education sectorsCustomer Strengths
Administrative staff in private and public sector officesAdministrative Strengths

Saville Situational Judgment Tests (SJT)

Saville produces Situational Judgment Tests for a variety of companies, the most famous of which is SJT for Jaguar Land Rover. These tests provide the candidate with an overview of the required position and provide the employer with a representation of how the candidate would most likely approach problematic situations, if accepted for the job. You can find more information about the Saville Situational Judgment Test on the following page.

Saville's Oasys Platform

Oasys is an online testing platform that is fully compatible with the latest web browsers. It can be easily connected to Applicant Tracking Tools (ATS) such as Taleo, iCIMS, SAP Success Factors, and Lumesse.

Companies Using Saville Assessment

3M4X4
ABBAbsormex
AccorAdecco
Air FranceAlain Gavand Consultants
AlenAlgoé Executive
AlstomArbejdsmarkedets Tillægspension (ATP)
Arthur HuntAssa abloy
Assurance MaladieAstraZeneca
AtosAxa
AXA AssurancesAzercell
AzerTelecomBanco Comercial Português
Banco GeneralBanco Millennium Angola, S.A.
Banco ValorBank of China
BanorteBanregio
BentelBESTGEST
Bil ConsultingBiosurfit
BNP ParibasBoliden
Bouygues TelecomBP International
Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS)BT Group
Bureau VeritasCaisse d'Epargne
Camelot GroupCarlsberg
CEPCOMCEPIG
CFEChevron
Christus MugerzaChubb
Coca-ColaCofely Ineo
Computer Sciences CorporationConocoPhillips
CotemarCramo
Crédit AgricoleCrédit Social des Fonctionnaires
Crédit SuisseCrédito Agrícola
CSCCT Partners
CyrcéeDECO PROTESTE
Degrémont - Suez Env.Del Valle
DeloitteDHL
DiavazzDimex Capital
DjøfDLG (Dansk Landbrugs Grovvareselskab)
DoméoDRM Consultants
E2VEDP Energias do Brasil
EisaiElectrolux
Ernst & Young (EY)Essilor International
Exec AvenueFibra Inn
FidalFlex
Fox Networks GroupFromageries Bel
FujitsuGANT
Gates de MéxicoGDF Suez
geosoilGlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
GonherGras Savoye
Groupama BanqueGroupe Atlantic
Groupe Oxylane - DécathlonGroupe Prévoir
Grupo Mas Me DanGrupo Prodensa
GUIMASETEGulf Air
Haldor TopsoeHCM Partners
Hdi MexicoHeineken
HelvarHoliday Inn
Horton InternationalHotel Isla del Sol
HR7 ErhvervspsykologerHSBC
HusqvarnaImmex
IN UPIndra
InverCapIT University of Copenhagen
izziJaguar Cars Ltd
Jaguar Land RoverJDIM - Junior Doctor's International Meeting
Johnson & JohnsonJP Morgan
JPMorgan ChaseJyske Bank
KaluzKelloggs
KoneKPMG
L'Oréal PortugalLa Poste
LambiLand Rover
Landbrug & Fødevarer (LF)LB Forsikring
LegoLegrand
Leroy Consultants - Groupe BPILkab
MahneMaintarget
Mairie de ParisMalakoff Méderic
MarketYouMerck & Co
Merck & Co. (Merck Sharp and Dohme) MSDMetalsa
MicrosoftMultiopticas
MUUSMANNNemak
NestléNilfisk
NNENovartis
Novo NordiskNovomatic
NykreditOCDE
ØrstedOutSystems
PacificaPalmex
PanAmericanoPanasonic
PasaPeoplelink
PetrofacPFA Pension
Phone GroupPostNord
PraxairPWC
RagasaReed Expositions
Region gotlandRegion Hovedstaden
RejlersRobert Walters
RocheRoyal Unibrew
RSANSA de C.V. Galvasid
SABMillerSage
SamsungScania
SchlumbergerSchneider
SESerendip
SiemensSigma
SkandiaSkanska
SKFSkolkovo
Sky plcSll trafikförvaltningen
SocomecSonae
SorianaSportfive
SSABStark Group
Stena groupStoneridge
StruktonT-Mobile
TDC GroupTecnologico de Mondelez
TeleperformanceTelevisa
TietoTieto
TrygUCANSS
United NationsValmet
ValmetVdA - Vieira de Almeida
Verizon WirelessVestas
Ville de SuresnesVitalmex
VodafoneVolvo Cars
Volvo GroupWalmart
WebhelpWestinghouse
WhirlpoolWillis Towers Watson
YazakiZF

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