Employers need to be sure that the people they hire have basic math skills. Unfortunately, many employers do not have the time or resources to test applicants’ math skills themselves. That’s where free basic math skills tests for employment come in.
These tests are a great way to quickly and easily determine whether an applicant has the necessary math skills for the job. In this article, we will discuss how to use basic math skills tests for employment effectively.
What is a basic math test for employment?
A basic math test for employment also known as a math aptitude test is a test that measures an individual’s mathematical skills and abilities. The types of questions asked on these tests can range from simple arithmetic to more complex algebraic equations.
Why use a free basic math skills test for employment?
There are a number of reasons why you should consider using free basic math skills tests for employment.
- First, as we mentioned above, these tests are a quick and easy way to determine whether an applicant has the necessary math skills for the job.
- Second, using basic math skills tests can help you save time and money on the recruitment process. They can be used as part of your initial screening process.
- Third, basic math skills tests can help you identify applicants who may need additional training or development in order to be successful in the role.
Paid or Free Basic Math Skill Test?
There are both free tests or paid tests available for purchase. The free tests are typically shorter and less comprehensive than the paid versions.
So depending on your budget and needs , you can decide whether to go for free tests or paid tests.
Make sure you choose a reputable source for your test. There are many free online tests available, but not all of them are created equal.
Some free tests may only provide you with a limited number of questions, while others may be outdated or no longer relevant to the job you are hiring for.
When using free basic math skills tests for employment, it is important to make sure that you are using a reliable and up-to-date source.
Free basic math skills tests for employment
Here are some free basic math skills for employment you can use for recruitment today.
- Wonderlic basic skills test: a standardized test of adult math and language skills that is commonly administered by schools and employers across the United States.
- Accuplacer Arithmetic test: 10 questions that test how well an applicant can perform basic arithmetic operations
- Pre-employment math testing: Handout #2 and #3 contain math practice problems to assess students’ understanding of solving math problems based on real life settings.
- Aptitude test – simulated math skills: Students have a time limit of 5 minutes to complete 12 basic math skills questions.
- Basic Numeracy Tests: Assess a person’s IQ based on arithmetic-related questions. These tests examine how quickly and accurately someone thinks logically. They offer both a free and paid tests.
Paid math skills tests for employment
There are a basic math skill tests available for purchase if you would like a more comprehensive assessment. Avoid a time-consuming screening process or costly mis-hires with these pre-employment tests.
- Basic Numeracy Tests: 15 basic numeracy tests with performance tracking.
- E-skill Basic Math Skills: Assesses basic math proficiency, critical thinking and cognitive reasoning.
- Test Gorilla: Test applicants for critical thinking as well as job-specific skills like coding or digital marketing.
What does a basic math test consist of?
A basic math test for employment can consist of a variety of different question types. Some common question types include:
- Arithmetic questions: These questions test an individual’s ability to do basic arithmetic, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Algebraic equations: These questions test an individual’s ability to solve simple algebraic equations.
- Geometry questions: These questions test an individual’s knowledge of basic geometry, including shapes, angles, and measurement.
- Word problems: These questions test an individual’s ability to solve mathematical word problems.
Which roles require a math aptitude test for employment?
While any role that requires the use of basic math skills can benefit from using free math aptitude tests for employment, there are some roles that will require these tests more often than others.
Some examples of roles that may require a math aptitude test include:
- Accountants
- Bookkeepers
- Budget analysts
- Financial analysts
- Loan officers
- Auditors
- Computer programmers
- Engineers
- Database administrators
- Information security analysts
- Network architects
- Operations research analysts
- Paralegals
Although with many of these roles applicants would most likely have a degree with possibly some university level mathematics.
Do all jobs require math?
No, not all jobs require math. However, many jobs do require at least basic math skills. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, about 80% of jobs that require more than a high school diploma, but not a four-year college degree, require strong math skills.
This includes but is not limited to operational, customer service, administration, help desk and commercial.
Some examples of jobs that require math skills include:
- Construction workers
- Chefs and cooks
- Nurses and medical assistants
- Retail salespeople
- Electricians
- Carpenters
- Plumbers
- Call centre operators
- Customer Service assistants
Since these roles do not require a degree with university level mathematics the applicants math skills will be varied. Some people may not have finished high school math so using a basic math skill test for these roles is a good idea to identify applicants that can do the math required for the job.
How to use free basic math skills tests for employment effectively?
Now that we’ve answered some of the most common questions about free basic math skills tests for employment, let’s discuss how to use them effectively.
Here are a few tips:
When creating your test, be sure to include questions that are relevant to the job. For example, if you’re hiring for a role that requires the use of basic arithmetic, be sure to include questions that test this skill.
Do not make the test too long or too difficult. Remember, the goal is to identify applicants who have the necessary math skills for the job, not to weed out everyone who doesn’t have a perfect score.
Be sure to give applicants enough time to complete the test. A good rule of thumb is to give them twice as much time as you think they need. This will help ensure that they’re not rushed and can take their time to answer each question correctly.
Why you should test candidates’ maths skills in the hiring process
As you can see, free basic math skills tests for employment can be a valuable tool in the recruitment process. They can help you save time and money, identify applicants who need additional training or development, and ensure that you’re hiring for the right roles.
When used effectively, these tests can help you create a strong team of employees that are able to meet the demands of your business.
Final Thoughts on free basic math skills tests for employment
It seems like common sense that in order to do the job, you should test for the basic skills required to complete it. But surprisingly, many companies don’t bother testing for math skills – even though math is a critical skill for many positions.
In fact, according to a study by CareerBuilder, 57% of employers say that applicants lack necessary math skills for jobs they are hiring for. So if you want to make sure you’re not one of those businesses struggling to fill open positions because candidates can’t do the basics, start testing your applicants’ math skills today.
