Ability test · Normed percentile scores
Hire people who read carefully and answer accurately
Candidates read short passages and choose the best answer to each question, using only the information given. An Assessor Report shows percentile, score band, speed and accuracy; a Candidate Report gives supportive development advice without scores.
See what candidates see
Read short passages and answer questions about them. 32 questions in 16 minutes.
Try example questions in the same format candidates see. It is free and takes a few minutes.
What the Verbal Comprehension Test measures
The Verbal Comprehension Test measures how well candidates understand and evaluate written information. Candidates read short passages and choose the best answer to each question, based only on the information in the passage.
Reading for meaning
Picking out the key facts and ideas in a passage.
Answering accurately
Choosing the best answer from the options given.
Discipline with evidence
Using only the information in the passage.
Why organisations choose Viewpoint ability tests
Fair and objective
Every candidate takes the same test, scored the same way, so decisions rest on evidence rather than impressions.
Candidates know what to expect
Clear instructions and example questions come before the test starts, so nobody is caught out by the format.
Reports you can act on
Clear results and score bands from Very Low to Very High, ready for shortlisting or a feedback conversation.
Fits your process
Use it to screen applicants early, to shortlist, or to add objective evidence at the final stage.
Reports that do the work for you
Two reports are available: an Assessor Report showing the candidate's percentile and score band (Very Low to Very High) against the norm group, with speed and accuracy, and a Candidate Report with no scores, giving supportive development advice.
View sample
Assessor Report
For recruiters and hiring managers
- Score band from Very Low to Very High
- Speed and accuracy
- Interview questions to explore the result
View sample
Candidate Report
For the person who took it
- Constructive feedback in plain English
- No scores shown
- Practical suggestions for development
Who it’s for
The test is particularly useful in jobs that need good written or spoken communication skills. Typical roles.
Customer service hiring
Find advisers who understand written queries and information before they respond to customers.
Entry-level screening
Compare entry-level applicants quickly with a short, 16-minute reading test.
Candidate development
Give every candidate supportive, score-free advice on strengthening their reading for meaning.
How it works
- 1
Invite
Send candidates their link from the Viewpoint platform. They can take the test wherever suits them.
- 2
Practise, then take the test
Candidates read the instructions and try example questions before the test starts.
- 3
Get the results
Results are ready as soon as the candidate finishes. Download the report and use it straight away.
At a glance
- 32 questions, completed in 16 minutes
- 8 passages, each followed by 4 questions
- Multiple choice
Related tests
Verbal Reasoning TestRead business passages and decide whether each statement is true, false or cannot tell. 40 items in 20 minutes.
Verbal Analysis TestRead workplace passages and decide whether each statement is true, false or cannot tell. 48 items in 25 minutes.Advanced Numerical Reasoning TestHigher-level numerical reasoning: number series, ratios and allocations under time pressure. 24 questions.
Numerical Reasoning TestInterpret business charts and tables to answer numerical questions. 28 items in 30 minutes.How candidates can do their best
Read the passage first
Make sure you understand it before answering; each passage has 4 questions.
Check every option
Choose the answer the passage best supports, not the one that sounds most likely.
Focus on the passage only
Don't use your own general knowledge; go only on what the passage says.
See the Verbal Comprehension Test for yourself
Try it and see the reports your team would receive. Contact us for a free trial or a demonstration of the platform.
More Free Tests
Try additional psychometric tests for free:
Take a Free SJT Take a Free Personality Test Take a Free Critical Reasoning Test Take a Free Barista SJT
For more details, contact us at: +44 (0)7872 019525 or [email protected]
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