EY Online Assessment: The Complete Guide (2026)

Author: Taylor Warfield, Former Bain Manager and interviewer

Last Updated: May 9, 2026

 

The EY online assessment is a series of aptitude and behavioral tests that EY uses to screen candidates early in its hiring process. If you are applying for a graduate, intern, or experienced hire role at EY, you will need to pass these assessments before reaching interviews.

 

This guide covers every component of the EY online assessment, including the numerical reasoning test, verbal reasoning test, situational judgement test, personality questionnaire, and job simulation. You will learn exactly what each test looks like, how it is scored, and how to prepare so you can move forward in EY’s hiring process.

 

But first, a quick heads up:

 

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What Is the EY Online Assessment?

 

The EY online assessment is a set of pre-employment tests designed to evaluate your cognitive abilities, personality traits, and behavioral tendencies. EY uses these assessments as an early-stage filter to identify candidates who have the right skills and cultural fit for the firm.

 

According to EY’s own recruiting data, their online assessments can eliminate up to 80% of applicants from the candidate pool. That makes this stage one of the most critical gatekeepers in the entire hiring process.

 

The exact tests you take will depend on three factors: the country you are applying in, the service line you are applying to (Assurance, Consulting, Tax, or Strategy and Transactions), and whether you are applying as a student, graduate, or experienced professional.

 

EY partners with several test providers, including Cappfinity (delivered through the Jobmi platform) and SHL. In the United States, EY’s Early Careers assessment is powered by SHL, while many international offices use Cappfinity. Regardless of the provider, the underlying competencies being tested are similar.

 

What Does the EY Hiring Process Look Like?

 

EY’s hiring process has multiple stages, and the exact structure depends on whether you are a graduate or an experienced professional. Here is a side-by-side comparison of both paths.

 

Stage

Graduate / Intern

Experienced Hire

1

Online application form

Online application form

2

Online assessment (aptitude + personality)

Phone or video interview

3

Job simulation (video + case)

Written assessment or case study

4

Experience Day (assessment centre)

Final interview with leadership

5

Final partner interview

Formal offer

 

According to Glassdoor data from 2026, the average EY hiring process takes about 47 days from application to offer. For graduate roles specifically, the timeline averages closer to 52 days. The entire process typically spans four to eight weeks.

 

For EY-Parthenon and strategy consulting roles, the interview rounds may include case interviews and group case interviews in addition to the standard assessments.

 

What Tests Are Included in the EY Online Assessment?

 

The EY online assessment typically includes four to five different test types. The combination you receive depends on your role and location. Here is what each test involves.

 

What Is the EY Numerical Reasoning Test?

 

The EY numerical reasoning test evaluates your ability to interpret data from tables, charts, and graphs and use that data to answer questions. It is not a pure math test. Instead, it measures how quickly and accurately you can extract insights from numerical information.

 

You can expect 12 to 15 questions in approximately 20 minutes. The math itself is not advanced. You will need basic skills in percentages, ratios, fractions, averages, and growth rate calculations. Some questions are multiple choice, while others require you to enter the answer manually.

 

EY’s numerical test is developed by Cappfinity and is evaluated based on both the accuracy of your answers and how quickly you complete each question. A calculator is permitted, but you should be comfortable doing quick mental math so you do not lose time.

 

Here is an example of the type of question you might see:

 

Example: A project’s initial budget was $2 million. After two years of annual inflation averaging 2.5%, what is the adjusted budget? Answer: $2 million × 1.025 × 1.025 = $2.1025 million.

 

What Is the EY Verbal Reasoning Test?

 

The EY verbal reasoning test assesses your ability to read, understand, and evaluate written information. You will be presented with passages of text, each followed by a statement. Your job is to determine whether that statement is True, False, or Cannot Say based solely on the information in the passage.

 

Some versions of the test also include vocabulary questions, where a word is highlighted in the passage and you need to select the option that is closest in meaning given the context.

 

This test typically has around 12 questions. No prior knowledge of the subject matter is needed. Everything you need to answer correctly is contained in the passage. The key skill being tested is critical reading, which is essential for consultants and auditors who regularly interpret dense client documents and reports.

 

What Is the EY Logical Reasoning Test?

 

The EY logical reasoning test (also called inductive reasoning) is a non-verbal assessment that measures your ability to identify patterns and predict what comes next in a sequence.

 

You will be shown a series of shapes, symbols, or coded sequences and asked to select the next item in the pattern. This tests structured thinking and abstract problem solving, which are skills EY values across all service lines.

 

The best way to approach these questions is to look for two or three rules operating simultaneously. For example, one rule might rotate a shape 90 degrees clockwise with each step, while another rule changes the shading. If you get stuck on a question, use process of elimination to narrow your choices and move on.

 

What Is the EY Situational Judgement Test?

 

The EY situational judgement test (SJT) presents you with 16 realistic workplace scenarios and asks you to evaluate possible responses. For each scenario, you may need to choose the single best or worst response, rank all responses from most to least effective, or record a short video explaining your approach.

 

This test is not timed, which gives you room to think carefully about each answer. EY is evaluating how well your natural decision-making style aligns with the firm’s core values.

 

The scenarios are based on real situations you would encounter at EY, such as handling a disagreement with a teammate, prioritizing conflicting deadlines, or responding to a difficult client request. There is no single correct answer, but the strongest responses consistently reflect teamwork, integrity, and proactive communication.

 

If you are preparing for consulting behavioral interview questions, many of the same principles apply here. The SJT is essentially a written version of the behavioral assessment.

 

What Is the EY Personality Test?

 

EY uses a personality questionnaire called “What’s Your Mindset” to assess your work personality across five dimensions:

 

  • Concentration and focus

 

  • Attention to detail

 

  • Ability to learn new languages

 

  • Problem-solving approach

 

  • Technical affinity

 

In this test, you are presented with pairs of statements and asked to distribute 25 points between them based on how well each describes you. For example, you might allocate 15 points to “I enjoy solving complex analytical problems” and 10 points to “I prefer working on creative, open-ended tasks.”

 

This test is not timed. The most important thing is to answer honestly and consistently. EY uses this data to understand how your thinking style fits with the demands of the specific role you applied for.

 

What Is the EY Job Simulation?

 

If you pass the initial online assessments, you will be invited to complete the EY job simulation. This is a longer, more immersive assessment that simulates a day in the life of an EY employee. The entire simulation takes about one hour and must be completed in a single sitting.

 

The job simulation consists of 14 questions presented in several different formats:

 

  • Video interview questions: You will be asked pre-recorded questions and given two minutes to prepare and two minutes to record your answer. These are the most heavily weighted part of the simulation.

 

  • Situational judgement questions: Rank or select responses to workplace scenarios, similar to the earlier SJT.

 

  • Free text responses: Write an email or recommendation based on information provided. Structure your response like a consulting synthesis: lead with the key point, then support with reasoning.

 

  • Data analysis: Interpret financial reports, data tables, or graphs and answer questions based on the data.

 

  • Personality profiling: Self-reporting on a two-sided scale about your work preferences and tendencies.

 

You will need a computer with a working webcam and microphone, a calculator, pen and paper, and a quiet, well-lit environment. EY recommends using Google Chrome for the video recording sections.

 

What Is the EY Experience Day (Assessment Centre)?

 

If you pass the job simulation, you will be invited to the EY Experience Day, which is EY’s version of an assessment centre. This is a full-day evaluation held either online or at an EY office, and it is your opportunity to demonstrate your strengths in a live setting.

 

During the Experience Day, you will complete several activities:

 

  • Group exercise: You will be placed in a group of four candidates, given a package of information, and asked to discuss and solve a problem together. You have 15 minutes to read individually and 30 minutes to discuss as a group. Assessors observe your teamwork, communication, and ability to build on others’ ideas.

 

  • Case study: You will receive information about a fictional company and need to analyze it, identify key issues, and present your recommendations. This is similar to a consulting case interview but in written and presentation format.

 

  • E-tray exercise: You may be asked to sort through a simulated email inbox, prioritize tasks, and draft responses under time pressure.

 

  • Partner interview: A conversation with a senior EY leader about your motivations, qualifications, and fit with EY’s culture.

 

Having coached hundreds of candidates through Big Four assessment centres, I’ve found that the group exercise is where most candidates either stand out or fade into the background. The key is to add value to the group without dominating the conversation. For more tips, check out our guide on group case interviews.

 

What Does EY Look for in Candidates?

 

EY emphasizes that hiring decisions are driven more by mindset than by skillset. According to EY’s recruiting materials, the firm looks for candidates who demonstrate a specific set of qualities and values. Understanding these will help you answer both the SJT and the job simulation with stronger alignment.

 

EY Quality

What It Means for Your Assessments

Integrity

Choose responses that prioritize honesty and transparency, even when it is uncomfortable

Respect

Demonstrate that you value diverse perspectives and treat colleagues professionally

Teaming

Show willingness to collaborate, share credit, and support teammates

Energy

Display enthusiasm and a proactive approach to problem solving

Courage

Select answers that involve speaking up, challenging assumptions, and taking initiative

Innovation

Favor responses that involve creative thinking and continuous improvement

Curiosity

Choose answers that show a desire to learn and explore new ideas

 

In my experience coaching candidates for Big Four roles, the single most common mistake is giving “safe” answers that avoid taking a position. EY’s assessments are designed to reward candidates who demonstrate clear judgement and decisive action, not fence-sitting.

 

How Should You Prepare for the EY Online Assessment?

 

How Do You Prepare for Numerical and Verbal Reasoning?

 

Start by refreshing your core math skills: percentages, ratios, fractions, averages, and basic data interpretation from tables and charts. These fundamentals account for 90% or more of the numerical reasoning questions.

 

Practice under timed conditions. Even though the math is not difficult, the time pressure is what makes these tests challenging. According to research on aptitude testing, candidates who practice timed tests score 20% to 30% higher than those who do not.

 

For verbal reasoning, practice reading dense passages and making quick True/False/Cannot Say judgements. The most common mistake is bringing outside knowledge into your answers. Only use information from the passage itself.

 

EY offers a Preparation Plus portal with practice questions for candidates who receive an assessment invitation. Use it. Familiarity with the test format reduces anxiety and improves your speed.

 

How Do You Prepare for Situational Judgement and Personality Tests?

 

Before taking the SJT, study EY’s core values thoroughly. Visit EY.com and read about their culture, purpose, and what they look for in employees. When you understand what EY values, the “best” answers in the SJT become much more obvious.

 

Answer authentically. Personality tests include repeated questions to check for consistency. If you try to game the test by giving answers you think EY wants to hear, inconsistencies will show up in your results and raise red flags.

 

For the SJT specifically, ask yourself three questions for each scenario: What would EY want me to do here? What aligns with integrity, teamwork, and proactive communication? What is the most professional course of action?

 

How Do You Prepare for the Video Interview?

 

Practice recording yourself answering questions on camera. This is the single most impactful preparation step for the job simulation. Most candidates feel uncomfortable on video the first few times, and that discomfort shows.

 

Structure your answers using a simple framework: Context (briefly set the scene), Action (explain what you did or would do), and Result (describe the outcome or expected impact). This keeps your answers focused and prevents rambling.

 

Make eye contact with the camera lens, not the screen. Sit in a well-lit room with a plain, uncluttered background. Dress professionally from the waist up. And speak clearly and at a moderate pace.

 

If you want to prepare for the behavioral aspects of the video interview, our fit interview course covers 98% of common behavioral questions in just a few hours.

 

What Are the Best Tips for Passing the EY Online Assessment?

 

Based on my experience helping candidates prepare for Big Four assessments, here are the most important tips for passing the EY online assessment.

 

1. Complete the assessment within 24 hours. According to EY’s official FAQ, you should submit the assessment within 24 hours of receiving the email invitation. Delays can negatively impact your candidacy.

 

2. Do it in one sitting. While EY allows you to pause and return, completing the assessment in a single focused session produces better results. You maintain momentum and avoid losing your train of thought.

 

3. Do not use AI tools. EY explicitly states that generative AI tools should not be used to complete the assessment. The test is designed to measure your natural preferences and behaviors.

 

4. Skip and return on timed sections. If you get stuck on a numerical or verbal reasoning question, move on. Spending three minutes on one difficult question means missing two easier questions at the end.

 

5. Use a calculator where allowed. Check the instructions for each section. The numerical reasoning test typically allows a basic calculator. Have one ready before you start.

 

6. Research EY before the SJT. Candidates who understand EY’s values score significantly higher on the situational judgement component. Spend 30 minutes reading about EY’s culture on their website.

 

7. Set up your environment. Find a quiet room with good lighting and a stable internet connection. Close all other browser tabs. Have pen, paper, and a calculator within reach.

 

8. Practice beforehand. Candidates who take even one or two practice tests score meaningfully higher than those who go in cold. Familiarity with the format and question types reduces anxiety and improves speed.

 

How Does the EY US Early Careers Assessment Differ?

 

If you are applying to EY in the United States for an Early Careers role, your assessment experience will be different from what international candidates face. EY US uses an SHL-powered assessment rather than the Cappfinity tests used in other regions.

 

According to EY’s official US FAQ, the assessment has two components:

 

Component 1: Experience questions. You will be asked about your experiences in work, school, volunteer, or extracurricular settings. These questions gauge your behavioral tendencies and preferences.

 

Component 2: Skills self-assessment. You will be presented with three descriptions of skills and asked to choose which one is most like you. This repeats across multiple sets of skills.

 

The US assessment takes approximately 20 minutes, is not timed, and can be completed on a mobile device. You cannot retake it during the same recruiting season. Your results are valid for all EY US roles you apply to during that period.

 

Importantly, EY US states that no preparation is necessary for their assessment because it is designed to understand your natural preferences rather than test learned knowledge. However, being thoughtful and consistent in your answers still matters.

 

EY evaluates candidates holistically. According to their FAQ, progression is not solely determined by your assessment score. Grades, skills, experiences, business needs, and application responses all factor into the decision.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How Long Does the EY Online Assessment Take?

 

The initial aptitude tests (numerical, verbal, SJT, and personality) take approximately 40 to 60 minutes combined. The job simulation takes about one additional hour. In the US, the Early Careers assessment takes about 20 minutes.

 

Can You Fail the EY Online Assessment?

 

Yes. EY sets a benchmark score for each test, and candidates who do not meet it are eliminated from the process. The assessments can remove up to 80% of applicants. That said, EY US states that assessment scores are considered alongside other factors like grades and experiences.

 

Can You Retake the EY Online Assessment?

 

In most regions, no. EY allows only one attempt per recruiting cycle. In the US, your results remain valid for the entire recruiting season (approximately four to five months) and apply to every role you submit during that window.

 

What Is the Pass Rate for EY Assessments?

 

EY does not publish an official pass rate. However, based on available data, approximately 20% to 40% of candidates advance past the online assessment stage. The exact rate varies by region, role, and the competitiveness of the applicant pool.

 

Does EY Share Your Assessment Results?

 

In the US, EY does not share assessment results with candidates. Some international offices provide personalized feedback on your strengths and areas for improvement, whether you pass or not.

 

Can You Use a Calculator on the EY Numerical Test?

 

Yes. EY’s numerical reasoning test allows the use of a basic calculator. Check the instructions at the start of each section to confirm.

 

What Happens After the EY Online Assessment?

 

If you pass the online assessment, you will be invited to complete the job simulation (for graduate roles) or proceed directly to interviews (for experienced hire roles). After the job simulation, successful candidates are invited to the EY Experience Day. The final stage is a partner interview. For more on what to expect in consulting interviews, read our first round consulting interview guide.

 

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