PwC Assessments

Prepare for the PwC recruitment process with tailor-made practice materials.

Careers at PwC

PwC is the merger of two well-known, historical institutions in 1998. The merger was between Coopers & Lybrand and Price Waterhouse to create the second largest professional services network in the world and therefore one of the Big Four accounting firms alongside EY, Deloitte, and KPMG.

PwC operates in 157 countries, with 742 locations and employing 276,000 people. Their headquarters is based in London, and roles at PwC can be found in one of several Business Areas:

  • Actuarial
  • Audit
  • Consulting
  • Eels
  • International Firm Services
  • Legal
  • Operations
  • Risk Assurance
  • Tax
  • Technology

Roles are available for school and college leavers, undergraduates and graduates, experienced applicants, and even contractors and flexible careers.

PwC Application Process

The PwC selection process is designed to be straightforward, with several well-documented steps that are created to ensure that selected candidates can support the delivery of PwC's business strategy. The selection process steps can differ, depending on the job role applied for, but they are usually as follows:

  • 1. Career Uncovered: an online tool to help you decide what business area suits you.
  • 2. Apply online: simple online application form
  • 3. Career Unlocked: a series of behavioural assessments.
  • 4. Career Conversation: a video-based interview
  • 5. Virtual Career Focus Day: a full-day immersive assessment
  • 6. Offer

PwC does try to make sure that the entire application process is quick, straightforward, open and honest. If at any stage you are unsuccessful, you will receive feedback. It is possible to fail, but in most cases you can reapply. PwC has a six-month hold on reapplication, and you may only apply to one open job role at a time.

PwC Career Uncovered

If you are considering a career at PwC, this is the first step to understanding which career route might be the most appropriate for you. The Career Uncovered tool is a web-based series of practice questions with multiple choice answers, to help you understand your own preferences and learn more about the skills and values that PwC are looking for in employees.

It is also a chance to see through some of the myths that you might have heard about working for one of the Big Four firms.

The tool is mostly aimed at school leavers, undergraduates and graduates.

PwC Online Application

Once you know what business area will suit you, your skills, and your qualifications best, it is time to apply.

The online application form is simple, and the best way to fill it out is honestly.

Complete the research needed before you decide on which job to apply for; remember you can only apply for one role at a time, and if you are unsuccessful you will need to wait at least six months to reapply. This research will help give you the information you might need to explain why you have chosen to apply for that role, and why you feel you are a good fit for the role.

PwC Career Unlocked Assessment

As with many roles, applicants are expected to take several psychometric tests to assess their inherent skills and abilities.

At PwC, several assessments are made to test a candidate based on:

  • Cognitive skills
  • Behavioural preferences
  • Numerical reasoning
  • Abstract reasoning

What makes these assessments different from other tests you may have taken is that they are game-based. Although you will be assessed using psychometric matrices, the nature of the PwC game-based assessments makes it feel less like a traditional exam.

An example of the games that you might play is The Balloon. You have to press a button to inflate a balloon, and each pump gives more value. You can choose to bank the total at any point; but the balloon will pop eventually and almost at random.

The idea of the PwC game-based assessment is to measure your risk-taking behaviour; finding the balance between the amount banked and avoiding popped balloons will help assess how much you will take a risk under pressure.

These online tests are an integral part of the assessment of candidates, and therefore their structure and pass rate are a closely guarded secret for PwC.

PwC Career Conversation

This is a specific type of job interview, where you are required to video your responses to a range of questions and case studies. This is a great opportunity for you to demonstrate your knowledge of the values of PwC as well as showcase your skills.

The video interviewing platform is enhanced with an artificial intelligence algorithm that provides a fair and objective measurement of responses. This algorithm will make suggestions of high recommended scores; these candidates will pass through into the next stage of the assessment process, while others will have a human review to decide if each candidate will pass to the next stage.

PwC Virtual Career Focus Day

This is set up to be an immersive 'day-in-the-life' experience, where candidates take on a variety of case studies in group and individual exercises.

Candidates may be expected to take some further aptitude tests, or even in-tray exercises.

During this Career Focus Day or PwC Assessment Day, you have an opportunity to show off your skills and attributes that align the most with the values of PwC. You will be expected to make a presentation, work through group exercises, demonstrate communication and team work skills, and behave in a professional manner throughout the day.

The specific parts of the day will depend on which role you apply for, but by the end of it, you will have a one-on-one interview with a relevant partner, manager, or director.

The specific parts of the day will depend on which role you apply for, but by the end of it, you will have a one-on-one interview with a relevant partner, manager, or director.

PwC Interview with Manager/Partner

This is the final step in the application process for the role at PwC and is a culmination of all the assessments that you have been through. This is a time to shine in terms of your knowledge of PwC and the role you have applied for and should be considered an opportunity to ask any questions that you have about the role too.

Top Tips To Get Hired At PwC

Demonstrate all the Skills and Requirements

PwC is very open about what they want from their employees, and these skills fit into what they describe as the 'Professional Leadership Development Framework'. This includes the following skills:

  • Whole Leadership: being purpose-led and value-driven, so you can lead yourselves and others.
  • Business Acumen: Understanding how business works and is changing.
  • Technical and Digital Knowledge: Continually develop technical depth and breadth.
  • Global and Inclusive: Employees have a mindset that transcends boundaries and leverages the power of the PwC network
  • Relationships: employees should communicate with impact, ready to build meaningful and authentic relationships.

Research

One of the strongest ways to prepare for the application process is in-depth research. Candidates can find different sources of information, from publicly available brochures and the PwC website.

You can also rely on the financial media available on the internet, through the press or television, for news stories and developments.

One of the best sources of information that might not be available to every candidate is any friends that you might have already in PwC employment. This can be a valuable source of information not only about what to expect during your recruitment process and how to do interview preparation but also what it is like to work in the PwC culture.

Practice

Although the PwC psychometric tests are not readily available in practice form, you can access some study information on the PwC website.

As the tests are variations of well-known psychometric assessments, you can practice similar tests online to get an idea of what is required to answer these types of questions.

With aptitude testing, it isn't about what you know, necessarily - more about how you can apply existing knowledge. Practicing these types of tests will make you feel more confident about taking the test when presented with it in your application.

Take Your Time

Although you want to be agile in your time management, do make sure to take your time to fully understand any instructions that you are given. Taking an extra moment to assess each stage of the application process before starting means that you will feel more in control and able to make the most of each stage.

Be Presentable and Professional

PwC firmly believes in the professionalism of both its employees and potential candidates. Throughout the process, there are many opportunities where you will be in front of the recruitment team as well as managers and directors - so remaining presentable and professional throughout helps you to demonstrate your dedication to the role.

Sample PwC Assessments question Test your knowledge!

Score: /5

Given the statement, 'All audit reports must be scrutinized by a senior auditor before submission,' which of the following would necessarily be true?

  • A report submitted without a senior auditor's approval is in compliance with policy.
  • Only senior auditors are responsible for writing audit reports.
  • Junior auditors cannot solely finalize an audit report.
  • Scrutiny by a senior auditor guarantees the audit report's accuracy.

Which of the following strings of characters is different from the others?

  • R2D2-C3PO-VADER
  • R2D2-C3P0-VADER
  • R2D2-C3PO-VADER
  • R2D2-C3PO-VADER

In a budget report, if the marketing expenses are $5,000 and they represent 20% of the total expenses, what is the total expense?

  • $25,000
  • $20,000
  • $15,000
  • $10,000

If an asset depreciated by 15% in the first year and by 10% in the second year, what is the total two-year depreciation percentage?

  • 23.5%
  • 25%
  • 24%
  • 26.5%

After reading the passage, what can be inferred about the company's strategy for the upcoming year?

The company has decided to focus its efforts on innovation and customer experience. By doing so, they aim to increase customer retention and attract a wider consumer base. The board believes this new direction will leverage their strong market position and lead to increased market share.

  • The company will be reducing its range of products.
  • The company plans to train its staff on customer service improvements.
  • The company will increase investment in research and development.
  • The company will focus on cost-cutting measures.

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I've always been poor at maths, but the numerical reasoning tests really improved my scores.

Imani used Fintest to help pass her aptitude tests for PWC.

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PwC Assessments Tips

Know Your Basics

Brush up on your foundational knowledge in accounting, finance, and the specific areas relevant to the job you’re aiming for at PwC. A strong grasp of the basics instills confidence and allows you to tackle more complex problems with ease. When using Fintest, focus on understanding the core principles behind each question rather than just memorizing answers.

Simulate the Real Test Environment

Create a mock exam scenario at home to get used to the pressure. Try to replicate the testing conditions as closely as possible—this means turning off distractions, timing your practice, and doing full-length tests in one go. With Fintest's timed practice tests, you can get a real feel for the pacing and pressure of the actual exam.

Analyze Your Performance

After each practice test on Fintest, take the time to go over your answers, especially those that challenged you. Understanding why you got an answer wrong is just as important as knowing the correct one. This reflective practice will help identify gaps in your knowledge and understanding, preparing you well for the real deal at PwC.

Keep an Eye on the Clock

Time management is critical in standardized tests. Practice pacing yourself with Fintest's exam simulations so you can maximize the number of questions you answer. It's about balance—spending too much time on one tough question can cost you easy points elsewhere.

Stay Calm and Positive

Testing can be stressful, but maintaining a positive attitude is key. Practice relaxation techniques, and remember that each Fintest practice session is a step towards improving your performance. Confidence will build as you become more familiar with the types of questions PwC uses in their hiring process.

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PwC Assessments FAQs

What are the core values at PwC?

The core values at PWC are:

  • Act with integrity
  • Make a difference
  • Care
  • Work together
  • Reimagine the possible

You should aim to reflect these values throughout your application and each hiring stage at PwC.

How many people pass the PwC assessment Centre?

The number of people who pass the PwC assessment center varies, as it depends on the role, location, and the number of available positions.

Are PwC tests hard?

PwC tests can be challenging, but with thorough preparation, candidates can improve their chances of performing well.

What do I need to know for a PWC interview?

You can practice free PwC test questions to get familiar with the format and improve your test score using our online platform - no credit card required.