What is a Hudson Test?
Hudson is an Australian test publisher that offers data-driven solutions for permanent and contract recruitment, candidate profiling and assessments, as well as identifying and developing leaders.
For recruitment, Hudson has a battery of psychometric aptitude and personality tests that are used to assess applicant fit for both the role and the organisational culture. These tests are administered online. There are different levels of tests that are suitable for blue collar/admin roles, junior management, and middle/senior management.
These tests are used by companies all over the world to find the best candidates who are likely to be successful in the business because they have the required aptitudes, ability and personality to match the advertised role - you will find a Hudson Test if you apply for a job with VISA, for example.
The Hudson Test battery has three aptitude tests and one personality test, standardised to give recruiters an insight into the candidate beyond what a CV or application form can demonstrate. Each test is untimed as a whole, but in the aptitude test each question is timed and if you do not complete your answer in time, you will be automatically moved on to the next question. Hudson states that it is unlikely you will be able to complete all the questions in the three aptitude tests.
Hudson Numerical Reasoning Test
The Hudson numerical reasoning test is designed to assess a candidate for their ability to understand and apply data from graphs and tables, like ratios, percentages, currency and cost/sales analysis.
The test is not timed as a whole, instead you will have 90 seconds per question to complete the necessary calculations (and you can use a calculator if necessary). This is not a maths ability test, instead it is about your approach to problems and the way you can manipulate data to find the right answer.
There are two different levels of test: one for administrative and blue collar roles (Level 1) and one for middle/senior managers (Level 3).
You can practice the Hudson numerical reasoning tests that are suggested on the Hudson website, Level 1 and Level 3.
Hudson Verbal Reasoning Test
In the Hudson verbal reasoning test you will be presented with a paragraph or two of business-related text, followed by a question and multiple choice answers.
To answer correctly, you will need to quickly read and understand the text in order to apply that knowledge to find the correct answer.
This is not an English test, it is to assess how well you take in information from text, and can make reasoned decisions based on the information you are presented with. ALthough the text is likely to be professional, it is not likely that the content will need any specific knowledge - in fact, with verbal reasoning as a whole it is better to take the information you are given as the only source for answering the question.
There are three levels of the verbal reasoning test: two sets for administration and blue collar (Level 1), and one for middle/senior managers (Level 2).
Much like the numerical reasoning test, you will have 90 seconds per question - so fast and accurate reading is necessary to be successful. If you do not answer in time, you will be moved on to the next question.
Hudson has practice tests available: Level 1 (Set 1), Level 1 (Set 2), and Level 3.
Hudson Abstract Reasoning Test
Abstract reasoning tests ask candidates to demonstrate their ability to identify patterns, logical rules and trends in data, text, symbols, or images.
Abstract or logical reasoning tests are often stumbling blocks for candidates because they require conceptual reasoning and lateral thinking that is quite different from the skills-based aptitude tests like verbal and numerical reasoning. The abstract reasoning assessment has two distinct steps - identifying the rule or pattern, and then applying it in a reasoned manner to find the logical answer.
This test has two levels, one for junior managers (Level 2) and one for middle/senior managers (Level 3).
Again, candidates have just 90 seconds to find the relevant rule and answer the question before the test will automatically move you along.
If you are unfamiliar with logical or abstract reasoning tests, you will find practice very beneficial - and the Hudson practice tests can be found here for Level 2 and Level 3.
Hudson Business Attitudes Questionnaire
The Business Attitudes Questionnaire is a self-assessment personality test that provides data on 25 elements of personality, based on the Big Five personality measurement (extraversion, openness, altruism, conscientiousness and emotional stability).
In the questionnaire, you will be presented with a number of statements, and you need to rank your response based on how much you agree that the statement describes you.
In the Business Attitudes questionnaire, there are no right or wrong answers; you just need to answer honestly where on the scale you think you fit when thinking about the statement.
There is no time limit for this assessment, but for the most accurate results you should aim to complete it quickly without spending too much time considering your answers.
Top 5 tips to prepare and pass your Hudson Assessment
1. Practice
Hudson Tests are not difficult in terms of content, but the combination of time pressure, anxiety, and unfamiliarity will make it harder.
Practicing on relevant tests will not only help you become more confident in the assessment situation, but also help you to identify if there are any gaps in your knowledge that you can work on so that you are able to perform at your best.
2. Know the competencies for the role
When you apply for the role that you are taking the Hudson Tests for, you will have researched the business and the role - so you should know the type of skills and aptitudes that are needed.
Throughout the test, bear these in mind as you want to demonstrate that you are capable and competent.
3. Check your tech
As with other online tests, Hudson tests require a stable internet connection - and a reliable computer. Make sure that your wi-fi remains connected and at a good speed, and make sure that your laptop is fully charged.
4. Have the right equipment
For the numerical reasoning test, you are allowed to use a calculator so make sure that you have one to hand. It is also useful to have a pen and paper so that you can make notes that might help you in the assessment, for working out answers or getting logical considerations in order.
5. Give yourself the best chance
Test taking is nerve-wracking, but being prepared and practicing are great ways to feel more confident.
When you are actually taking the test, be sure to be in a quiet, distraction-free environment so that you can concentrate; you don't want to waste precious seconds on the test because someone has come and asked you a question.
