Northumbria University Talent Pool Recruitment
Online skills test
After confirming your eligibility to apply, you will be sent an email inviting you to complete a series of online skills tests.
System Requirements
Before attempting the tests, please ensure your computer's web browswer meets minimum system requirements. You can check your browser settings here.
Where possible, you are strongly advised to attempt the skills tests on a home computer. Many work based computer systems have high level restrictions and this may cause problems in accessing the tests.
Skills Tests
These skill tests are designed to assess your abilities in the following areas:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Data Entry (audio) - Note: you will need speakers or headphones for this test
- General Clerical and Office Skills
Completing all the tests will take around one hour. You must reach a minimum skill level in each test to progress your interest.
- Microsoft Word
MS Word 2007 - test includes formatting a document, inserting pictures, creating tables, sorting data, and conducting mail merges.
- Microsoft Excel
MS Excell 2007 - test assesses the user's ability to create and develop a basic Excel workbook, including the most commonly used commands for formatting cells, navigation through the application, using formulas, and changing the overall appearance of the spreadsheet.
- Data Entry (audio)
This test measures the speed and accuracy of the test taker in conducting data entry in conjunction with information delivered audibly. The test requires the user to type information into a simulation of a database.
Correct capitisation (e.g. 36 Main Road) must be used
- General Clerical and Office Skills
The test measures basic maths and verbal skills. Topics include Basic Maths (adding numbers, subtracting fractions), Business Maths (business related word problems), Filing Skills (recognising alphabetical order), Grammar and Spelling.
Attempting the tests
Each test is timed, but you will not be 'timed out'. You should allow sufficient time to complete each test without interuption. You may logout of the Skills Test website after you have completed each test and return to continue the remaining tests later.
Once you begin a skills test you must fully complete it in that session. You cannot quit midway through an attempt. If you do so, your scores will be calculated on the questions you attempted to that point.
Please note that the difficulty level of the questions in these tests are random: they do not necessarily become more difficult as you progress through the test. We strongly recommend you try to complete each test.
What happens next?
If you meet the minimum skill level in each test, you will be sent an email inviting you to complete a formal Application Form. This must be fully completed and submitted to us by the specified date. CVs cannot be accepted as a substitute for a fully completed Application Form.
If you have any other questions, please Contact Us