Complete Guide to Questions, Answers & Free Practice

• If you’ve applied for a graduate, internship, or experienced role at PwC in the UK, you’ll need to pass the PwC online assessment before progressing to the interview stage.
• This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the PwC assessment tests in 2026, including the types of questions asked, how the SHL-powered tests work, tips from successful candidates on Reddit, and where to find free practice resources.

What Is the PwC Online Assessment?

• The PwC online assessment is a series of psychometric tests designed to evaluate your cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and behavioural traits.
• PwC uses these tests as a screening tool early in their recruitment process to identify candidates who have the aptitude and competencies needed to succeed at one of the Big Four firms.

In the UK, PwC’s online assessment is powered by SHL (formerly CEB/Gartner), one of the world’s leading providers of psychometric testing solutions. This means the question format, timing, and scoring methodology follow SHL’s established frameworks – an important detail if you’re looking to practise effectively.

The assessment is typically sent to your email within a few days of submitting your online application. You’ll receive a link to complete the tests within a specified deadline, usually 5–7 days. The entire assessment can be completed from home on your computer, and most candidates finish within 60–90 minutes.

Who Needs to Take the PwC Online Assessment?

The PwC online assessment applies to almost all entry-level and many experienced-hire positions across PwC UK, including:

•       Graduate Programme applicants (Audit, Tax, Consulting, Deals, Risk)

•       Summer Internship and Industrial Placement candidates

•       PwC Flying Start degree programme applicants

•       Spring Week (Insight Programme) candidates

•       Experienced hire roles (selected positions)

•       PwC Strategy& applicants

The specific tests you’ll face may vary slightly depending on the role and level, but the core assessment components remain consistent across most programmes.

What Does the PwC Online Assessment Include?

The PwC online assessment in 2026 typically consists of several components. Here’s a breakdown of each section:

Note: PwC may update their assessment format periodically. The structure above reflects the most commonly reported format for 2025/2026 UK graduate and intern applications. Some candidates on Reddit have reported slight variations depending on the business line.

PwC Numerical Reasoning Test: Questions & Tips

The numerical reasoning section is often considered the most challenging part of the PwC online assessment. You’ll be presented with data in the form of tables, charts, bar graphs, and pie charts, and asked to perform calculations to arrive at the correct answer.

Common Question Types

•       Percentage calculations (increases, decreases, percentage of a total)

•       Ratio and proportion problems

•       Data interpretation from multiple tables/charts

•       Currency conversions and unit conversions

•       Profit and loss calculations

•       Rate, speed, and time problems

•       Averages, medians, and weighted averages

Example Question

A company’s revenue increased from £240,000 in Q1 to £312,000 in Q2. What was the percentage increase in revenue?

A) 25%    B) 30%    C) 35%    D) 40%

Answer: B) 30%. The increase is £72,000 (£312,000 – £240,000). Divide by the original: £72,000 ÷ £240,000 = 0.30 = 30%.

Top Tips for Numerical Reasoning

✓     Use a calculator – PwC’s SHL numerical test allows the use of a basic calculator

✓     Read the question carefully before looking at the data – know what you’re looking for first

✓     Watch your units – questions often mix thousands, millions, percentages, and different currencies

✓     Practise under timed conditions – you have approximately 75 seconds per question

✓     If stuck, eliminate obviously wrong answers and make an educated guess – don’t leave blanks

PwC Verbal Reasoning Test: Questions & Tips

The verbal reasoning test assesses your ability to read, understand, and critically evaluate written information. You’ll be presented with short passages of text and asked whether statements are True, False, or Cannot Say based solely on the information provided.

How It Works

Each question presents a passage of approximately 100–200 words on topics like business, science, law, or current affairs. You must then determine whether each statement is:

•       True – The statement logically follows from the information in the passage

•       False – The statement contradicts information in the passage

•       Cannot Say – There is insufficient information in the passage to determine whether the statement is true or false

Example Question

Passage: “The UK government announced a £2 billion investment in renewable energy infrastructure in 2025, focusing on offshore wind farms in the North Sea. The initiative aims to create 15,000 new jobs and reduce carbon emissions by 20% over the next decade.”

Statement: The renewable energy investment will primarily benefit the solar energy sector.

Answer: False. The passage specifically states the investment focuses on offshore wind farms, not solar energy.

Top Tips for Verbal Reasoning

✓     Base your answers ONLY on the passage – ignore any prior knowledge you have about the topic

✓     The most common mistake is selecting ‘True’ or ‘False’ when the answer is ‘Cannot Say’

✓     Look for qualifying words like ‘all’, ‘some’, ‘never’, ‘always’ – these often change the meaning

✓     Read the statement first, then scan the passage for relevant information

✓     Don’t overthink – the answers should be clearly supported (or contradicted) by the text

PwC Logical (Inductive) Reasoning Test

The logical reasoning section, sometimes called inductive reasoning, tests your ability to identify patterns, rules, and relationships in abstract visual information. This is a non-verbal test, so language skills are not a factor.

What to Expect

You’ll see sequences of shapes, symbols, or patterns and need to identify the rule governing the sequence, then select the next shape in the series or the odd one out. Questions may involve:

•       Shape rotations (90°, 180°, 270° turns)

•       Mirror reflections (horizontal and vertical flips)

•       Colour or shading changes following a pattern

•       Size progressions (growing or shrinking elements)

•       Element additions or subtractions

•       Movement of elements within a grid

•       Combining multiple rules simultaneously

Top Tips for Logical Reasoning

✓     Look for the simplest rule first – don’t overcomplicate patterns

✓     Check each element independently – the shape, colour, position, and size may each follow their own rule

✓     If you’re stuck, compare the first and third items in the sequence to spot the pattern

✓     Practise with SHL-style inductive reasoning tests specifically, as the format differs from other providers

PwC Situational Judgement Test (SJT)

The Situational Judgement Test is arguably the most unique part of the PwC online assessment. Unlike the cognitive ability tests, there are no objectively “correct” answers. Instead, PwC is assessing whether your behavioural preferences and values align with their professional culture.

PwC’s Core Values

Understanding PwC’s values is essential for the SJT. PwC’s purpose is to “build trust in society and solve important problems.” Their core values include:

•       Act with integrity – speak up, do the right thing

•       Make a difference – be curious, learn continuously, challenge assumptions

•       Care – support each other, value differences

•       Work together – collaborate, build trust through open communication

•       Reimagine the possible – innovate, challenge the status quo

Example SJT Question

Scenario: You’re working on a group project with a tight deadline. One team member has not been contributing their fair share of work, causing delays. What would you do?

•       A) Speak privately with the team member to understand if they’re facing any challenges and offer support

•       B) Report the issue directly to your manager and let them handle it

•       C) Take on their work yourself to ensure the deadline is met

•       D) Raise the issue in the next team meeting so everyone can discuss workload distribution

Best answer: A) This response aligns with PwC’s values of caring, working together, and acting with integrity. It shows empathy and a willingness to resolve issues collaboratively before escalating.

How Many People Pass the PwC Online Assessment?

PwC is one of the most competitive employers in the UK, receiving over 60,000 applications annually for approximately 2,500–3,000 graduate positions. Based on publicly available data and candidate reports on platforms like Reddit:

•       Approximately 40–60% of candidates pass the online assessment stage

•       The pass rate varies by business line – Consulting and Deals tend to have higher cut-off scores

•       PwC uses a norm-referenced scoring system, meaning your results are compared against a benchmark group

•       There is no fixed “pass mark” – your score is assessed relative to the applicant pool

•       Strong performance on the SJT can compensate for borderline cognitive test scores

Is the PwC Online Assessment Timed?

Yes, the cognitive ability sections (numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning) are all strictly timed. Time management is critical. Here’s the approximate time per question:

The SJT section is untimed, so you can take as long as you need. However, most candidates complete it within 20–30 minutes.

How Does the PwC Assessment Compare to Other Big Four Firms?

What Reddit Says About the PwC Online Assessment

The PwC online assessment is one of the most discussed topics on Reddit forums like r/Big4, r/AccountingUK, and r/GraduateJobs. Here are the most common themes from real candidate experiences:

Time Pressure Is Real

The most consistent feedback on Reddit is that the numerical and verbal reasoning sections are extremely time-pressured. Many candidates report not finishing all questions. The key advice from successful candidates: don’t spend too long on any single question. If you’re stuck after 60 seconds, make your best guess and move on.

Practice Makes a Significant Difference

Candidates who practised with SHL-style tests beforehand consistently report better outcomes. The question formats become familiar, and you develop strategies for managing your time. Free practice resources (see below) can be just as effective as paid ones if used consistently.

The SJT Matters More Than You Think

Several Reddit users have reported passing the assessment with average cognitive test scores but strong SJT performance. PwC places significant weight on cultural fit and values alignment, so don’t underestimate this section.

Technical Issues Can Happen

Some candidates have reported browser compatibility issues or disconnections during the test. Always use a stable internet connection, close unnecessary tabs and applications, and use Google Chrome or Firefox for the best compatibility with SHL’s platform.

Where to Find Free PwC Assessment Practice Tests

Practising with realistic, SHL-format questions is the single most effective way to improve your PwC online assessment score. Here are the best free and affordable resources available in 2026:

PwC Aptitude Test Questions and Answers: PDF Study Guide

Many candidates search for PwC aptitude test questions and answers in PDF format to study offline. While PwC doesn’t release their actual test papers, you can access high-quality practice materials that closely mirror the real assessment format.

The most effective approach to preparation involves understanding the question types, practising under realistic timed conditions, and reviewing detailed answer explanations to learn from mistakes. Simply memorising answers is counterproductive, as the actual test uses randomised questions from a large question bank.

What a Good Practice PDF Should Include

•       At least 50 numerical reasoning questions with worked solutions

•       30+ verbal reasoning passages with True/False/Cannot Say answers and explanations

•       Pattern recognition questions matching SHL’s inductive reasoning format

•       Situational judgement scenarios based on PwC’s values framework

•       Timing guidelines so you can practise under exam conditions

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare for the PwC Online Assessment

1.    Understand the format – Know which tests you’ll face (numerical, verbal, logical, SJT) and the time limits for each section

2.    Start practising early – Begin at least 2–3 weeks before your deadline. Consistent daily practice of 30–45 minutes is more effective than last-minute cramming

3.    Use SHL-format practice tests – Since PwC uses SHL, practise specifically with SHL-style questions rather than generic aptitude tests

4.    Simulate exam conditions – Take full-length timed tests in a quiet environment without distractions. This builds stamina and time management skills

5.    Review your mistakes – After each practice session, spend time understanding why you got questions wrong. Look for patterns in your errors

6.    Brush up on mental maths – Practise percentages, ratios, fractions, and basic arithmetic to improve speed on numerical reasoning

7.    Research PwC’s values – For the SJT, thoroughly understand PwC’s purpose, values, and culture. Read their website and annual reports

8.    Set up your test environment – On test day, ensure stable internet, a quiet room, working calculator, scrap paper, and a glass of water

Frequently Asked Questions About the PwC Online Assessment

How long does the PwC online assessment take?

The full assessment typically takes 60–90 minutes to complete, though you should allow up to 2 hours to account for reading instructions and any breaks between sections.

Can I retake the PwC online assessment if I fail?

PwC typically allows you to reapply after 12 months. If your application is unsuccessful, you’ll usually need to wait before retaking the assessment. Use the waiting period to practise extensively.

Does PwC use video in their online assessment?

The online assessment itself does not include video. However, if you pass, the next stage is typically a video interview conducted through HireVue or PwC’s own platform. This is separate from the online assessment.

Is the PwC online assessment the same worldwide?

No. PwC offices in different countries may use different test providers and formats. This guide focuses on PwC UK, which uses SHL. PwC offices in Malaysia, the US, and other regions may have different assessments.

Can I use a calculator during the PwC numerical test?

Yes. PwC’s SHL numerical reasoning test allows the use of a basic calculator. An on-screen calculator is also provided within the test interface.

What happens after I pass the PwC online assessment?

After passing, you’ll typically be invited to a video interview, followed by an assessment centre. For graduate roles, there may also be a business assessment and a final partner interview.

Final Thoughts: Your PwC Assessment Success Plan

The PwC online assessment is a significant hurdle in the recruitment process, but it’s absolutely one you can overcome with the right preparation. The candidates who succeed aren’t necessarily the most naturally gifted – they’re the ones who practised strategically, understood the format, and managed their time effectively.

Start with free resources like SHL’s official practice tests and PwC’s own E-Learn portal. If you want more comprehensive preparation with detailed explanations and progress tracking, consider a dedicated practice platform that offers SHL-format tests under timed conditions.

Remember: the PwC assessment isn’t designed to trick you. It’s designed to identify candidates with the cognitive abilities and values alignment to thrive at PwC. Prepare thoroughly, stay calm on test day, and trust in your preparation. Good luck!