HMRC Tax Specialist Programme (TSP) 2018

By asking for tips doesn't mean asking for answers or what comes up in the test. Some of us are looking at how to do our best by seeking for simple advice like reading the competencies beforehand, practicing certain tests or how you should be thinking. I understand giving too much information away gives an unfair disadvantage. Sometimes reading other people's posts eases you and gives you confidence. I can't speak for anyone else but my intention wasn't to get more information than what should be passed on to other candidates. And I'm sure other candidates are also aware of what they should or should not say about the tests.

Thank you 😊



Snap! I might finally be able to do the numerical tonight lol

Asking is fine, but I don't get why anyone would actually help. You're only disadvantaging yourself if you help someone else. What if they wouldve failed the tests without help, but end up ranking higher than you at the AC and take your offer of a job?

Asking is fine, but I don't get why anyone would actually help. You're only disadvantaging yourself if you help someone else. What if they wouldve failed the tests without help, but end up ranking higher than you at the AC and take your offer of a job?

My impression is that A.C. will be much harder than anything we've done here, so if they outperform you at A.C. THEN THEY didn't really need your help here.

Some of us have never done any of these tests before, anywhere! People asking questions are just looking for reassurance more than anything.
For me, maths was fine but the verbal and situational areas required a large amount of research first.

Well clearly there are nice people on this thread who are giving people great advice and reassurance. You would only disadvantage yourself if you give too much information away which is not the case. I don't understand why it bothers anybody as they're choosing to reply and not even doing anything wrong. And incase you forgot, there is another stage before the AC which isn't going to be easy either.

Asking is fine, but I don't get why anyone would actually help. You're only disadvantaging yourself if you help someone else. What if they wouldve failed the tests without help, but end up ranking higher than you at the AC and take your offer of a job?

It doesn't bother me. And I'm not saying anyone's doing anything wrong (except for whoever it was who basically posted a couple of questions a few days ago). But when it comes down to such small margins it doesn't make sense to give your competitors any advantage. Nice doesn't always win.

I disagree. The tests are the hardest part of the process. They're testing very specific abilities. Do poorly in one and you're out. At the AC you get multiple opportunities to demonstrate a range of abilities. Ive seen people at the AC who Im very surprised made it there.

Honestly, who are out to judge who's worthy. Im sure those others have other attributes such as charisma and warmth. Something that cant be obtained by buying practice test.

I notice you say I've seen people at a.c , which means you've been unsuccessful maybe you should spend more time concentrating on your weaknesses than judging who is can be deemed worthy to be amongst yourself.

Presumably if you’ve scored over 90% on all tests then you don’t mind who you help at this stage. I’m all for this forum giving people moral support and confidence, it’s nice to talk to people going through the same process, but personally I would prefer it if people weren’t giving out tips. Any specific tip you get from someone who has done the stage before you is an unfair advantage. And yes people are nice so if you ask for tips they will give them. So the responsibility lies with both parties.

Ive seen people at the AC who Im very surprised made it there.

I recall somebody actually stated that the majority of their answers in the verbal reasoning were “cannot say”, and that they had done well. That was ridiculous. I really think people need to reign it in and think before posting. As people are saying, there are tips in the guidance provided so candidates should stick to reading the information provided carefully and go from there. I don’t think we should spoon feed people who can’t be bothered to read the candidate guidance themselves.

That answer came after verbal reasoning test had closed so im not sure what the issue is. This is a chat room, it would be pretty quiet without it.

I recall somebody actually stated that the majority of their answers in the verbal reasoning were “cannot say”, and that they had done well. That was ridiculous. I really think people need to reign it in and think before posting. As people are saying, there are tips in the guidance provided so candidates should stick to reading the information provided carefully and go from there.