Initial Diagnostic Exam

I notice for a lot of apprenticeships an initial diagnostic exam is required to gain admission. Is that for both Maths and English, or only the qualification you're lacking, for example; if I have an English GCSE B grade but I failed at maths, would I just be taking a maths Diagnostic exam? I'm already self studying functional skills maths level 2...but I may skim through the English one as well just to cover all bases...if necessary.

Reply 1

Insouciant.

Original post

by Schrodinger85

Hey! No they aren't specifically subject tests and the elements that are English and maths aren't really textbook stuff.

Essentially it will be split into 3 sections (some companies have all three, some 2 and some only 1 and this does not usually differ between applicants regardless of grades).

verbal reasoning - usually a few texts are shown and specific information within the tests is asked as a multiple choice question- essentially comprehension among multiple data sources or just one but timed.

Inductive reasoning- more maths based- usually reading charts or doing basic statistic work.

processing time- this may be through verbal/ inductive reasonings being timed or may actually resemble a game where you have to click the correct button/ pattern in a specific time to see how fast you can process information correctly.

These are not the only three- you can have questions that remember IQ based questions- recognising and guessing the next sequence or pattern of a drawing/ shape, and usually these tests will be followed by an on demand interview- a question where you're given 2 minutes to think and 1-2 minutes to answer automatically recorded and sent.

These all differ company to company but Ive covered most boxes of my personal experience applying to quite a few in different streams - basic psychometric tests with inductive and verbal reasoning are more common- if you're applying for a niche field it may be different though- Ive heard of coding tests for some specific software engineering roles, though not all!

If you have any questions or need any tips let me know!
Goodluck!

Reply 2

Schrodinger85

Thanks for the info. Tbh that all makes me slightly nervous! Though I'm only applying for multi channel marketing; challenging enough but not exactly rocket science so maybe I'll be spared anything too complex?

The reason I assumed the test would be more textbook based, specifically on FSL2 is that the description states that one must demonstrate a level 2 ability -- I had assumed this was in relation to functional skills level 2 which is why I went and bought the maths textbook.

If not then I'm just wondering if continuing to self study in this area would still prepare me well, even if the initial exam is not strictly based on the FS syllabus...

"If you do not already hold a minimum GCSE Grade 4 in English and Maths (or equivalent) you will be required to study Functional Skills over three days in these areas as part of your apprenticeship. You must be able to achieve a minimum of Level 2 in your Initial Diagnostic Assessment to be accepted onto this apprenticeship."

(edited 8 months ago)

Reply 3

Insouciant.

Original post

by Schrodinger85

Thanks for the info. Tbh that all makes me slightly nervous! Though I'm only applying for multi channel marketing; challenging enough but not exactly rocket science so maybe I'll be spared anything too complex?
The reason I assumed the test would be more textbook based, specifically on FSL2 is that the description states that one must demonstrate a level 2 ability -- I had assumed this was in relation to functional skills level 2 which is why I went and bought the maths textbook.
If not then I'm just wondering if continuing to self study in this area would still prepare me well, even if the initial exam is not strictly based on the FS syllabus...
"If you do not already hold a minimum GCSE Grade 4 in English and Maths (or equivalent) you will be required to study Functional Skills over three days in these areas as part of your apprenticeship. You must be able to achieve a minimum of Level 2 in your Initial Diagnostic Assessment to be accepted onto this apprenticeship."

I think I may have misunderstood to be honest- initial assessments for degree apprenticeships (psychometric tests) are what I described ,

With the context of marketing I think it may be different- looking into it more some other posts on other forums and some websites suggest its to test for basic competency in the field- so in this case marketing, honestly if you are worried email the company and double check- as more about it! It shows initiative and genuine interest, regardless know you are going to do well and if you need any guidance in your prep or functional skills study dm me! I used to voluntarily teach those exams for ~ESOL students so id be happy to help :smile:

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Latest

Trending

Articles for you

Disabled Students' Allowance

How The Student Room is moderated

To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.

Try out the app

Continue on web