Critical Reasoning Tests (CRT)

Author(s): Pauline Smith and Chris Whetton

Publisher: ACER by arrangement with NFER-Nelson 1995

Purpose: To assess critical intellectual skills required for success in managerial-level positions

Employment Categories: Prospective managers – junior and mid-level

Candidates: 18+ years of age

Administration: Verbal: 20 minutes, Numerical: 25 minutes – Individual and group

Scoring: By hand

Features: Australian edition

Content:

The CRT are designed to help select people who have the intellectual skills necessary for carrying out managerial or executive roles in a wide range of companies and organisations. 

The tests comprise of two assessments of verbal and numerical ability, that are intended to be used together but can be used independently. Candidates are required to imagine themselves as trainee managers and work out what conclusions can be drawn from the information provided. The multiple-choice questions relate to sales figures, internal budgeting and business travel.

The Verbal Skills Test assesses reasoning ability in the following areas: deriving information from formal documents, assessing the significance of new information and determining certain assumptions based on given information.

The Numerical Skills Test assesses the ability to process numerical information presented in a variety of formats, interpret it correctly and draw conclusions. The assessment involves extracting and manipulating data from the source material, placing emphasis on numerical reasoning rather than mental arithmetic.

The Test Taker’s Guides provide worked examples of each test and can be sent out in advance to ensure candidates have an equal chance to become familiar with the test they are taking.