The online test is the second step in the recruitment process at the consulting firm Kearney. It tests candidates on math, logical and reading skills. It has 6 sections, with 40 questions in total, done in a time limit of 60 minutes.
This article will help you understand the test's format, content, and provide all important tips to pass it. We also provide many free practice sources at the end, so keep reading!
Table of Contents
Overview of Kearney online test
The second step in the recruitment process
The Kearney online test happens after resume screening and before two interview rounds.
It is quite similar to the McKinsey PST and Bain SOVA test. This test checks if you're good at analyzing, doing math, reading, and structuring problems, which are all important for consultants.
Kearney is one of the top companies in management consulting, and they highly value candidates with analytical mindsets.
40 Multiple-choice questions - 6 sections in 60 minutes
In 60 minutes, candidates need to answer 6 sections with 40 multiple-choice questions. Each section has a different number of questions, but they all require strong math and reading abilities.
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Section 1.1 – Quantitative: Logical counting questions
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Section 1.2 – Quantitative: Statements
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Section 2.1 – Verbal: Understanding of logical text
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Section 2.2 – Verbal: Reading a passage
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Section 3.1 – Case studies: Reading a table of numbers
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Section 3.2 – Case studies: Reading a graph
Three common aptitude test types
The sections in the Kearney test may have fancy names, but in fact they're just about three types as you can see below.
Three common types of Kearney online test
Great scoring system for candidates
Each question has 4-5 choices, but only one is right. You get +5 points for each correct answer, but lose 1 point for each wrong one.
Look at this picture! We calculated the weighted score based on the number of questions and score for each answer, and we realized that even if you guess randomly, you might still get some points.
So, it's a good idea to manage your time well and skip questions you're not sure about. Try to spend no more than 1.5 minutes on each question to finish the test on time.
Calculating weighted scores in Kearney tests
Kearney numerical reasoning test
This test checks how good you are at math and interpreting data, which are important for consulting jobs.
It's a bit like the GMAT test, and you also need to know about business and solve business problems.
In this numerical reasoning test of Kearney, there are two main types of questions.
Two common question formats in Kearney numerical reasoning test
Mathematical questions in written format
The 8 questions in section 1.1 are of this format. To answer, you need to extract information and do math calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
Example of a math question (Source: MConsultingPrep practice test)
Questions with a graph or a table of numbers
The second format relates to data interpretation skills, which requires candidates to understand and use data from graphs or tables to calculate a required value.
Kearney often calls these “case studies”. You will see 6 questions about reading a table of numbers in section 3.1, and 6 questions about reading a graph in section 3.2.
Example of a question with a table of numbers
(Source: MConsultingPrep practice test)
In our Numerical Reasoning Package, there is a guidebook with awesome tips for each kind of question. It can help you get ready for your test. There are over 500 questions in the package, and it even times you like the real test does. Click here to find out more!
Kearney logical reasoning test (Deductive reasoning test)
In the Kearney logical reasoning test, you will do deductive reasoning. That means you have to draw smart conclusions from given information. You can find this test in section 1.2, and there are 6 questions.
Each question gives you a main statement and two other statements labeled (1) and (2). You have to figure out which of these statements are true or false based on the main one. Or, you might need to decide if you can answer the main question positively or negatively using info from (1) and (2).
Even though there's some math involved, what really matters is using your logic to solve these puzzles, not just doing calculations.
Example of a logical question (Source: Kearney mock test)
It may be a bit confusing when you first start doing this type of test. Don’t worry because you can practice with the MConsultingPrep free trial test package to understand the logic behind the deductive reasoning test.
Kearney verbal reasoning test
In the Kearney verbal reasoning test, candidates need to understand and process information from written passages and identify relevant details. There are two main question formats.
Two common question format in Kearney verbal reasoning test
Questions based on separate short texts
The first format, found in section 2.1, includes 6 questions. Candidates must find information in each text and answer the questions.
Example of a question about a short text (Source: MConsultingPrep practice test)
Questions about a long passage
The second format is in section 2.2 with 8 questions. Here, candidates need to carefully read the whole passage and then answer questions based on that information provided.
Example of a question about a long text (Source: TalentQ)
Try our verbal reasoning tests now! They have lots of different questions to help you get better at understanding words and reading. You can also take free practice tests. Click here to start!
Pass rate of Kearney online test
About 30% of candidates can pass the Kearney test
This means in 100 candidates taking the test, there are 30 of them invited to the interview.
We know this from looking at the results of candidates who took the test, and Kearney hasn't officially said it.
Prepare a consulting-like resume
Remember, getting a good score on the test is really important, but having a good resume is also a big deal.
Even if you do well on the test, if your resume isn't strong enough, you might not succeed. Also, if two people get similar scores on the test, the one with the better resume is more likely to pass.
Practice interviews as soon as possible
Some Kearney offices don't use the online test as much anymore, according to what people who applied for jobs there say.
So, we have a guess that if there's no online test in the second step, you might have another interview with HR.
It's a good idea to practice for interviews in advance, especially case interviews, to get better at organizing your thoughts.
Three notes for candidates before taking the Kearney online test
Five tips to prepare for the Kearney tests
Master basic knowledge and theory
Start by focusing on basic math because it's a big part of the Kearney test, about 60%. Here are some things you should know:
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Algebra terms (especially important if English isn't your first language)
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Percentages, ratios, fractions
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Weighted averages
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Basic statistics (mean, mode, median)
There are also three important things to know about probabilities:
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Intersection of events (when many things happen at once)
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Union of 2 events (when at least one of two things happens)
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Complementary events (when the opposite thing happens)
Learn about different types of charts you might see in business, like line chart, bar chart, column chart, stacked area, stacked bar/column, pie chart, and so on. Try to understand what information they show.
Also, make sure you understand basic business concepts like profit margin, growth, and break-even point, and practice case interviews.
What candidates need to learn before taking the Kearney assessments
Practice reading skills
Learn how to read charts and graphs by understanding what they're showing. Take your time to look at each part of the chart and understand what it means.
Also, practice skimming and scanning. Skimming is when you quickly read through something to get the main idea, and scanning is when you look for specific information.
By practicing these skills, you'll be able to find important details in the test passages faster, which will help you do better overall.
Do 20 mock tests before taking the actual one
This means you should start getting ready about a month before the test.
Try doing just one practice test each day. After each test, take a break to go over what you've learned and understand any new ideas or strategies.
This way, you can go at your own pace and make sure you really get the hang of things without getting too stressed out.
Seek practice sources
First, try out some Kearney mock tests. They'll show you what the test is like and what kinds of questions you'll get.
You can also check out resources made for the GMAT test. There are practice tests online and handbooks with helpful formulas that might help you with the Kearney test too.
It's also a good idea to look at tests from other consulting firms, like the McKinsey PST and Bain SOVA test. They're similar to the Kearney test, so practicing with them can be really helpful.
Tips for candidates with little time
If you don't have much time to get ready for the Kearney test, start by practicing the numerical test.
It's super important because it's worth the most points in the test. Lots of consulting firms, like Kearney, look at how good you are at math.
Numerical tests are also more about using formulas, so you can get better at them pretty fast with practice. Plus, the skills you learn in math practice can help you with the logical reasoning part too.
Verbal tests are important too, but they usually take more time to practice, so focus on them based on how much time you have left.
Five tips for candidates to prepare for the Kearney assessments
Practice with MConsultingPrep (including FREE tests)
Do you need extra practice for the Kearney test? We've got you covered!
Comprehensive Math Drills
Math is super important for all consulting tests and interviews, so we made these drills to help you get better at it.
With over 400 math exercises and a free Mental Math Drills tool, you'll be able to ace the test!
Check out our Comprehensive Math Drills now!
Aptitude Test Package
Discover our Aptitude Test Package with over 1400 tests that cover all the different types of tests you might see on the Kearney test.
We'll show you how to solve each problem step-by-step. Plus, you'll get free practice tests to make sure you're ready for the Kearney test.
Case Interview Fundamentals
Remember, as we have said, it's a good idea to start practicing for interviews early. The questions about graphs and tables in the Kearney test are like business case studies.
We suggest watching this playlist of case interviews. It will help you understand business concepts and learn framework and structuring skills. With them, you can solve problems faster during both the test and the interview.
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