The ESB Aptitude Tests form a major part of the ESB Apprenticeship selection process. After submitting an application via the official ESB website (applications typically open in Spring), eligible candidates receive an email invitation to complete a series of online assessments. These tests must usually be completed within a short time window, typically 3–5 days after receiving the email.
ESB Aptitude Tests
What are the ESB Aptitude Tests
The ESB aptitude tests assess key cognitive skills needed for roles within the organisation. They help identify candidates who are most suited to progress to the interview stage of the apprenticeship process. Candidates are typically required to complete the following five online tests:
Verbal Reasoning
Assesses your ability to understand and interpret written information and make logical decisions based on text. Candidates are typically presented with passages of text followed by statements or questions that they need to evaluate as true or false, based on the information provided.
Deductive Reasoning
Evaluates logical thinking and your ability to apply general rules to specific situations. It involves applying general rules to specific instances to see if they apply. This test measures a candidate’s ability to think logically and apply reasoning skills to solve problems.
Mechanical Reasoning
Tests your understanding of mechanical principles such as gears, pulleys, levers, and force. It includes questions on levers, pulleys, gears, springs, and other mechanical concepts. It’s particularly relevant for roles that require technical and engineering knowledge, assessing how well an individual can apply physical principles to solve practical problems.
Numeracy
The Numeracy section of the ESB aptitude tests assesses mathematical ability, problem-solving, and confidence with numerical information.. This test assesses an individual’s ability to correctly apply mathematical principles and techniques in solving equations and completing numerical sequences.
Spatial Reasoning
This Spatial Reasoning ESB aptitude test measures your ability to visualise shapes, understand spatial relationships and mentally manipulate objects. It includes visualising shapes and patterns, understanding spatial relationships, and manipulating shapes mentally. It’s crucial for roles that involve planning, design, engineering, and technical tasks, where visualising how different parts fit together is essential.
How well you perform is very important
The online ESB aptitude tests are very time intensive. Those that perform the highest in the aptitude tests are those that are given the chance to be called through to the next stage of the ESB Apprenticeship selection process, the interview stage. Therefore how well you perform at the aptitude tests is important in giving yourself the best chance of progressing.
Why Your Test Performance Matters
The ESB aptitude tests are highly time-intensive and competitive. Those who achieve the strongest test scores are most likely to progress to the next stage of the ESB Apprenticeship selection process; the interview. Strong performance here is essential for progressing.
Apprenticeship Aptitude Test Preparation Course
The ESB Apprenticeship competition is extremely competitive, and the aptitude tests are one of the biggest filters in the recruitment process.
Our expert-designed preparation course helps you:
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Understand each test format
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Practise realistic sample questions
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Build speed and accuracy
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Gain confidence under timed conditions
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Master all five test types
We are Ireland’s No. 1 provider of ESB aptitude test preparation.
Find out More
Please note: Applying for a Career Services preparation course is not applying for an apprenticeship. Career Services is a private education company that helps people to prepare for entrance exams and interviews and bears no association or influence with the organisations mentioned on this website. Our courses are not mandatory, they are optional, but very popular each year.
