The Kenexa Prove It assessment suite is a widely used skills testing system employed by employers across the United Kingdom to evaluate candidates' proficiency in specific areas. These assessments are designed to verify technical abilities rather than personality traits or general cognitive reasoning. For job seekers preparing for recruitment processes involving these tests, access to practice materials and sample questions is a critical part of preparation. While the term "free samples" is often associated with consumer goods, in the context of skills testing, it refers to sample questions and practice packs designed to familiarise candidates with the test format and content. The provided source material outlines the types of assessments available, the specific skills they cover, and methods for preparation, including the use of practice packs and sample questions.
Understanding the Kenexa Prove It Assessment Suite
The Kenexa Prove It! tests comprise a battery of over 1,200 hands-on skills assessments that employers can select from to ensure candidates possess the necessary skills for the role. These assessments are distinct from aptitude or personality tests, focusing instead on practical, job-related competencies. The tests are interactive and simulate the actual software environments candidates will use in the workplace.
According to the source data, the Prove It tests are primarily used to assess skills in Microsoft Office programs, specifically Excel and Word, as well as typing, data entry, and accounting. The assessments are structured to give employers an insight into how well a candidate knows how to use these programs. The tests are not timed, with the exception of typing tests, allowing candidates to complete them at their own pace.
Microsoft Office Assessments
The Prove It Microsoft tests for Word and Excel are separate assessments. They are designed to be interactive, ensuring candidates feel as though they are using the actual Microsoft programs. Both tests feature three distinct sections: * Basic level: Targeted at the everyday general user. * Advanced level: Designed for those needing to create complex documents. * Combined level: A section that integrates both basic and advanced skills.
In the Prove It Excel Test, candidates are presented with an example of an Excel sheet and tasks to complete at the bottom of the sheet. This practical approach tests the user's ability to navigate the software and perform specific functions.
Accounting Tests
For roles requiring financial expertise, Kenexa offers specific Prove It Accounting Tests. These are available in several varieties to match the specific requirements of the job. The source material identifies the following types: * Accounts Payable: Tests the ability to process invoices and checks. * Accounts Receivable: Assesses skills in billing, cash flow management, and payments. * Accounts Bookkeeping: Evaluates the recording of business transactions. * General Accounting: Assesses general accounting knowledge and abilities.
These accounting tests typically consist of approximately forty multiple-choice questions. The accounts payable test specifically evaluates the processing of invoices, purchasing orders, and checks. The accounts receivable test assesses understanding of cash flows, crediting to customer accounts, invoice and billing concepts, collections, journal entries, and applying payments. The bookkeeping test evaluates familiarity with basic accounting concepts, processes, and the recording of common business transactions.
Personality Assessment
Although distinct from the skills-based Prove It tests, the source material also mentions a Prove It personality assessment. This consists of sixty untimed questions, generally taking fifteen to twenty minutes to complete. Candidates rate statements about work behaviour on a five-point scale, from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree." While most questions relate to work, some cover general personality traits.
Preparation Strategies and Accessing Practice Materials
Preparation for the Prove It tests is emphasised as a crucial step for candidates. The source data suggests several methods for preparing, many of which involve accessing practice materials that function as "samples" of the actual test content.
Using Practice Packs and Sample Questions
One of the primary preparation methods highlighted is downloading and practising using the programs that will be tested. Practice packs are available that contain free sample questions and detailed answer explanations. These packs are designed to help candidates become familiar with the test format and the types of tasks they will be required to perform.
For candidates expecting to be assessed on Excel and Word skills, the source material explicitly states the need to practice using these programs. Similarly, for data entry tests, candidates are advised to find helpful data entry and typing tips, including learning about muscle control, posture, and typing without looking at the keyboard.
Comprehensive practice guides for Prove It tests are also available for download. These guides typically provide handy tips, examples of questions, and explanations of the answers. Candidates are encouraged to complete as many practice papers as possible from these packs to build confidence and proficiency.
Identifying Test Requirements
Candidates should ideally be informed by the company if they are expected to complete Prove It tests during the recruitment process. However, if this information is not provided, the source material advises checking the job description for the specific skills required for the position. If the skills are not listed, candidates should ask the recruiter directly. This ensures that preparation efforts are focused on the correct assessment areas.
Researching the Company
In addition to technical preparation, candidates are advised to research the company to which they are applying. This research provides insight into what the company expects from candidates and employees and can reveal the different tasks the candidate will be expected to complete in the role. This context can help tailor the preparation approach.
Specific Test Mechanics and Navigation
Understanding how to navigate the assessment is also part of the preparation. For certain Prove It tests, candidates will need to use the Shift keys and the Enter key to navigate the assessment. This practical detail is important for ensuring a smooth testing experience.
Context of Use: Companies and Recruitment
The Prove It tests are used by a variety of companies to shortlist candidates. The source data mentions specific examples of organisations that utilise these assessments to ensure potential employees are the right fit.
- Area Temps: This staffing agency asks all applicants to pass one or several Kenexa Prove It tests. The results are used by recruiters to shortlist candidates for face-to-face interviews.
- BizViz: A company specialising in Big Data Analytics, BizViz uses Kenexa tests as part of its recruitment process for candidates wishing to join its team.
- Legent: A human resource staffing company focused on Finance and Accounting, Legent uses these tests to find suitable candidates for positions such as Accounting Clerks, Payroll Specialists, and Bookkeepers.
- A full-service search and staffing agency in Ottawa, Ontario: Although this example is located in Canada, it illustrates the broad use of Kenexa assessments by recruitment agencies.
These examples demonstrate that passing the Prove It tests is often a prerequisite for advancing to the interview stage in many recruitment processes.
The Role of Aptitude Tests in Recruitment
While the Prove It tests focus on specific software and accounting skills, Kenexa also offers a range of aptitude tests. These are separate from the Prove It suite but are often used in conjunction with them. The source material outlines several Kenexa aptitude test types:
- Numerical Reasoning Test: Part of the Kenexa Infinity Series, this test assesses the ability to interpret and analyze numerical data, understand profit margins, and work out percentages. It is 20 minutes long with 20 questions.
- Verbal Reasoning Test: Also part of the Infinity Series, this test examines communication skills with team members and customers. It is 20 minutes long and contains 24 statements.
- Computer Adaptive Test: A newer addition, this is a blended test including verbal, numerical, and logical reasoning. It adjusts its difficulty based on whether the candidate answers correctly or incorrectly.
It is important for candidates to distinguish between these aptitude tests and the hands-on Prove It skills assessments when preparing.
Conclusion
The Kenexa Prove It assessment suite is a comprehensive tool used by employers to verify practical skills in software applications, accounting, and data entry. For UK job applicants facing these assessments, preparation is key. Accessing practice packs that offer sample questions and explanations, practising directly with the relevant software, and understanding the specific test mechanics are essential steps. By researching the company and confirming the specific tests required, candidates can focus their preparation effectively. While the source material does not detail where to find specific free sample question banks, it confirms that practice packs containing such samples are a standard and recommended preparation resource.