Error Checking Test (2024 Guide)

What Are Error Checking Tests and Why Are They Used?

An error checking test is a type of aptitude test that assesses your ability to quickly identify any errors in complex data sets such as codes, or combinations of alpha-numeric characters. These data sets are often referred to as 'strings'.

Generally speaking, error checking tests evaluate your ability to compare a string of figures or numbers and work out which of the options offered is the best match relative to the question posed.

Error checking tests are conducted under severe time constraints. A typical test will give you 20 seconds per question. Therefore, without an understanding of how they work, what they look like and how to answer them quickly, you will not be able to do yourself justice.

With proper free practice, you will be able to achieve a much better score result. Practice does not mean years or even months. In fact you could improve your test performance in a matter of weeks, if not days, so it is well worth putting in a little bit of effort beforehand.

Is an Error Checking Test an Aptitude Test?

Error checking tests are commonly (and perhaps, mistakenly) categorised as an aptitude test (the latter referring to a candidate's ability to easily detect errors in complex data sets). However, practice shows that anyone can rapidly improve their error (data) checking skills by understanding types of data strings, errors, and through practice. Therefore, labelling it as an aptitude test is questionable; it is better to think of them as tests of ability.

Success in error checking tests is about being able to identify abnormalities quickly.

Error Checking Practice Tests

Since an error checking test is not really an aptitude test, it is possible to improve your performance much more quickly than you would for a numerical or logical reasoning test.

Aptitude test tutorials, or 'aptutorials', can be used to achieve this goal. The best way to prepare is to use a combination of tutorials and practice tests.

Practice questions and sample questions can help you get the job you want.

What Is a Data Checking Test?

A data checking test is very similar to an error checking test, though there are some slight differences.

One key difference is that you have less data to work with with these assessment tests. As such, the data checking test is a more simple form of the error checking test, with fewer items to check through.

For example, you may be given a table containing many alpha-numeric strings and have to compare them to one string that you have been given. You will then have to identify the correct match from the table of strings.

Who Takes Error Checking Tests?

Error checking tests are used by employers during the hiring process for applications in a variety of roles, including:

• Administrative staff in the private and public sector
• Commercial sales
• Marketing
• Business development and financial services
• Call centre operations
• Education
• Health
• Hospitality and leisure
• Operational staff in engineering, construction, manufacturing and transport

Kenexa-Style Error Checking Test

In this type of test, you will be provided with two sets (or lists) of data strings to compare such as codes, currency values, credit card numbers, dates, car licence numbers, etc. For each given string of data, you should say whether the two sets contain the same or different items.

An example is provided below:

Potential employers/recruiters want candidates to perform to the best of their ability during their assessment. To that end, making sure that candidates are fully prepared and ready for their test is in everyone's interest. Bear the following tips in mind: