Aon Assessment (cut-e) Tests: scales, gridChallenge and ADEPT-15 Explained

Aon's assessments, still widely known by their old name cut-e, are short, timed ability tests and a personality questionnaire that employers combine into their own battery. Several modules are 'finish as many as you can' in a few minutes, so speed and accuracy both count. This page covers what the Aon assessment is, its format and timings, how it is scored, the rules to know before you start, how to prepare and a practice plan.

What the Aon assessment is

Aon bought cut-e in 2017, and its candidate pages still say 'formerly cut-e'. The library includes the older scales tests, newer game-like Challenge tests such as gridChallenge, and the ADEPT-15 personality questionnaire. Each employer chooses a few modules, so two candidates for different jobs can sit very different tests.

If your invitation is for a different publisher, our guides cover SHL and the CCAT too.

Format and timings

Total: set by the employer; each ability module takes about 2 to 20 minutes, according to Aon's list.

How it is scored

• Results are compared with a norm group, usually as percentiles; the employer sets its own benchmark.
• Aon warns that wrong answers can lower your result, so accuracy matters as well as speed.
• The questionnaire is scored for fit with the role's profile, not as right or wrong.

Rules to know before you start

• You can take breaks between tests but cannot pause a test once it starts.
• Use a calculator only if the test introduction says so; pen and paper help on some tests.
• Most tests run on phones, but Aon strongly recommends a computer with a current browser.
• Retakes are up to the employer.

How to prepare

1. Do Aon's free practice tasks and watch its screencasts so the formats are familiar.
2. Practice for speed on the 'as many as you can' modules, but do not guess wildly.
3. Use a laptop or desktop on a stable connection.
4. Answer the ADEPT-15 honestly and consistently; it is designed to spot inconsistent answers.
5. Start well before the deadline so a technical problem does not cost you the test.

A practice plan

1. Day 1: read the employer's invitation for which tests you will take, then do the publisher's official practice questions untimed.
2. Days 2 and 3: timed practice on your weakest test type, reviewing every mistake.
3. Days 4 and 5: full timed runs in the same browser and device you will use.
4. Day 6: rest, check your setup, and plan a quiet time slot.
5. Day 7: take the test in one sitting, early in the deadline window.

Related guides: what an online assessment is, the SHL assessment, the CCAT.

On the day, and the mistakes to avoid

1. Open the invitation early and note the deadline, the tests included and the time each takes.
2. Use a laptop or desktop with a current browser, on a stable connection, with notifications silenced.
3. Have paper, a pen and, if the instructions allow it, a calculator ready before you start.
4. Read every instruction and example screen; formats differ more than people expect.
5. Take the tests in a quiet room in one sitting, at a time of day when you are sharp.
6. If something breaks, take a screenshot, note the time and contact the employer straight away.

Mistakes that cost candidates:

• Treating untimed or 'as many as you can' tests casually: speed and accuracy are usually both recorded.
• Bringing outside knowledge into reasoning items that must be judged only on the information given.
• Answering personality questions as the 'ideal' candidate instead of honestly, which shows up as inconsistency.
• Starting on a phone when the publisher recommends a computer.
• Leaving the test until the deadline, when any technical problem becomes fatal.

What happens after the Aon assessment

Results usually go to the employer, who compares them with the profile for the role. Shortlisted candidates move on to a video interview, an assessment centre or a first interview, so start preparing for those while you wait. For the next stage, see our guide to online assessments.

Where CoPilot Interview fits

Online assessments are tests you take on your own: outside help is not allowed, and proctoring settings can flag other apps, tab switches or a second voice. Practice beforehand instead. CoPilot Interview is an AI interview assistant; its free AI mock interview prepares you for the interviews that follow the assessment, with questions built from your résumé and the job description and each spoken answer scored out of ten. The free plan gives 15 minutes a day of live help in sessions of up to 15 minutes, with AI mock interviews included. Read the invitation carefully and follow your employer's rules.

Disclosure: CoPilot Interview is our product, so weigh what we say about it accordingly.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Aon assessment the same as cut-e?

Yes. Aon bought cut-e in 2017, and the tests now run under Aon's name, so practice material for cut-e scales tests still applies.

How long does the Aon assessment take?

It depends on the modules your employer chose. Each ability module takes about 2 to 20 minutes, and the ADEPT-15 questionnaire about 30 minutes if included.

Is there negative marking on Aon tests?

Aon does not publish its formula but says wrong answers can lower your result, so accuracy matters. Answer quickly, but do not guess at random.

Can I take the Aon assessment on my phone?

Many tests run on phones, but Aon recommends a computer for the best experience. Use a laptop or desktop if you can.

Can I use AI tools during the Aon assessment?

No, unless the instructions explicitly allow it. Assessments are meant to be taken on your own, and proctoring settings can flag other apps, tab switches or pasted code. Use AI tools to practice beforehand, and follow your employer's rules.