PwC's online assessment is the first test after you apply, and in the UK it has two parts: a behavioural questionnaire and a timed cognitive test, both hosted on SHL's platform, followed by an on-demand video interview. Some other PwC territories use a short set of games instead, so the format depends on where you apply. This page covers what the PwC online 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 PwC online assessment is
PwC UK describes the first stage as online assessments that measure cognitive skills, behaviours, natural preferences and reasoning. The behavioural part is untimed; the cognitive part is timed and, according to prep providers, mixes numerical, verbal and logical or inductive reasoning. PwC's Central and Eastern Europe careers site describes a different first step: a game-based assessment of short games, each about three minutes, designed on traditional psychometric tests and playable in a desktop browser or in the HireVue app on a phone.
For the interviews that follow, see the PwC interview process and Big Four interviews in the UK.
Format and timings
| Part | What it involves | Time and questions |
|---|---|---|
| Behavioural assessment (UK) | Work-style and preference questions, no right answers | Untimed; PwC's US FAQ suggests about 20 minutes for its work-styles test |
| Cognitive assessment (UK) | Numerical, verbal and logical or inductive reasoning on SHL | Timed; prep providers report roughly 17 to 25 minutes for about 18 numerical items |
| Game-based assessment (some territories) | About five short games on reasoning, numbers and how you handle new problems | About 3 minutes per game, no more than 15 minutes in total |
| On-demand video interview | Recorded answers on screen, reviewed by a PwC assessor | Short preparation window and a timed answer per question, as commonly reported |
Total: about 45 to 60 minutes for the UK behavioural and cognitive parts as candidates commonly report them, plus the video interview; about 15 minutes where games are used.
How it is scored
- Your cognitive results are compared with a norm group; PwC does not publish a cut-off.
- The behavioural questionnaire is scored for fit with how PwC works, not as right or wrong.
- Game-based candidates receive a feedback report on working style but not a detailed score, according to PwC's CEE page.
- A 2027-intake guide reports that a PwC assessor, not an algorithm, reviews the recorded video answers.
Rules to know before you start
- Take the tests on a laptop or desktop in one sitting; the cognitive part cannot be paused once started.
- PwC's CEE page says game-based candidates can retry after six months or longer.
- PwC recruits on a rolling basis for most programmes, so places can fill before any published deadline.
- Outside help, including AI tools, is not allowed in the tests or the recorded interview.
How to prepare
- Use PwC's own practice material on its employability hub and SHL's free practice tests.
- Do timed numerical sets on tables and charts with a calculator, since that is the part candidates most often find tight.
- For the behavioural test, answer as you actually work; it looks for consistency.
- Prepare video answers on why PwC, why your chosen business area and a teamwork story.
- If your territory uses games, play them when you are alert, with your device charged and notifications off.
A practice plan
- Day 1: read the employer's invitation for which tests you will take, then do the publisher's official practice questions untimed.
- Days 2 and 3: timed practice on your weakest test type, reviewing every mistake.
- Days 4 and 5: full timed runs in the same browser and device you will use.
- Day 6: rest, check your setup, and plan a quiet time slot.
- Day 7: take the test in one sitting, early in the deadline window.
Related guides: UK assessment centres, the Watson Glaser test, the SHL assessment.
On the day, and the mistakes to avoid
- Open the invitation early and note the deadline, the tests included and the time each takes.
- Use a laptop or desktop with a current browser, on a stable connection, with notifications silenced.
- Have paper, a pen and, if the instructions allow it, a calculator ready before you start.
- Read every instruction and example screen; formats differ more than people expect.
- Take the tests in a quiet room in one sitting, at a time of day when you are sharp.
- 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 PwC online 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
What tests are in the PwC online assessment?
In the UK, a behavioural questionnaire and a timed cognitive test covering numerical, verbal and logical reasoning, both on SHL. Some territories use a short set of games instead.
How long is the PwC online assessment?
PwC does not publish one figure. Candidates commonly report about 45 to 60 minutes for the UK tests; the game-based version takes about 15 minutes.
What comes after the PwC online assessment?
In the UK, an on-demand video interview, then a virtual assessment centre with individual and group tasks, and for some roles a final business interview with a senior leader.
Is the PwC video interview scored by AI?
A 2027-intake guide reports that PwC assessors review the recordings and that PwC does not use AI to assess early-careers performance. Treat it as a real interview either way.
Can I use AI tools during the PwC online 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.
Practice this interview before the real one
The AI mock interview builds questions from your resume and the job description, reads them aloud and scores each spoken answer out of 10. Included on the free plan.
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