What are Cut-e tests?
Originally founded in 2002, Cut-e is a renowned assessment and talent measurement company that provides online aptitude tests.
In 2017, Cut-e was acquired by leading insurance company AON, and since then their tests have been taken by over 30 million candidates a year, spanning a huge variety of industries and countries. Big firms including O2 and Deloitte use Cut-e tests as part of a competitive selection and hiring process.
Cut-e tests are also used regularly by airlines who want to ensure trainee pilots have the advanced technical knowledge, skills and strengths essential to fly aircraft. The tests help aviation companies to get a good sense of who they want to take forward into the rigorous training programme, thus ensuring they invest into the right candidates.
Cut-e tests are taken through a dedicated online portal called MapTQ. MapTQ is compatible with smartphones, desktops, laptops and tablets — so all you need to take the test is a device and a stable internet connection.
Cut-e test types
There are a huge variety of different Cut-e tests. And while there are tests that have been designed specifically to assess relevant skills for the aviation industry, there are also tests that probe candidates' aptitude for numbers, and even personality traits — these tests are also used by a lot of aviation companies and pilot training academies.
All of the tests are created by an item generator, which makes it much harder to cheat as each one is different.
Below you'll find an overview of the core Cut-e tests and what they involve:
Cut-e scales verbal test
The Cut-e verbal test assesses your ability to draw information from quite complex passages of text.
In just 12 minutes, you'll have to answer a number of multiple choice questions (up to 49) that aim to see whether you're able to differentiate between fact and inference. For each question, you'll be asked to determine the accuracy of the statements provided.
There are a lot of tasks to work through, but you're not necessarily expected to finish them all. Instead, it's important to keep calm and try to answer as many as you can, and as well as you can.
Cut-e scales numerical test
This 12 minute test is designed to uncover how comfortable you are working with numbers and mathematical principles.
You'll need to read through the tables, charts and graphs presented on the test before answering multiple choice questions that require you to say whether something is 'true', 'false' or if you have 'insufficient information' to decide, based on what's in front of you.
To make the test more complex, the data you need is on different tabs and you'll need to navigate between tabs to ensure you have the relevant information to answer as many questions as you can out of a possible 37.
Cut-e inductive scales clx test
This six minute test is all about examining your inductive and logical reasoning. Which essentially means how strong you are at identifying rules and relationships between seemingly random patterns and objects.
You'll be presented with two categories of tables and asked to find the relationships that govern the patterns. In doing so, you show a prospective employer whether you have the logical thinking skills they require to hire you for the role.
The inductive scales clx test is used in the hiring process for industries where data analysis and interpretation is important (such as aviation), as well as for managerial positions and trainee roles.
Cut-e deductive scales lst test
The deductive scales lst test also probes candidates' logic.
On the test, you can expect to see a graphic containing a pattern. Within just six minutes you'll need to use your logical thinking skills to understand this pattern, before filling the empty cell. Similar to a sudoku, you're only able to use a shape once to fill a row or column.
Deductive reasoning is all about looking at the information in front of you, and using it to form logical conclusions. It's a useful skill for a huge variety of roles.
Cut-e mechanical scales mtu tests
Mechanical and technical understanding is crucial for a huge range of positions in industries such as aviation and engineering. These skills are put to the test on the Cut-e mechanical scales mtu test.
You'll be asked to review a series of mechanical graphs before answering multiple choice questions on the information that's been presented to you. This helps employers to assess whether you have the necessary technical and mechanical skills and knowledge to progress in the role you're applying for.
The mechanical test is 15 minutes long.
Cut-e personality questionnaire
Personality questionnaires are designed to assess the key characteristics and traits of the individual taking the test.
Here, there are no 'right' or 'wrong' answers, but there are certainly answers that align with the ethos and values of the company you're applying to work for. Being honest is really important, but it's also worth thinking about what the employer might be looking for.
With the Cut-e personality questionnaire, you'll see three statements on each page and you'll need to rate how reflective each of these statements are of your personality.
There are versions of this test for graduates, management and sales roles.
Cut-e situational judgement test
Situational judgement tests help employers to see what kind of employee you're likely to be by presenting you with a series of different workplace challenges and asking how you'd respond if you were put in that situation.
Again, there are no 'right' or 'wrong' answers, but there are answers deemed to be appropriate for the role you're applying for. So it's important to bear that in mind and ensure you're familiar with the company's values, ethos and objectives before taking this Cut-e test.
This test is used for a huge variety of roles in the aviation industry and beyond, as it's a really useful indicator of whether someone is likely to be a strong culture fit.
Cut-e spatial scales spr test
Spatial reasoning tests examine your ability to mentally manipulate 2D and 3D shapes in order to answer questions. These tests are often used in technical and engineering roles, where such skills are highly valued.
In the Cut-e spatial scales spr test, you'll be presented with a number of different geometric shapes and asked, if folded, what that shape would become.
You'll only have 10 minutes to work through the equations, so it's really important to have practised some shape manipulation tasks before taking this test.
Which airlines use Cut-e tests?
Cut-e tests are used by a number of airlines including easyJet, Etihad, Jet2 and Aer Lingus as well as many pilot training academies.
Airlines and pilot training academies use the Cut-e tests to recruit trainee pilots, but they also use them to monitor progress and help ensure the right people are put forward for progression opportunities.
When it comes to recruitment, the tests help to minimise the risk of taking on trainees that don't have the necessary skills and knowledge by rigorously assessing them beforehand. This then reduces the huge cost implications of hiring the wrong people, especially when it comes to pilots.
As well as many of the core Cut-e tests, there are specific pilot training and progression Cut-e tests such as the ndb test, which assesses specific piloting capabilities and knowledge.
How to prepare for and pass your Cut-e test
1. Brush up on your skills and knowledge — before trying any Cut-e tests, it's always a good idea to brush up on your skills and knowledge. Whether that's revisiting some graphs and charts, putting your 2D and 3D shape manipulation to the test, or reading up on the company you're applying for so you understand what they're looking for in their employees.
2. Make sure you try Cut-e tests — the format and style of the Cut-e tests is highly unique, so it's important you've specifically practised Cut-e tests, rather than general psychometric tests.
3. Don't compromise accuracy for speed — with so little time to work through the questions it can be easy to forget about the importance of accuracy. Try and find a good balance between the two when you work through practice tests.
4. Read the instructions carefully — the instructions on Cut-e tests are notoriously challenging. So make sure you read each one thoroughly and try to ensure you understand before you start. It may feel like a waste of precious time, but you're likely to do much better if you fully understand what's being asked of you.
5. Where possible don't use your phone — although Cut-e tests are mobile optimised, it's much easier to navigate the interface on a desktop or laptop, and with speed such a crucial factor in these tests, it's recommended you avoid using a mobile phone if possible.
