How to Prepare for the Arctic Shores Test – A Complete Prep Guide for 2024
Updated January 26, 2024
- What Is the Arctic Shores Game Based Assessment?
- What Is the Arctic Shores Game Based Assessment?
- Arctic Shores Test Types
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- Arctic Shores Practice Test
- Examples of Tasks You Might Find in Your Arctic Shores Test
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- How to Prepare for Arctic Shores Test
- When Taking the Arctic Shores Aptitude Test
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- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a new role, you will probably have dealt with many different application processes, and gamified assessments like Arctic Shores are becoming more and more popular.
Gamified assessments are used to evaluate several different abilities and skills in a similar way to the more usual psychometric assessments like numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning and personality questionnaires.
To be considered for the role you have applied for, you will need to demonstrate your potential and abilities in the way you approach the games in the Arctic Shores catalog.
In this guide, we will give you all the details you need. We will review each game, look at what you can expect and what the recruitment team is looking for from you in the task.
We will also provide some examples of what you can expect in the assessment and some hints, tips, and tricks to help you perform at your best in the Arctic Shores test.
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What Is the Arctic Shores Game Based Assessment?
Arctic Shores was launched in 2014 as a collaboration between Robert Newry and Dr Safe Hammad.
It focusses on task-based assessments that provide a broader perspective of each candidate, emphasizing their potential and ability rather than relying solely on their resume or CV.
You are likely to take the Arctic Shores test early in the application process. Typically, it is used as a non-biased filtering tool that can be administered to dozens of candidates simultaneously, providing objective data for evaluating candidates.
Arctic Shores tests are often referred to as games, which is true in some ways. However, what they are really is a selection of gamified tasks, each designed to collect thousands of data points about every action you take (or do not take) in the test.
The Arctic Shores test is used in the recruitment process for companies, including KPMG, Deloitte and Metro Bank.
More than three million candidates have completed the assessment as part of the recruitment process.
The Arctic Shores test is delivered similarly to the brain training game applications that you can get on your smartphone, and is one of only a handful of recruitment assessments designed to work with tablets and smartphones.
Each company that uses the assessments might have a slightly different environment in which to present the tasks.
It is in a game called 'Skyrise City', but other games such as 'Pinnacle Valley', 'Cosmic Cadet' and 'GB Psych' might be used.
Some companies (such as KPMG) have their own bespoke environment to deliver these tasks.
When you take the assessment, you will have several different games to play. Each one has different rules, aims, and data-gathering points.
You will have limited time to complete the assessment, and while you can take a break between tasks, it is a good idea to try to complete it all in one session.
What Is the Arctic Shores Game Based Assessment?
The Arctic Shores test is a gamified assessment; however, it is not a game as such. Instead, it presents a series of tasks in an environment that mimics a game, thereby making your responses and behavior during task completion more natural.
You probably wouldn't even recognize the behaviors and skills you demonstrate as you play each game without knowing what each task is assessing beforehand. However, the AI and machine learning running in the background of each game pick up thousands of data points.
There are up to nine different tasks that you might be asked to complete in your “game”. The main types of tests are listed below.
Arctic Shores Test Types
Sequence
In the Sequence game, you are presented with a board of tiles, where different icons will light up in a sequence. You have to remember the sequence of tiles and replicate it through clicks.
What makes this assessment challenging is that it adapts as you play. This means that each sequence gets longer and more complicated, so it is harder to repeat.
You are also likely to find that there are extra icons introduced that are not part of the pattern, and you will need to ignore them.
The Sequence game measures several different aptitudes and skills, including:
- Memory
- Response speed
- Automatic/Controlled behavior
Energy
In the Energy task, you need to press a button to create power in a series of generators.
Each button press will make the generator gain or lose power, and there is a pattern to how it works, which you will need to understand so you don’t drain all the power. Each generator has different rules and patterns.
This measures aspects like:
- Pattern recognition
- Risk tolerance
- Impulsivity
- Learning ability
Direction
The Direction task is a version of the well-known 'arrows' game, which is used on the Arctic Shores psychometric test and gamified assessments like the Pymetrics test.
There are three rows of arrows, and all you need to do is choose which direction the middle arrow is pointing.
There are 80 rounds, and the patterns get more complicated each round, with surrounding arrows changing shape and direction to distract you.
The Direction task is a test that measures things like:
- Problem-solving
- Focus
- Attention to detail
Team
The Team test is a game about being in a team; however, it isn’t necessarily about teamwork.
Essentially, it is a game about decision-making: you are part of a team, and the AI is part of a team; both teams are launching a product, and you have to decide what price point you will market the item at, either high or low.
Throughout the 12 rounds, the pricing from the other team determines the outcome of your decision; therefore, this is a game that focuses on your ability to follow the rules and recognize patterns.
As part of this test, you will be measured on things like:
- Risk tolerance and risk-taking
- Fairness
- Teamwork
- Decision making
- Learning ability
Ticket
In the Ticket task, you will be presented with two boxes containing tickets with changing numbers. You will be asked to complete different actions with the tickets, such as arranging them in the right order.
There are 80 rounds to complete, and each round will feature different rules for arranging the numbers on the tickets.
As the game progresses, the rules become more complicated, and in some cases, they disappear completely.
You need to answer quickly, but not too quickly, and this added time pressure makes it much more challenging.
In this assessment, you are being evaluated on traits like:
- Cognitive processing
- Focus
- Attention
Preparation
The Preparation task is the quite well-known 'balloon popping' game. In this test, you need to press a button which will pump up the balloon.
Each pump makes it bigger and earns you 'cash'. The aim of the task is to collect the most cash possible.
However, the balloon will pop at different intervals, and you will lose all the cash if that happens, so you can choose to ‘bank’ what you have at any point.
There are patterns to when the balloon will pop, so you can take calculated risks to help build your bank.
This task evaluates things like:
- Risk appetite
- Drive
- Motivation
- Pattern recognition
- Learning ability
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Expression
In the Expression task, you need to look at pictures of faces and match the expressions on them with one of the given emotions.
While this might seem straightforward, the expressions become less obvious and more challenging as the game progresses – they are intentionally vague and don’t exactly match the listed expression.
There are 50 rounds in this task, and you are being measured on things like:
- Emotional intelligence
- Workplace intelligence
Security
The Security game is as much about your focus as anything else.
You are given a code lock, which needs to be solved correctly to move on.
To choose the right number, you need to stop the rotating part of the lock on the highlighted number.
There are 20 rounds, and the speed of the rotation changes in each round. If you make a mistake on any part of the number, you have to start again.
In this task, you are being evaluated on:
- Attention
- Quick reactions
- Focus
- Adaptivity
- Learning
Arctic Shores Practice Test
There is no free Arctic Shores practice test available unless you are a candidate who is about to take the assessment.
You will only be able to practice the gamified tasks when you have an official invitation, including a username and a password, to log into the test.
However, there are various places where you can find examples of the tasks you will face in the assessment. This is a great source of information that you can use to build some familiarity with the structure and layout of the games.
Examples of Tasks You Might Find in Your Arctic Shores Test
Question 1 – Direction (Arrows)
Which direction is the middle arrow pointing?
Choose the expression from the list that matches the face.
How to Prepare for Arctic Shores Test
Step 1. Understand the Purpose of the Test
Although the point of the Arctic Shores assessment is the same as other pre-employment tests – to evaluate candidates on the skills, aptitudes and abilities that they will need to be successful in the advertised job – the execution of the test is quite different.
When you are approaching each task, you need to bear in mind what type of person they are looking for in a candidate.
For a position that requires good attention to detail, you will be expected to apply that in the relevant games.
It can be easier to demonstrate these skills if you know what the recruiters are looking for.
Step 2. Familiarise the Test Elements
As mentioned, Arctic Shores do not allow for practicing apart from just before you take the real test, which is why finding reliable practice tests is really important.
With a practice test, you can get used to the way the tasks are structured, and how you are expected to work through the game.
You can get a feel for the animations and the buttons that you will need to press, too.
You can also extend your Arctic Shores assessment practice to include things like brain training apps on your smartphone.
While the gamified assessments are not that similar to the content of these games, the way you are meant to interact with each task is almost the same, which again will help you be more familiar.
Step 3. Pick the Right Testing Environment and Time
You will be given a testing time frame, which will tell you when you need to complete the Arctic Shores test.
This means that you are free to choose the most appropriate time for you, so you can ensure that you are somewhere quiet and distraction free.
You will need to make sure that whatever device you are using to complete the assessment has a good, strong and reliable internet connection, and that it matches the requirements to run the test, which can be found on the Arctic Shores Candidate Preparation page.
When Taking the Arctic Shores Aptitude Test
Read and Follow the Instructions
Each task will have different instructions; therefore, you need to make sure that you are clear on what you need to do, what the aim of the game is and how you are required to complete the task when inputting the Arctic Shores assessment answers.
Take the time to read and understand the instructions so that you don’t make any silly and avoidable mistakes while you are playing.
Stick to What Is Familiar Technique to You
Be yourself as you are playing each Arctic Shores assessment test. This is the best way to demonstrate that you are the person that the recruiter is looking for, and it will help you be more successful in the game you are playing.
Stick to the methods that are most familiar to you when you are approaching the different tasks.
Complete the Test in One Go (If Possible)
You will not be able to take any breaks during the mini games in the assessment, but you are able to take a break in between if you need to.
It is usually a good idea to get the test done in one sitting if you can. The Arctic Shores Test will keep you focused and minimize the chance of outside interference causing a distraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Arctic Shores test is a gamified assessment that is used in recruitment.
Candidates complete several ‘mini games’ on their smartphone or PC, and data is collected that is used to evaluate their ability, aptitude and skills in relation to the requirements of the role that they have applied for.
Passing the Arctic Shores assessment is not about achieving the highest scores in the tasks that you are completing.
Rather, the tasks are used to gather thousands of data points about your behavior, personality and skills that are used to determine whether you are the right fit for the role.
If you complete all the tasks in one sitting, you can expect the Arctic Shores assessment to take about 35 to 40 minutes.
Each mini game takes just a couple of minutes to do, and you are given time to read and understand the instructions, too.
Arctic Shores tests are based on scientific understanding and algorithms, and they are considered to be accurate descriptors of the abilities and aptitudes of candidates. This is why they are used by some of the biggest financial companies in the world.
PwC uses a bespoke version of the Arctic Shores assessment, designed to work with their specific candidate requirements.
If you apply for a role at PwC, the likelihood is that you will be invited to complete an Arctic Shores-based assessment.
The Arctic Shores tests use machine learning and AI to record thousands of data points, collected as you play through the mini game tasks. These are related to specific work-related psychological traits, and the gamified nature of the assessment makes it much more pleasant for the candidate to complete, and much harder to fake.
Arctic Shores tests are used in the recruitment process for roles in many companies, including:
- PwC
- Unilever
- Siemens
- Vodafone
- HSBC
- Arcadis
- KPMG
Arctic Shores test result timing varies by organization. Generally, results are provided after completion, but timelines differ. Some offer immediate feedback, while others may have delays for analysis. Contact the administering organization for the expected timeline and further steps in the hiring process. Procedures and timelines can vary, so direct communication is recommended.
Final Thoughts
The Arctic Shores tests, and other gamified assessments, are becoming increasingly popular with recruitment teams, offering a new way to evaluate candidates for graduate and entry-level roles.
If you are taking an Arctic Shores test, then you need to know what the role you are applying for needs, and understand how each mini-game task is used to evaluate skills.
When taking the test, you won’t necessarily feel the same pressure or nerves that you might in a more traditional psychometric aptitude assessment; however, the data that is being collected will come together to give a wide picture of your abilities and skills.
As with other pre-employment assessments, practice makes perfect; therefore, getting some Arctic Shores game based assessment practice will hep you to learn more about the test.
