A plain walk-through of the KPMG UK graduate route as KPMG describes it publicly, with a focus on the timed numerical and logical reasoning part.
As of 12 October 2026, KPMG UK describes four graduate stages: application, two online assessments, a recorded video interview and an in-person Launch Pad half day. The cognitive part is a timed numerical and logical reasoning assessment of 36 minutes, and KPMG names SHL as the provider. Process details vary by role, country and year, so confirm them in your own invitation.
KPMG splits the online stage into two pieces, and they are quite different in feel.
This part is scenario-based and asks how you would think, feel or respond in a situation. KPMG says it is untimed but suggests leaving about 20 minutes. It is a behavioural-style stage, and ReasonEra does not cover that part.
This is the reasoning section. KPMG describes it as numerical and logical reasoning, with 36 minutes to complete it. The overview page lists the whole online stage as 60 minutes, which fits the roughly 20 plus 36 minutes of the two parts once you allow for instructions.
KPMG's page names SHL and points to SHL practice tests. It does not say how many questions there are, what the logical items look like, or whether the two reasoning sections have separate clocks. Those details are not publicly confirmed by KPMG, so read the instruction screens in your invitation carefully.
Without claiming anything about KPMG's exact items, these are the general skills such tests are built around. Numerical reasoning usually presents tables or charts and asks for percentages, ratios, changes over time or comparisons. Logical reasoning, in most business tests, means spotting a rule in a sequence of shapes or symbols, or drawing a valid conclusion from given statements.
For background on the publisher's product families, see SHL cognitive ability assessments and the general guide to numerical reasoning test formats.
KPMG says the assessments must be done independently, without help from other people, artificial intelligence or other resources, and that it will re-test elements of the online assessments. It also asks you to use a desktop or laptop, recommends Chrome, and wants a stable internet connection. If you need adjustments, KPMG asks you to say so on your application and again before each assessment stage, using the contact details on its page.
KPMG recommends doing the practice tests before the live assessment, and that is sensible because the first live minute should not also be your first sight of the layout. A simple plan:
ReasonEra is a browser-based AI tutor for practice material. You upload a screenshot of a practice question from any source, pick Quick Verify or Tutor Explanation, and get the answer with the reasoning laid out step by step. That makes it a useful way to understand why a numerical or logical practice item works. A free account includes 3 free trials, and the 14-Day Pass costs 49 € for unlimited use for 14 days. See the numerical reasoning solver and the logical reasoning solver pages for what each covers. Use it with practice items only, and complete your real KPMG assessments on your own as KPMG requires.
KPMG says candidates receive a personalised skills feedback report based on the skills it assesses. Those who are unsuccessful at a later stage can ask for feedback. The Launch Pad stage has fixed dates and venues published on the KPMG page, which differ from year to year, so check the current list instead of relying on an older article.
Hiring processes are revised from year to year, so double-check the specifics before you plan around them.
ReasonEra is a study aid, but some assessments are proctored and many forbid any assistance, so read your invitation and keep ReasonEra for preparation.
Yes. KPMG UK says its graduate online assessment includes a timed cognitive assessment covering numerical and logical reasoning. It lists 36 minutes for that part.
KPMG's graduate application page names SHL and links to SHL practice tests. KPMG does not publish which exact SHL test versions are used.
No. KPMG says the skills assessment is untimed, though it suggests allowing about 20 minutes. The cognitive assessment is the timed part.
KPMG says the assessments must be completed without help from other people, AI or other resources. Check the instructions in your invitation for anything about calculators, as KPMG does not state this on the pages we read.
Successful candidates are invited to a recorded video interview with six questions, then to the in-person Launch Pad half day. KPMG says offers follow within two working days of Launch Pad.
Use the free trials on the question types you find hardest, and compare the explanations with what you expected.
Orders are completed with Paddle. The Refund & Cancellation Policy explains what happens if you change your mind.
Notes. Statements about the employer or publisher were checked against public pages, and each source is named on the page. ReasonEra has no affiliation with the organisations named on this page.