Game-Based Assessments (Arctic Shores)
Mini-games that measure cognitive speed, risk tolerance, and personality, be authentic.
What it is
Game-based assessments (Arctic Shores is the most common provider in the UK) use short digital tasks to explore patterns such as reaction timing, risk choices, memory span and adapting to changing instructions. Providers may use the information in different ways. ApprenticeWizard's original practice is not an official or affiliated test.
Who uses it
Growing number of UK graduate and apprenticeship employers replacing or supplementing traditional numerical/verbal tests
Employers specifically trying to reduce unconscious bias in early-stage screening
Some investment banks and technology firms as a pre-screen before online tests
What it tests
Cognitive skills: logical reasoning, numerical aptitude, pattern recognition
Personality signals: resilience under pressure, curiosity, teamwork style, risk tolerance
Reaction timing and sustained attention across short tasks
Working memory: sequencing and pattern tasks that increase in complexity as you perform well
Decision-making calibration: the balloon-pumping task measures whether your risk appetite is appropriately balanced, not maximally cautious or maximally bold
Common mistakes
Over-thinking what each game is measuring
Focus on the task goal shown on screen, not on guessing the hidden construct. The assessment is adaptive and collects thousands of data points, playing naturally produces a more accurate profile than trying to perform a persona.
Rushing without reading the instructions
Spend the first 10 seconds of each game scanning the rules, it is always worth it. Mis-reading a rule costs far more time than reading it carefully before the clock starts.
Letting one difficult round affect the next
Each task is a fresh chance to follow its instructions. Take a breath before moving on and focus on the next activity.
Ignoring the in-app practice mode
Most Arctic Shores assessments include demo levels. Use them to familiarise yourself with the controls before your real attempt, especially if you are on an unfamiliar device or using a touchscreen for the first time.
Trying to perform a particular personality
Use the instructions and make choices that feel natural to you. Trying to guess a hidden trait can distract you from the task.
How to prepare
Check your device and environment the day before: charge your phone or laptop, connect to reliable Wi-Fi, and turn notifications off so they do not interrupt a task.
Prioritise sleep and hydration. Feeling rested can help you stay focused and read each instruction carefully.
Do short daily sprints of 10 minutes of logic or reflex games in the two days before the assessment. Avoid marathon cramming, you cannot meaningfully change your cognitive profile overnight, but you can warm up your reaction speed.
For a balloon-pumping task, notice how you make each choice rather than chasing a target number of pumps.
For pattern and sequencing tasks, 10 minutes of daily Sudoku or Simon-style pattern apps builds the working memory and pattern recognition the games target.
Use 4-6-4 breathing (inhale 4 s, hold 6 s, exhale 4 s) between game blocks to avoid tilt. A calm, focused state between rounds maintains consistent reaction times across the full session.
Free resources
Ready to practise?
Use the Interview Coach to get STAR questions tailored to your target role and sector.
Try Pump & Bank, Light Trail, Catch & Hold and Sort Shift. Original practice, not an official or affiliated test.