
- Basic Math
- Numerical Reasoning & Series
- Verbal Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning (Inductive & Deductive)
- Situational Judgement Tests
- Personality Tests
- Mechanical Reasoning
- Error Checking Tests
- Memory Tests
Tests: 148 Questions: +2000
ACER (CSPA) Aptitude Test: A Guide for Success
ACER, Australian Center for Education Research, is one of the leading evaluation curators in Australia. Their thoroughly research aptitude tests and assessments help prepare thousands from students to employers.
They have a wide array of exams that are meant to test niche audiences and the CSPA, or core skills profile for adults, is no different. If you have been tasked with taking the ACER Aptitude Test, use this guide to help you prepare.
What is the ACER (CSPA) Aptitude Test?
While ACER does have a large number of tests intended for use by colleges and students, the CSPA test is specifically meant to evaluate the skills and professional aptitude of adults. It is incredibly popular with Australian companies because it allows them to narrow down their hiring pool early in the application process.
What Does the Test Look Like?
The exam takes a deep dive into each examinee’s skills and potential through the use of 5 sections.
Numeracy
Numeracy, or numerical reasoning, is the ability to use logic and other cognitive abilities to solve problems using mathematical and numerical data. In other words, looking at graphs and charts to answer questions.
In the numeracy section of the ACER, the test takers will be asked to solve simple calculations using data that they must find in writing, graphs, and charts. The test taker may also be asked to solve problems that show a basic understanding of using numerical measuring tools like a tape measurer or protractor.
Additionally, a basic understanding of probability and ratios is also useful as those types of problems frequently show up on numerical reasoning exams.
Example Question:
Sasha works as a babysitter on the weekends. She charges a different hourly rate depending on how many children she is taking care of per night. If Sasha charges $20 per hour to take care of one child, and she charges 25% more per hour for two children, how much more money would she make babysitting two children for 3 hours than babysitting one child for 3 hours?
$15
$17
$20
$21
Reading Comprehension
The reading portion of the ACER is filled with passages and information that must be read and understood in order to answer multiple choice questions. The overall theme and purpose of each reading needs to be ascertained in order to correctly answer questions. This section may also include oddly worded material that forces you to use context clues and logical reasoning to understand the intent of the words.
Example Question:
Review the facts below.
- Jason owns a black car.
- All trucks are black.
Based on these facts, is the following statement true or false?
All black vehicles are trucks.
Writing
In the writing portion of the ACER (CSPA), the examinee will be tasked with creating a short form of writing based on a specific prompt or request. The writing will be evaluated on both accuracy in grammar and syntax, and how well they followed instructions. The final piece must also be concise and properly express the intended message.
Example Prompt:
On Monday you checked the time off request log and it was empty. On Tuesday morning you checked the log again to find a time off request from Jessica for the following Thursday’s shift.
Company policy is time off must be requested at least 72 hours in advance.
Write an email to Jessica informing her that her time off cannot be approved.
Use the language and structure you find best and include whatever information you feel is necessary.
Mechanical reasoning
The mechanical reasoning section covers the test taker’s knowledge of mechanics, mechanical reasoning, logical reasoning, and the overall potential for learning new concepts and skills.
There will be a selection of questions illustrated with an example of a mechanical device or physics scenario. These questions will ask the examinee to make logical choices based on their knowledge of physics as well as calculate basic measurements like area, diameter, volume, and more.
The test is usually between 15-30 questions in length and timed. The tester’s final score will have two forms. The first is the raw score based on how many questions they got correct. The second is their score in comparison to the scores of others who applied for the same position.
This dual level of scoring is helpful because a test taker who scored a 60% on the raw score may find themselves being compared with a group that has an average test score below 60%.
Example Question:
Question: Based on the image, which is heavier?

ACER Abstract reasoning Test
Abstract reasoning exams are a form of psychometric testing that use patterns, relationships, and the understanding of rules to present complex puzzles and problems. Testers might be given a series of images from which they must ascertain a pattern or relationship among items. Another type of abstract reasoning question involves observing a 3D shape and trying to find its unfolded, 2D version.
Example Question:
Choose the shape (A-D) that is identical to the first, only rotated.

How to Prepare for the ACER (CSPA) Aptitude Test
Preparing for the ACER test might sound impossible, but JobAssessmentHelp has made it easy. With our study materials and expertly crafted practice tests, you can learn all the skills necessary for each section of the ACER.