Prep Information for the MI5 Assessment Test

For anyone who would like to work for the MI5 and get an amazing start to their security career, it’s important to learn about the MI5 assessment tests and understand what sort of skills you might need to brush up on before you try them for yourself. If you’ve been invited to undergo an assessment for this prestigious firm, it’s crucial to prepare and get ahead of anyone else competing for the job – and we can help you with doing just that.

We’ll help you work out which skills are going to be called on and how you can sharpen them so you appear at your absolute best on the day. Putting some time and energy into your preparations could pay major dividends later, so use our advice to get practising!

What is MI5?

MI5 are the United Kingdom’s security service, who work in counter-intelligence and protect the UK from threats of many different kinds. Their staff require varied skills and they have many different positions, so no matter where your area of expertise lies, you’re likely to find a role which suits you. They have careers in languages, technology, intelligence, and many others, so if you’re interested in a company working to protect the UK, it’s definitely worth applying with them.

What Tests Might I Undertake to Work for MI5?

MI5 are a highly specialised company, so it stands to reason they will have high expectations for their staff – and a stringent hiring process is part of how they uphold high standards. What you’ll be expected to do to prove yourself may vary somewhat according to the position you apply for, but we’ll guide you through a few of the processes. Remember to get further detail from HR if you need it!

First of all, you’ll usually be required to submit a written application detailing your work experience and qualifications – much like any standard job application, although who you can tell about your application will be limited!

You’ll also do a security questionnaire, which will ask you to cover things such as any criminal convictions, drug use, alcohol habits, etc. It’s crucial to be honest on this; any misinformation will result in immediate termination – assuming that a company which specialises in information doesn’t find out before they even hire you.

Next, you’ll likely be invited to do two psychometric tests online. MI5 use Cubiks for their tests, so you can prepare by practising with some Cubiks psychometric tests online. This is essentially the only way to get good at these sorts of tests; practice, practice, practice more. The two tests are the Situational Judgment Test and the Cubiks Verbal Test. Let’s break these down:

The Situational Judgment Test is looking at several different things. Firstly, it’s looking at your ability to work in a team. During the test, you’ll be given a variety of hypothetical situations which you might face at work, and asked to choose the best solutions or outcomes. This will vary depending on which role you’ve applied to, so make sure you have a full job description in front of you while taking practice tests – that will ensure you know exactly what answers they’re looking for. Think about how to show off your organisation skills, your problem-solving abilities, and your teamwork. These are all key to thriving at MI5.

Next, the Cubiks Verbal Test. This is a timed test, so practising in advance to build your confidence is crucial. In it, you will be given a passage of writing and required to answer questions relating to the passage. Accuracy and speed are both being measured, and you’ll be in direct competition with other candidates, so this is a high-pressure situation.

If you succeed at both of these tests, you’ll face a Qualifying Test, held at the MI5 assessment centre in London. This is a written test, in which you’ll be assessed for a number of things, including your ability to find the key information in large amounts of data, your decision-making skills, and your comprehension. Again, speed and accuracy will both be important during this test, so preparation is key.

If you’re successful again, you’ll be invited to a telephone interview, and that is followed by a much more secretive day at the MI5 assessment centre – during which your health, your teamwork skills, your suitability for the job, and many other things will be assessed again. This is not an easy situation to get to, so let’s talk about how to prepare and give yourself the best possible chance of having this opportunity.

How Best to Prepare for the MI5 Assessment Test:

The first step is to be absolutely clear about the role requirements for whatever position you’re applying for. Get a full description and study it carefully, highlighting key areas which you might be particularly strong or weak in, and considering how to deal with those to show yourself in the best possible light.

Next, get practising, particularly for the two psychometric tests you’ll need to do online. The written application and security questionnaire shouldn’t pose major problems if you’re qualified for the job, but these two assessments might prove trickier. Use your job description to guide yourself in the Situational Judgment Test, and focus on why particular outcomes might be the right ones. Take plenty of practice tests online until you feel confident.

While practising for the Verbal Test, make sure you’re working with a timer and limit yourself so you don’t have to stress about the addition of time constraints when you do the real thing. Try not to think about the other candidates, but practice the Cubiks tests over and over again until you’re both confident and competent. There’s no other way to pass!

We’ve gathered some materials which will give you what you need for these exams, so make use of these things to maximise your chances. Anything you might need, we have here; get studying!