MBB Consulting UK: Applications, Online Tests & Case Studies (2025)

Considered the big three of strategy firms, MBB consulting refers to the most esteemed groups globally:

• McKinsey
• Boston Consulting Group
• Bain & Company

These top MBB firms offer exceptional career growth, with opportunities to work in the private and public sector with organisations including the UK government agencies and multinational corporations such as many esteemed Fortune 500 companies.

Keep reading to learn more about each individual strategy consultancy.

An MBB consultant at McKinsey, BCG, and Bain provides strategic organisational advice that impacts a company's structure and performance and helps achieve business goals. Some of the topics an MBB consultant might advise on include business growth, restructuring initiatives, and company efficiency. 

As the oldest consultant group on this list, at nearly 100 years old, McKinsey is known for its extensive industry knowledge, operating with offices in over 65 cities worldwide, it is considered the most prestigious and top MBB consulting firm.

• McKinsey Imbellus Test: Known more casually as the McKinsey Problem Solving Test, this 70-minute online test analyses 5 key criteria. It is known to be highly difficult, so studying is a must!
  • 2 interactive game-based assessments at 35 minutes long for a total of 60-to-75 minutes.
    • Ecosystem Building
    • RedRock
  • Key Criteria Examined: Critical Thinking, System Thinking, Meta-Cognition, Situational Awareness and Decision Making.

Located in 100 countries, BCG is an elite strategic consultancy known for its top-notch problem-solving approach.

• BCG Pymetrics Aptitude Test: The Pymetrics Exams consider 91 behaviour, cognitive, and social metrics. This challenging Pymetrics Test examines how well you align with MBB Consulting's key values.
  • Composed of 12 games, with a time limit of 2 to 3 minutes (45-50 minutes total)
  • 91 abilities tested
    • Verbal Reasoning Test: Quizzes your ability to read a text and explain arguments.
    • Numerical Reasoning Test: Using basic GSCE mathematics skills, this test examines your ability to use numbers to draw conclusions.

• BCG Case Interview: Known as Casey for short, the BCG Case Interview is one of the most intense and demanding parts of the recruitment process and the most crucial. This assessment requires quick, rational decision-making and data analysis. 
  • Occurs at BCG Assessment Centre: You will be evaluated by senior management in a group setting to assess how well you might interact within a consulting firm.
    • Group Activity: You will be placed into a group of other applicants and be given a task. 
      • The goal is to show how well you communicate and listen to other individuals. 
    • Presentation Exercise: You will have to give a presentation on a topic of the assessor's choosing. You will want to speak clearly and have confident body language during this exercise. 

Bain is known for its top-notch company culture. With global offices in over 60 countries, Bain collaborates primarily with private equity groups. Bain & Company was founded by a BCG company alumni in 1973.

• Bain SOVA Assessment: This exam tests your numerical problem-solving and critical thinking skills in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
  • 20 to 30 questions, 60 minutes.
  • This high-pressure exam measures how well you respond to stress with a strict time limit.
  • 4 Types of SOVA Assessments:
    • Numerical Reasoning: Tests the ability to read graphs and use numbers to draw conclusions in a business-oriented environment. 
    • Verbal Reasoning: Tests your reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.
    • Abstract Reasoning: You will answer two types of questions and a series of questions. 
    • Situational Judgment Test (SJT): Analyses your personality based on Bain's core values.

1. Online Application and Recruiter Screening

• Submit your CV, cover letter, and references to the company or recruiting platform.
• Make sure to tailor your CV to the job description.

2. Online Screening Tests: 

• A screening test is designed to evaluate your problem-solving abilities and numerical and verbal reasoning skills.
• Varies by firm:
  • McKinsey Imbellus Test
  • BCG Pymetrics Online Assessment & Aptitude Tests
  • Bain SOVA Assessment.

3. Case and Fit Interviews (for interview preparation, check the resources linked above): 

• Case Interviews: Solve business problems using a structured approach.
• Fit Interviews: Analyses teamwork abilities, leadership traits, and personal motivations for consulting.

4. Final Interviews:

• Often conducted by senior consultants or partners.
• A discussion centered around the company culture, expectations, and opportunities for career growth with the MBB consulting firm.

5. Negotiations and Job Offer: 

• Receive an offer with salary, benefits, and a contract.
• Negotiations may be possible.