McKinsey Tests & Interview Preparation: Simulations and Improved Preparation (2025)

McKinsey & Co. is an American multinational management consulting firm well-known for delivering high-impact professional services and digital solutions to corporations, governments, and organizations worldwide.

• Global Reach: With 45,000+ employees in 133 office locations worldwide, McKinsey’s influence extends to nearly every primary industry and region.
• High Competition: Because McKinsey is widely recognized as a top-tier consulting firm, the competition for roles is intense. Therefore, your application must stand out at every stage of the McKinsey assessment process.

The McKinsey’s Problem-Solving Game, or McKinsey Solve, is a digital assessment designed to evaluate your analytical thinking, decision-making, and quick problem-solving skills. To succeed, you’ll need:

• Familiarity with Game Mechanics: Practice with scenario-based or gamified assessments that mimic real business challenges.
• Data Interpretation Skills: Expect to work with charts, graphs, and case snippets quickly and accurately.
• Time Management: Pace yourself. The game is meant to test your ability to manage data analysis under pressure.

💡 Pro tip: Seek practice resources that simulate real-time decision-making in dynamic scenarios. The closer they mirror McKinsey’s Solve environment, the more comfortable you’ll be when it counts.

The McKinsey interview process can become daunting with its intense application process; however, with the proper McKinsey preparation, it is possible to conquer and win over McKinsey's upper management. Below is a thorough breakdown of what to expect during your journey to a McKinsey career:

• McKinsey CV Submission
  • Most past McKinsey job applicants have applied on McKinsey’s main website. You can find a concise list of currently vacant positions and their locations there.
  • Ensure your resume highlights the skills McKinsey values most, such as problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork.
• McKinsey Online Assessment Tests (PST or McKinsey Solve)
  • McKinsey PST (Problem-Solving Test): A traditional pen-and-paper or online test used in certain offices that focuses on data interpretation, logical reasoning, and basic business math (e.g., percentages, profitability).
  • McKinsey Solve (Imbellus): A gamified digital assessment where you face scenario-based tasks and your strategic thinking is challenged with typically time-limited tests.
    
    
• Pre-Employment Phone or Video Screening
  • You can expect McKinsey behavioural interview questions for telephone conversations. These questions are similar to SJT (situational judgement test questions), where you will be placed in a situation and have to imagine what you will do in a particular McKinsey job situation.
  • Some offices may use tools like HireVue for automated questions. Treat these like a live interview—dress professionally, speak clearly, and maintain focus.
• McKinsey Assessment Centre 
  • At the McKinsey Assessment Centre event, you can expect to attend presentations to learn the company's core values.
  • You will also play job simulation games such as role-playing and team-building exercises to further develop your personal skills. You can also take additional assessment tests and participate in group interviews and personal one-on-ones.

Make sure to visit our diverse free practice tests:

Free Aptitude Test | Free Psychometric Test | Free Numerical Reasoning Test | Free Verbal Reasoning Test | Free Cognitive Test | Free Critical Thinking Test | Free Abstract Reasoning Test | Free Spatial Reasoning Test | Free Personality Test | Free Inductive Test | Free Mechanical Reasoning Test