EY's 2027 online assessment is an immersive job simulation — not a standard aptitude test — and it arrives within days of applying. Candidates who prepare for generic SHL-style tests walk in facing an unfamiliar format. Here is every stage and how to pass it.
This guide covers the 2027 intake at EY — applications open in 2026 and are reviewed on a rolling basis, so applying early gives you the strongest chance. Confirm exact dates on EY's official careers page.
Stage 1: The EY Online Assessment (Job Simulation)
After you apply, EY sends a link to its immersive assessment. Unlike traditional tests, it simulates real EY work scenarios:
- Numerical reasoning: Business data interpretation — budgets, forecasts, client figures. Timed and pressured.
- Verbal reasoning: Evaluating business communications and reports for accuracy.
- Situational judgement: Ranked responses to realistic workplace dilemmas — a difficult team member, a tight deadline, an ethical grey area. Answer as EY's ideal graduate: client-focused, ethical, collaborative.
- Work-style scenarios: How you prioritize, communicate, and handle competing demands.
The format rewards genuine work instincts, not just test technique. Practice with EY-style simulations specifically — generic practice helps less than you would think.
Stage 2: The EY Video Interview
Pass the assessment and you record a one-way video interview. Expect motivational and competency questions:
- "Why EY and why this service line?" — the answer that must be specific, not interchangeable with other Big 4 firms.
- "Tell me about a time you…" — teamwork, leadership, resilience, ethical dilemma. STAR format, specific actions, measurable outcomes.
- Commercial awareness: A recent business story and your analysis of it.
Record yourself practicing. Most candidates discover they ramble, repeat themselves, or never actually answer the question — all fixable before the real thing.
Stage 3: The EY Assessment Centre
The final stage, typically a half or full day:
- Group exercise: A business case discussed with other candidates. Contribute substantively, build on others' points, do not dominate.
- Written exercise: A report or email based on provided materials — tests structured thinking under time pressure.
- Partner/director interview: Motivational and competency, plus commercial awareness. This is where "why EY" gets its hardest test.
- Sometimes: A presentation exercise on a pre-prepared topic.
EY Assessment Preparation Timeline
- Before applying: Two weeks of EY-style simulation practice. Record answers to the five most likely video questions.
- After the invite: Full timed mocks of the job simulation. Re-record weak video answers.
- Before the assessment centre: Prepare three STAR stories, one commercial awareness deep-dive, and genuine questions for each interviewer.
FAQ
How long is the EY online assessment?
Typically 60 to 90 minutes for the full job simulation. Sections are individually timed — manage your pace and do not leave sections unfinished.
What is the EY job simulation pass rate?
EY does not publish pass rates, but the immersive format filters heavily. Candidates who practice the actual format pass at far higher rates than those who only do generic aptitude tests.
Can I retake the EY video interview?
No — one attempt per question. Practice until your answers are tight and natural before starting.
What should I research for EY commercial awareness?
One sector in depth: a major trend, its implications for EY's clients, and your view. Depth beats breadth — interviewers probe until you run out, so make sure you do not run out quickly.
Applying to EY? Do not face the immersive assessment unprepared. Our 2027 EY Online Assessment & Video Interview prep contains the real simulation scenarios, video interview questions with model answers, and timed practice — $79 one-time, instant download, yours in two minutes.
