The OC&C online assessment combines a one-way video assessment — timed recorded answers on motivation and your CV — with a mapped aptitude test covering numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning under strict time limits. It is the highest-volume filter in the process: most rejections happen here, before any human interview.
This guide covers the 2027 intake at OC&C Strategy Consultants — applications open in 2026 and are reviewed on a rolling basis, so applying early gives you the strongest chance. Confirm exact dates on OC&C Strategy Consultants's official careers page.
OC&C Online Assessment: the Video Component
You record timed answers to pre-set questions on camera, with no interviewer present. Typical prompts cover motivation ("Why OC&C?"), a CV walkthrough, and sometimes a short commercial-awareness question. Expect limited preparation time and a fixed recording window — usually around two minutes per answer.
Assessors score structured answers, genuine motivation, and commercial polish. Rambling, generic answers, and visible reading from notes all show on camera. Practice the exact format — recording yourself under a timer — because the red light changes how you speak. Candidates who only rehearse in their heads consistently underperform those who rehearsed on camera.
OC&C Online Assessment: the Mapped Aptitude Test
Alongside the video, you sit a timed aptitude-style mapped test: numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning questions under strict time pressure. The questions are not consulting-specific, but the format rewards familiarity — and early questions matter more, since a shaky start compounds.
The biggest lever is practice under real timing. Drill timed numerical reasoning sets until common question types feel automatic: percentage changes, ratios, data-table interpretation, quick mental arithmetic. Speed comes from pattern recognition, not rushing.
How the Online Stage Connects to Case Interviews
Passing the online assessment earns you first-round interviews, where OC&C's cases are quant-heavy — interviewers press hard on numbers, assumptions, and commercial logic. The numerical fluency you build for the mapped test carries directly into case performance. Treat them as one continuous numerical filter: weakness in either stage ends the process. We break down the case style separately in our OC&C case interview guide.
A Practical 3-Week Preparation Plan
- Week 1 — learn the formats. Record five practice video answers; run three timed numerical reasoning sets. Identify your weakest question types.
- Week 2 — drill weaknesses. Daily timed sets on weak areas; re-record video answers until your structure is clean inside two minutes.
- Week 3 — full simulation. Sit a complete mock of both components back-to-back under real conditions. Review every answer asking: would this convince a partner?
Do not leave this to the week of the invitation. Test invites arrive with a completion deadline, and you will compete against candidates who started weeks earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the OC&C online assessment take?
Expect roughly an hour in total across the video and aptitude components, though exact timings vary by cycle — your invitation email will confirm.
Can I retake the OC&C online test if I perform badly?
Generally no within the same cycle. A poor score screens you out, which is why preparation before the invitation matters.
What score do I need to pass the OC&C online assessment?
OC&C does not publish cut scores. Aim to be comfortably above average on the reasoning test and polished — not scripted — on video.
Is the video assessment judged by AI or humans?
Formats vary by cycle. Prepare as if humans are scoring: clear structure, specific motivation, and natural delivery beat keyword-stuffed answers either way.
Applying to OC&C? Our 2027 OC&C Online Test & Video Assessment prep covers the real questions — $79 one-time, instant download.
