Consulting Assessment Tests: McKinsey Solve, BCG Casey & Bain SOVA

Consulting entrance tests are the first real filter in the MBB selection process — and the most brutal. Over 90% of candidates are eliminated before reaching the interview phase. The firms invest enormous resources in interviews (hours of senior people's time), which is why tests are such an important first cut. If you don't pass the test, it doesn't matter how good you are at solving cases or telling FIT stories — you'll never get the chance to prove it. The formats of these tests change constantly — each firm trying to optimize that initial filter — but the foundation remains the same: logical reasoning, data analysis and problem-solving under pressure. In this guide about consulting test preparation I explain what to expect from each firm and how to prepare effectively.

Which test each MBB firm uses and what it really evaluates

All MBB tests started from the GMAT and have evolved toward proprietary formats that try to better predict performance in interviews and real consulting work. Although the formats differ, the philosophy is similar: measure your analytical reasoning ability, your information processing speed and your judgment for making decisions with limited data.

McKinsey Solve is McKinsey's current test, successor to the old PST (Problem Solving Test) and Game. In its current format, it has two modules totaling 65 minutes. The first — Redrock Study — presents mini-cases with data, graphs and tables from which you need to extract quick conclusions. The second — Sea Wolf — is a categorization and selection exercise with higher time pressure. What it evaluates is your ability to synthesize complex information and make logical decisions in a simulated environment.

BCG Casey has replaced the old Potential Test. It's a conversational chatbot that walks you through a case over 30-35 minutes, with questions mixing multiple choice and open-ended responses, plus a 1-minute video recommendation. The format mimics real case dynamics, making it a particularly demanding test if you're not familiar with case-solving structure.

Bain SOVA is a broader test covering five areas: numerical reasoning (interpreting tables and graphs), verbal reasoning (true/false comprehension reading), logical reasoning (patterns and sequences), situational judgment (selecting most and least effective responses to workplace scenarios) and a personality component. Although technically untimed, response speed in each question is measured, so efficiency matters.

How much time to dedicate and what practice type works

Test preparation requires weeks — not days. The recommendation is to dedicate some time every day or every other day, replicating real test conditions. It's not about doing 8-hour marathons on a Saturday; it's about training your brain to function consistently under moderate pressure for 30-60 minute periods.

If you come from a humanities background and the test has strong quantitative component — like SOVA numerical reasoning or Casey calculations — spend significantly more time on it. The recommendation is to practice until you feel comfortable with results, not until you hit an arbitrary number of hours.

What has the most impact in preparation is working on problem-solving and data reasoning: solving problems quickly, reading graphs fluently, and business reasoning. That's the core of what all three tests evaluate, regardless of format. Abstract logic exercises or generic GMAT-type questions help as warm-up, but what really prepares you is practicing with material simulating your specific firm's test conditions.

Avoid two common traps: preparing with outdated material (formats change every 1-2 years) and not timing yourself in practice. Time management is critical across all three tests — many candidates can solve the problems but not at the pace the format demands.

Practical differences between the three tests and how to adapt

Although the foundation is the same, each test has particularities and requires slightly different strategy.

For McKinsey Solve, the key is synthesis speed. You don't need complex calculations — you need to extract relevant information from large data volume and reach logical conclusions quickly. Practice reading cases with graphs and answering questions in 3-4 minutes per mini-case. The Sea Wolf module requires systematic thinking under time pressure — practice categorization and prioritization exercises.

For BCG Casey, the best preparation is solving real cases. Since the format is conversational mixing open and multiple choice questions, you need fluency in both quantitative analysis and communicating conclusions. The 1-minute video recommendation demands you synthesize a business recommendation clearly and convincingly — practice recording yourself with your phone.

For Bain SOVA, the variety of sections requires broader preparation. Numerical and verbal reasoning are the heaviest components. For situational judgment, think like a junior consultant: the "right" answers are ones showing proactivity, collaboration and customer orientation. The personality section has no right answers per se, but try to be coherent with the profile you want to project.

Tests are identical regardless of office or region — McKinsey Madrid uses the same Solve as McKinsey New York, and BCG LATAM uses the same Casey as BCG London. What might vary slightly is the cutoff threshold depending on the competitiveness of the candidate pool in each office.

What to do if you don't pass: retake policy and next steps

If you don't pass a test, it's not the end. You can retake it, but you need to talk to recruiting to understand the firm and office specific policy. Historically, wait times were longer and stricter — you could wait a year or more. Now sometimes you can reapply in the next cycle. The recommendation is to talk directly to recruiting, share your genuine interest in working at the firm, and ask when you can try again.

The period between a failed attempt and the next is an opportunity to prepare better. Identify which part of the test gave you the most trouble — was it speed, reading comprehension, calculations, logic? — and focus your preparation on that specific area. A second attempt with focused preparation has much better chances of success than the first.

For Spanish speakers taking the test in English, language barrier is generally not a significant problem. Most who apply to MBB have very strong English. That said, if you notice you're losing time on reading comprehension, practice speed reading in English with business materials — Financial Times, The Economist, public consulting reports — to increase your processing speed.

Test preparation is the first step of a selection process that includes cases, FIT and Q&A. Once you pass the test, make sure your case preparation and solo practice are at the same level. Also start working on your FIT preparation and your "why consulting" answer in parallel — don't wait to pass the test to start on the personal part. Tests open the door — but interviews get you the offer.

Frequently asked questions about MBB consulting tests

What percentage of candidates are eliminated in the tests?

Over 90%. Interviews require enormous investment from the firm — senior professionals' hours — and tests are the mechanism to ensure only candidates with highest potential reach that phase. That's why the firms invest so much in constantly improving and updating their tests.

How much time do I need to prepare for the tests?

It depends on your starting point, but plan for at least 2-3 weeks of regular practice (20-30 minutes daily or every other day). If you come from a less quantitative background, you might need 4-6 weeks to feel comfortable with numerical components.

Do tests change every year?

Frequently. McKinsey went from PST to Game to now Solve. BCG replaced the Potential Test with Casey chatbot. Firms constantly iterate to improve the filter's predictive ability. Before preparing, confirm the current format of the firm you're applying to.

Can I retake the test if I fail?

Yes, but timing varies. Talk to recruiting to understand the specific policy. In many cases you can reapply in the next cycle. Use the time between attempts to prepare focused on the areas where you failed.

Does English level affect my test performance?

Generally not significantly for candidates applying to MBB — high English level is assumed. But if you notice you're losing time on reading comprehension, practice speed reading in English with business materials to increase your speed.

What matters more, speed or accuracy?

Both, but speed carries more weight than it seems. Many candidates can solve most problems correctly given unlimited time. What differentiates those who pass is solving with accuracy at high speed. Always practice timed. Train with our practice material on the Prep Platform.

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