A concentration test is often used by companies for selection processes such as recruitment tests or assessment centers. Here we provide you with some exercises for practice free of charge.
Why is a concentration test done?
Our concentration is very important in everyday working life. Our concentration is put to the test every day, our employers, customers and suppliers make great demands on us and our concentration. No wonder that employers rely on concentration tests, among other things, in aptitude tests for applicant selection.
What is a d2 test?
The d2 test is an attention load test in which the test person is allowed to cross out only the letters d with two dashes in a series of letters consisting of the letters d and p as well as dashes. The test person has 20 seconds to complete each row. Overall, the test has a processing time of almost 5 minutes. The d2 test has been used in aptitude diagnostics since 1962 and meets the quality criteria for standardized test procedures (objectivity, reliability and validity). In numerous companies, such as Lufthansa, the d2 test has established itself as an integral part of the recruitment test, assessment center and other applicant selection processes. In 2010, the d2 was re-normalized as the d2-R test (revision) with a sample of 4024 test persons aged between 9 and 60 years.
What does the d2 test measure?
The most important measurement criterion in the d2 test is the ability to concentrate. In addition, the d2 test can be used to draw conclusions about the pace of work and the associated frequency of errors. The power of concentration is calculated as follows:
The most important things about the d2 concentration test at a glance:
- Concentration = focusing attention on an activity
- Particularly important in technical professions
- Important decision-making aid for many employers
- A sub-discipline of cognitive performance measurement
- Mostly tasks with a low level of difficulty (e.g. counting letters)
- The quantity and accuracy makes the tasks difficult
- Working under time pressure
- Is often used in combination with other task types (retention, etc…)
What is a bqpd concentration test?
In addition to the popular d2 test, which has been standardized since 1962, the so-called bqpd tests have become established in some companies and in the selection process for medical students. Occasionally this test is also called bp qd test or qp db test. Similar to the d2 test, certain letters must be marked in a row of the letters b, q, p, d in a certain time, often with the condition that a certain other letter must follow.
Sample task from the bq test:
Highlight all the letters b in a row if they are followed by the letter q.
Row: d b q d q d q d q d d b d d q p b q p d d b p d q p b b q p d b d p b q b d p q b
Solution: 4 markers
Sample task in the Lufthansa Online Assessment Center:
Your task is to highlight the word paba in a list of words.
Lines: bapa pada bada baba dapa paba daba papa bapa bada dada paba paba baba dada bada bapa papa pada paba baba dapa dapa daba bapa bpqd
Solution: 4 markers
What does the bpqd test / d2 test measure?
Just like the d2 test, the bq test is designed to measure concentration, endurance and alertness. The reason why the bq test often has different names is that there is probably no uniform standardization or that many small and medium-sized companies develop the test themselves as a self-made brand according to their own ideas.
Is the d2 test free?
The standardized d2 test questionnaire with evaluation is chargeable for companies and can be obtained from Hogrefe Verlag. Pupils, students and applicants can prepare for the d2 test/ bpqd test free of charge on various online test portals using similar test tasks.
What does the evaluation look like?
At the end of the test you get the following key figures:
- Concentration performance KL (total number of tasks – errors)
- Error percentage (100 x errors / total number of tasks)
The ability to concentrate says something about concentration and endurance. The key figure error percentage allows conclusions to be drawn about the level of attention. Now prepare yourself extensively for the concentration test in your recruitment test by practicing with our online testtrainer!
How can I train my concentration in everyday life?
Build the following easy concentration exercises into your everyday life. So you can refresh your mind and noticeably increase your concentration.
Exercise 1: abdominal exercise
Although our brain only accounts for 2% of body weight, it requires between 20 and 25% of the total energy. If you supply the brain with more fuel, i.e. oxygen or sugar, its performance can also be increased. To increase the oxygen supply in the body, place your hands on your stomach and breathe in and out deeply at least three times. You then repeat this exercise every morning or during your lunch break.
Exercise 2: “Thinking Cap”
This exercise helps block out distracting noises and improves short-term memory. Pull your ears back and gently massage your thumb and forefinger from top to bottom several times.
Exercise 3: Neck rolls
This relieves tension in the neck and reduces stress. Relax your shoulders, tilt your head forward and move it from right to left.
Exercise 4: Energizers
This improves posture, concentration and attention on the PC: put your forehead between your hands on the tabletop. As you inhale, slowly straighten your head, neck, and back. Stomach and arms are relaxed.
