The SHL Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ) is a widely used personality assessment designed to evaluate how an individual’s personality traits align with workplace performance. It helps employers understand a candidate’s work style, motivation, and behavior in professional settings.
This test is frequently used in recruitment, leadership development, and career coaching to determine job fit, team compatibility, and leadership potential.
What is the SHL OPQ Personality Test?
The OPQ (Occupational Personality Questionnaire) is a psychometric test developed by SHL, a leading provider of talent assessment solutions. It measures 32 workplace personality traits that influence job performance and team interactions.
Employers use the OPQ to assess:
✅ Workplace behavior and job suitability
✅ Leadership and decision-making styles
✅ Teamwork and communication skills
✅ Motivation and work preferences
The OPQ is not a pass/fail test but rather an evaluation of personality fit for a particular job role.
SHL OPQ Test Format & Structure
The SHL OPQ test follows a forced-choice format, where candidates must choose between three statements that describe different behaviors. The test typically takes 25-40 minutes to complete.
Example Question Format
You are given three statements and must:
- Choose the statement that describes you most
- Choose the statement that describes you least
Example:
- “I prefer working in a team.”
- “I enjoy solving complex problems.”
- “I like following a structured routine.”
You must select:
✅ Most Like Me
❌ Least Like Me
This format prevents test-takers from choosing only positive traits and forces a more realistic self-assessment.
SHL OPQ Personality Traits & Scales
The 32 traits assessed in the OPQ are divided into three major areas:
1. Relationships with People (How you interact with others)
- Persuasive – Influences and convinces others.
- Outgoing – Enjoys socializing.
- Empathetic – Cares about others’ feelings.
- Independent-minded – Prefers making independent decisions.
2. Thinking Style (How you approach problems & decisions)
- Data Rational – Uses logic and facts in decision-making.
- Innovative – Enjoys creative problem-solving.
- Detail-conscious – Prefers structure and organization.
- Rule-following – Adheres to guidelines and policies.
3. Feelings & Emotions (How you handle stress & motivation)
- Resilient – Stays calm under pressure.
- Optimistic – Remains positive about challenges.
- Decisive – Makes quick and confident decisions.
- Competitive – Motivated by achieving success.
The test does not diagnose mental health conditions but identifies personality traits linked to job performance.
How to Prepare for the SHL OPQ Test?
Since the OPQ is a self-assessment of workplace behavior, preparation involves understanding the test structure and aligning responses with the job role.
✅ 1. Understand the Role Requirements
- Review the job description to identify key personality traits employers are looking for.
- Align your answers with the job’s required strengths (e.g., a leadership role may require decisiveness and persuasiveness).
✅ 2. Be Honest but Strategic
- Answer truthfully, but keep in mind how your traits align with the role.
- Avoid extreme responses (e.g., always picking social traits for a highly analytical role).
✅ 3. Practice the Forced-Choice Format
- Get comfortable with choosing “Most Like Me” and “Least Like Me” statements.
- Recognize that all traits have pros and cons—balance is key.
✅ 4. Stay Consistent
- The test measures response consistency, so ensure your choices align throughout.
- Inconsistencies can indicate dishonesty or lack of self-awareness.
✅ 5. Manage Stress & Take Your Time
- While the test is untimed, stay focused and avoid overthinking.
- Take deep breaths and trust your instincts.
