Acumen
Acumen Critical Reasoning
A contemporary critical reasoning assessment that presents information in modern workplace formats — text messages, emails, blogs, charts and project apps — requiring candidates to actively interact with the material, not just passively read it.
Critical Reasoning, Reimagined for the Modern Workplace
Acumen is a critical reasoning assessment developed by Podium that takes a contemporary approach to measuring how candidates analyse and use complex information. Unlike traditional critical reasoning tests, Acumen presents information in formats that mirror the modern workplace — including text messages, emails, blogs, bubble charts and project apps.
Respondents actively interact with and navigate the material rather than passively reading it, providing a more realistic picture of how they handle complex information at work. It is suitable for graduates, emerging leaders, managers and executives.
What It Measures
Numerical Critical Reasoning
Identify trends in complex data, evaluate numerical and statistical information, and draw logical conclusions from charts and data tables
Verbal Critical Reasoning
Recognise assumptions, evaluate the strength of arguments, make inferences and draw justifiable conclusions from text messages, emails and blogs
Real-World Formats, Active Engagement
Acumen replaces static test passages with the kinds of information people actually navigate at work.
Workplace-Native Formats
Information is presented in emails, text messages, blogs, bubble charts and project apps — the media people use every day.
Active Interaction
Respondents navigate and engage with the material rather than passively reading static passages.
Realistic Demands
The format reflects the complexity, pace and variety of decision-making required in real roles.
When to Use Acumen
Graduate to Executive Selection
Selection for graduate, managerial and executive roles where critical reasoning and sound judgement matter.
Development & Coaching
Support development and coaching conversations with insight into how individuals approach complex information.
Complex Decision Roles
For roles requiring sound decision-making based on complex written and numerical information.
Report Options
Purpose-built reports for selection, development and candidate feedback.
Acumen Select Report
Overall results profile with interview prompt questions to support selection decisions.
Acumen Develop Report
Development recommendations and a development plan template to guide next steps.
Acumen Feedback Report
A candidate-friendly feedback report summarising critical reasoning results.
Administration Options
Online Supervised
Supervised digital administration via a generated link
Online Unsupervised
Remote unsupervised administration via a generated link
Duration: 50 questions (25 numerical, 25 verbal), timed at 45 minutes
Documentation
Ready to Use Acumen?
A modern, interactive critical reasoning assessment for graduate, managerial and executive selection — plus development and coaching contexts.