Bain's online assessment, and how to prepare
Bain's digital assessment is an online test some consulting applicants take before the case interviews. Bain emails you whether it is Sova or TestGorilla. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
Updated
- Some applicants only. It depends on the role and office, and Bain's email tells you.
- Two versions. Sova can be done in more than one sitting, TestGorilla in one.
- 30 to 40 minutes. On a laptop or desktop, alone, in a quiet room.
- Calculator allowed. Pen, paper and a calculator are fine. AI tools are not.
- Then the cases. Expect to hear within 60 days. No calculator in the interviews.
What Bain says the assessment tests
Bain says it reflects the skills essential for success in consulting roles, such as:
Problem solving
Bain lists it first among the skills the test reflects.
Communication
Bain names it too. Candidates report short passages with statements to judge.
Analytical skills
Candidates report charts and tables with a calculation to make from them.
Part of the application
If Bain asks you to take it, it is required. An application without it by the deadline is not considered.
How Bain's assessment runs
For intern and full-time consulting candidates, as Bain describes it.
See each step
Step 1
Apply
Bain decides by role and office whether you take the assessment.
Step 2
The email
After you apply, an email says whether you take Sova or TestGorilla and gives the deadline. No link? Check spam, then reply to your Bain email.
Step 3
The test
About 30 to 40 minutes, alone, on a laptop or desktop with a stable connection. Pen, paper and a calculator are allowed.
Step 4
The answer
Timelines vary by role and office, but Bain says to expect to hear within 60 days.
Step 5
Case interviews
If you go through, the interviews follow. Calculators are not allowed in them.
6 questions for the interviews after
The assessment checks your numbers. The cases check them again, out loud and without a calculator.
Numbers, by hand3 questions
The same skills, spoken.
A coffee chain is opening a new store. How many cups a day does it need to sell to break even?
Show what a strong answer does
The shape of Bain's own Coffee Shop Co. case. Set up the equation in words, then do the math out loud. Example answer
Estimate the annual US market for dog food.
Show what a strong answer does
Dogs, food per dog, price per pound. Round early so the math stays easy, then say what the number means. Example answer
You have reached a number for your market size. How do you check that it is reasonable?
Show what a strong answer does
Compare it with a second route or a known number before you trust it. Example answer
Bain's fit questions3 questions
Bain says it looks for people who can explain why Bain in particular.
Why do you want to work at this firm?
Show what a strong answer does
Two reasons specific to Bain, each tied to something you did or someone you met. Example answer
Walk me through your background and why you are here today.
Show what a strong answer does
Know your CV: two minutes, each step explaining the next, ending on why consulting. Example answer
Tell me about a time you had to work closely with someone who saw a problem very differently from you.
Show what a strong answer does
Show you understood their view, found common ground and still got to a result. Example answer
What candidates report it contains
Not from Bain. Candidates and prep sites describe these parts, and the mix changes by office and year. Your invitation and the practice task at the start of each part are the real guide.
- “Numerical reasoning: a table or chart, then a calculation from it.”
- “Verbal reasoning: a short passage, then whether a statement is true, false or cannot be told.”
- “Logical reasoning: an abstract pattern, then the piece that comes next.”
- “In some versions, situational judgment or a short work-style questionnaire.”
More to prepare with
Mistakes that cost candidates
Missing the deadline
Bain does not consider an application without a completed assessment. The deadline is in the email.
Using AI tools
Strictly banned, including recording, screenshots and software that transcribes or gives feedback during the test.
A phone and a busy room
Bain asks for a laptop or desktop, a stable connection and a quiet place where you work alone.
Skipping the practice
For Sova, Bain points you to the sample questions on Sova's hub. Do them before the real test.
Leaning on the calculator
It is fine in the assessment, but not in the case interviews. Keep your mental math in shape.
How to prepare for Bain's assessment
Mostly logistics and a little practice.
When the email arrives
Note the version and the deadline
Sova or TestGorilla, and the date. Ask Bain early about any accommodation.
A few days before
Do the practice tests
For Sova, the practice tests on its candidate hub. For TestGorilla, Bain says no preparation is needed.
Alongside
Warm up on charts and percentages
Percent change, ratios and reading a table under time pressure, with and without a calculator.
On the day
Set up the room
Laptop or desktop, stable connection, pen, paper and a calculator, and nothing else open.
After
Start on the cases
Practice full cases out loud with the math by hand, and prepare your fit stories.
Sova or TestGorilla
Bain uses one or the other, by role and office. What Bain and Sova say about each:
SovaMore than one sitting
Bain says you do not need to finish Sova in one sitting and points you to the sample questions in Sova's candidate preparation hub. Sova's practice tests include situational judgment questions, video interview questions and three types of ability questions, and Sova asks for a pen, paper and calculator for the ability questions.
Sova: candidate preparation hubTestGorillaOne sitting
Bain says to complete TestGorilla in one sitting, that no preparation is needed, and that calculators are allowed for it but not in any interview after. Technical problems go to TestGorilla's support.
Bain: digital assessmentThe cases come next, practice them out loud
Soreno's Bain-style interviewer lets you lead the case: you propose the next step, it builds on your answer, checks your math and scores the session. Free for 7 days.
Questions people ask
What is the Bain Sova test?
One of the two online tests Bain uses in its digital assessment, made by the assessment company Sova. Bain emails you after you apply to say whether you take Sova or TestGorilla.
Does every Bain applicant take the assessment?
No. Bain says intern and full-time consulting candidates may be required to take it, depending on the role and office. If it is required, it is mandatory.
How long is the Bain online assessment?
Bain says about 30 to 40 minutes.
Can I use a calculator?
Yes, with a pen and paper. Bain says calculators are allowed in the assessment only, not in any interview after it.
Can I stop and finish the Sova test later?
Yes. Bain says you do not need to complete Sova in one sitting, as long as you finish by the deadline. TestGorilla must be done in one sitting.
Can I take it on my phone?
Bain asks for a laptop or desktop with a stable internet connection. Use one even though Sova's own platform also runs on phones.
Can I prepare for the Bain assessment?
For Sova, Bain recommends the sample questions in Sova's candidate preparation area. For TestGorilla, Bain says no preparation is needed.
When will I hear back?
Bain says timelines vary by role and office, but applicants can expect to hear within 60 days.
I did not get my assessment link. What do I do?
Check your spam folder. If it is not there, reply to your Bain communication email.
Is Soreno affiliated with Bain or Sova?
No. Soreno is an independent practice tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Bain & Company, Sova or TestGorilla.