Test geek and founder of Aptitude-Test-Prep.com
What Is the HSBC Values Assessment?
The HSBC Values Assessment is a pre-employment behavioral assessment conducted by HSBC for all experienced hires.
The test is a tailored adaptation of one of the world’s most popular personality profiling tests, the Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ32) by test provider SHL.
While the original OPQ test is a general personality test, the HSBC Values Test is a Job-Focused Assessment, and changes based on the job for which it screens. That is also why it is shorte, rand why tailored Preparation is crucial.
HSBC Values vs. SHL OPQ32
Below you can see a summary table of the main differences between the HSBC Values Assessment and the original OPQ test. We cover these differences in more detail throughout this guide.
Get additional valuable tips and information about the original SHL OPQ32 test on our sister website – personality-test-prep.com, including scoring, measured traits, and more.
HSBC Values vs. OPQ Summary Table
Test Structure and Question Format
The HSBC Values Test follows the exact same structure as the OPQ32.
Each question begins with 3 statements.
- You first choose the ‘Most’ statement – the statement which best describes you of the original three.
- You then choose the ‘Less’ statement – which best describes you from the two remaining
- The ‘Least’ statement is the statement you did not choose at all.
HSBC Values Assessment Preparation
We strongly recommend JobTestPrep’s HSBC Values Test Preparation.
- The ONLY prep accurately simulating the assessment.
- Feedback personalized by position
- A money-back guarantee policy
What Do You Get?
- Complete HSBC Values-style personality profiling questionnaire (100 questions)
- PDF study guides for 6 different positions!
- Recommended answers and explanations to all questions
Full Disclosure: We are affiliated with JobTestPrep. Clicking the links helps us provide you with high-quality, ad-free content.
What Does the HSBC APTA Values Test Measure?
At the core of the HSBC Values Assessment stand the basic 32 traits assessed by the original OPQ test. However, the main focus of the HSBC test is the competencies derived from these 32 traits.
The test models 96 competency components on the most basic level, categorized into 20 competency dimensions. These dimensions, in turn, are categorized into 8 factors (highest level).
In the Scoring section, we dive deeper into competencies and what they mean.
Pro Tip
Competencies are used to analyze the profiles of managers and leaders at a very high level of scrutiny. If you are applying for a management position with HSBC, make sure you check out the Leadership/Management section in the dedicated OPQ32 page.
Test Interface
The first step in your assessment is the test invitation, received directly from SHL, usually simply named “Assessment”.
The stated time for the assessment is usually 16 minutes, but the actual assessment is untimed.
HSBC Values Assessment Test Invitation
After applying to HSBC and passing the resume screening stage, you will be sent a test invitation from the test provider, SHL:
After following the link to SHL’s testing website, TalentCentral, you will be able to begin the assessment. Before the actual test, SHL will provide some basic instructions and tips.
Once you start the assessment, pay attention to two things:
- You may go back and change your last response, but no further than that.
- Pop-ups may appear during the test, based on your behavior. See details below.
Test Popups
One or more of the following popups may appear during your HSBC Values Assessment, depending on your behavior:
You Are Moving Fast
This popup will show up if the test algorithm senses you are answering questions at a fast pace, which may indicate you are not reading the statements carefully.
Remember that the test is untimed, and you should take your time when reading the statements.
You Are Taking Your Time
This is the opposite of the first popup, and it will appear when the test algorithm senses a very slow pace of answering questions.
While it is okay to take your time, as we have mentioned above, don’t overthink questions too much, as it may indicate that you are “doing math” (Check out the tips section in the OPQ page for more details).
Repetitive Questions
That popup will appear regardless of your behavior. It will let you know that questions on the assessment may be repetitive, and that it’s intentional.
Repetitive questions are a mechanism used in nearly any personality profile assessment, and it is used mainly to ensure your profile is genuine and consistent.
HSBC Values Assessment Preparation
We strongly recommend JobTestPrep’s HSBC Values Test Preparation.
- The ONLY prep accurately simulating the assessment.
- Feedback personalized by position
- A money-back guarantee policy
What Do You Get?
- Complete HSBC Values-style personality profiling questionnaire (100 questions)
- PDF study guides for 6 different positions!
- Recommended answers and explanations to all questions
Full Disclosure: We are affiliated with JobTestPrep. Clicking the links helps us provide you with high-quality, ad-free content.
HSBC Values Assessment Free Practice Test
If you haven’t read the Test Interface and Scoring sections, we strongly recommend you do so before taking this test to make the best from the experience.
The 4 practice questions on this test should be solved with relation to the actual HSBC director job ad below, taken from HSBC’s careers website. In the Scoring section we provide an analysis of the ad and the major competencies required for the job.
The provided answers are recommendations only. This practice test is not endorsed by HSBC or SHL.
Show HSBC Director Job Ad
You may check out the Scoring section for a competency analysis for this ad.
We are currently seeking a high caliber professional to join our team as a director.
Principal Responsibilities
- Identify business opportunities and customer needs and participate in the preparation and development of annual business plans and budget.
- Assist the Head of Retail Business/CEO in formulating and implementing, market aligned business directions, provide input on business initiatives and projects.
- Monitor, supervise and motivate daily activities of RM/ARM to align with company strategies and business objectives.
- Manage client engagement activities and enhance quality of customer service conducted by RM/ARM
- Identify gaps or weaknesses in controls or customer service and formulate training and development for RM/ARM accordingly.
- Handle and resolve customer complaints on a timely basis.
- Collaborate with other business lines for implementation of Group’s business strategy and change management.
- Management oversight on daily licensed activities of HCBS and offer guidance to RM/ARM on licensed activities.
- Act as control owner of HCBS in prevention and mitigation of risks inherent to the business.
- Lead ARM team in delivering quality administrative support service to ensure consistent client experience.
Question 1
Recommended Answers
Let’s assign each statement to its relevant OPQ trait and competency:
- I always double-check my work for errors – Evaluative (Analyzing and Interpreting)
- I value a variety of opinions – Democratic (Supporting and Cooperating)
- I love winning – Achieving (Enterprising and Performing)
Based on the job ad analysis, Supporting and Cooperating is the most important competency of the three, followed by Enterprising and Performing. Analyzing and Interpreting is a competency that exists in the job ad but is of less importance.
As such, the recommended answer for this job would be:
2 – Most (1st choice), 3 – Less (2nd choice), 1 – Least (do not choose)
Question 2
Recommended Answers
Let’s assign each statement to its relevant OPQ trait and competency.
- I have no problem telling others what to do – Competitive (Leading and Deciding).
- I know where I want to be in 5 years – Achieving (Enterprising and Performing).
- I rarely lose my temper – Emotionally Controlled (not included in the job competencies)
Based on the job ad analysis, Leading and Deciding is slightly more important than Enterprising and Performing. Emotionally Controlled is a trait that is not included in any of the competencies included in the job ad.
As such, the recommended answer for this job would be:
1 – Most (1st choice), 2 – Less (2nd choice), 3 – Least (do not choose).
Pro Tip
The way statements are put matters, so pay close attention. Check out the next example.
Question 3
Recommended Answers
Let’s assign each statement to its relevant OPQ trait and competency:
- I am mostly undeterred by criticism – Tough Minded (not included in the job competencies).
- I gather all available data before making a decision – Decisive (Leading and Deciding).
- I am interested in the motives and intentions of others – Behavioral (Supporting and Cooperating).
Based on the job ad analysis, Supporting and Cooperating is the most important competency, followed by Leading and Deciding. However, the given statement indicates low decisiveness, so marking it as a “Most” will yield a lower score in this important competency.
As such, the recommended answer for this job would be:
3 – Most (1st choice), 1 – Less (2nd choice), 2 – Least (do not choose).
Pro Tip
There are traits in which you are expected to score low. Check out the next example.
If you have come this far, you are probably serious about your upcoming HSBC Values Assessment. Start preparing with JobTestPrep’s tailored prep course, or get more information in the Preparation section.
Question 4
Recommended Answers
- If I disagree with someone, I will let them know – Outspoken (Supporting and Cooperating) (Low).
- I believe competition is generally good – Competitive (Enterprising and Performing).
- I prefer making decisions based on quantitative data – Data Rational (Analyzing and Interpreting).
This question is very similar to question 1.
Based on the job ad analysis, Supporting and Cooperating is the most important competency of the three, followed by Enterprising and Performing. Analyzing and Interpreting is a competency that exists in the job ad but is of less importance.
However, there is one major difference.
The Outspoken trait is expected to be LOW for a high score on the Supporting and Cooperating competency.
As such, the recommended answer for this job would be:
2 – Most (1st choice), 3 – Less (2nd choice), 1 – Least (do not choose).
Get Full Coverage for Your HSBC Assessment
We strongly recommend JobTestPrep’s HSBC Values Test Preparation.
- The ONLY prep accurately simulating the assessment.
- Feedback personalized by position
- A money-back guarantee policy
What Do You Get?
- Complete HSBC Values-style personality profiling questionnaire (100 questions)
- PDF study guides for 6 different positions!
- Recommended answers and explanations to all questions
Full Disclosure: We are affiliated with JobTestPrep. Clicking the links helps us provide you with high-quality, ad-free content.
Scoring
If you are interested in the scoring of the HSBC Values Assessment, we highly recommend reading the Scoring and Leadership/Management sections in the OPQ32 info page as well for further background.
In this section we will detail the 4 distinctive elements of the HSBC Values Test scoring method:
- Forced-Choice
- Job-Focused Assessment / Apta
- Competencies
- HSBC Corporate Values
In addition, we will analyze an actual HSBC director job ad and find the required competencies for the job.
What Is a Forced Choice Scale?
The HSBC Values Assessment employs a scoring method known as a “forced choice scale”, or “ipsative assessment”.
In short, the main implication that interests you as a test-taker is that you will often be “forced” to prioritize personal traits and reveal your weaknesses. This method is used mainly to prevent candidates from overestimating themselves, as often happens in self-report tests.
To better explain, let’s take a look at this sample question:
As you can see, all three statements present you in a rather negative light. You will, however, HAVE to rank them as “Most”, “Less”, and “Least” like you.
So, that is what makes the test “ipsative” – it eventually seeks the traits that are stronger and weaker in your character, regardless of the norms in society. Familiarity with this test format and taking similar practice tests can help you in allowing the desirable traits shine.
Job-Focused Assessment
Unlike the original SHL OPQ test, the HSBC version is designed as a job-focused assessment. According to SHL, the test provider, this means the test is:
- Custom-tailored for each role.
- Shorter than the original OPQ test.
- Uses the APTA technology, which randomly selects questions assessing the particular competencies that interest the employer.
Source
What Are Competencies?
Competencies are sets of behaviors that have been found to be related to employee performance and business results.
As we’ve mentioned in the Test Overview section, competencies are usually derived from combinations of traits. In the case of the HSBC Values Assessment, the 32 traits measured by the original OPQ test.
The 8 Major Competencies Measured by the HSBC Values Assessment
Adapting & Coping
The ability to cope with pressure and adapt to changes.
Analyzing & Interpreting
The ability to use and apply professional knowledge and analyze complex data.
Creating & Conceptualizing
The ability to solve problems using strategy, innovation, and creativity.
Enterprising & Performing
The ability to pursue goals and focus efforts on results.
Interacting & Presenting
The ability to persuade others and communicate effectively.
Leading & Deciding
The ability to take responsibility, lead, and direct others.
Organizing & Executing
The ability to work in an organized fashion while focusing on the outcome.
Supporting & Cooperating
The ability to work well with others and provide them with guidance and support.
Job Ad Analysis
Below is an analysis of an actual job ad for the position of a director taken from HSBC’s career website. This ad will be used as reference in the Free Practice section.
Show Ad and Analysis
We are currently seeking a high caliber professional to join our team as a director.
Principal Responsibilities
- Identify business opportunities and customer needs and participate in the preparation and development of annual business plans and budget.
- Assist the Head of Retail Business/CEO in formulating and implementing, market aligned business directions, provide input on business initiatives and projects.
- Monitor, supervise and motivate daily activities of RM/ARM to align with company strategies and business objectives.
- Manage client engagement activities and enhance quality of customer service conducted by RM/ARM
- Identify gaps or weaknesses in controls or customer service and formulate training and development for RM/ARM accordingly.
- Handle and resolve customer complaints on a timely basis.
- Collaborate with other business lines for implementation of Group’s business strategy and change management.
- Management oversight on daily licensed activities and offer guidance to RM/ARM on licensed activities.
- Act as control owner in prevention and mitigation of risks inherent to the business.
- Lead ARM team in delivering quality administrative support service to ensure consistent client experience.
Main Competencies in This Ad
These are the 4 main competencies emerging from the ad, from most important to less important. Below each competency you may find the relevant OPQ traits.
Each competency is marked by the appropriate color in the job analysis above.
Supporting & Cooperating (6 appearances)
Related OPQ Traits
- Caring
- Democratic
- Outspoken (Low)
- Behavioral
Leading & Deciding (5 appearances)
Related OPQ Traits
- Controlling
- Decisive
- Worrying (Low)
Enterprising & Performing (4 appearances)
Analyzing & Interpreting (2 appearances)
Related OPQ Traits
- Data Rational
- Evaluative
- Conceptual
You may head over to the Free Practice section to practice sample questions based on this ad and its relevant competencies.
HSBC Corporate Values
The last factor considered when scoring the HSBC APTA Values Assessment is the 4 HSBC Corporate Values. These can be seen on the HSBC website.
Here’s a brief summary:
- We Succeed Together – trust others, support them and connect with them.
- We Take Responsibility – set high standards for yourself, be accountable for your actions, and use good judgment.
- We Get It Done – steadily move towards goals, constantly improve, and make clear choices.
- We Value Difference – have empathy for diversity and seek for views different from your own.
HSBC Values Assessment Preparation
We strongly recommend JobTestPrep’s HSBC Values Test Preparation.
- The ONLY prep accurately simulating the assessment.
- Feedback personalized by position
- A money-back guarantee policy
What Do You Get?
- Complete HSBC Values-style personality profiling questionnaire (100 questions)
- PDF study guides for 6 different positions!
- Recommended answers and explanations to all questions
Full Disclosure: We are affiliated with JobTestPrep. Clicking the links helps us provide you with high-quality, ad-free content.
HSBC Values Assessment Preparation
There is currently only one viable prep option for the HSBC Values Assessment – JobTestPrep’s HSBC Values Prep Course.
Below we will give you all the reasons why this is the ONLY prep course you should choose. All screenshots are taken from the preparation pack.
Full Disclosure: We are affiliated with JobTestPrep. Clicking the links helps us provide you with high-quality, ad-free content.
Tailored for the Actual Assessment
JobTestPrep’s practice tests are the only ones that are tailored to the actual format and scoring method of the HSBC Values Assessment – 3 statements, Most, and Least.
Personalized for the Job You Want
As we’ve mentioned, the best answers on the HSBC Values Assessment depend on the job you want. JobTestPrep offers 6 different job categories to choose from, each with its tailored, interactive assessment and theoretical guide.
Detailed Answers and Explanations
Each and every question of the 100+ on the assessment is accompanied by a detailed answer and explanation – so, you can understand the mechanism behind every answer choice.
Get serious about your career! Start preparing for your HSBC Values Assessment!
Start Preparing Now
