RBC Royal Bank of Canada Online Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A program crashes with a 'division by zero' error. This is an example of which type of error?

Syntax error
Compile-time error
Logic error
Runtime error (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Runtime error

A division by zero error occurs during program execution, making it a runtime error rather than a compilation issue.

Question 2: In a situational assessment, you are asked how you respond when you disagree with a team decision. The strongest response is:

Refuse to participate until your view is adopted
Voice your concern respectfully during deliberation, then commit to the team's decision (Correct answer)
Go along with the decision even if you believe it is wrong
Undermine the decision passively by deprioritizing your contribution

Correct answer: Voice your concern respectfully during deliberation, then commit to the team's decision

Expressing disagreement respectfully before a decision is made and then committing to it demonstrates both integrity and team orientation.

Question 3: A coworker asks you to cover their tasks while they leave early. Your own workload is already heavy. What should you do?

Agree without question
Report them to management immediately
Decline rudely
Honestly assess whether you can help without compromising your own responsibilities, and suggest alternatives if needed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Honestly assess whether you can help without compromising your own responsibilities, and suggest alternatives if needed

Being honest about your capacity while offering alternatives shows teamwork and responsibility. Overcommitting could lead to errors in either person's work.

Question 4: An analyst receives conflicting data from two sources about a market trend. The best next step is to:

Discard both sources and estimate manually
Seek a third independent source to reconcile the discrepancy (Correct answer)
Present both conflicting conclusions to the client without comment
Use the data that supports the preferred conclusion

Correct answer: Seek a third independent source to reconcile the discrepancy

A third source provides additional evidence to resolve the conflict objectively rather than choosing data based on bias.

Question 5: Which of the following is the strongest indicator of emotional intelligence (EQ) in the workplace?

Recognizing your emotions, understanding their impact, and responding thoughtfully (Correct answer)
Being calm in all situations regardless of what you feel inside
Never expressing emotions at work to appear professional
Always prioritizing logic over feeling when making decisions

Correct answer: Recognizing your emotions, understanding their impact, and responding thoughtfully

Emotional intelligence involves awareness of emotions and their impact — not suppression — and using that awareness to guide responses.

Question 6: Three figures are shown: a pentagon with a star inside, a hexagon with a circle inside, a heptagon with a triangle inside. What shape is inside a square if this pattern continues in reverse?

Triangle
Circle
Diamond
Star (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Star

The outer shape decreases in sides and the inner shape cycles star→circle→triangle→star; reversing from pentagon gives a square with a star.

Question 7: A sequence of figures shows a square losing one corner triangle each step: 4 triangles, 3 triangles, 2 triangles, 1 triangle, ___. What comes next?

2 triangles
5 triangles
4 triangles again
0 triangles (plain square) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 0 triangles (plain square)

The count decreases by 1 each step, so after 1 triangle the next figure has 0 corner triangles — a plain square.

Question 8: A SQL query returns duplicate rows. Which clause removes duplicates from the result set?

HAVING
ORDER BY
GROUP BY
DISTINCT (Correct answer)

Correct answer: DISTINCT

The DISTINCT keyword eliminates duplicate rows from a SELECT result set.

Question 9: Which behaviour best demonstrates integrity in the workplace?

Only reporting mistakes when they are noticed by others
Blaming a system error rather than acknowledging personal responsibility
Disclosing an error promptly and working to correct it (Correct answer)
Covering up a small mistake to avoid blame

Correct answer: Disclosing an error promptly and working to correct it

Promptly disclosing and correcting mistakes is a hallmark of workplace integrity and builds trust with leaders.

Question 10: During a video call with a high-value client, your internet connection drops and the call ends abruptly. How do you handle this?

Ask a colleague to contact the client on your behalf.
Wait for the client to reschedule since it was a technical issue outside your control.
Send an email apologizing and wait for their response.
Immediately call the client on their phone, apologize, and offer to continue the discussion or reschedule at their convenience. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Immediately call the client on their phone, apologize, and offer to continue the discussion or reschedule at their convenience.

Proactively reaching out immediately after a disconnection demonstrates professionalism and respect for the client's time.

Question 11: RBC's quarterly profit increased from $3.6B to $4.05B. What percentage increase does this represent?

10.5%
11%
12%
12.5% (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 12.5%

Increase = (4.05 − 3.6) / 3.6 × 100 = 0.45 / 3.6 × 100 = 12.5%.

Question 12: A logical pattern is established in the rows and columns of the 3x3 grid. Which of the answer choices should replace the question mark (?) to complete the grid?

A grey square
A white square
A black circle
A white circle (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A white circle

The logic of the grid follows Sudoku-like rules. Each row and each column must contain exactly one of each shape (circle, square, triangle) and one of each shading (black, white, grey). The third row already has a grey square and a black triangle. Therefore, the missing shape must be a circle and the missing shading must be white. The third column already has a grey triangle and a black square, confirming the missing shape is a circle and the missing shading is white.

Question 13: Passage: 'RBC's wealth management division grew assets under management by 12% in 2024. Market indices grew by an average of 14% over the same period.' — What is the most accurate interpretation?

Market growth caused RBC's AUM growth
RBC's wealth management underperformed the broader market (Correct answer)
RBC's wealth management significantly outperformed expectations
RBC clients lost money in 2024

Correct answer: RBC's wealth management underperformed the broader market

RBC grew 12% while the market average grew 14%, meaning RBC's growth lagged the benchmark.

Question 14: In Python, what does the len() function return when called on the string 'RBC'?

2
3 (Correct answer)
0
4

Correct answer: 3

len('RBC') returns 3 because the string contains three characters: R, B, and C.

Question 15: You are new to RBC and disagree with a process that seems inefficient. What is the most appropriate action?

Complain to colleagues about the inefficiency
Change the process on your own initiative to improve efficiency
Follow the existing process while documenting your observations, then raise your suggestion through appropriate channels (Correct answer)
Refuse to follow the process until it is updated

Correct answer: Follow the existing process while documenting your observations, then raise your suggestion through appropriate channels

New employees should follow established processes while proposing improvements through proper channels.

Question 16: In the sequence, which box comes next?

C
E (Correct answer)
B
A
D

Correct answer: E

The pattern shows a single shaded square moving sequentially across a 3x3 grid. It starts in the top-left, moves right across the top row, and then continues to the next row from left to right. Following this progression, after the middle-left square, the next position for the shaded square is the middle-middle square.

Question 17: Each figure in a row has one more side than the previous. The row starts with a triangle. What is the 5th figure?

Octagon
Hexagon (Correct answer)
Heptagon
Pentagon

Correct answer: Hexagon

Triangle (3 sides) → 4 → 5 → 6 sides = hexagon at position 5.

Question 18: In expected value analysis, which option is preferred?

The option with the highest probability-weighted average outcome (Correct answer)
The option with the highest possible outcome, regardless of probability
The option with the lowest risk, regardless of potential gain
The option chosen by the most experienced team member

Correct answer: The option with the highest probability-weighted average outcome

Expected value multiplies each outcome by its probability and sums the results, providing a rational basis for comparing options under uncertainty.

Question 19: When evaluating two solutions to a workplace problem, the MOST important criterion is:

How many people support each solution
How quickly each solution can be implemented
Which solution was suggested by the most senior person
Whether each solution actually resolves the root cause (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Whether each solution actually resolves the root cause

Solutions that address the root cause prevent recurrence, whereas quick or popular fixes may only address symptoms.

Question 20: During a team brainstorming session, one member dominates with criticism. The best response is to:

Only record ideas from quieter members
Ask the critical member to lead the meeting
Remind the group that evaluation comes after idea generation (Correct answer)
End the session early

Correct answer: Remind the group that evaluation comes after idea generation

Separating idea generation from evaluation is a core brainstorming rule that keeps creativity flowing before judgment is applied.

Question 21: A customer is frustrated about long wait times. How should you respond?

Tell them everyone has to wait
Acknowledge their frustration, apologize for the wait, and try to assist them efficiently (Correct answer)
Suggest they come back another day
Ignore their complaint

Correct answer: Acknowledge their frustration, apologize for the wait, and try to assist them efficiently

Acknowledging frustration validates the customer's experience, while apologizing and efficient service demonstrate that you value their time.

Question 22: In a spreadsheet, the formula =IF(C5>100,"High","Low") will display 'High' when:

C5 equals 100
C5 is less than 100
C5 is empty
C5 is greater than 100 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: C5 is greater than 100

The IF condition C5>100 is true only when the value strictly exceeds 100, returning 'High'.

Question 23: Shapes alternate between filled and outline versions, and rotate 90° clockwise each step. The first shape is a filled arrow pointing right. What is the third shape?

Outline arrow pointing down
Filled arrow pointing left
Outline arrow pointing left (Correct answer)
Filled arrow pointing down

Correct answer: Outline arrow pointing left

Step 1: filled right → Step 2: outline down (90° CW, alternated) → Step 3: filled left would be next rotation, but fill/outline alternates, giving outline left.

Question 24: When a branch manager must make a high-stakes decision with incomplete information, the recommended approach is to:

Flip a coin to avoid bias
Wait indefinitely until complete information is available
Make the best decision possible with available data while planning to monitor and adjust (Correct answer)
Delegate the decision downward to avoid accountability

Correct answer: Make the best decision possible with available data while planning to monitor and adjust

Decisive action with a monitoring plan is preferable to paralysis, as waiting for perfect information often forecloses timely options.

Question 25: Choose the word most similar in meaning to 'METICULOUS':

Hasty
Careless
Thorough (Correct answer)
Vague

Correct answer: Thorough

'Meticulous' means showing great attention to detail, which is closest in meaning to 'thorough.'

Question 26: A financial analyst must present two scenarios with different risk profiles to executives. The MOST effective presentation approach is to:

Recommend the riskier scenario to maximize potential returns
Clearly outline the risks, benefits, and assumptions behind each scenario (Correct answer)
Only present the scenario the analyst prefers
Present both scenarios identically to avoid influencing the decision

Correct answer: Clearly outline the risks, benefits, and assumptions behind each scenario

Decision-makers need transparent risk-benefit analysis and clear assumptions to make informed, accountable choices.

Question 27: In object-oriented programming, what allows a subclass to provide a specific implementation of a method already defined in its parent class?

Abstraction
Overriding (Correct answer)
Overloading
Encapsulation

Correct answer: Overriding

Method overriding lets a subclass replace the parent's method implementation with its own version.

Question 28: A company's quarterly profits were: Q1: $2.5M, Q2: $2.8M, Q3: $2.2M, Q4: $3.1M. Which of the following statements is true regarding the data?

The profit in Q4 was 40% higher than in Q1.
The median quarterly profit is $2.65M. (Correct answer)
The range of the quarterly profits is $0.8M.
The average quarterly profit is $2.6M.

Correct answer: The median quarterly profit is $2.65M.

Let's evaluate each statement. Average: ($2.5 + $2.8 + $2.2 + $3.1) / 4 = $10.6 / 4 = $2.65M. So, A is false. Percentage increase from Q1 to Q4: (($3.1 - $2.5) / $2.5) * 100 = ($0.6 / $2.5) * 100 = 24%. So, B is false. Median: Order the profits: $2.2M, $2.5M, $2.8M, $3.1M. The median is the average of the two middle numbers: ($2.5 + $2.8) / 2 = $5.3 / 2 = $2.65M. So, C is true. Range: Highest profit - Lowest profit = $3.1M - $2.2M = $0.9M. So, D is false.

Question 29: In an abstract matrix, the number of black dots doubles across each row: 1, 2, 4. The pattern repeats in each row but starts at the next whole number. The second row starts at 2. What is the last value in the second row?

6
4
8 (Correct answer)
16

Correct answer: 8

Starting at 2 and doubling twice gives 2, 4, 8, so the last value is 8.

Question 30: When working in a diverse team, which behaviour most supports an inclusive environment?

Seeking out only colleagues with similar cultural backgrounds
Ensuring everyone on the team shares your working style
Acknowledging different perspectives and adapting your communication style accordingly (Correct answer)
Treating everyone identically regardless of different needs

Correct answer: Acknowledging different perspectives and adapting your communication style accordingly

Inclusion requires recognizing and adapting to diverse needs and communication styles, not enforcing uniformity.

RBC Royal Bank of Canada Online Assessment

The RBC Online Assessment is a pre-employment aptitude test used by Royal Bank of Canada to evaluate candidates across numerical reasoning, abstract/logical thinking, problem-solving, technical skills, and workplace behaviour/personality fit.

Questions

35 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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