RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) Online Assessment Tests — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Text: 'RBS offers overdraft facilities on current accounts. An unarranged overdraft incurs higher fees than an arranged overdraft.' A customer goes into an overdraft they did not arrange in advance. What can be inferred?

Arranged and unarranged overdrafts cost the same
The customer will incur higher fees than if they had arranged the overdraft (Correct answer)
The customer will not be charged any fees
The customer will have their account closed immediately

Correct answer: The customer will incur higher fees than if they had arranged the overdraft

The passage states unarranged overdrafts incur higher fees than arranged ones, so this customer faces higher charges.

Question 2: RBS frequently assesses 'collaboration' as a competency. Which STAR example best demonstrates this?

Describing a group project where the team worked well together without any challenges
Explaining that you prefer to work independently and delivered a solo project successfully
Discussing how you completed a team project by doing most of the work yourself when colleagues struggled
Describing how you worked across different teams to achieve a shared goal, adjusting your communication style to different stakeholders and resolving a key disagreement along the way (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Describing how you worked across different teams to achieve a shared goal, adjusting your communication style to different stakeholders and resolving a key disagreement along the way

Collaboration competency requires showing genuine teamwork — cross-functional working, adaptable communication, and conflict navigation.

Question 3: Which of the boxes comes next in the sequence?

E
C (Correct answer)
B
A
D

Correct answer: C

Explanation: The triangle alternates from pointing up to pointing right with each turn. The doughnut shape alternates from the left corner to the right corner with each turn.

Question 4: Which of the following is the MOST important quality for an RBS customer service representative to demonstrate?

The ability to process transactions as quickly as possible
Knowledge of only the most popular banking products
Active listening combined with clear communication and empathy (Correct answer)
Confidence in recommending the most expensive products to customers

Correct answer: Active listening combined with clear communication and empathy

Active listening, clear communication, and empathy form the foundation of excellent customer service in banking.

Question 5: Which of the boxes comes next in the sequence?

B
C
E (Correct answer)
A
D

Correct answer: E

Explanation: The triangle alternates by 90 degrees with each turn. The triangle alternates from shaded to unshaded with each turn.

Question 6: Which statement best describes how you handle a work environment that involves significant ambiguity or incomplete information?

Escalate all ambiguous situations to management without attempting to resolve them yourself
Make confident decisions without any reference to the missing information
Identify the most critical knowns, make reasonable assumptions where necessary, proceed cautiously, and escalate genuine blockers (Correct answer)
Wait until all information is available before taking any action

Correct answer: Identify the most critical knowns, make reasonable assumptions where necessary, proceed cautiously, and escalate genuine blockers

Working effectively with ambiguity means using available information, flagging assumptions, and knowing when to escalate.

Question 7: Read: 'RBS's fraud prevention team monitors transactions 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Suspicious transactions are flagged for review within minutes.' What can be inferred?

All flagged transactions result in account suspension
Only large transactions are monitored
The fraud team works in shifts of 12 hours
A suspicious transaction made at 3 AM on Sunday will be flagged (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A suspicious transaction made at 3 AM on Sunday will be flagged

Since monitoring occurs 24/7, a transaction at any time including 3 AM Sunday would be flagged if suspicious.

Question 8: Passage: 'RBS's online banking platform requires two-factor authentication for all transfers exceeding $500. Transfers below this threshold require only a password.' A customer attempts a $600 transfer with only a password. What happens?

The customer can override two-factor authentication by calling the bank
The threshold applies only to international transfers
The transfer will proceed because a password was provided
The transfer will not be completed without two-factor authentication (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The transfer will not be completed without two-factor authentication

Since $600 exceeds the $500 threshold, two-factor authentication is required and the transfer cannot proceed with only a password.

Question 9: Which competency is MOST likely to be assessed in an RBS role requiring frequent interaction with business clients?

Supply chain management and logistics planning
Relationship building and stakeholder management (Correct answer)
Advanced data analysis and statistical modeling
Software development and system architecture

Correct answer: Relationship building and stakeholder management

Client-facing roles at banks prioritize relationship building and stakeholder management as core competencies.

Question 10: Which of the boxes comes next in the sequence?

C
D
E
B (Correct answer)
A

Correct answer: B

Explanation: Circle in the top left segment for one frame, then omitted for the following two frames, with each turn. A small triangle alternates from the upper triangular segment to the lower triangular segment with each turn.

Question 11: Passage: 'NatWest Group, the parent company of RBS, reported increased customer satisfaction scores in 2024 compared to the prior year.' What is DEFINITELY true?

RBS was independently surveyed from NatWest Group
NatWest Group outperforms all competitors in satisfaction
Every RBS customer is satisfied
Customer satisfaction at NatWest Group improved year over year (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Customer satisfaction at NatWest Group improved year over year

The passage clearly states that NatWest Group's customer satisfaction scores increased compared to the prior year.

Question 12: What is the primary purpose of the Basel III international regulatory framework for banks?

To increase bank profits through leverage
To reduce the number of global banks through mergers
To strengthen bank capital requirements and improve risk management (Correct answer)
To standardize interest rates across member countries

Correct answer: To strengthen bank capital requirements and improve risk management

Basel III was developed to strengthen bank capital requirements, enhance risk management, and improve banks' ability to absorb financial shocks, reducing systemic risk.

Question 13: Which of the boxes comes next in the sequence?

A
E (Correct answer)
B
D
C

Correct answer: E

Explanation: The line alternates from being diagonal to vertical with each turn. Square moves in an anticlockwise direction around the frame with each turn.

Question 14: How do you typically respond to significant change in your work environment, such as a new system or process at RBS?

Engage with the change proactively, seek to understand the rationale, and adapt your approach accordingly (Correct answer)
Wait to see if the change is reversed before investing effort in learning it
Resist the change and continue using the old approach as long as possible
Comply minimally with the change but express frustration to colleagues

Correct answer: Engage with the change proactively, seek to understand the rationale, and adapt your approach accordingly

Proactive engagement with change — understanding the rationale and adapting — is the most effective and professional response.

Question 15: Text: 'RBS has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and has stopped direct financing of new oil and gas exploration projects.' What can be concluded?

RBS has sold all existing energy sector investments
Oil and gas companies cannot bank with RBS
RBS has already achieved net-zero emissions
RBS will not directly fund new oil and gas exploration (Correct answer)

Correct answer: RBS will not directly fund new oil and gas exploration

The passage states RBS has stopped direct financing of new oil and gas exploration projects, confirming it will not fund them.

Question 16: Which of the boxes comes next in the sequence?

A
E
D
C
B (Correct answer)

Correct answer: B

Explanation: Please note: shapes are not in a set position within the frame. It is merely the presence and number of shapes that are important for this sequence. With every turn, there are always three squares. With every turn, there are always two diamonds. With every turn, there is always one circle.

Question 17: Which of the boxes comes next in the sequence?

E
C
D (Correct answer)
B
A

Correct answer: D

Explanation: Doughnut shapes move in a clockwise direction with each alternate turn. Squares move in a clockwise direction with each alternate turn.

Question 18: Which of the boxes comes next in the sequence?

A
B
C (Correct answer)
E
D

Correct answer: C

Explanation: Square moves from the top left corner to the middle, then to the right corner with each turn. An unshaded square appears in every third frame with each turn. A triangle appears with every alternate turn.

Question 19: Passage: 'RBS offers fixed-rate and variable-rate mortgage products. Fixed-rate mortgages provide payment certainty while variable-rate mortgages may fluctuate with market interest rates.' Which conclusion FOLLOWS from the passage?

Variable-rate mortgages are riskier for the bank than for the customer
RBS recommends fixed-rate mortgages to all customers
A customer with a variable-rate mortgage may see their payments change (Correct answer)
Fixed-rate mortgages are always cheaper than variable-rate mortgages

Correct answer: A customer with a variable-rate mortgage may see their payments change

The passage states that variable-rate mortgages may fluctuate with market rates, meaning payments could change.

Question 20: Read: 'RBS trains all new staff in anti-money laundering procedures during their first month of employment. The training is mandatory and must be completed before handling customer funds.' A new hire starts handling customer funds on day 20 without completing the training. This is:

Acceptable if a manager approves it
A violation of RBS policy (Correct answer)
Fine because training can be completed later
Not a concern because day 20 is within the first month

Correct answer: A violation of RBS policy

The passage states training must be completed before handling customer funds, so doing so without completing it violates policy.

Question 21: Which of the boxes comes next in the sequence?

A (Correct answer)
D
F
B
E
C

Correct answer: A

Explanation: The last picture of each row contains the figures in the first two pictures of that row. The figure on the bottom right repeats the figure in the first picture, but its colour changes from black to white. The figure on the top left repeats the figure in the second picture and its colour remains the same. The missing figure must contain a white diamond at the bottom (as the first picture contains a black diamond) and a black triangle at the top (the same figure as in the second picture).

Question 22: A customer requests a product that would technically meet their stated needs but may not be in their long-term financial interest. What is your best course of action?

Offer the product without discussing the potential downsides
Have an honest conversation about the product's long-term implications and ensure the customer makes an informed decision (Correct answer)
Refuse to offer the product and suggest they see a financial advisor instead
Sell the product because the customer asked for it

Correct answer: Have an honest conversation about the product's long-term implications and ensure the customer makes an informed decision

RBS's treating customers fairly principles require that customers receive balanced, transparent information to make informed decisions.

Question 23: A colleague tells you they have made a significant error on a customer account but plans to fix it quietly without reporting it. What is your response?

Encourage the colleague to report the error through the proper incident reporting process and offer to support them in doing so (Correct answer)
Report the colleague to senior management immediately without telling them first
Keep the secret since it is not your mistake
Help the colleague fix the error quietly to avoid both of you getting in trouble

Correct answer: Encourage the colleague to report the error through the proper incident reporting process and offer to support them in doing so

Banking regulations require errors affecting customer accounts to be reported; encouraging proper reporting protects the customer and the institution.

Question 24: What is the main purpose of the UK's Money Laundering Regulations 2017?

To implement the EU's Fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive and set out obligations for firms to prevent financial crime (Correct answer)
To create a national database of all financial transactions over £5,000
To establish maximum penalty limits for money laundering offenses
To allow banks to freeze accounts of suspected criminals without court approval

Correct answer: To implement the EU's Fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive and set out obligations for firms to prevent financial crime

The Money Laundering Regulations 2017 implemented the EU's Fourth AML Directive in the UK, setting out specific obligations for firms including customer due diligence, record keeping, and reporting requirements.

Question 25: Which preparation strategy is MOST effective for RBS competency-based interviews?

Relying on your ability to think on your feet and improvise during the interview
Preparing answers only for questions you expect to be asked based on the job description
Memorizing standard 'model answers' from interview guides and reciting them verbatim
Identifying 8-10 strong examples from your experience that can be adapted to address multiple competencies, and practicing them using the STAR format (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Identifying 8-10 strong examples from your experience that can be adapted to address multiple competencies, and practicing them using the STAR format

Preparing flexible real examples that can be adapted to multiple competencies is the most efficient and effective interview preparation strategy.

Question 26: How do you typically respond when you feel your ideas are not being heard in a team meeting at RBS?

Interrupt others to ensure your point is heard immediately
Escalate to senior management that your contributions are being ignored
Give up raising the idea and feel demotivated
Look for an appropriate moment to restate your point clearly, or follow up with relevant colleagues after the meeting (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Look for an appropriate moment to restate your point clearly, or follow up with relevant colleagues after the meeting

Persistence through appropriate channels — timing in meetings or follow-up discussions — ensures your voice is heard professionally.

Question 27: Which of the boxes comes next in the sequence?

E
A (Correct answer)
B
C
D

Correct answer: A

Explanation: Square increases in size with each turn (i.e.: small, medium, large). The smallest square informs the decrease of one corner circle in the following frame, in a clockwise direction. Squares alternate from shaded to unshaded with each turn.

Question 28: What is 'tipping off' in the context of AML compliance?

Providing inside information to investors
Informing regulators of a compliance breach before they discover it
Advising customers about upcoming interest rate changes
Alerting a suspect that they are under investigation or that a SAR has been filed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Alerting a suspect that they are under investigation or that a SAR has been filed

Tipping off is the illegal act of informing a person suspected of money laundering that they are under investigation or that a SAR has been filed, which is a criminal offense in the UK.

Question 29: What is the role of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in relation to RBS?

It manages RBS's government ownership stake and shareholder relations
It sets the Bank of England base interest rate that affects RBS mortgage products
It approves all new financial products RBS wishes to launch
It regulates RBS's conduct toward customers and markets, ensuring fair treatment and market integrity (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It regulates RBS's conduct toward customers and markets, ensuring fair treatment and market integrity

The FCA regulates how firms like RBS conduct their business, focusing on consumer protection, market integrity, and promoting competition to ensure customers are treated fairly.

Question 30: How should an RBS employee communicate a decision the customer will not like, such as a loan being declined?

Deliver the decision clearly and respectfully, explain the reason briefly, and offer information on alternative options or next steps (Correct answer)
Tell the customer to reapply immediately with a different application
Apologize profusely without explaining the reason for the decline
Avoid explaining the reason to prevent the customer from arguing the decision

Correct answer: Deliver the decision clearly and respectfully, explain the reason briefly, and offer information on alternative options or next steps

Clear, respectful delivery with a brief explanation and alternative options turns a negative outcome into a constructive interaction.

Question 31: What is the difference between a 'debit card' and a 'credit card' issued by RBS?

A debit card draws directly from the customer's account balance; a credit card borrows money up to a set limit (Correct answer)
A credit card is only for online purchases; a debit card is for in-store use only
A debit card has a higher spending limit than a credit card
There is no functional difference — both draw from the same source

Correct answer: A debit card draws directly from the customer's account balance; a credit card borrows money up to a set limit

A debit card spends existing funds in your account, while a credit card extends a line of credit that must be repaid.

Question 32: If in South Korea the percentage of social science students was 34%, approximately what was the number of social science students in employment after graduating?

258 (Correct answer)
208
108
158

Correct answer: 258

Explanation: To find the answer you must, first, work out how many students studied Social Science and then apply the percentage of students employed: 1650 x 0.34 = 561 561 × 0.46 = 258.6 so the approximate answer is 258.

Question 33: What is a 'base rate' in the context of RBS interest rate products?

The minimum rate RBS charges for all loans
The rate RBS sets independently for its savings accounts
The interest rate set by the Bank of England that influences other lending and savings rates (Correct answer)
The average rate across all RBS mortgage products

Correct answer: The interest rate set by the Bank of England that influences other lending and savings rates

The Bank of England base rate is the benchmark interest rate that influences what banks like RBS charge and pay on loans and savings.

Question 34: Passage: 'RBS's graduate program accepts applications from candidates holding a minimum of a 2:1 degree in any subject. Candidates without a degree may apply via the apprenticeship route.' Which applicant is INELIGIBLE for the graduate program?

A candidate with a First-class degree in Engineering
A candidate with a 2:2 degree in Economics (Correct answer)
A candidate with a 2:1 degree in History
A candidate with a 2:1 degree in Mathematics

Correct answer: A candidate with a 2:2 degree in Economics

The graduate program requires at least a 2:1 degree, so a 2:2 degree does not meet the minimum requirement.

Question 35: Which of the following best describes the 'resilience' competency that RBS looks for?

The ability to maintain performance and a positive approach in the face of adversity, setbacks, or high pressure (Correct answer)
The ability to work long hours consistently without complaint
Never showing stress or emotion in the workplace under any circumstances
Refusing to accept failure and pursuing a goal regardless of the evidence

Correct answer: The ability to maintain performance and a positive approach in the face of adversity, setbacks, or high pressure

Resilience in a banking context means adapting to setbacks positively while maintaining effectiveness — it is not about denial or exhaustion.

Question 36: Which of the boxes comes next in the sequence?

B
E (Correct answer)
D
A
C

Correct answer: E

Explanation: Line changes with each turn from diagonal, to vertical, to the inverse diagonal, and then to horizontal. The dot moves from the top right corner, to intersect with the middle line, to the bottom left corner with each turn. The triangle moves around the frame corners in an anti-clockwise direction with each turn.

Question 37: Which of the boxes comes next in the sequence?

C
D
B
E
A (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A

Explanation: The square moves in an anti-clockwise direction with each alternate turn. The three-quarter circle rotates by 45 degrees with each turn. The half circle moves in an anti-clockwise direction with each turn.

Question 38: A passage reads: 'RBS has reduced its branch network significantly over the past decade while expanding its digital services.' Which statement is CANNOT be concluded from this passage?

RBS has closed some branches in the past ten years
Digital banking is now RBS's only service channel (Correct answer)
The bank's branch count has decreased
RBS has invested in digital banking

Correct answer: Digital banking is now RBS's only service channel

The passage says RBS expanded digital services but does not say it is the only channel available.

Question 39: What is the risk of providing a competency-based example that focuses too much on what 'we' did as a team rather than what 'I' did?

Using 'we' shows appropriate humility and is always preferred in banking interviews
The interviewer cannot assess your individual contribution and competencies, weakening the quality of your answer (Correct answer)
There is no risk — team examples are equally effective as individual examples
The example demonstrates strong teamwork which will impress the interviewer

Correct answer: The interviewer cannot assess your individual contribution and competencies, weakening the quality of your answer

Competency-based questions assess individual capability — if you use 'we' throughout, the interviewer cannot evaluate your specific contribution.

Question 40: Passage: 'All RBS personal loan applications are assessed on the applicant's credit score, income, and existing debt levels. No single factor guarantees approval.' A customer with an excellent credit score applies for a loan. What is true?

The credit score is the only factor assessed
The customer will definitely be approved
Income and debt levels are not considered for personal loans
Approval is not guaranteed despite the excellent credit score (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Approval is not guaranteed despite the excellent credit score

The passage explicitly states that no single factor guarantees approval, so an excellent credit score alone does not ensure it.

Question 41: An RBS interviewer asks: 'Describe a time you failed to meet a target.' What is the BEST way to respond?

Choose an example where external factors caused the failure to protect your image
Describe a genuine failure honestly, take personal responsibility, explain what you learned, and describe what you did differently as a result (Correct answer)
Explain that you have always met your targets and cannot think of an example
Describe a very minor inconsequential failure to minimize any negative impression

Correct answer: Describe a genuine failure honestly, take personal responsibility, explain what you learned, and describe what you did differently as a result

Genuine self-awareness, accountability, and demonstrated learning from failure signal maturity and integrity to RBS interviewers.

Question 42: In a competency-based interview at RBS, the STAR method refers to which structure?

Skills, Training, Achievements, References — a resume format required by RBS
Strategy, Targets, Analysis, Review — a performance management framework
Strengths, Trends, Ambitions, Responsibilities — a career development tool
Situation, Task, Action, Result — a framework for structuring behavioral interview responses (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Situation, Task, Action, Result — a framework for structuring behavioral interview responses

STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result and is the standard framework for answering competency-based questions with specific examples.

Question 43: Which describes your attitude toward professional development and training opportunities offered at RBS?

You complete mandatory training only and avoid optional learning programs
You actively seek out relevant training, apply what you learn to your role, and share knowledge with colleagues (Correct answer)
You attend all training sessions but do not apply the content to your daily work
You prefer to learn exclusively on the job without structured training

Correct answer: You actively seek out relevant training, apply what you learn to your role, and share knowledge with colleagues

Proactively engaging with development opportunities and applying and sharing learning represents the highest level of professional engagement.

Question 44: You are given the opportunity to take on a challenging new responsibility at RBS that is outside your current experience. What is your likely response?

Accept the challenge, ask for appropriate support and resources, and commit to developing the required skills (Correct answer)
Ask to observe someone else do it first for an extended period before committing
Accept but secretly plan to delegate the most difficult parts to others
Decline because you prefer to stay within your area of expertise

Correct answer: Accept the challenge, ask for appropriate support and resources, and commit to developing the required skills

Embracing stretch assignments while seeking appropriate support is the most growth-oriented and professionally beneficial response.

Question 45: A customer asks you to recommend the 'best' savings account. After reviewing their situation, you realize a competitor offers a slightly higher rate. What should you do?

Present the RBS savings options that best fit the customer's needs honestly and transparently (Correct answer)
Decline to advise and ask the customer to research independently
Recommend the RBS account with the highest rate regardless of the customer's needs
Recommend the competitor's account to the customer

Correct answer: Present the RBS savings options that best fit the customer's needs honestly and transparently

RBS requires honest and transparent advice; presenting suitable RBS products that genuinely meet the customer's needs is the correct approach.

Question 46: Text: 'RBS employees are required to adhere to the bank's Code of Conduct at all times, including outside working hours when representing the organization.' Which inference is VALID?

An RBS employee at a public event representing the bank must follow the Code of Conduct (Correct answer)
The Code of Conduct only applies during business hours
RBS employees have no personal freedom outside work
Only senior RBS staff must follow the Code of Conduct

Correct answer: An RBS employee at a public event representing the bank must follow the Code of Conduct

The passage specifies the Code of Conduct applies outside working hours when representing the organization, which covers public events.

Question 47: A passage states: 'RBS provides a range of personal banking services including current accounts, savings accounts, and mortgages. The bank also offers credit cards with various reward programs.' Which conclusion MUST be true based solely on this passage?

RBS does not offer business accounts
RBS offers mortgages to personal banking customers (Correct answer)
RBS has the best credit card rewards in the US
RBS only serves personal banking customers

Correct answer: RBS offers mortgages to personal banking customers

The passage explicitly states that RBS provides mortgages as part of its personal banking services.

Question 48: Which regulation requires UK banks like RBS to verify the identity of their customers before opening accounts?

Basel III
GDPR
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
Know Your Customer (KYC) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Know Your Customer (KYC)

Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations require banks to verify customer identities to prevent fraud, money laundering, and terrorist financing.

Question 49: Under UK regulations, what is the maximum prison sentence for money laundering offenses?

14 years (Correct answer)
10 years
20 years
5 years

Correct answer: 14 years

Under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the maximum prison sentence for money laundering offenses in the UK is 14 years, reflecting the seriousness with which financial crime is treated.

Question 50: Which of the following demonstrates the 'integrity' competency most effectively in an RBS interview context?

Stating that integrity is your most important personal value without providing an example
Discussing how you managed to avoid getting caught in a difficult situation
Explaining that you always follow rules because you have never been tempted to do otherwise
Describing a time you reported a compliance concern despite it being uncomfortable or potentially unpopular (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Describing a time you reported a compliance concern despite it being uncomfortable or potentially unpopular

Integrity competency is best demonstrated through a specific example where you acted ethically in the face of pressure or discomfort.

RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) Online Assessment Tests

The RBS/NatWest Group online assessment evaluates candidates for graduate and professional roles across verbal reasoning, logical/diagrammatic reasoning, situational judgement, competency, and banking knowledge using TalentQ Elements adaptive psychometric tests.

Questions

65 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds