SHL OPQ Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield SHL OPQ facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which trait would most help in a role requiring careful proofreading? → Detail Conscious
2. What response format does the classic OPQ32 commonly use? → Forced-choice (most/least like me)
3. In SHL OPQ Sten scoring, what does a Sten score of 5 or 6 indicate? → The candidate is near the average of the comparison group
4. Which scale would best capture a preference for working within established procedures? → Conventional / Rule Following
5. What is the best DO when two statements both seem true of you in forced-choice format? → Pick the one that is slightly more characteristic of you
6. When completing a forced-choice OPQ32 version, what is the main challenge for candidates? → Choosing between two or more statements that both seem equally applicable to them
7. The OPQ 'Independent Minded' scale measures a tendency to do what? → Hold one's own views and not be easily swayed
8. In the SHL OPQ32, what is the typical range of Sten scores? → 1 to 10
9. Which company develops and publishes the OPQ assessment? → SHL
10. Which company developed the OPQ? → SHL
11. What does the OPQ in SHL OPQ stand for? → Occupational Personality Questionnaire
12. What skill entails the use of persuasion and influence? → Leading & Deciding
13. How does a high 'Decisive' score on the OPQ32 benefit an employee in a fast-paced work environment? → They make quick decisions without excessive deliberation, keeping projects moving forward
14. A compliance officer whose core responsibility is ensuring organizational adherence to regulations would benefit most from high scores in which Thinking Style? → Rule Following
15. What do employers typically do with the results of an OPQ test? → To determine whether you are best suited for the position for which you applied
16. The UCF competency 'Relating and Networking' is most strongly predicted by which OPQ32 traits? → Outgoing, Affiliative, and Socially Confident
17. What type of score is used to report SHL OPQ results, comparing a candidate to a reference group? → Sten scores
18. Is the OPQ usually timed? → No, it is untimed though a guideline duration is given
19. How long does the OPQ32 typically take to complete? → Roughly 25-45 minutes
20. How many personality dimensions does the standard OPQ32 assess? → 32
21. Which OPQ version is the "shorter ipsative" version? → OPQ32r
22. Which OPQ32 trait describes someone who prefers to form their own opinions rather than follow group consensus? → Independent Minded
23. The 'Modest' trait in the SHL OPQ32 primarily reflects: → A tendency to avoid self-promotion and downplay one's own achievements
24. How should you view the OPQ's role in the wider selection process? → As one of several tools alongside interviews and ability tests
25. An employee who scores high on 'Behavioral' in the OPQ32 Thinking Style cluster is most likely to: → Show interest in understanding people's motivations and psychological factors at work
26. How does a high score on 'Democratic' in the OPQ32 manifest in a managerial role? → Consulting team members and involving them in decision-making before finalizing plans
27. In the OPQ32, 'Forward Thinking' primarily refers to: → Planning ahead and thinking about long-term future scenarios
28. Is there a 'pass' or 'fail' score on the OPQ? → No, it profiles style rather than ability
29. How does a high 'Outspoken' score on the OPQ32 typically influence team dynamics? → The individual speaks their mind directly and does not shy away from voicing disagreement
30. Should you try to give the same answer to questions that seem similar? → No, answer each item honestly on its own merits even if wording overlaps