Key Insights:
- What It Is: The Bain Gorilla Test is a 45 to 50 minute aptitude assessment used between application and first round interviews. It evaluates problem solving, numerical reasoning, business judgment, and leadership. The test is typically split into multiple timed sessions and may include an optional video component at the end.
- Why Bain Uses It: The test offers a standardized, bias-reducing way to assess candidate potential. It allows applicants with less polished resumes to stand out and helps Bain quickly identify those who are most likely to succeed in the consulting role.
- How to Prepare: Candidates should practice analytical and reasoning questions, understand the test structure, and simulate real test conditions. Management Consulted’s practice resources and TestGorilla sample questions are excellent prep tools.
Are you applying to Bain & Company this year? If so, you may be wondering how to approach the Bain Gorilla Test. While Bain has historically used online assessments like Sova to evaluate candidates’ cognitive abilities, the Gorilla Test is a newer addition to the screening process.
There’s no need to stress – Management Consulted has the resources you need to perform at a high level on this assessment and build the skills required to land a Bain offer.
Looking for a Bain Gorilla practice test? Click here to take it today.
Bain Gorilla Test: What’s Changed and What Matters
Based on recent candidate reports, the Bain Gorilla Test includes three timed multiple-choice sections followed by an optional, non-evaluative video component.
- Three multiple-choice sections covering numerical reasoning, premise-and-conclusion logic, and graph analysis
- Approximately 8-14 questions per section, with 10-15 minutes to complete each one
- No backtracking once you submit an answer or move to the next section
- Two optional video questions focused on teamwork and overcoming obstacles during a longer-term project
- Up to two minutes per video response, with three attempts available for each question
What this means for candidates: Pacing and accuracy matter more than speed alone. You should also prepare two concise behavioral stories that demonstrate teamwork, resilience, and impact – even though Bain currently describes the video responses as non-evaluative.
What Is The Bain Gorilla Test?
The Bain Gorilla Test is a timed aptitude assessment (approximately 45-50 minutes) that candidates typically complete between submitting their application and participating in first-round interviews. It consists of multiple-choice questions designed to evaluate logical reasoning, numerical ability, business judgment, and situational awareness.
In practice, candidates report completing three timed multiple-choice sessions, each containing roughly 8-14 questions and lasting 10-15 minutes. Importantly, you cannot return to previous questions once a section is submitted.
The purpose of the Gorilla Test is to help Bain assess cognitive skills that are difficult to capture on a resume. It enables the firm to efficiently identify candidates who are most likely to succeed in interviews and on the job. While no prior case interview knowledge is required, strengthening your analytical thinking through case practice can be beneficial.
TestGorilla Details
TestGorilla provides talent assessments for companies such as PayPal, Equifax, and PepsiCo, focusing on both analytical and behavioral traits. Similar tools – like BCG’s Pymetrics Test and McKinsey’s Solve Game – are used across consulting to standardize early-stage candidate evaluation.
While TestGorilla assessments are often described as having four sections, Bain’s Gorilla Test more commonly appears as three core areas:
- Numerical reasoning
- Logical reasoning (premise and conclusion)
- Data interpretation (analyzing graphs)
These sections are delivered in separate timed blocks, and candidates cannot revisit prior questions. As a result, strong pacing and consistent accuracy are critical to performing well.
Video Interview
Bain has introduced an optional, non-evaluative video component at the end of the Gorilla Test. This section consists of two short behavioral questions focused on working style and team experience.
The format typically includes:
- Two behavioral questions (e.g., teamwork experience and overcoming challenges on a longer-term project)
- Up to two minutes per response
- Three attempts per question
Although Bain states that responses are not formally scored, the video component allows candidates to add a human dimension to their application – something that multiple-choice questions cannot capture. It provides insight into communication style, professionalism, and overall fit.
Candidates should treat this as a low-stakes behavioral prompt. The goal is not to memorize responses, but to clearly and concisely communicate real examples that demonstrate collaboration, adaptability, and impact in team settings.
Scoring
Each section of the Gorilla Test evaluates a range of underlying skills. For example, problem-solving questions may assess your ability to interpret data, prioritize tasks, apply rules, and draw logical conclusions.
Because the test is structured in separate timed sessions with no backtracking, performance is effectively assessed section by section. This makes consistency especially important – strong performance in one area cannot compensate for careless errors in another.
Why Is Bain Using The Test Gorilla Assessment?
Online assessments like the Gorilla Test allow Bain to evaluate candidates in a standardized, scalable, and more objective way. This reduces reliance on resume polish alone and creates opportunities for candidates with diverse backgrounds to demonstrate their capabilities.
At the same time, the test helps filter out candidates who may appear strong on paper but lack the analytical skills required for consulting. TestGorilla provides Bain with detailed performance data, enabling more informed and efficient decision-making throughout the recruiting process.
Another advantage is accessibility. Candidates can complete the assessment remotely within a given time window, eliminating the need for early-stage scheduling and reducing friction in the hiring process. Additionally, accommodations – such as extra time for non-native English speakers – help ensure a more equitable experience.
How To Prepare For The Bain Gorilla Test
The Gorilla Test is designed to evaluate both your analytical thinking and your broader cognitive approach to problem-solving. The most effective way to prepare is to practice questions that build those skills under timed conditions.
TestGorilla Practice Test
At Management Consulted, we’ve developed a TestGorilla-style practice exam to help you prepare. This simulation reflects the structure and difficulty of the real test. Click the link to start practicing.
Note: This free test is a proxy. Our premium simulation replicates the full Gorilla Test experience across all sections and is available through our All Access Pass.
5 Additional Tips for Success
- Use TestGorilla Practice Questions
- TestGorilla offers a large library of sample questions across skill areas. Focus on problem solving, critical thinking, numerical reasoning, business judgment, and leadership.
- Prepare for the Sova Assessment
- The Gorilla Test shares similarities with Bain’s Sova assessment. Preparing for Sova-style questions can strengthen your readiness.
- Understand the Structure
- Familiarize yourself with the timing and format. Each session is 10-15 minutes, and you cannot return to skipped questions – so pacing is essential.
- Indicate if You Are Not a Native English Speaker
- Bain offers accommodations. Candidates who indicate they are not fluent in English are automatically granted additional time.
- Prepare your Environment
- Take the test in a quiet space with a stable internet connection. Technical disruptions can negatively impact your performance.
Bain Gorilla Test Video Demo
Katie - ex-MBB, Management Consulted Black Belt Advisor - demonstrates several sample questions from the Gorilla Test so you can get a taste of what to expect.
Bain Gorilla Test FAQs
How long is the Bain Gorilla Test?
The Bain Gorilla Test typically takes 45–50 minutes to complete. It is divided into three timed sections, each lasting about 10–15 minutes.
Can you go back to previous questions on the Bain Gorilla Test?
No. Once you submit an answer or move to the next section, you cannot return to previous questions. This makes pacing and accuracy especially important.
What topics are tested on the Bain Gorilla Test?
The test commonly covers numerical reasoning, logical reasoning (premise and conclusion), and data interpretation (analyzing graphs).
Is the Bain Gorilla Test video interview scored?
Bain states that the video component is optional and non-evaluative. However, candidates should still treat it seriously, as it provides insight into communication style and overall fit.
Do you need case interview experience to pass the Bain Gorilla Test?
No. The Gorilla Test does not require prior case interview knowledge. However, practicing analytical and problem-solving questions can improve performance.
Conclusion
The Bain Gorilla Test is a psychometric assessment designed to evaluate candidates’ core aptitudes before advancing them to live interviews. As these types of assessments become more common across consulting firms, preparation is increasingly important – especially since the test link may arrive just days after you apply.
That said, avoid overcomplicating your approach. The Gorilla Test is ultimately designed to measure your natural analytical ability and decision-making. There is no specialized knowledge required to succeed.
If you are applying to Bain, you likely already possess many of the qualities the firm is looking for. Trust your preparation, stay focused under time pressure, and let your strengths come through.