The Watson Glaser test is a critical thinking appraisal used by UK law firms and some other graduate employers to decide who moves from the application form to the next stage. It measures how well you evaluate arguments and draw conclusions from text, not what you know. This page sets out what the test publisher itself states, what three named law firms say about their use of it, and how to prepare without relying on unsourced “pass mark” claims.
Watson Glaser test: at a glance
| Item | What the source states | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Publisher | TalentLens (Pearson). Product page: Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal | Official |
| Scored areas | Recognise Assumptions, Evaluate Arguments, Draw Conclusions | Official |
| Length | 40 items; 30 to 40 minutes when timed (TalentLens) | Official |
| Scoring | Raw score from 0 to 40, then a percentile against a norm group; TalentLens lists 18 norm groups | Official |
| Pass mark | No pass mark is published by TalentLens or by the employers below | Not published |
| Free practice | TalentLens practice tests | Official |
What the Watson Glaser actually tests
TalentLens describes the appraisal as measuring critical thinking through three scored areas. Its product page also lists the five classic subtests, so you may see both descriptions: the three-area view is how results are reported, the five-part view is how many older guides describe the questions.
Recognise Assumptions
Evaluate Arguments
Draw Conclusions
Which employers use it? What they say
| Employer | What its own page states | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Clifford Chance | Watson Glaser of 30 minutes and 40 questions; 4 days to complete; use of AI not permitted | Clifford Chance, how we hire |
| Linklaters | 5 days to complete; the page describes the test as untimed | Linklaters, your application |
| Freshfields | Stages and tests listed on its application page; check it for the current year | Freshfields, how do I apply |
The difference matters: Clifford Chance describes a timed 30-minute format, while Linklaters describes an untimed one. Do not assume the test works the same way at every firm; read the employer’s own page before you start.
How to prepare, in order
- Take the free TalentLens practice test first. It shows the question style before you spend time on paid material.
- Practise “only what the text says”. Most lost marks come from using outside knowledge on Draw Conclusions questions.
- Time yourself at 40 questions in 30 minutes even if your employer’s version is untimed, so a timed one does not surprise you.
- Read the invitation email for the deadline. Clifford Chance states 4 days and Linklaters 5 days.
- Do not use AI tools on the test. Clifford Chance states AI is not permitted.
Checklist before you start
Where it sits in a law-firm application
At the firms above the test comes after the online application and before interviews or an assessment day. For how later stages work, see our graduate assessment centre guide and our PwC assessment centre guide. For deadlines across employers, use the Graduate Scheme Transparency Index and the graduate scheme hub.
A note on quotes
We could not find a named candidate’s account of the Watson Glaser that is both published by a source we trust and short enough to quote, so this page contains none rather than an invented one.
Watson Glaser test: FAQ
What is a good Watson Glaser score?
No source we checked publishes a pass mark. TalentLens reports a raw score out of 40 and a percentile against a norm group, and each employer chooses its own cut-off.
How long is the Watson Glaser test?
TalentLens states 40 items and 30 to 40 minutes when timed. Clifford Chance describes 30 minutes and 40 questions; Linklaters describes its version as untimed.
Can I retake it?
Not published on the pages we checked. Ask the employer’s recruitment team before you attempt it.
Is there a free practice test?
Yes, TalentLens lists practice tests on its own site, linked above.
Want the dates in one place? See our graduate scheme deadlines calendar, with days left and add-to-calendar links.
