KPMG Launch Pad Assessment Centre 2027: Stages, Dates and How to Prepare
The KPMG Launch Pad is the in-person assessment day at the end of KPMG’s UK graduate process. This guide uses KPMG’s own application process page for the stages, timings and dates, and marks anything that is not published.
One honest limit up front: KPMG does not publish what the Launch Pad exercises are or how they are scored, so we do not describe them. Third-party candidate accounts exist, but most are dated, and we have not used them as facts.
The four KPMG stages at a glance
| Stage | What it is | Length | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Explore and Apply | Unassessed job preview quiz, then an application form on your academics and work experience | Not published | Official |
| 2. Online assessments | Skills assessment (untimed) and cognitive assessment (numerical and logical reasoning) | About 20 minutes plus 36 minutes | Official |
| 3. Video interview | Six pre-recorded questions asked by an AI avatar, scored by a person | About 40 minutes | Official |
| 4. Launch Pad | In-person half-day event with assessed and non-assessed activities | Half day | Official |
| Result | Job offer within 2 working days if successful, feedback on request if not | 2 working days | Official |
Source: KPMG graduate application process.
Launch Pad dates and venues
KPMG lists seven Launch Pad dates for the current cycle. Filter by city to find yours.
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 17 November 2026 | London | Oval |
| Tuesday 1 December 2026 | Birmingham | NEC |
| Wednesday 9 December 2026 | Manchester | Midlands Hotel |
| Tuesday 16 March 2027 | Bristol | Ashton Gate Stadium |
| Tuesday 23 March 2027 | Glasgow | Radisson Blu |
| Tuesday 27 April 2027 | London | Oval |
| Wednesday 5 May 2027 | Leeds | New Dock Hall |
Each stage in detail
Stage 1: Explore and Apply
A job preview quiz built from everyday scenarios in your chosen role. KPMG says it is not assessed. Then you complete an application form about your academic background and work experience, which KPMG checks against the entry criteria on the programme page. KPMG says applicants a few grades or points short are still encouraged to apply, and offers contextual recruitment information in its FAQs.
Stage 2: online assessments
You are invited automatically after applying. The skills assessment asks you to rank how you would think, feel or respond in work scenarios. The cognitive assessment covers numerical and logical reasoning in 36 minutes. KPMG points to SHL practice tests, recommends Chrome and a desktop or laptop, and sends a personalised skills feedback report afterwards. Practise with our logical reasoning and situational judgement guides.
Stage 3: video interview
If you pass stage 2 you may be invited. Six pre-recorded questions come from an AI avatar called Leah. You get set preparation time before recording, can do it when it suits you, and should allow about 40 minutes. A person reviews and scores your answers. See online tests by employer for how video stages compare.
Stage 4: Launch Pad
An in-person half-day event with assessed and non-assessed activities. You meet people from the business area and location you applied to, from partners to trainees. KPMG sends instructions on what to expect, travel expenses and what to wear before the event. Our graduate assessment centre guide covers how these days usually work.
Integrity and AI rules
KPMG states that by completing its assessments you confirm you did so independently, without help from others or any artificial intelligence. Candidates found acting dishonestly, including sharing assessment content, will be withdrawn, and KPMG says further action may follow and that it will re-test elements of the online assessments. Read the full note on KPMG’s page before you start.
Quote check: we looked for a named KPMG trainee or manager talking about Launch Pad and found none we could verify, so we have not included one.
How to prepare for Launch Pad
- Read KPMG’s skills list on its “Is KPMG right for me” page and prepare an example for each.
- Treat the non-assessed activities seriously anyway, because you are meeting the people you may work with.
- Check your invitation for travel, expenses and dress instructions and plan the journey to the venue.
- Tell KPMG about any adjustments before each assessment stage, using the contact details on its page.
- Prepare to talk about why you chose your programme, since the video interview tests motivation too.
Before your Launch Pad
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How KPMG compares
See the programme itself on our KPMG graduate scheme page. For other firms’ final stages read our Deloitte assessment centre guide and PwC assessment centre guide, or compare KPMG vs EY. The full list is on the Graduate Scheme hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is the KPMG Launch Pad?
Launch Pad is the final stage of KPMG’s UK graduate recruitment process: an in-person, half-day assessment event that mixes assessed and non-assessed activities, and lets you meet people from the business area and location you applied to, from partners to trainees.
When are the 2026/27 KPMG Launch Pad dates?
KPMG lists seven: 17 November 2026 (London Oval), 1 December 2026 (Birmingham NEC), 9 December 2026 (Manchester Midlands Hotel), 16 March 2027 (Bristol Ashton Gate Stadium), 23 March 2027 (Glasgow Radisson Blu), 27 April 2027 (London Oval) and 5 May 2027 (Leeds New Dock Hall). You are invited to a date, and KPMG gives the venues as listed on its page.
How many stages does the KPMG graduate process have?
Four: Explore and Apply, Online Assessments, Video Interview and Launch Pad.
How long are the KPMG online assessments?
KPMG says the skills assessment is untimed but suggests allowing 20 minutes, and the cognitive assessment of numerical and logical reasoning is timed at 36 minutes.
Is the KPMG video interview done by AI?
The six pre-recorded questions are asked by an AI avatar called Leah, but KPMG says your recorded answers are reviewed and scored by a member of its Student Recruitment team. Allow about 40 minutes.
How quickly do I hear after Launch Pad?
KPMG says that if you are successful you will have your job offer within 2 working days, and unsuccessful candidates can request feedback.
Can I use AI in the KPMG assessments?
No. KPMG expects candidates to complete assessments independently, without the help of others or AI, and says it will withdraw candidates found acting dishonestly and will re-test elements of the online assessments.
