Numerical reasoning (interactive)
Roughly 10-12 questions · 90 seconds to 3 minutes each; about 18-25 minutes total
What it tests. Rapidly analyzing multi-layered financial data, accurate mental math, translating trends into projections and isolating relevant variables.
Worked example. Given an interactive line graph of three portfolio companies quarterly revenue over two years, select the right companies, apply a projected CAGR, and type the absolute EBITDA variance between Company A and Company C for Q4.
Common traps. Trying to calculate every value before answering, and missing subtle unit changes (millions vs thousands) when typing values.
How to handle it. Keep a physical scratchpad and financial calculator ready; eyeball trends to eliminate impossible options first, and check rounding instructions before typing.
Deductive reasoning
Roughly 10-12 scenarios · About 20 minutes
What it tests. Logical sequencing and constraint management, mirroring credit agreements, legal structures and term sheets with interlocking conditions.
Worked example. An interactive scheduling matrix: organize five MDs across four portfolio reviews on Monday where Director A cannot meet before 10am, Director B must follow Director C, and the Real Estate review precedes the Growth Equity review.
Common traps. Making outside assumptions not stated in the prompt; if a constraint does not forbid an arrangement, do not assume it is barred.
How to handle it. Use a grid on your scratchpad, cross out violations, and build around the anchor constraint that gives a fixed piece of information.
Inductive reasoning
Roughly 10-12 matrices · About 18-20 minutes
What it tests. Abstract problem-solving and fluid intelligence: identifying patterns in unfamiliar information and applying them.
Worked example. A 3x3 grid of shapes changing color, rotating clockwise and altering internal line counts; build the missing bottom-right shape with the correct orientation, shade and line count.
Common traps. Fixating on one rule (rotation) while missing simultaneous shifts (color inversion plus line additions), and burning the time budget on one early item.
How to handle it. Isolate each element one at a time, verify a pattern across two steps, then commit; skip and return rather than stalling.
Situational Judgment Test (SJT)
15-20 scenarios · No strict per-question limit; aim for about 25-30 minutes
What it tests. Professionalism, risk management, ethical judgment, teamwork and proactive communication in a hierarchical setting.
Worked example. A senior associate hands you a model with a structural formula error and tells you to overlook it because the timeline is tight and the numbers look close enough.
Common traps. Choosing the path of least resistance or an overly aggressive action, or jumping the chain of command to report minor issues directly to a partner.
How to handle it. Judge through TPG's fiduciary duty and collaborative culture: never compromise data accuracy, address the issue directly with the person responsible, and escalate only if the risk stays unmitigated.
Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ32r)
What it tests. Maps behavioral preferences across 32 traits for role and organizational fit (resilience, achievement orientation, analytical focus, collaboration); not a cognitive test.
Common traps. Gaming the test by picking the ideal-analyst answer, or contradicting yourself; the consistency algorithm flags low consistency and can trigger automatic rejection.
How to handle it. Answer honestly but mindful of key professional traits; never mark data precision, accountability or hard work as Least like you, and trust your first response.