Which BCG online assessment will you take?
BCG doesn't use a single test. Depending on your office, role, and recruiting cycle you'll face one of five formats — Casey, Pymetrics, Cognitive Test, CCA, or the legacy Potential Test. This hub maps every format and points you to the right prep path.
By CaseyPrep editors · Last updated
- Formats in use
- 5
- Length per test
- ~25–40 minutes
- Dominant format
- Casey (chatbot)
- Scoring
- Not disclosed; module-specific
- Retake policy
- ~12 months (varies by office)
- Prep time
- 2–4 weeks
Not sure which module you'll get?
Three taps — office, role track and what your invite says — and we name the most likely test.
Take the 20-second check →What is the BCG Online Assessment?
The BCG Online Assessment is a digital pre-interview screen delivered in modules. BCG picks the mix per office and recruiting cycle, so no two candidates take exactly the same test. A single module runs about 25–40 minutes; some candidates face more than one — for example, US applicants commonly receive the CCA plus the Casey online case separately.
The 5 formats compared
| Assessment | Format | Length | Regions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casey | Mixed multiple-choice, numeric entry and open text | 25–35 min (reported) | Most BCG offices worldwide |
| Pymetrics | Results are reported as 9 trait categories | ~25–30 min (reported) | Used alongside the case screen at a number of offices |
| Cognitive Test | Numerical + logical — no verbal section | 30 min (reported) | Germany/DACH and a growing set of other offices |
| CCA | Personality questionnaire + timed logical reasoning | ~30–40 min (reported) | US-heavy |
| Potential Test | Numerical, verbal and logical (legacy) | 45 min (legacy paper/computer version) | Retired · guide only |
How BCG decides which assessment
Three factors:
- Office. Germany and some nearby offices use the Cognitive Test. Most global offices use Casey. US applicants commonly also receive the CCA as a separate pre-screen.
- Role. Consultant-track roles get the full stack. Specialty roles (Digital, Platinion) sometimes skip Pymetrics.
- Cycle. BCG rotates modules every 12 months — this year's mix isn't necessarily next year's.
Which module to prep first
If you're unsure which mix applies: prep Casey first. It's the dominant module worldwide, has the highest score weight, and the case-thinking skills transfer to the human interviews.
Prep sequencing
- Week 1: Read the pillar guide for each module you'll take.
- Weeks 2–3: Full timed Casey simulations. Add Cognitive Test drills if you're DACH.
- Week 4: One Pymetrics dry-run + one final Casey dress rehearsal.
Timeline from application to onsite
Illustrative — varies widely by office and cycle:
- Week 0: Application submitted.
- Weeks 1–3: CV screen and — if you pass — online assessment invitation.
- Weeks 4–6: Online assessment window. Completion windows are commonly short — CCA invitations often allow 24–48 hours, Casey links typically about 3–7 days.
- Weeks 6–8: First-round interviews for candidates who pass.
- Weeks 8–10: Partner-round and offer decisions.
Related: Casey · Online case · Pymetrics · Cognitive Test · CCA · Potential Test.
Frequently asked questions
A digital pre-interview screen built from one or more modules depending on your office — the Casey chatbot case, Pymetrics behavioural games, the SHL-based Cognitive Test, or the newer Consulting Career Assessment (CCA). A single module typically runs 25–40 minutes; some candidates take more than one.