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Generally, in the AfDB YPP selection process, candidates who pass the first screening round might be invited to take two online tests: a) The Computer-Based Test; and b) The Cognitive Assessment.

If you intend to apply for an opportunity with the AfDB, here are some relevant pieces of information to help you get ready and increase your chances of success!

In the following article, we will further address each of these different evaluation methods, providing details and useful tips to help you prepare in advance for the process!

Among the different ways of selecting staff, the Young Professionals Program (YPP) is known as the AfDB’s most important and prestigious selection process. The AfDB YPP is a highly competitive selection process. Every year, more than 4,000 highly qualified young people from around the world apply for this program but only around 10-20 applicants are selected each year. Being selected for the AfDB YPP can change your life forever, but this is no easy task.

In pursuit of its mission, the OpenIGO network has developed a comprehensive ebook and support and guidance services, with the aim of highly increasing your chances of success in this competitive process. These services include revising your AfDB YPP application documents (essay, curriculum vitae and thesis/dissertation summaries) and a mock interview, as per the AfDB YPP model.

We have already helped dozens of candidates become AfDB Young Professionals and we can also assist you in passing this competitive selection process!

For more info, access:

AfDB YPP – Products & Services

Also, check out our overview of the YPP at the ADB:

AfDB YPP: Overview

Do you want to know what are the secrets to writing the Perfect Cover Letter for the AfDB YPP? Discover right now on our magazine. Click here!

The Computer-Based Finance Test

The selection process of candidates being considered for an AfDB placement, including general job opportunities or the Young Professionals Program, might involve a timed, computer-based financial test to evaluate applicants’ specific financial skills and knowledge as part of AfDB’s Online Tests.

In general, this kind of test replaces pen-and-paper-based tests and can be delivered online or via a software program. This form of testing is usually on-demand and helps the organization to simulate real-life problems, thereby assisting recruiters in analyzing the skills and talents of candidates in the financial area.

Two types of computer-based tests exist: linear and adaptative. In the linear kind, the computer randomly selects questions without considering your level of knowledge.

Questions vary from easiest to most difficult, in no specific order. In the adaptative test, on the other hand, questions are selected based on your level of knowledge. The computer system chooses from a pool of questions classified according to difficulty and content. In this type of test, each question answered is used to select the next one.

A computer-based financial test presents several advantages in comparison to paper-based tests, such as:

Since an organization such as the AfDB has a strong confidentiality policy, it is hard to describe the contents of the test precisely, however, candidates can expect something similar to the Chartered Financial Analyst test. This famous test is designed to ensure that financial professionals have all the knowledge necessary to succeed.

The exam consists of free-standing, multiple-choice questions. It focuses on four areas: ethical and professional standards; investment tools; asset classes; and port-folio management and wealth planning. These areas are divided into 10 topics:

• Ethical and Professional Standards;
• Quantitative Methods;
• Economics;
• Financial Reporting and Analysis;
• Corporate Finance;
• Equity Investments;
• Fixed Income;
• Derivatives;
• Alternative Investments;
• Portfolio management.

The questions measure candidates’ capacity to apply concepts and formulas and analyze everyday work situations. The test can also comprise essays and case studies that require advanced calculation and problem-solving skills.

Nevertheless, candidates should take note that all these subjects will be approached in relation to the organization’s financial development work and the strategy planned for the cycle.

For this reason, candidates must possess specific knowledge of the African Development Bank, its strategic tools and areas of activity.

Generally, in the first round of the AfDB Young Professionals Program selection process, you must fill out an online application form and send documents (Curriculum Vitae/Resume, Cover Letter, etc.). These documents are decisive for your success in this competitive selection process! Therefore, it is of fundamental importance that they are carefully reviewed. This is exactly what our award-winning team will do for you.

That is why we are here: to provide you with step-by-step assistance to earn your place at the AfDB. We have developed the AfDB YPP Application Review for you with everything that you need to know to stand out in this stage of the selection process.

It is of fundamental importance that your documents are carefully reviewed. This is exactly what our award-winning team will do for you.

For more info, access:

AfDB YPP – Application Review

Are you interested in internship opportunities at the AfDB? Then check our ADB Internships Application Review:

AfDB Internship Application Review

The Cognitive Assessment Test

In this type of test, candidates are usually given a rule or principle to apply to examples, and must then reach a specific conclusion using deductive reasoning (numeric, pattern identification…).

General logical reasoning questions may also be included. The following statement was given by a real candidate applying for the cognitive assessment test:

 “The cognitive assessment was a set of games (numeric, pattern identification, and more). Those were fun to play, although some required quicker attention than I thought initially.” 

For didactic purposes, we prepared the following examples of cognitive questions based on information available at the website “Predictive Preparation”:

• Numeric problems:

a) 15 cups cost $720. How much would 3 cups cost?

b) Complete the following sequence: 1 | 3 | 12 | 60 |?

c) Which of the following has the lowest value? 0.15, 1/5, 15/10, 10/15:

d) In the past two years, Nina’s salary grew by 25% each year. Two years ago, her salary was $80,000 per year. What will be Nina’s annual salary this year? 
$115K | $120K | $125K | $130K

• Verbal Reasoning:

Not all conference participants are doctors.

All conference participants who are doctors are experts.

Some doctors who participate at the conference are not certified.

Conclusion: Some certified people at the conference are experts. (Correct)

• Abstract Reasoning:

Complete the missing frame:

Answers Numeric Problems: a)154 / b) 360 / c) 0.15 / d) (80*1.25) *1.25 = 125

Answer Abstract Reasoning: D

Among the different ways of selecting staff, the Young Professionals Program (YPP) is known as the AfDB’s most important and prestigious selection process. The AfDB YPP is a highly competitive selection process. Every year, more than 4,000 highly qualified young people from around the world apply for this program but only around 10-20 applicants are selected each year. Being selected for the AfDB YPP can change your life forever, but this is no easy task.

In pursuit of its mission, the OpenIGO network has developed a comprehensive ebook and support and guidance services, with the aim of highly increasing your chances of success in this competitive process. These services include revising your AfDB YPP application documents (essay, curriculum vitae and thesis/dissertation summaries) and a mock interview, as per the AfDB YPP model.

We have already helped dozens of candidates become AfDB Young Professionals and we can also assist you in passing this competitive selection process!

For more info, access:

AfDB YPP – Products & Services