Are You Overlooking Top Talent Because of Language Barriers?

Hiring globally brings rich rewards—diversity of thought, broader talent pools, and multicultural perspectives. But it also introduces complexity when assessing cognitive ability, especially when your candidates speak English as a second language (ESL).

At Accountests, we understand these nuances. That’s why we’ve designed our Bookkeeper and Admin Ability (Cognitive Test) Suite to balance linguistic simplicity with powerful insights into a candidate’s reasoning ability. Here’s how it works—and what to keep in mind when evaluating ESL candidates.

A Test Suite Built with Clarity in Mind

The Bookkeeper and Admin Ability Test comprises three parts:

1. Numerical Reasoning
2. Checking
3. Abstract Reasoning
   
   

Each section is crafted using plain, simplified English and avoids idiomatic or culturally ambiguous phrases (no “many hands make light work” here!). Even so, a basic level of English comprehension is still needed, particularly for understanding test instructions.

1. Numerical Reasoning: Reading Matters

This section requires the most English comprehension of the three, as candidates must read and interpret word-based math problems. Here's where ESL candidates may experience a time disadvantage: they may take longer to read and process the question, even if they fully understand the logic behind it.

When interpreting the results, consider accuracy over speed. For ESL candidates, slow but correct answers may indicate strong reasoning ability that’s masked by language speed.

Let’s take a look at a sample question:

2. Checking Test: Fast, Visual, Language-Light

This is the most ESL-friendly section. Candidates match information (like codes or data entries) against options. The only instruction they need to understand is “match this item as quickly and accurately as possible.”

Because it’s more visual and process-based, language barriers have minimal effect.

Perfect for identifying detail-focused thinkers across language backgrounds.

Let’s take a look at a sample question:

3. Abstract Reasoning: Culture-Neutral by Design

Abstract reasoning tests are a favorite in global hiring because they measure pure cognitive ability—how well someone can detect patterns, think logically, and solve novel problems—without relying on language or cultural knowledge.

Candidates are given basic visual sequences or pattern sets and asked to choose the next in the sequence.

This makes it an excellent benchmark for comparing cognitive ability across language groups.

Let’s take a look at a sample question:

Wrapping Up: Be Intentional with Interpretation

The key to fairly assessing ESL candidates lies not just in administering the test—but in how you interpret the results.

• High accuracy + fewer questions attempted could indicate strong reasoning with a language/time barrier.
•  Low accuracy + low question volume = possible red flag.
•  Strong abstract and checking scores = high cognitive potential, even if numerical reasoning is slower.
  
  

Every great hire starts with great insights. Our test suite is built to provide exactly that—no matter where your candidates come from.

Need help reading between the lines of a report?
Learn more about testing considerations for candidates with English as a second language on our website.

We’re always happy to help you interpret results, just get in touch - help@accountests.com.

Donna Roughan  |  With 22 years of expertise in accounting and business advisory, Donna has held pivotal roles, notably as a Director at PwC, and has executive experience in both finance and operations.

Accountests  |  Accountests deliver the world’s only online suite of annually updated and country-specific technical skills, ability and personality tests designed by and for accountants and bookkeepers.