NHS hopefuls will be required to undertake a new online numerical reasoning test as part of its graduate assessments.

With 1.3 million employees, the NHS is the third largest organisation in the world and by 2005 it hopes to offer 90 places for the two-year General Management Scheme; 65 places for the three-year Financial Management Scheme and 28 places for the two-year HR Management Scheme.

Commenting, Fiona Maybin, Marketing and Recruitment Coordinator at the NHS Leadership Centre said:

"Our Graduate Training Schemes are designed to produce the NHS Directors and Chief Executives of the future.

"Numerical ability is one of a range of competencies that we test for during the selection process. Last year, we tested 1,500 candidates over a two week period. This year, we expect to test three times that number as we’ve moved the online test further up the recruitment process."

The numerical reasoning test provided by PSL takes 20 minutes and comprises randomised question selection in an attempt to wipe out cheating and overexposure.

After completing the numerical test, the candidates have to progress through two further stages of competency-based selection - including a group exercise, an interview and an assessment centre - before the final places are offered.

Candidates need a 2.2 degree in any subject and must submit their applications by December.