Pre-employment assessment software · ranked #11 of 13
SHL: review, pricing and alternatives
Eleventh as a dominant incumbent: a very wide validated catalogue and ATS reach, but sales-led buying and a footprint built for large employers.
SHL at a glance
- Rank
- #11 of 13 in pre-employment assessment software
- Best for
- Large employers with graduate and volume hiring
- Pricing
- Quote only
- Free option
- None
- Headquarters
- Thames Ditton, United Kingdom
- Key features
- Cognitive ability tests, Situational judgement, Motivation questionnaire, Personality questionnaire, Coding simulations
- Last checked
- 2026-11-13
Where SHL wins
- SHL is the established name in occupational testing, with tests for cognitive ability, situational judgement, motivation and personality, plus simulations for call centers and coding.
- Its integration with more than eighty applicant tracking systems helps a large employer fit it into an existing process, and candidate feedback reports are part of the offer.
- Graduate programs and managerial selection are where its breadth counts most.
Where it falls short
- The catalogue is large and the products page shows no price, so a mid-sized buyer must work through a sales conversation to learn what fits.
- Talent management tools sit alongside hiring ones, which widens the purchase.
- The pages we opened did not name a single legal entity or headquarters.
- Wrong for companies under a few hundred staff that want a quick, low-priced start.
Our verdict on SHL
SHL is the established name in occupational testing, with tests for cognitive ability, situational judgement, motivation and personality, plus simulations for call centers and coding. Its integration with more than eighty applicant tracking systems helps a large employer fit it into an existing process, and candidate feedback reports are part of the offer. Graduate programs and managerial selection are where its breadth counts most.
Where SHL falls short
The catalogue is large and the products page shows no price, so a mid-sized buyer must work through a sales conversation to learn what fits. Talent management tools sit alongside hiring ones, which widens the purchase. The pages we opened did not name a single legal entity or headquarters.
Who should look elsewhere
Wrong for companies under a few hundred staff that want a quick, low-priced start. TestGorilla or Criteria give a faster, lighter route.
SHL pricing
No price shown on the products page; buyers choose Buy Online or speak with the team.
Pricing as published by the vendor on the date above; check the vendor's pricing page before you buy.
SHL fact sheet
| Rank | #11 of 13 in pre-employment assessment software |
|---|---|
| Category | Pre-employment assessment software |
| Best for | Large employers with graduate and volume hiring |
| Pricing model | Quote only |
| Free option | None |
| Headquarters | Thames Ditton, United Kingdom |
| Company | SHL and its affiliates |
| Address | Thames Ditton, United Kingdom |
| Vendor size | Major vendor |
| Website | www.shl.com |
| Last checked | 2026-11-13 |
Key features
- Cognitive ability tests
- Situational judgement
- Motivation questionnaire
- Personality questionnaire
- Coding simulations
- Call center simulations
- Video interviews
- ATS integrations
Alternatives to SHL
Hogan AssessmentsPersonality assessments for selection and leadership. Quote only.
HireVueAssessments built into a video interviewing platform. Quote only.
Alva LabsHiring system with logic, personality and coding tests. Per hire.Also ranked in
- #11 of 13 in pre-employment assessment software
Sources checked
- Assessments for skills, cognitive ability, situational judgement, video interviews and simulations; integration with more than 80 applicant tracking systems Source
- Products page lists OPQ, GSA, JFA, MQ, SJT, SHL Verify, Smart Interview, coding simulations; no price shown Source
- Global offices page lists a UK office at Thames Ditton, Surrey (not labeled as headquarters) Source
SHL: common questions
What is SHL?
SHL is enterprise assessment catalogue for hiring and talent management. Eleventh as a dominant incumbent: a very wide validated catalogue and ATS reach, but sales-led buying and a footprint built for large employers.
How much does SHL cost?
No price shown on the products page; buyers choose Buy Online or speak with the team.
Does SHL have a free plan?
None. No price shown on the products page; buyers choose Buy Online or speak with the team.
What is SHL best for?
SHL is best for large employers with graduate and volume hiring. Eleventh as a dominant incumbent: a very wide validated catalogue and ATS reach, but sales-led buying and a footprint built for large employers.
Where is SHL based?
SHL is published by SHL and its affiliates, headquartered in Thames Ditton, United Kingdom.
Who should not use SHL?
Wrong for companies under a few hundred staff that want a quick, low-priced start. TestGorilla or Criteria give a faster, lighter route.
What are the best alternatives to SHL?
In our pre-employment assessment software ranking the closest alternatives are Hogan Assessments, HireVue, Alva Labs. See the full ranking for the other options.