A parents' guide to CEM Select

What is CEM Select?

CEM Select is a computer assessment designed by the Centre of Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM). It's used by lots of independent schools in the UK to assess children applying for entry.

The test is designed to make the selection process fair for candidates. Schools use the exam to get an idea of a child's academic potential and ability, rather than what they have learned through repetition.

The CEM Select exam has a time limit of one hour and is split into six sections. Unlike other entrance exams such as the ISEB Common Pre-Test or the London 11+ Consortium, CEM Select is non-adaptive. All the questions are pre-selected and children will see the exact same questions in the same order. They can also move back through the questions to double-check their answers.

Which subjects are tested in CEM Select?

The CEM Select exam tests three main skills: verbal ability, numerical ability and non-verbal ability. It is usually split into five or six smaller sections.

Verbal ability

Verbal ability is tested through questions on vocabulary, grammar and comprehension.

Comprehension is one of the longest sections in the test. On the left side of the screen, your child will see a passage of fiction or non-fiction text. They can use their mouse or trackpad to scroll through the text.

Questions will appear on the right side of the screen. These questions assess their understanding of the text and the extent of their vocabulary. There are 23 questions to work through.

Your child's test may also include 'missing word' style questions. In these questions, they will see two passages of text (one after the other) with missing words in both passages.

For the first passage, your child will need to type in the correct first two letters for each of the 25 missing words (the rest of the word will auto-complete). They will then need to repeat this process for the second passage, which has 20 missing words.

Some other common types of verbal ability questions include:

• Shuffled sentences: children see a sentence made up of jumbled words, including an extra unnecessary word. They need to drag the unnecessary word into the Word Bin and rearrange the words to create a completed sentence.

• Anagrams: children see a sentence with one jumbled up word. They need to drag the letters into the correct order.

Numerical ability

Numerical ability is tested through questions on arithmetic and problem-solving. These questions are based on the topics your child will have learned in Key Stage 2 maths. The main topics are:

• Number: place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals and percentages

• Measurement: metric and imperial units, perimeter, area and volume

• Geometry: 2D shapes, 3D shapes, angles, shape properties, reflections and translations

• Statistics: analysing information in tables and using line graphs

Non-verbal ability

Non-verbal ability is tested through non-verbal reasoning questions. This assesses how well your child can analyse visual information (such as shapes, diagrams or pictures) to solve problems.

One of the common CEM Select non-verbal reasoning questions involves pictures. In these questions, your child will see 8 pictures on the left side of their screen. One of the pictures will be missing. On the right side of their screen, they will see a further 4 pictures. They will need to choose a picture from the right which completes the set on the left.

How can my child prepare for CEM Select?

Preparing for the CEM Select exam doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right approach and consistent effort, your child can build the skills and confidence they need. Here’s how you can help.

1. Get to know the test format

CEM Select is a computer-based exam that tests verbal, numerical, and non-verbal reasoning skills. It uses a mix of question styles like multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and auto-complete. Helping your child understand what to expect can make the test feel much less daunting.

2. Strengthen key skills

Make sure your child has a solid grasp of the basics in maths and English, as these are essential for the test. Focus on building confidence in areas like arithmetic, problem-solving, reading comprehension, and vocabulary. These core skills will make tackling the exam much easier.

3. Practice reasoning questions

Verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning might not be covered at school, so it’s a good idea to give your child extra practice in these areas. Look for resources that include puzzles, pattern recognition, and logical reasoning exercises to help them prepare.

4. Use familiarisation tests

With Atom Home, you'll get unlimited CEM Select mock tests. These are a great way to get your child used to the format and timing, helping them feel more confident on the day. Use these tests to pinpoint areas where they might need extra practice.

5. Focus on time management

The CEM Select exam is time-pressured, so practicing under timed conditions is key. Encourage your child to work at a steady pace, skip tricky questions and come back to them, and make educated guesses if needed.

6. Encourage regular reading

Strong reading and vocabulary skills are vital for the verbal reasoning section. Try to make reading a daily habit – whether it’s books, magazines, or even news articles. Chatting about what they’ve read can help build comprehension and critical thinking skills too.

7. Keep a steady routine

Consistency is key. Set up a study routine with short, focused sessions to keep things manageable. A little and often approach is much more effective (and less stressful) than cramming all at once.

8. Stay positive

Reassure your child that it’s okay to make mistakes – they’re part of the learning process. Focus on their progress and celebrate their efforts along the way. A positive mindset can make all the difference in how they approach the test.

By breaking preparation into small, manageable steps, your child can feel more confident and ready for the CEM Select exam!