Arithmetic and numerical reasoning
Category practice
Reported in several cycles. Timed mental math is the most transferable preparation.
Source: QuantVault: IMC online assessment
Explore Arithmetic and numerical reasoningThe IMC online assessment and recruitment process
What IMC publishes about its assessment, why reports of the format disagree, and how to prepare core numerical skills.
Practice timed mental math View assessment details View hiring process
Closest practice: IMC’s assessment varies by role and is not published, so practice the core numerical skills, then follow your recruiter’s briefing.
By the Game Assessment Prep research teamUpdated November 10, 2026How we research
Key takeaways
- IMC’s assessment varies by role; some are not online, and your recruiter explains the format beforehand.
- IMC says the test is meant “to test your abilities – not to trick you.”
- Reports of the format disagree across years, so practice core numerical skills.
- Final rounds can include several interview stations; feedback comes within a couple of days.
The IMC Trading hiring process at a glance
- 1Application and review — IMC reviews your resume and application and aims to reply quickly. Its trader internship form also asks for a cover letter and an academic transcript.
- 2(Online) assessment — Sent to strong applicants. IMC says assessments vary by role, some are not online, and the recruiter walks you through the format beforehand.What candidates report
- 3First-round interviews — Introductions, your motivation, how you read the role, your experience and skills, and your questions.
- 4Final-round interviews — Depending on the role, several interview stations covering key areas, where you also meet future colleagues.
- 5Offer — IMC reviews your application, assessment and interview feedback and aims to give feedback within a couple of days.
What to expect in the IMC Trading assessment
IMC does not name a fixed test. The practice below targets the numerical skills candidates most often report; your recruiter’s briefing comes first.
Single source
Sequences and patterns
Category practice
Number and shape pattern questions are reported in some years. Our sequences drill covers number patterns only.
Source: QuantVault: IMC online assessment
Explore Sequences and patternsGood to know: IMC’s live trading games and interview exercises cannot be reproduced honestly, and our practice does not attempt them.
Which IMC Trading roles and programs does this guide cover?
IMC is one of the few trading firms that tells candidates directly what to expect: its recruiter explains the assessment before you take it. The format depends on the role, and some assessments are not online at all.
That is also why third-party descriptions of the IMC test disagree. Reports for different years and roles mention arithmetic, sequences, probability, games and pattern tests. Use them as background only.
The skills that stay constant are the ones every trading firm tests: quick, accurate arithmetic, sequences and probability. Practice those, then prepare specifically once your recruiter has briefed you.
Trader Intern (Amsterdam, summer 2027)
For penultimate-year students in mathematics, physics, econometrics or a related field graduating in 2028; the internship must start on June 28, 2027. It opens with a week of classroom learning on proprietary trading, then a project, weekly trading challenges, desk shadowing and simulated trading. No prior knowledge of financial markets is required.
Source: IMC: Trader Intern (job posting)
How does the IMC Trading assessment work?
The assessment depends on the role
Official source“Assessments vary depending on the role. Some may be online while others may not.” IMC sends them to strong applicants after reviewing the application.
Source: IMC: Recruitment process
Your recruiter explains it first
Official source“There won’t be any surprises: your recruiter will walk you through everything in detail beforehand,” and the objective “is to test your abilities – not to trick you.”
Source: IMC: Recruitment process
Assessments are monitored
Official sourceIMC’s trader intern posting asks candidates to read its trading interview preparation guide and its Interview Conduct Policy, which describes monitoring during assessments, before any technical assessment.
Source: IMC: Trader Intern (job posting)
Reported formats are inconsistent
Single sourceA prep site lists reports of a HackerRank test for quant trader roles, an SHL test, a four-game set and a shape-pattern test in different years. They do not agree, which fits IMC’s statement that the assessment varies by role.
What happens in the IMC Trading hiring process?
IMC’s published recruitment process (Europe)
The stages from IMC’s recruitment page.
- 1Application and review.
- 2(Online) assessment, explained by your recruiter beforehand.
- 3First-round interview(s).
- 4Final-round interview(s), possibly with several stations.
- 5Offer stage, with feedback within a couple of days.
Source: IMC: Recruitment process
When is the IMC Trading assessment?
Check the posting for your role: IMC’s programs have fixed start dates.
| Cycle | Application dates | Likely assessment window | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trader Intern, Amsterdam (summer 2027) | See the posting | After application review; your recruiter briefs you | Official source The internship must start on June 28, 2027. Candidates not selected this season may reapply when the next season begins. Source: IMC: Trader Intern (job posting) |
How to prepare for the IMC Trading assessment process
Prepare the core skills early, then tailor your preparation once your recruiter explains the format.
1. Ask your recruiter about the format
IMC says the recruiter walks you through the assessment beforehand; use that briefing to plan your practice.
2. Build arithmetic speed
Timed mental math without a calculator transfers to most trading assessments.
3. Practice probability and expected value
Trading interviews commonly include probability and betting questions; practice explaining your reasoning.
4. Read IMC’s preparation guide and conduct policy
The trader intern posting asks you to read both before any technical assessment.
IMC Trading assessment FAQ
What is the IMC online assessment?
IMC says it varies by role and that your recruiter explains it beforehand. Reports from different years describe arithmetic, sequences, probability, games or pattern tests.
Is the IMC test designed to trick candidates?
No. IMC states the objective is “to test your abilities – not to trick you.”
How soon does IMC respond after interviews?
IMC aims to give feedback within a couple of days after the final stage.
Can I reapply to IMC?
IMC’s trader intern posting says candidates not selected this season may reapply when the next season begins.
Sources and references
The sources below support this guide. Claim labels distinguish official information, candidate reports, and research inferences.
- Recruitment process
IMC Trading · Accessed
- Trader Intern (job posting)
IMC Trading · Accessed
- IMC online assessment
QuantVault · Accessed
Game Assessment Prep is independent and is not affiliated with IMC Trading or its assessment providers. Employer processes can change by program, role, country, and recruiting cycle. Follow your invitation over this guide. This guide was reviewed on . Claims are labeled by evidence strength. How we research and label claims.
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