Digitspan
Exact simulator
A sequence-memory game: recall increasingly long number sequences. Practice until longer sequences stop feeling stressful.
Source: Candidate reports and preparation sources reviewed July 2026
Practice DigitspanThe Shell interview process, explained
Every round of Shell's assessed-internship process, what each involves, and free practice for the games and interview.
By the Game Assessment Prep research teamUpdated July 16, 2026How we research
The Shell interview rounds at a glance
- 1Online application — Submit the application and online questionnaire for your assessed-internship vacancy — deadlines are set per local posting, not on one global calendar.
- 2HireVue online assessment — If invited, one stage in two parts: four game-based assessments, then an on-demand video interview. Shell confirms the count of four, not the game names.The games, in detail The interview questions
- 3Later programme stages — Shell's guidance points to further interview, assessment, or eligibility steps set by the local programme — the process varies by country and business.
What games are in the Shell assessment?
Practice the four reported games below. The first three have exact simulators; for the personality exercise, try both Portrait variants.
Multiple sources
Flashback
Exact simulator
An n-back working-memory task — you respond when the current item matches one from n steps back. It feels hard at first; a few sessions make a big difference.
Source: Candidate reports and preparation sources reviewed July 2026
Practice FlashbackPuzzle Picture
Exact simulator
A timed picture-reconstruction exercise. Our simulator trains the same format and visual planning demands.
Source: Candidate reports and preparation sources reviewed July 2026
Practice Puzzle PicturePortrait / PortraitXT
Closest practice only
A forced-choice work-style questionnaire. Reports differ on which variant Shell uses, so try both — and answer the live assessment consistently and honestly.
Source: Candidate reports and preparation sources reviewed July 2026
Good to know: Shell confirms four games but not the names, and the mix can change by role or cycle. If your invitation lists different exercises, practice those instead.
The Shell video interview: researched questions
Games are often only part of the process — many invitations pair them with a recorded one-way video round. Our Shell question set labels every question by its evidence: officially published and candidate-reported questions where they exist, clearly labeled practice questions where they don't — rebuilt as a timed practice mock.
- 1Which experience best shows the value you would bring?Officially published
- 2Why Shell and why this graduate pathway?Reported by a candidate
- 3Describe analyzing a difficult problem and proposing a practical solution.Practice question for this company/role
Who gets the Shell assessment?
Shell’s hiring process varies by country, business, and experience level, but the assessed-internship stage is clear: four online game-based assessments, then an on-demand video interview.
Shell confirms the number of games but not the names. Candidates consistently report Digitspan, Flashback, Puzzle Picture, and a Portrait-style personality exercise — that’s the lineup to practice.
Assessed Internship Programme
Shell’s candidate resource page tells applicants to complete four online game-based assessments and then an on-demand video interview, and links directly to HireVue technical requirements.
Other Shell roles and countries
Experienced-hire, graduate, and local recruiting funnels differ — not every Shell job includes games. Check the process for the specific role you applied to.
How does the Shell assessment work?
Four games, straight from Shell
Official sourceThe count of four online game-based assessments comes directly from Shell’s own candidate guidance.
Games come before the video interview
Official sourceThe games and the on-demand video interview are one online assessment stage. Prepare them separately — rapid game mechanics and concise recorded answers are different skills.
The reported lineup
Multiple sourcesCandidates consistently report Digitspan, Flashback, Puzzle Picture, and Portrait or PortraitXT as the four games.
Source: Candidate reports and preparation sources reviewed July 2026
What happens in the Shell hiring process?
Assessed-internship online stage
Shell’s published flow separates the game and interview demands.
- 1Submit the application and online questionnaire for the relevant internship.
- 2If invited, complete four online game-based assessments.
- 3Complete the on-demand video interview — prepare motivation and competency examples separately.
- 4Follow any later interview, assessment, or eligibility instructions for the local programme.
When is the Shell assessment?
Shell recruitment dates vary by country and vacancy — there is no single global assessment calendar.
| Cycle | Application dates | Likely assessment window | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current assessed-internship vacancy | Use the date on the local job posting | After application screening; use the invite deadline | Official source Apply early enough to leave time for technical checks and practice before the invite deadline. Source: Shell candidate process; role dates remain vacancy-specific |
How to practice for the Shell assessment
Practice the four reported games first, then spend a separate session rehearsing recorded answers — the video interview needs motivation and competency examples, not game reflexes.
Our practice metrics track your improvement; Shell doesn’t publish its scoring model or cutoff.
Step 1
Build a four-game baseline
Play Digitspan, Flashback, Puzzle Picture, and both Portrait variants once to identify unfamiliar controls.
Step 2
Drill the weakest cognitive format
Repeat the lowest-performing cognitive game under time pressure while protecting accuracy.
Step 3
Prepare recorded examples
Outline concise examples for motivation, teamwork, safety, learning, and role fit; do not improvise them from game practice.
Step 4
Verify the live invitation
Use the exact deadline, device requirements, and exercise names in your Shell or HireVue invitation.
Shell assessment FAQ
Does Shell use HireVue games?
Yes. Shell’s assessed-internship process includes four online game-based assessments and links candidates to HireVue technical requirements.
What games are in the Shell assessment?
Candidates report Digitspan, Flashback, Puzzle Picture, and a Portrait-style personality exercise. Shell doesn’t publish the names itself.
How many games are in the Shell assessment?
Four, per Shell’s own guidance for assessed internships. Other roles or countries can use a different process.
Does the Shell assessment include video questions?
Yes — an on-demand video interview follows the games.
What score do I need to pass?
Shell doesn’t publish a cutoff. Focus on accuracy and speed rather than a target number.
Can the Shell game lineup change?
It can — employers configure assessments by role and cycle. Your invitation lists the final set.
Game Assessment Prep is independent and is not affiliated with Shell or HireVue. Employer processes can change by program, role, country, and recruiting cycle. Follow your invitation over this guide. Claims were reviewed against the linked employer, vendor, and candidate sources in July 2026 and labeled by evidence strength. How we research and label claims.