Optiver
Speed and accuracy in mental math and probability
Source confidence: Official + candidate reports · Last reviewed: 7 Sept 2026. Exact process varies by role, office, and year.
For graduate trading roles, candidate reports across Chicago, Amsterdam, Sydney, and other offices commonly describe a highly timed online assessment containing mental arithmetic, probability or numerical reasoning, and, in some cycles, cognitive games. The best-known reported format is 80 arithmetic questions in 8 minutes. Later trader interviews may include probability, expected value, market-making exercises, and trading games. Components, scoring, and cutoffs vary by role, office, and year.
Interview Rounds
Interview processes vary by role, office, seniority, and year. We separate official company information from candidate reports and third-party guides.
Round 1:Arithmetic assessment
Trading candidates commonly report 80 arithmetic questions in 8 minutes. Scoring rules and exact delivery vary by cycle.
Round 2:Additional online components
Some candidates report probability, sequences, or cognitive assessments alongside arithmetic. The combination varies by role, office, and cycle.
Round 3:Recruiter or behavioral interview
Official material confirms behavioral interviewing at a high level, while candidates commonly report a recruiter conversation about motivation and fit.
Round 4:Trader technical interview
Trading candidates report probability, expected value, market reasoning, and risk questions. Exact topics and duration vary.
Round 5:Final interviews and trading exercises
Candidates report market-making exercises, card or betting games, and additional technical or behavioral discussions. Formats differ by office and cycle.
Focus Areas
Drill Optiver's focus areas
Practice formats matched to how Optiver interviews.
Timed probability, options, and mental math from the curated question bank.
Start now80 questions in 8 minutes. QuantReady practice simulation; see the preset disclosure for sourcing.
Free sample: 10 questions at the simulation pacePerception and working-memory games, modeled on candidate-reported aptitude screens.
Free sample runs on both gamesStart here (free)
Free warm-ups in Optiver's focus areas. No account required.
51 Optiver interview problems
Real questions tagged from Optiver interviews, with full editorials and hidden tests.
Unlock with PremiumYour Optiver prep path
The guide above is firm-wide. This checklist is role-specific where sourced.
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Suggested pace: about 7 days. This is a guide, not a firm-prescribed schedule. Every step below is tied to public sources for Optiver.
Train quick problem solving and mental math
Complete timed sessions, prioritizing clean accuracy before pushing your pace.
Supported by official sources plus candidate-reported details; exact formats can vary by role, office, and year.
Unlock with PremiumPractice strategy games under time pressure
Run market-making rounds and write down the assumptions behind each quote.
Supported by official sources plus candidate-reported details; exact formats can vary by role, office, and year.
StartTake a timed mock interview
Take a timed mock interview and use the score report as a diagnostic.
Supported by official sources plus candidate-reported details; exact formats can vary by role, office, and year.
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Upgrade to PremiumBased on official material, public candidate interview reports, and clearly labeled third-party guides; interview processes vary by role, office, and year. Last reviewed September 2026. Read more about how we source firm content. QuantReady is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Optiver. All company names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.