Investment banks
Lazard: application stages, tests and practice
Lazard lists an online application with a CV, then online assessments of about 35 to 40 minutes (a 15-minute timed aptitude test, an untimed behavioural trait assessment of about 10 minutes and a video assessment), then a virtual assessment centre, then two in-person final interviews of about 30 minutes each. Lazard's page directs technical queries on the assessment to Criteria Support but does not name the test provider.
Stages in order
What do the confidence badges mean?
- Vendor-published Stated in the test publisher's own document or practice site.
- Academic From peer-reviewed research.
- Official employer Stated on the employer's own page.
- Near-official Near-official: an employer-run practice portal, or a vendor or employer-quoted press release naming the employer.
- Candidate-reported Reported by candidates. Treat as likely but unconfirmed.
- Third-party From prep sites, press or forums. Not confirmed by the employer or publisher.
Online application
Official employerComplete an online profile and upload your CV, including school and university grades, dates, work experience (including non-finance roles), key skills and achievements. No cover letter is needed. You may submit one application for a London role in a year (for Spring Insight, one application for either Spring Insight or Industrial Placement). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and may close before the deadline.
Online assessments
Official employerThree parts in one sitting, about 35 to 40 minutes in total. The Aptitude Assessment is a 15-minute timed test; there is no penalty for guessing and calculators are not allowed. The Behavioural Trait Assessment is untimed and takes about 10 minutes; you are emailed a Workplace Insights Report afterwards. The Video Assessment asks interview-style questions on your motivation, cultural fit and interest in Lazard and the industry, and is reviewed by the Graduate Recruitment Team. Lazard says the assessments look at critical thinking and problem-solving, how quickly you take to training, and behavioural traits against the role and its values. Once you open the assessment link, Lazard says technical support is through Criteria Support, but it does not say which company provides the tests. Question types and counts are not published.
Publisher: Criteria (reported by third parties or candidates, not confirmed by the employer)
Practise: Personality questionnaire practice, Video interview practice
Virtual assessment centre (Analyst, Intern, Industrial Placement)
Official employerA virtual centre where you typically complete a number of exercises with a small number of other candidates. Lazard says you are not in direct competition with them and that everyone who meets its criteria goes through to final interviews. You get a full briefing beforehand. The exercise types and length are not published.
Practise: Assessment centre practice
Sources: [1]
Final round interviews (Analyst, Intern, Industrial Placement)
Official employerTwo separate interviews of about 30 minutes each, in person with senior bankers at Lazard's offices, typically within a week of the assessment centre. They cover a range of competencies, with questions on Lazard, the financial markets, world affairs and some technical financial questions. Offers must be accepted within one week.
Practise: Daily interview question
Final round interview (Spring Insight)
Official employerOne online interview of about 30 minutes with a banker and a member of HR, covering a range of competencies, Lazard, the financial markets, world affairs and your experiences so far. There is no assessment centre for Spring Insight.
Practise: Daily interview question
Sources: [1]
Final stage line-up
A virtual assessment centre of several exercises with a small number of other candidates (types and length not published), followed by two in-person final interviews of about 30 minutes each with senior bankers. Spring Insight has one online interview of about 30 minutes instead.
Retakes and validity
If you took the Aptitude or Behavioural Trait Assessments in the last 12 months you do not retake them, but you must complete the Video Assessment again because the questions differ. One application for a London role a year. Lazard's 2026 FAQ says you can apply again in a later year if you still meet the eligibility criteria.
What we could not verify
- What the aptitude test covers (numerical, verbal, logical or mixed) and how many questions it has.
- The number of video assessment questions and the time allowed for each answer.
- The exercise types at the virtual assessment centre (for example a group exercise, case study or presentation) and its length.
- Who provides the online assessments. Lazard names Criteria Support as the contact for technical help on the assessment, but does not say Criteria supplies the tests or name a test product, so the vendor is listed as reported.
Sources
Common questions about Lazard
What are the stages of the Lazard application process?
As we could verify, the stages are: Online application, then Online assessments, then Virtual assessment centre (Analyst, Intern, Industrial Placement), then Final round interviews (Analyst, Intern, Industrial Placement), then Final round interview (Spring Insight). The page says which of these are stated by Lazard itself and which are only reported by candidates. Check your own invitation, because processes change every cycle.
Which test publisher does Lazard use?
Criteria (reported, not confirmed by Lazard). Publishers change, so confirm with your invitation.
What is the final stage of the Lazard process?
A virtual assessment centre of several exercises with a small number of other candidates (types and length not published), followed by two in-person final interviews of about 30 minutes each with senior bankers. Spring Insight has one online interview of about 30 minutes instead.
Can I practise for Lazard here?
Yes. Each stage links to the matching free practice, with real timings, an untimed mode and a learn mode. The practice is independent, uses original questions and is not affiliated with Lazard or any test publisher.
Independent practice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Lazard and Criteria.