How many stages does PwC have?

Commonly online assessments followed by one or two interview stages. Confirm the stages for your specific programme and business area.

Are PwC interviews competency-based?

Largely yes, alongside motivation and commercial questions. Prepare structured examples rather than general descriptions.

Do PwC interviews include a presentation?

Some business areas include a case or presentation at the final stage. Ask your recruiter what to prepare.

How do I answer 'why PwC'?

Name the specific business area and what it does, and connect it to something you have actually done or studied. Avoid reasons that apply to any large firm.

PwC interview questions and preparation

PwC's UK process is assessment-led: online tests and a game-based or situational assessment, then an interview stage combining behavioural questions with a case or business discussion. Motivation for the specific business area is heavily weighted.

Written by Ace Editorial · Published 23 September 2026 · Last updated 23 September 2026

What is the PwC interview process?

Application, online assessments, then an interview stage — usually competency questions plus a case, presentation or business scenario depending on the business area.

Stages differ between graduate programmes and experienced hire roles, and between business areas. PwC publishes its stages for UK candidates; check the ones listed against your application.

Interview processes change. Treat the stages below as what candidates commonly report rather than a guaranteed sequence, and confirm the detail with your recruiter.

What does PwC assess?

Behavioural evidence against a published set of expected behaviours, plus commercial thinking and clarity of communication.

Interviewers are looking for whole examples — what the situation was, what you did, what happened — not general statements about how you like to work.

What questions does PwC ask?

Motivation questions, competency questions and a business scenario.

Why PwC, and why this business area?
Tell me about a time you had to build a relationship quickly
Describe a time you had to deliver under a tight deadline
How would you advise a client facing this situation?
What recent development in this sector interests you?

How should you prepare?

Prepare STAR examples for teamwork, deadline pressure and relationship building, and one sector story you can discuss with a point of view.

What questions should you ask?

Ask what a typical client engagement looks like in that team, how people are supported through professional qualifications, and what distinguishes people who do well.

Frequently asked questions

How many stages does PwC have?: Commonly online assessments followed by one or two interview stages. Confirm the stages for your specific programme and business area.
Are PwC interviews competency-based?: Largely yes, alongside motivation and commercial questions. Prepare structured examples rather than general descriptions.
Do PwC interviews include a presentation?: Some business areas include a case or presentation at the final stage. Ask your recruiter what to prepare.
How do I answer 'why PwC'?: Name the specific business area and what it does, and connect it to something you have actually done or studied. Avoid reasons that apply to any large firm.

Sources

PwC UK careers

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