When applying for a role at Amazon—especially in tech, business, or operations—you may be asked to complete an Online Assessment (OA) as part of the hiring process. One of the more unique and often misunderstood components of this process is the Amazon Work Simulation, also known as OA3. If you're wondering what this test is, what it evaluates, and how to prepare for it, you’re in the right place. Here are the key insights you need to know.

What Is the Amazon Work Simulation?

The Amazon Work Simulation is a behavioral assessment designed to evaluate how well you align with Amazon’s culture and decision-making style. Unlike coding challenges or technical quizzes, this simulation places you in realistic work-related scenarios that mirror challenges Amazon employees face daily.

You’ll be asked to respond to various situations by selecting the most appropriate actions from multiple options. Think of it like a “choose-your-own-adventure” test—but for workplace decisions.

What Is the Goal of This Simulation?

The core objective of the Work Simulation is to assess your judgment, prioritization, communication style, and alignment with Amazon’s Leadership Principles.

For instance:

  • Will you prioritize customer obsession over internal convenience?
  • Do you take ownership of issues or defer responsibility?
  • Are you inclined to dive deep into problems or skim the surface?

Amazon wants to see how you'd act in scenarios involving team conflict, project prioritization, stakeholder communication, and resource allocation.

What to Expect in the Test

Here’s what the Amazon Work Simulation typically includes:

  • Scenario-based questions: Realistic, sometimes multi-step, workplace dilemmas.
  • Multiple-choice format: You’ll select the best (and sometimes worst) responses.
  • Time limit: Usually 20–30 minutes to complete all scenarios.
  • No right or wrong answers: But some responses clearly align better with Amazon's values than others.

Sample Scenario (Simplified)

You’re leading a project with a tight deadline. One of your team members expresses concern that a key task won’t be completed in time. What do you do?

Options may include:

  • Reassign the task to someone else without consulting the current owner
  • Escalate the issue to your manager immediately
  • Speak with the team member to understand the blocker and offer support
  • Push the team to work overtime without addressing concerns

Best Choice: Usually, the one that shows ownership, empathy, and problem-solving—aligned with Amazon’s principles.

Is the Amazon Work Simulation Difficult?

While it doesn’t test technical skills, the Work Simulation can be tricky because:

  • You need to think fast under time pressure
  • Some options may seem similar or equally good
  • The “best” choices depend on understanding Amazon’s values

Preparation involves more mindset and behavior than hard knowledge.

Tips to Succeed in the Work Simulation

  1. Know the Leadership Principles

    Study Amazon’s 16 Leadership Principles. They're not just buzzwords—they directly guide correct responses in the test.

  2. Think Like an Amazonian

    Focus on customers, take initiative, and choose actions that reflect data-driven, long-term thinking.

  3. Stay Consistent

    Your answers across questions should reflect a coherent work style. Random or contradictory choices may flag you as a poor fit.

  4. Practice Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs)

    These can be found on career prep sites and mimic the logic behind the Work Simulation.

Final Thoughts

The Amazon OA Work Simulation is a powerful tool Amazon uses to find candidates who don't just have skills—but who think, act, and lead like Amazonians. By understanding its purpose, format, and underlying principles, you can walk in with confidence and clarity.