What do Cognitive Ability Tests Measure?
By combining questions of varying complexity from several fields with a stressful time limit, the cognitive ability test challenges the candidate's problem solving and processing speed abilities, and provides the employer with a measurement of general cognitive ability - a central component of intelligence.
Cognitive testing is such a popular hiring process tool because it is one of the most valid predictors of job success. By giving the employer a preview of a candidate’s cognitive abilities, the cognitive ability test increases the chances that the hiring process will be successful – to the benefit of the organization as well as the candidate.
What Topics are Included in Cognitive Ability Tests?
Although there is a wide variety of cognitive ability tests that differ in format and difficulty, they generally all set out to measure the same fields:
- Numerical Reasoning – this is the broad term for number-based cognitive skill tests that range from basic math problems to complex numerical problem solving.
- Verbal Reasoning – these cognitive tests evaluate your language comprehension through a range of English language skills, such as vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and critical reasoning.
- Deductive Reasoning – questions where you must deduce from certain rules given in a statement or argument in order to reach conclusions.
- Logical Reasoning – these questions assess your ability to understand complicated texts and, most importantly, to utilize critical thinking skills to draw conclusions and recognize important facts.
- Abstract Reasoning – these cognitive tests measure your ability to draw conclusions based on hidden information in symbols or matrices. You are asked to identify a missing item that completes a certain pattern of logic that you must recognize in a sample given to you.
Cognitive Test Example Questions
In this section you will find 20 cognitive ability example questions simulating those you would find in the most respected cognitive ability tests in use today. Read each question carefully and select the answer you think is correct, and then read the full answer that follows. Good luck!
1. Verbal Analogy: find the relationship between the pair of words below, and identify the most similar relationship in the answer options.
REPLETE is to FAMISHED as:
2. Number Series: identify the hidden pattern in the series of numbers below, and use it to predict the next / missing number:
8 | 3 | 9 | 10 | 17 | ?
3. Abstract Reasoning - the numbers in the figures below have the same mathematical relationship to one another.
What number should replace the question mark in the figure below?
4. Deductive Reasoning - these kind of cognitive test questions measure your ability to analyze sentences and reach a logical conclusion. Some of the questions are numerical, and some are verbal, and the conclusion is generally reached by applying general rules.
If the first two statements are true, is the final statement true?
Most snakes are green.
Most snakes are quick.
At least one snake is both green and quick.
5. Numerical Reasoning: Percentages and Word Problems. Percentages problems can take the form of word problems and are usually structured in the following way: "(this) is (a percentage) of (that)", which translates to = (to a decimal) × (that)".
If there are 32 students in the classroom and 12.5% of them own at least one pet, how many students do not own any pets?
6. Verbal Reasoning: Vocabulary
Clout most closely means -
7. Numerical Reasoning: Word Problems
Shelley has 7 dresses, 8 pairs of shoes and 7 necklaces. If she wears one combination of clothes per day. How many days can she go without wearing the same outfit?
8. Verbal Reasoning: Synonym / Antonym
IMPERIOUS is the opposite of:
Questions 2-8 are the type of cognitive questions you will face in the Wonderlic Test. For a full length Wonderlic practice test, click here.
9. Abstract Reasoning - Spatial
Which of the following boxes should replace the question mark (?) to complete the pattern?
10. Logical Reasoning - Syllogisms are a type of deductive reasoning where a conclusion is drawn from two premises provided to you in the question.
Assume the first two statements are true:
All athletes are hard workers.
Alice is not an athlete.
Alice is not a hard worker.
Is the final statement:
11. Numerical reasoning - Word Problems
In a popular music station, songs are played fully and uninterrupted (i.e., no commercial breaks).
The popular music broadcast "Hits All Around Us" lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes, in which two-song lengths are played – songs that last 3 minutes and songs that last 6 minutes.
How many songs will be played during the broadcast?
12. Verbal Reasoning - sentence completion. Choose the word that, when inserted in the sentence to replace the blank, best fits the meaning of the sentence.
Electronic information and automated systems are essential to ____ all major federal operations.
13. Abstract Reasoning - these types of cognitive questions require finding hidden patterns or rules in shapes. There are many types of abstract reasoning questions in cognitive tests, in which you need to pay attention to different elements. In the following question, you must pay attention to shape and movement.
Which of the following boxes should replace the question mark (?) to complete the pattern?
14. Letter Series - What would be the next group of letters in the following series?
zone --> ynnd --> xmnc --> wlnb --> ?
Tip - at first glance, this type of cognitive ability question seems confusing. It is in fact no different than a number series! To help you solve these questions quickly, write down the ABC with a corresponding number beneath each letter (A-1, B-2 etc.). This will help you identify the pattern.
Cognitive question examples 9-14 are the type of questions you will encounter in the CCAT Test. To practice more CCAT cognitive questions, click here.
15. Logical Reasoning - In the following question you will be presented with a fact and a pursuant conclusion. It is up to you to decide if the conclusion can be proven or not.
FACTS: If Jason is late to the meeting, Kevin will have to work late. Lois will not cook dinner for Kevin unless Kevin gets home from work on time. If Lois does not cook dinner for Kevin, Kevin will order pizza for dinner. Lois cooked dinner for Kevin.
CONCLUSION: Jason was late to the meeting.
16. Verbal Reasoning - Odd One Out. In this type of cognitive questions you need to select the word that stands out in regards to its meaning.
Which word does not belong on this list?
17. Abstract Reasoning - Odd One Out
Choose the odd one out:
18. Numerical Reasoning - Word Problems
When a smartphone is connected to a charger the battery charge increases by 4.5% per minute. When applications are in use the battery decreases by 3% per 2.5 minutes.
What is the percentage of charging rate per minute if the phone is connected to a charger while several applications are in use?
19. Logical Reasoning
Assumptions:
Most technicians work on the first floor.
All accountants work on the second floor.
No secretaries work on the third floor.
Conclusion: Rose, a technician, works on the third floor.
If the assumptions are true, is the conclusion:
20. Abstract Reasoning - Next in Series
Which block completes the following sequence:
Cognitive questions 15-20 are the types of questions commonly found in the PI cognitive assessment. To practice more questions like these,click here.
Prepare for your Cognitive Ability Test
Cognitive tests present two major obstacles: short time frames, and questions that include known tricks and distracters. Luckily, you can overcome these two obstacles with the right practice.
JobTestPrep's cognitive test preparation packs offer a comprehensive review of all the question types seen on contemporary employers' cognitive ability tests. Practicing the full range of numerical, verbal, deductive, spatial, and logical reasoning questions under strict time frames can greatly assist in improving your scores.
We also provide detailed answer explanations, helping you to understand the logic behind each question. Furthermore, our insightful score reports can help you assess your own cognitive abilities, strengths and weaknesses.
Start preparing today with one of our specialized prep packs!
Tips to Help You Pass Your Cognitive Test
Cognitive tests can be daunting, and the stress that accompanies them due to the high stakes that are involved can make them even more so. However there are a number of tips and hacks that can help you improve your cognitive test score before even beginning to practice!
- Don't waste too much time on one question.
There will always be a question that you don't get and find yourself wasting time on. You've been asked what does placate mean and don't remember? The best option is to guess and move on. Good time management is one of the most vital tools you will gain with our cognitive ability practice. - Read the instructions carefully.
Reading the instructions for each cognitive test question will help ensure you are not missing any important details, and keep you from missing out on points you had in the bag. -
Guess!
Given that an incorrect answer yields the same 1-point reduction from your cognitive ability score, it is best to not leave any question unanswered and try guessing instead. This strategy is great in helping you earn as many points as you can, rather than losing points for leaving questions blank.
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Use scrap paper.
The questions in cognitive tests are built to overload your brain. Using a piece of scrap paper to make calculations or visualize a tricky abstract reasoning question can make a big difference.
Types of Cognitive Ability Tests
While cognitive ability tests generally measure similar fields, they can vary significantly in length, time-limit, and difficulty. Below are some of the most popular cognitive tests being used today, click on the link to learn more about how each one measures cognitive abilities:
- Wonderlic – also known as the Wonderlic Personnel Test Revised (WPT-R), this cognitive test pits you against 50 multiple choice questions that must be completed in 12 minutes - meaning processing speed and time management is particularly important.
- Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) – a cognitive test that measures a candidate's cognitive aptitude, problem solving abilities, skill learning capabilities, and critical thinking. It consists of 50 questions and has a 15-minute time limit.
- Predictive Index (PI) Cognitive Assessment – formerly known as the Professional Learning Indicator (PLI), this is a 12-minute cognitive test comprised of 50 questions. The PLI is given to potential hires to test for skills not easily found on a resume or during an interview, and measures your capacity to solve problems, learn, and adapt in the workplace.
- Procter and Gamble Assessment - this cognitive abilities test is adaptive (changes in difficulty based on your answers) and fully interactive. It measures a numer of cognitive abilities such as spatial orientation and memory, as well as personality traits through a personality test a situational judgement test.
Cognitive Ability Test Scores
Cognitive tests measure your cognitive abilities - but how do the are the scores used to decide which candidate gets the job?
There are two main scoring methods to compare cognitive ability scores:
Relative score - your score is placed on a bell curve along with the scores of other candidates, so that your score is compared to theirs and a certain cutoff point is decided. For example, an employer might decide that only the top 10% of the scores move on to the next step of the hiring process.
Absolute score - a threshold is set by the employer in advance, and your cognitive ability score needs to pass it. For example, getting more than 30 questions right in the Wonderlic Test.
