Last updated: June, 2026
Kemi, PI Test Expert at JobTestPrep
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The Predictive Index Cognitive Test, or PI Cognitive Assessment, is a challenging aptitude test in which you need to answer 50 questions in 12 minutes. The test examines your verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning capabilities.
This exam is difficult for two main reasons: the complexity of the questions and the strict time limit, which allows only about 14 seconds per question on average.
On this page, you can try your hand at a free PI Cognitive Assessment practice test.
Test your readiness for the PI Cognitive with practice questions and explanations. We've categorised them by verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning for your convenience.
Or, if you'd rather solve at your leisure without the time crunch, scroll down to see test-accurate questions.
Numerical questions measure candidates' mathematical aptitude, including basic arithmetic, recognizing patterns in math series, and tackling word problems.
Which of the following is the smallest value?
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The correct answer is D - 0.05
To answer this question, we’ll compare the digits after the decimal point from left to right.
First, look at the tenths place, which is the spot immediately to the right of the decimal point.
All answers have a 0 in that spot except A, which has a 4. This means A is larger than the other options, which are all smaller than one tenth. So, A is eliminated.
Next, look at the hundredths place. C has a 9, while B and D have a 5. Since 9 hundredths is larger than 5 hundredths, C is eliminated.
To determine the smallest of the remaining two, think of B (0.054) as 0.05 + 0.004. In other words, it's equal to D + 0.004, which makes it ever-so-slightly bigger.
You can also intuit this by writing out D with an additional zero:
This makes it more intuitive to see why 0.054 is larger.
Which of the following is the smallest value?
Correct!
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The correct answer is A - 1⁄3 × 1⁄5
There are two ways to solve this question. The first is to calculate each answer and compare the results.
When multiplying fractions, multiply the top numbers, called numerators, and then multiply the bottom numbers, called denominators.
All the answers have 1 as the numerator. When fractions have the same numerator, the fraction with the larger denominator is smaller. Since 15 is the largest denominator, 1⁄15 is the smallest result.
Another way to solve the question is to look at the answer choices without fully calculating them.
Each answer is made by multiplying either 1⁄2 or 1⁄3 by either 1⁄4 or 1⁄5.
Since 1⁄3 is smaller than 1⁄2, and 1⁄5 is smaller than 1⁄4, the smallest result will come from multiplying the two smaller fractions:
1⁄3 × 1⁄5
Which of the following is the smallest value?
Correct!
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The correct answer is A – 1⁄2 − 1⁄6.
To answer this question, we can use elimination. Instead of fully solving every option right away, we can look for an answer choice that gives us a useful comparison point.
When the denominators are the same, we can simply add the top numbers:
1⁄4 + 1⁄4 = 2⁄4 And 2⁄4 simplifies to 1⁄2.
So now we know that B equals 1⁄2. We can use this as a benchmark.
Now look at C: 1⁄3 + 1⁄5
Since both fractions are positive, adding them together gives a result that is a little more than 1⁄2:
1⁄3 + 1⁄5 = 5⁄15 + 3⁄15 = 8⁄15
And 8⁄15 is larger than 1⁄2, so C can be eliminated.
To subtract these fractions, we use a common denominator of 20:
3⁄4 = 15⁄20
1⁄5 = 4⁄20
So:
15⁄20 − 4⁄20 = 11⁄20
Since 11⁄20 is more than 1⁄2, D can also be eliminated.
Rewrite 1⁄2 as sixths:
1⁄2 = 3⁄6
So:
3⁄6 − 1⁄6 = 2⁄6
And 2⁄6 simplifies to 1⁄3.
Since 1⁄3 is smaller than 1⁄2, and the other remaining options are larger than 1⁄2, the smallest answer is A – 1⁄2 − 1⁄6.
Jack and Jill have 44 cookies together. Jack has three times more cookies than Jill.
How many cookies does he have?
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Correct!
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The correct answer is C - 33
If Jack has three times more cookies than Jill, you can build the following equation letting Jill be X and Jack be 3X:
Divide both sides of the equation by 4
X = 11 - The number of cookies Jill has
3X = 3 x 11 = 33 - The number of cookies Jack has
On a popular musical radio station, songs are played uninterrupted (i.e., no commercial breaks). The popular music broadcast "Hits All Around Us" lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes, in which two songs of two lengths are played – either 3 minutes or 6 minutes.
How many songs will be played during the broadcast?
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The correct answer is B - at least 23
Two hours and 15 minutes are 135 minutes in total.
To find the lowest possible number of songs, we should use as many 6-minute songs as possible, since longer songs mean fewer songs overall.
If 22 songs of 6 minutes are played:
22 × 6 = 132 minutes
There are 3 minutes left, so one more 3-minute song can be played.
Therefore, the fewest possible number of songs is:
22 + 1 = 23 songs
So, during the broadcast, there will be at least 23 songs.
The highest possible number of songs would be achieved by playing only 3-minute songs:
135 ÷ 3 = 45 songs
So the “at most 44” and “at most 42” options are not correct.
Ann, Matt, and Zack are working for a cleaning company. Together, they can clean a house in 2 hours. If Ann does the job alone, she can finish it in 5 hours. If Matt does the job alone, he can finish it in 6 hours.
How long will it take Ann and Zack together to complete the job?
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The correct answer is A - 3
Step 1
In order to solve this problem we will first find out Zack's work rate (indicated as Z).
We know the total work rate of all three people together: 1/2 (1 house in 2 hours), Ann's work rate is 1/5 (1 house in 5 hours), and so on. Each person contributes his share to that total rate, meaning:
Ann + Matt + Zack = total
1/5 + 1/6 + 1/Z = 1/2
=> 1/Z = 1/2 – 1/5 – 1/6 /*30 (the Lowest common denominator)
=> 30/Z = 15 – 6 – 5 = 4 /*Z
=> 30 = 4Z
=> Z = 7.5
Thus, Zack's work rate: 1/7.5
Step 2
The total time it will take Ann and Zack to clean a house:
1/t = 1/5 + 1/7.5 /*15
15/t = 3 + 2 = 5 /*(t/5)
=> t = 3 hours.
What would be the next number in the following series?
0.25 | 0.5 | 2.5 | 5 | 7 | ?
Correct!
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The correct answer is A - 14
The logical rule behind this series is an alternating arithmetic function – multiplication followed by addition.
The first number is multiplied by 2 to get the second number. Then 2 is added to the second number to get the third number, and so on: x2, +2, x2, +2 ...
Therefore, the last number in the series, 7, should be multiplied by 2: 7 x 2 = 14
What would be the next number in the following series?
3 | 5 | 9 | 17 | 33 | ?
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Correct!
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The correct answer is B - 65.
The series in this question advances according to the pattern: *2 -1
whereby: :
Another way to look at the logic of this series is that the difference between two adjacent terms doubles as the series progresses:
What number should replace the question mark in the following series?
2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 11 | 13 | 17 | ? | 23
Correct!
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The correct answer is (A) – 19.
This series is composed of prime numbers (i.e., divisible only by 1 and themselves) in ascending order.
For candidates who can easily identify the prime number series, this question is a "freebie". But for those who weren't, it can be a huge time-waster. This is why it's recommended to familiarise yourself with a few of the most common numerical series, such as prime numbers, odd and even numbers, square numbers, cube numbers, multiples, and the Fibonacci sequence.
Use the elimination method - Don't start solving a question before taking a glance at the answers. Often, you won't have to perform the full calculation because the answers will point you in the right direction. This will save you a lot of time.
For example, in the first word problem above, you are told that Jack has more cookies than Jill, which means Jack must have more than half the sum (22)- the only possible answer is, therefore, D.
The numerical questions on the Predictive Index Cognitive Exam are usually moderate in difficulty, the time limit being the real challenge. Go over basic arithmetic like the multiplication table, make sure you can do basic operations in your head, and use timed practice to reduce stress during the actual test and create a time-management strategy.
Verbal Reasoning questions will challenge your vocabulary, grammar, criticall thinking skills, and reading comprehension.
STRINGS is to Guitar as:
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The correct answer is C.
Rather than use your intuition, it's always helpful to verbalize the connection between the two words:
"STRINGS are the feature of the GUITAR that makes the music"
Applying this to answers A and D, we gert:
Neither of which makes sense.
Answer B is confusing, because KEYS are, in fact, the part of the PIANO which makes the music, similar to what STRINGS are for a GUITAR. However, notice that word order matters. In the original word-pair, the instrument is on the left and the music-making element is to the right. This is why it's helpful to read the sentence in your head before choosing an answer. For D, it would be:
"PIANO is the feature of the KEYS which makes the music"
This is a nonsensical statement, therefore answer D is eliminated.
PRECIPITATION is to SNOW as CARBOHYDRATE is to…
Correct!
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The correct answer is A.
Snow is one kind of precipitation, just as rice is a kind of carbohydrate.
CALORIE is there to confuse you, because carbs are often thought of as high-calorie foods. This question demonstrates why improving your vocabulary ahead of the test can be useful; If a candidate doesn't know the meaning of PRECIPITATION, this question may trick them.
EPHEMERAL is to PERMANENT as CAPRICIOUS is to
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The correct answer is B.
EPHEMERAL means fleeting or temporary. It is therefore the opposite of PERMANENT.
So, we are looking for a word that's the opposite of CAPRICIOUS.
CONSISTENT matches the requirement: Something is capricious if it changes erratically, which is the opposite of consistent.
If you are unsure about the relationship between the words in the question, work your way through the answers.
Find a relationship that you do understand, and work in reverse - seeing whether it can plausibly be applied to the original pair of words.
This will not guarantee the correct answer, but it will help you narrow down options and make an informed guess so that you do not dwell too long on each question. Time is of the essence when taking the cognitive assessment.
Choose the word that is most nearly OPPOSITE to the word in the capital letters:
ARROGANTLY
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The correct answer is (E)- Modestly
The word arrogantly means to act or think that you are better or more important than others. To act modestly means to act humbly.
Choose the word that is most nearly OPPOSITE to the word in the capital letters:
BRASH
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The correct answer is B.
Brash is being confident and aggressive in a rude or unpleasant way. Its antonym is polite - having or showing good manners or respect for other people.
Choose the word that is most nearly OPPOSITE to the word in the capital letters:
IMPERIOUS
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The correct answer is subservient.
Imperious means "domineering in a haughty manner; dictatorial; overbearing," so the antonym is subservient. Arrogant is a similar word but not a synonym. Quiet and stormy are not related.
Therefore, the correct answer is subservient.
Read these assumptions and conclusion:
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, the conclusions are:
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The correct answer is C - Cannot Say.
According to the first assumption, most technicians work on the first floor. This means that at least one technician does not work on the first floor. Thus, Rose may or may not work on the third floor.
Therefore, the conclusion Cannot be determined based on the information.
Read the facts and determine if they prove the conclusion 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.
Choose the correct statement:
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The correct answer is B - the facts disprove the conclusion
If Jason is late to the meeting, then Kevin will not get home from work on time because he will have to work late. Lois will cook dinner for Kevin only if Kevin gets home from work on time. Thus, if Lois cooked dinner for Kevin, Jason could not have come late to the meeting.
Read the facts and determine if they prove the conclusion or not:
FACTS:
David wants to watch a certain TV show at 8 PM. David’s parents will only let him watch the show if he first finishes all of his homework. David immediately starts working on his homework as soon as he gets home from school. David spends 3 hours completing his homework and his parents allow him to watch the TV show.
CONCLUSION:
David got home from school at 5:30 PM.
Choose the correct statement:
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The correct answer is B - the facts disprove the conclusion
If the TV show starts at 8 PM, David has to finish all of his homework in order to be allowed to watch the TV show and David spends 3 hours completing his homework, then David had to be home by 5 PM at the very latest.
Visualize! By simply writing down the assumptions, conclusions, and relations between them on a piece of scrap paper, you can free up vital space in your head and solve the question faster.
Abstract reasoning questions don't rely on words or numbers but rather challenge you to identify patterns, relationships, and underlying rules using shapes and symbols.
It's like solving a visual puzzle with your spatial reasoning skills as the key!
Which of the following boxes should replace the question mark (?) to complete the pattern?
The correct answer is C.
The direction of the arrows moves 90 degrees counterclockwise.
The order of the colors of the arrows is: black, gray, and white.
Thus, the following arrow in the series must be gray and pointing downwards.
Which of the following boxes should replace the question mark (?) to complete the pattern?
The correct answer is D.
The above series has two characteristics that change: The interior shape and the exterior shape.
Thus, following this pattern, the answer is a square with a triangle inside.
Which of the following boxes should replace the question mark (?) to complete the pattern?
Correct!
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The correct answer is A.
Think of each figure in the series as comprising four independent square-shaped quarters.
In each step, one square (composed of black and white triangles) changes its orientation. The changes occur counterclockwise: in the first step, the upper-left square changes orientation; in the second, the bottom-left square changes orientation; and so forth.
The change can occur in either direction, indicating a degree of freedom. However, the change must differ from the previous orientation.
Solving Tip – It may be easier to refer to the question mark as the fourth object from the right, in contrast to the regular reference as the second object from the left. As the fourth object, you can try to detect the pattern by inspecting the three right figures first, making an assumption concerning the fourth figure, and then validating the assumption with the help of the leftmost figure.
The alternative is less intuitive and demands a shift in direction– trying to recognize a pattern of change from figures 3 to 5 and then validating the assumption backwards towards figures 2 and 1. However, it is important that you choose a method you find both useful and comfortable to use.
To identify patterns faster, look for common features used to differentiate between shapes. In the first example, the relevant features, which can be found in many patterns, are color and rotation (anti-clockwise). In the second example, there is a sequence of changing geometrical figures. More types of recurring features can be learned throughout practice.
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The correct answer is C.
Figure X is comprised of two overlapping triangles. Figure Y is in the shape of the space where the triangles in figure X overlap, rotated 90° clockwise.
Figure Z is also comprised of two overlapping triangles. Figure 3 is the only one of the possible answers which is in the same shape as the space where they overlap, rotated 90° clockwise.
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The correct answer is D.
The relationship between figure X and figure Y is as follows: only lines that appears in one of figure X's two rectangles but not the other appear in figure Y's single rectangle.
So, the correct answer must have the same relationship with figure Z.
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The correct answer is C.
The relationship between figure X and figure Y is as follows: figure Y is figure X flipped vertically.
The correct answer must have the same relationship with figure Z.
Answer A can be eliminated as it represents figure Z rotated 90° counterclockwise.
Answer B can be eliminated as it represents figure Z flipped vertically and rotated 90° counterclockwise.
Answer D can be eliminated as it represents figure Z flipped horizontally.
You are left with answer C, which is the correct answer, as it depicts figure Z flipped vertically.
Which figure below does not share the same features as the two figures above?
The correct answer is D.
All the other shapes have four sides, whereas answer D is a pentagon with five sides.
Which of these figures do not belong with the rest?
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The correct answers are 3 and 5.
All frames have a six-sided polygon and 3 white circles. All circles are located in proximity to a corner. However, some are located next to the concave part of the angle, and others are located next to the convex part.
In other words, Frames 3 and 5 have one circle located "behind" a corner, rather than where the corner is "Pointing" at.
Abstract Reasoning questions require, more than other subjects, practicing varied questions to become familiar with different patterns ahead of the test. Some questions may be simple, while others will be far more challenging and require the ability not only to identify the pattern but also to do so quickly enough, eliminating answers in the process to avoid wasting too much time on each question.
The PI Cognitive Test (Formerly the PLI) is a challenging and fast-paced cognitive ability exam designed by Predictive Index, a psychometric testing company. It's typically used for company recruitment and is taken online by job candidates.
Companies that employ PI tests in their recruitment process include: Maersk, Ikea, DBS Bank, GIC, and Nestle.
The PI Cognitive is often taken alongside a personality test known as the PI Behavioral Assessment (BA), a personality test that assigns candidates into one of seventeen profiles.
Test Time:
12 minutes
Number of Questions:
50
Goal:
Answer as many questions correctly within the time limit
Question Types:
Numerical, Verbal, & Abstract
Calculator:
Not allowed
Draft Paper:
Allowed
Watch the following video for a rundown of the PI Cognitive Exam:
A good score on the PI Cognitive Assessment is a scaled score of 320 or higher, which corresponds to answering 27 or more questions correctly out of 50. A raw score of around 20 correct answers (scaled score of 250) is considered average.
What is the PI scoring method?
The PI Cognitive Assessment is scored by first counting the number of correct answers to determine the raw score. This raw score is then converted to a scaled score, ranging from 100 to 450, which compares the candidate's performance to a norm group of test-takers.
The exact score you need to pass to the next stage of the hiring process is determined by the position you apply for.
Learn more about your PI Cognitive Assessment Score.
The Predictive Index Assessment can be a daunting and highly competitive test, but with the right preparation, you can ace it! Here are some tips to help you study and practice:
Here are 8 tips for preparing for the PI Cognitive Assessment:
For a more detailed breakdown, visit our Predictive Index Cognitive guide.
Our pack provides over 70 practice tests and tutorials.
• 5 full-length timed simulations + 2 short simulations
• 5 video guides + 4 interactive tutorials
• Each sample test comes with a detailed score report and full explanations for all questions!
• The only PI Cognitive Prep Course with a unique Time Management module, teaching you techniques for staying on top of the clock!
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The Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment is a pre-employment test, developed and administered by Predictive Index, that evaluates a candidate's cognitive abilities, particularly their potential to learn new information. Administered in 12 minutes (with 50 questions, averaging 15 seconds each), it's part of a broader assessment process that also includes the PI Behavioral Assessment based on 17 Personality Types to provide a more holistic view of a candidate's suitability for a role.
The PI Cognitive Assessment is comprised of 3 main topics placed in random order throughout the test:
Typically, you will not receive the answers after completing the Predictive Index (PI) Cognitive Assessment. The results are usually provided to the hiring company or organization that administered the test.
Each organization may handle the results of the Predictive Index (PI) Cognitive Assessment differently. If you're curious about whether you'll receive feedback or answers after the test, it's a good idea to ask the company or recruiter administering the test. They can clarify their process for sharing results.
The PI Cognitive Assessment is hard due to the strict time limit, even though the questions themselves are straightforward. It tests processing speed more than accuracy, so finishing the test isn't expected.
When preparing for the exam, focus on working quickly and efficiently rather than trying to answer every question—this will help you manage the time limit more effectively.
The Predictive Index test can refer to more than one assessment. The PI Cognitive Assessment is the timed reasoning test with 50 questions in 12 minutes. The PI Behavioral Assessment is a separate personality-style assessment that looks at workplace behavior and preferences. Some employers use only one of them, while others ask candidates to complete both.
No. A calculator is usually not allowed on the PI Cognitive Assessment. You may be allowed to use scratch paper, depending on the instructions given before your test. Because of this, it is important to practice quick mental math, estimation, and simple written calculations.
You do not need to answer all 50 questions to perform well. The test is designed to be very fast, and many candidates do not finish. A better strategy is to move quickly, avoid spending too long on one question, and guess strategically when you are running out of time.
The score is based on the number of correct answers, so it is usually better to guess than to leave questions blank. If you are unsure and time is running out, eliminate any obviously wrong answers and choose the best remaining option.
No. The PI Cognitive Assessment is not presented as an IQ test. It measures general cognitive ability in a workplace context, especially how quickly you can learn, adapt, solve problems, and handle new information.
Yes, if your employer has mentioned the full Predictive Index assessment or if you are not sure which PI test you will take. The Cognitive Assessment measures reasoning under time pressure, while the Behavioral Assessment focuses on workplace personality and behavioral preferences. Preparing for both can help you avoid surprises.
Retake policies depend on the employer or test administrator. Some companies may allow another attempt, while others may not. If you are unsure, ask the recruiter or hiring company before starting the assessment.
💡The PI Cognitive Assessment has many names: Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment, 12-Minute Cognitive Test, PI Cognitive Test, and the Predictive Index (PI) Cognitive Assessment. This page provides preparation for all of them.
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