Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment Practice Test

1. Abstract Reasoning - Next in Series 

 Which block completes the following sequence:

Explanation

The correct answer is D.
The two black sections of the circle move around it clockwise in a different pattern: the section on the upper left side of the circle, moves two sections each step. The second section (upper right side in the first frame) stays in the same spot for a step and then moves two sections in the next two steps. 
When the two sections land on the same spot, they appear as one, such as in the third frame.

In the next frame of the sequence, the first section should appear on the upper right side of the circle, so answers (A), (B), and (E) can be ruled out. The second section should stay where it is, which leaves the answer (D).

About Abstract Reasoning Questions in the Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment

Abstract reasoning questions are experienced by many to be the most difficult part of the Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment, and for good reason too. They are used to measure your ability to identify hidden rules in abstract information, and your capacity for lateral (or creative, outside the box) thinking.

In this question you had to search for a rule in the movement of the sections, however abstract reasoning questions come in a variety of shapes and sizes (as you will see in this free PI test) and there is always a chance they can catch you off guard - especially under the time pressure of the PI cognitive test. 

There is no quick fix to improving your abstract reasoning skills other than repeated practice. JobTestPrep's Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment PrepPack offers dozens of abstract reasoning questions with full answers, which will familiarize you with all the types of questions and the hidden rules you need to look out for.  

2. Verbal Reasoning - Synonym / Antonym

Choose the word that is most nearly OPPOSITE to the word in the capital letters:

BRASH

A. Dull | B. Polite | C. Arrogant | D. Shiny | E. Callous

Explanation

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.

3. Numerical Reasoning - Word Problems

The combined ages of a dog and its owner are 96 years in total. The owner is 3 times older than his dog. How old is the owner?

A. 24 | B. 34| C. 58 | D. 72 | F. None of these

Explanation

The correct answer is D.

If the owner is 3 times older than his dog, we can create an equation letting the dog be X and the owner be 3X (as 3X is three times greater than X), with a total sum of 96 (their combined ages)
3X+X = 96
4X = 96
X = 24
The owner is 3X = 3*24 = 72

The question can also be solved by trying the answers instead of writing a formula. For example:

If answer A is correct, the owner is 24 years old, and the dog would be 24/3 = 8 years old. Together they would be 24+8 = 32 years old. Seeing that this number is much too small, it would be wise to move to a much bigger number.

If answer D is correct, the owner is 72 years old, and the dog would be 72/3 = 24 years old. Together they would be 72+24 = 96 years old.

Note: because the owner is 3 times older than his dog, and their sum of ages is a whole number, the owner's age must be divided by 3 without a remainder. Thus, answers B and C (34 and 58) can be eliminated immediately.

4. 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:

A. Cannot be determined based on the given information | B. Correct | C. Incorrect

The correct answer is A.

According to the first assumption, most technicians work on the first floor. This means that there is at least one technician who 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

About Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment Logical Reasoning Questions

In questions like the one above, you are required to deduce a conclusion based on given assumptions. This type of logical question is also referred to as deductive reasoning, and has roots in the wisdom of ancient Greece. While solving the logical reasoning questions in this free PI test you may have found yourself stuck, trying to build a coherent picture from the different assumptions.

Our tip to you - visualization! By simply writing down the assumptions, conclusion, and relations between them on a piece of scrap paper, you can free up vital space in your head and solve the question faster. 

For more solving tips, study guides and video tutorials, visit our Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment PrepPack page.  

5. Abstract Reasoning - Odd One Out

Choose the odd one out:

Explanation 

The correct answer is C.

The logic: In all of the options except for option three, there is a vertical line which separates these boxes into two, equal, symmetrical halves which mirror one another. If these boxes were pieces of paper which were folded vertically, the items in the boxes would be matching and perfectly identical. The right and left halves are mirror-images of one another. This is not the case for option three. In option 3, there is no mirroring effect between the halves. Both hearts have to be either on the top or on the box's bottom for there to be symmetry.

You have probably noticed that the amount, shape and color of the items are insignificant features and are simply distracters. 

6. Verbal Reasoning - Odd One Out

Which word does not belong on this list?

A. Solemn | B. Archaic | C. Grave | D. Mirthless | E. Serious

Explanation

The correct answer is B.

Archaic is a word used to describe something that belongs to an earlier period of time, while the other words are used to describe sad and gloomy states of mind or facial expressions. 

7. Numerical Reasoning - Number Series

Select the number that completes the series:

0|1|5|14|30|?

A. 55 | B. 72 | C. 288 | D. 148

Explanation

The correct answer is A.

This is a square series with a base that increase by 1 in each step.

Solving tip: when the first term equals zero you can rule out simple multiplication or division (otherwise the series would have been all zeros or undefined).  

8. Abstract Reasoning - Next in Series

Which block completes the following sequence:

Explanation

The correct answer is A.

The frames in this question are divided into 16 squares, around which three shapes move, each in its own pattern. The star moves between the four corners of the frames, clockwise. The moon moves up and left alternately as if going up the stairs. The circle moves upwards in diagonal movements, up and left, up and right, etc., and when it reaches the top of the frame, it moves down again in the same manner.

Note you only have to recognize two of those patterns to reach the answer.
The star pattern rules out answers (B), (C), and (E).
The moon pattern rules out answers (B), (C), and (D).
The circle pattern rules out answers (D) and (E). 

9. 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?

A. 2.6% | B. 2.8% | C. 3% | D. 3.3% | E. 3.6%

Explanation

The correct answer is D.

In order to tackle this question we will first need to understand that there are two opposite "forces" in this question - charging and discharging (i.e. application usage) of the battery. The charger works in a "positive direction" and the applications in a "negative direction".
Now we can address the given information:
Charger's work rate: 4.5/1 (4.5% charge per minute)
Applications' work rate: -3/2.5 = -1.2/1 (1.2% discharge per minute)
Thus, the total charging rate ("sum of forces"): 4.5/1 – 1.2/1 = 3.3/1, meaning: 3.3% per minute.

About Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment Numerical Reasoning Questions

Many of the numerical reasoning questions in the Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment, such as the one above, wouldn't be a problem for most people given plenty of time and a calculator. But with approximately 14 seconds to solve the question and no calculator allowed, these questions can become real hurdles. 

Our tip to you - solve all your practice tests using scrap paper, so it's natural to you during the real test. 

Other numerical reasoning questions, such as the number series you solved earlier in this Predictive Index practice test, require uncovering hidden rules in a series of numbers. For this, the only way of improving is by solving as many as you can, allowing you to learn the various types of rules that appear in these questions. 

In our  Full Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment PrepPack, you will have access to dozens of numerical reasoning practice questions with full answers and solving tips, study guides, and video tutorials to give you all the practice you need to ace the test. 

10. Logical Reasoning 

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.

A. The facts prove the conclusion | B. The facts disprove the conclusion | C. The facts neither prove nor disprove the conclusion

Explanation

The correct answer is B.

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.