PI Cognitive Assessment - Prepare and Pass with Full Practice Tests [2025]

In one word:

TIME.

The PI test aims to measure your cognitive ability through 50 multiple-choice questions that you must answer in 12 minutes -  leaving you an average of just over 14 seconds per question.

The questions belong to three main categories: Numerical, Verbal, and Abstract reasoning, all of which are used to predict a job candidate's ability to make decisions, learn, and adapt to different roles and situations.

Wondering how this works?

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s dive into some sample questions to help you get a feel for the Predictive Index test.

The PI Cognitive Assessment consists of multiple-choice questions that assess three types of cognitive abilities: Numerical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Abstract Reasoning.

Set a timer to 14 seconds to simulate the 12-minute time limit of the real test, and try solving the following sample questions to get an idea of the PI Cognitive Assessment experience.

Ready to dive in? Here we go:

Numerical reasoning questions involve basic math calculations like number series and word problems.

Since calculators aren't allowed, use scrap paper instead of doing mental math.

Let's begin with the first question.

Word problems combine verbal and numerical reasoning, requiring you to extract and convert key numerical information from the text into equations to find the correct answer.

Try this example and see if you can solve it in under 14 seconds. Press on the stopwatch to begin.

A tough one, isn't it?

This question is rated as medium difficulty, with most people taking over 14 seconds to answer correctly.

Research shows that improving on cognitive ability tests requires practicing the exact tasks on the test.

To succeed on the PI Cognitive Assessment, focus your practice on these specific question types.

💡 With the full PI Cognitive Assessment PrepPack™, you'll get ample practice using dozens of questions that closely mimic those on the actual test.

Let's move on to the next numerical question type:

In these questions, your task is to identify a hidden pattern within a series of numbers and choose the correct number to follow next.

Let's dive into the second piece of the PI Cognitive Triangle: Abstract Reasoning.

Abstract reasoning questions will examine your spatial awareness, analysis, and identification of visual patterns, as well as your ability to mentally rotate images.

These include Visual Series, Visual Analogies, and Odd One Out questions.

Let's look at a classic Visual Analogy question.

In these questions, you need to identify the hidden relationship between two or more shapes/patterns and then use the same relationship to select a pattern that fits a second set of shapes.

Ready for a challenge? Try the analogy question below – and don’t forget to press the timer button to see how fast you can solve it.

Were you able to solve it in 14 seconds?

Now, imagine tackling 50 questions back-to-back, each shifting between numerical, verbal, and abstract formats.

You won't have a moment to settle into one topic before you're faced with a completely different challenge.

With dozens or even hundreds of candidates vying for the same job, simply passing the assessment won't set you apart so it’s crucial that you get one of the highest scores among other candidates.

Achieving a high score on the PLI test can impact more than just getting a job offer—it can also influence your starting salary and future promotions!

With the right preparation, you have everything it takes to succeed on the PI Cognitive Test.

Fortunately, there's good news.

Though the PLI is challenging, it's manageable with the right preparation.

Our experts have designed a precise preparation pack, based on thorough research.

The pack includes three essential elements—follow them carefully for a high score.

Additionally, our 24/7 customer support team responds within 30 minutes, even on holidays. You can reach them here.

Let’s revisit the visual analogies question you encountered earlier.

When encountering this type of question for the first time, most people take longer than 14 seconds to identify the relationship because they don’t know what to look for and end up searching creatively as time runs out.

To solve visual analogy questions quickly, start by identifying the relationship between the given pairs, focusing on common factors like shape, size, orientation, color, pattern, and number. Compare features step-by-step to ensure consistency in the relationship.

A helpful strategy is to eliminate incorrect options that don’t match the identified relationship and start with simple, obvious patterns like shape and size.

💡 Solving these questions in 14 seconds using standard methods is difficult. In the full PrepPack™, we’ll teach you unique strategies to significantly reduce solving time, with ample practice to help you master and apply each technique effectively.

Start with a diagnostic test – a short version of the PI Cognitive Assessment, featuring the same question types and time limits as the real test.

The goal? Identify your weak areas that could hinder your success.

💡 JobTestPrep's exclusive PI diagnostic test is found nowhere else online. Using its insights can make the difference between passing or failing.

After identifying your weak spots, you'll receive precise instructions on which test sections to focus on during your practice sessions.

The first thing to do after you get your personal diagnostic report is to gain a deep understanding of the test structure and question types.

To ensure that you make the most out of this PrepPack™, first focus on practicing your weaker spots (as mentioned on your diagnostic test report). Improving these weak areas is key to boosting your test score.

See the following page for more information on how to ace the PI Cognitive assessment.

Coming up: a closer look at verbal reasoning questions.

These questions assess your English comprehension and expression. In the PI test, you'll encounter vocabulary questions such as opposites, odd ones out, analogies, and logical reasoning questions known as syllogisms.

Let's begin with a logical reasoning question.

Verbal reasoning questions, such as word analogies, synonyms, and formal logic, will test your vocabulary and ability to analyze new information and draw conclusions.

This means that in these questions, you need to use given statements, rules, or assumptions to decide if a conclusion is correct or not. 

Here is what it looks like.

Next, let's look at vocabulary..

These questions measure your familiarity with English, and even though improving your vocabulary significantly within a short timeframe isn't easy, there are many hacks and ways to improve at these questions through repeated practice. 

Now.