Cognitive Ability Test: Practice Test Questions, Answers and Explanations – A Guide
Jul 31, 2024The process of applying for job positions, apprenticeships, and other programs consists of many stages. After receiving application forms, recruiters create a shortlist of candidates that will progress to the next stage.
One of the job application steps is often a cognitive ability test. There are different types of cognitive ability tests, but they usually measure mental functions such as memory, reasoning, processing speed, and problem solving.
They are used because they evaluate how well a candidate is likely to perform in the role. They highlight the test-takers strengths and weaknesses, and so are also a useful development tool.
Cognitive ability tests are also used in educational settings and clinical assessments as a way of measuring skills such as critical thinking and logical reasoning.
In this article, you will learn what a cognitive ability test is, the subjects it covers, how it’s administered, how to prepare for it, and how to interpret the results. You will also find cognitive ability test examples and answers to frequently asked questions.
What Is a Cognitive Ability Test?
Cognitive Ability assessments are useful in that they can be given to a large number of people and the results will highlight the candidates with the best cognitive skills. There is also superior cognitive ability testing, which is carried out in schools.
They are designed to measure your overall cognitive ability by asking you questions on topics such as numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning.
These phrases may sound complicated, but you are likely to be familiar with the questions from tests you have taken previously. You may be asked to identify what a shape would look like once rotated or determine a missing figure from a set.
Some of the most common test sections are verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, and abstract reasoning.
Understanding the sections and question types can help you prepare for taking a cognitive ability test. In the next section, you will find some general cognitive ability question examples that can help you prepare for a cognitive ability test.
Subjects Covered in a Cognitive Ability Test
Verbal Reasoning
The verbal reasoning section on a cognitive ability test is designed to assess a candidate's knowledge of the English language.
It is an important part of the test, as it highlights whether candidates can understand verbal or written information to make decisions and communicate to others.
In this section, you will need to demonstrate your ability to make logical decisions and identify when there is insufficient information to reach a definitive answer.
You may be asked questions on topics such as:
- Spelling
- Grammar
- Comprehension
- Following written instructions
- Completing sentences
- Word groups
- Critical reasoning
- Verbal deductions
Numerical Reasoning
A numerical reasoning test is designed to measure a candidate's ability to work with numerical information and solve mathematical problems.
Scoring highly on a numerical reasoning test is especially important when applying for roles that require working with numbers, such as in finance or insurance.
This section will feature questions on topics including:
- General arithmetic
- Percentages
- Averages
- Fractions
- Graphs, tables, and charts
Abstract Reasoning
The purpose of abstract reasoning tests is to assess a candidate's ability to identify relationships between a series of patterns, shapes, and images.
Scoring highly on an abstract reasoning test is an indication that you are good at strategic thinking, coping well under pressure, and being able to quickly grasp new concepts.
Tests measuring abstract reasoning are useful to screen candidates applying for roles that require a high degree of problem solving, being able to deal with complex data, and conducting tasks using initiative.
Questions on these tests are likely to ask you to solve problems, work with logical systems, and identify patterns.
Example Cognitive Ability Test Questions
Numerical Reasoning
If a car travels 60 miles in 1.5 hours, what is its average speed in miles per hour?
a) 30 mph
b) 40 mph
c) 45 mph
d) 50 mph
The correct answer is: c) 40 mph
Average speed = Total distance / Total time = 60 miles / 1.5 hours = 40 mph.
Verbal Reasoning
Which word is most opposite in meaning to "mitigate"?
a) Reduce
b) Alleviate
c) Exacerbate
d) Relieve
The correct answer is: c) Exacerbate
"Mitigate" means to make something less severe. "Exacerbate" means to make something worse, which is the opposite.
Logical Reasoning
Identify the next number in the sequence:
2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ___
a) 40
b) 42
c) 44
d) 46
The correct answer is: b) 42
The pattern increases by 4, 6, 8, 10, etc. Adding 12 to the last number (30) gives 42.
Abstract Reasoning
Look at the following pattern sequence:
◼️, ◼️◻️, ◼️◻️◼️, ◼️◻️◼️◻️, ◼️◻️◼️◻️◼️
Which pattern comes next?
a) ◼️◻️◼️◻️◼️◻️
b) ◻️◼️◼️◻️◼️◻️
c) ◼️◻️◼️◻️◼️◻️◼️
d) ◼️◻️◻️◼️◻️◼️
The correct answer is: c) ◼️◻️◼️◻️◼️◻️◼️
The sequence alternates between black and white squares, increasing by one square each time.
Spatial Reasoning
If a cube is painted on all six faces and then cut into 64 smaller cubes of equal size, how many of the smaller cubes will have no paint on any of their faces?
a) 0
b) 8
c) 16
d) 24
The correct answer is: b) 8
The smaller cubes that have no paint will be in the very center of the large cube, and there are 2x2x2 (8) such smaller cubes in a 4x4x4 arrangement.
Data Interpretation
The following table shows the sales figures for three products over two months:
| Product | January | February |
|---|---|---|
| A | 150 | 200 |
| B | 100 | 150 |
| C | 80 | 120 |
What is the percentage increase in sales for Product C from January to February?
a) 33.33%
b) 40%
c) 50%
d) 60%
The correct answer is: C) 50%
The increase in sales is 120 – 80 = 40. The percentage increase = (40 / 80) × 100 = 50%.
How a Cognitive Ability Assessment Is Administered
Cognitive ability tests are designed by test publishers.
So, when it comes to cognitive ability tests for employee selection, they are usually administered by the test publisher on behalf of the employer.
They will also collate the results and feed them back to the recruiter.
Due to there being many different test publishers, there are a range of cognitive ability tests given to candidates.
If you can find out which test publisher the recruiter is using, you can find out their format, structure, and time limit. This information will help you tailor your study and practice to the specific test.
Testing Environment
Most of the time, you will be sent a cognitive ability test to complete at home in your own time.
Some recruiters may ask candidates to take the test at an assessment center or following a face-to-face interview with the company.
If you reach this stage in the process, the recruiter will let you know how to take the test.
Wherever you take the cognitive ability assessment, it is important to prepare.
You will not need to learn any specific information, but answering cognitive ability test example questions can help you understand what the real assessment will be like.
The more cognitive ability test practice you can do, the stronger your reasoning skills will become. That is the great thing about cognitive ability: it can be constantly developed.
How to Interpret the Results of a Cognitive Ability Assessment
The point of a cognitive ability test is to measure the maximum performance of a candidate’s cognitive ability. To deduce how well a candidate has performed, each test taker’s score is recorded and compared to a diverse group of previous candidates.
This informs the test publisher not only how many questions you answered correctly, but also where you rank among candidates who have taken the same test.
The raw scores of correct answers are translated into a Sten score – that is ‘Standard Ten.’ These scores range from 1 to 10, with scores of 1 to 2 indicating low ability, 5 and 6 suggesting average ability, and 9 to 10 indicating high ability.
This scoring method is an effective way of ranking candidates’ performance.
Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses
Your cognitive ability test report will typically provide an overview of the test as well as a detailed analysis of your scores. The report is likely to explain how your performance ranked in each of the test sections.
You can use the results to identify the topics in which you perform well and the areas for improvement. If there are subjects that you find more difficult, you can plan to revise these before your next cognitive ability test.
It is a clever idea to practice using example general cognitive ability test questions and tests so you can identify your strengths and weaknesses before the real assessment.
How to Prepare for a Cognitive Ability Assessment
When it comes to taking a cognitive ability test, preparation is key if you are to perform well.
In the lead up to the test, you should dedicate some time each day to answer example questions in the areas of verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, and abstract reasoning.
Scheduling in some daily practice can help you to think differently about concepts and prevents you from getting overwhelmed with lots of study.
Before taking the cognitive ability test, you also need to prioritize your wellbeing. Making sure that you eat well, stay hydrated, and get a good night’s sleep will help you perform at your best and achieve a good score.
Practice Tests and Resources
There are many study resources available online, with both free cognitive ability test papers and paid-for practice programs.
Some of the cognitive ability test online providers include JobTestPrep.
When you take cognitive ability test examples, make sure to set a timer. Aim to answer as many questions as possible within the set time, and afterwards look at how many you got correct.
Based on your practice test results, you may need to spend more or less time thinking about your answers. It can be difficult to balance accuracy with speed, but you can work out the right rhythm for you with practice.
Try to use as many different practice tests as possible, as this will show you the wide range of questions that appear on cognitive ability tests.
As well as taking practice tests, you can also sharpen your knowledge of the concepts included on cognitive ability tests. By revising areas such as spelling, sentence structure, general arithmetic, and fractions, you can enhance your chances of success on the real test.
For abstract reasoning, playing games where you need to problem solve and identify patterns can be useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cognitive ability test?
A cognitive ability test assesses mental functions such as memory, reasoning, processing speed, and problem solving.
Are cognitive ability tests hard to pass?
The tests can be hard to pass as the questions are so varied, but you have a better chance of passing with plenty of practice.
It’s a good idea to practice using example general cognitive ability questions and tests so you can identify your strengths and weaknesses before the real assessment.
What is a good score for the cognitive ability test?
A “good” score depends on the scores of other test takers, as each candidate is measured against a group of peers. To aim for a good score, try to correctly answer as many questions as possible.
How many questions are on the cognitive ability test?
Each cognitive ability test is different, so you will not necessarily know how many questions there are until you take the test. You can find examples of cognitive ability tests for employee selection online, which might help you get a better idea of what to expect on the test day.
Is the cognitive ability test timed?
The test is timed, and you will have to score as many correct answers as possible in the set time.
Can I take the cognitive ability test online?
A cognitive ability test is most often taken online.
Where can I prepare for a cognitive ability test?
You can prepare for a cognitive ability test using online resources, test prep books, educational websites, and practice tests. The more cognitive ability test practice you can do, the stronger your reasoning skills will become.
Can you fail a cognitive ability test?
Cognitive ability tests don't have a pass/fail outcome but measure various cognitive skills; low scores may affect selection for specific roles.
What is the purpose of a cognitive ability test?
The purpose of a cognitive ability test is to assess mental abilities like reasoning, problem-solving, and understanding complex ideas.
What does failing a cognitive ability test mean?
"Failing" a cognitive ability test typically means scoring below a required threshold, potentially impacting job or school candidacy.
Where can I find more sample questions for a cognitive ability test?
Sample questions can be found on test preparation websites, educational platforms, and in study guide books.
Where can I find a complete guide for the cognitive ability test?
Complete guides are available on test prep websites, in bookstores, and through online retailers like Amazon.
Final Thoughts
A cognitive ability test is an effective way of measuring a candidate's capacity for reasoning and problem solving. With practice, you can strengthen your cognitive functions and achieve a high test score.
