A Guide to the Hogan Assessment: Practice Questions and Tips
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A Guide to the Hogan Assessment: Practice Questions and Tips
Feb 02, 2023The Hogan assessments are a series of science-based aptitude tests that employers use to screen potential and existing employees. The tests provide employers with an insight into an individual’s personality and cognitive abilities.
In this article, we will explain how the assessment works and how you can prepare for success.
A Hogan Assessments List Available for Practice in 2025
- Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI)
- Hogan Development Survey (HDS)
- Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory (HBRI)
- Hogan Lovells Assessment Day and Watson Glaser Test
What Is the Hogan Assessment?
The Hogan assessment series helps companies identify valuable characteristics so they can select the best people for their workplace.
Created by couple Dr Joyce and Robert Hogan in the 1980s, the Hogan assessment designed personality traits, cognitive qualities and leadership skills.
To succeed in the Hogan assessment, you should review the job description to check the desired qualities that the employer has stated.
While it can be used to screen job candidates, the Hogan assessment is not just a pre-employment test. It is unique in that it is also a tool for developing talent in the workplace.
By testing existing employees, companies can uncover learning opportunities and decide where their team members work best.
The main Hogan assessment tests are the personality tests and the cognitive ability tests. In the category of personality tests are the Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI), the Hogan Development Survey (HDS) and the Motives, Values, Preferences Inventory (MVPI). These two types of tests produce a thorough assessment of a job candidate.
The Hogan cognitive ability tests are the Hogan Judgment Test and the Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory.
When taking the test, you may be presented with any combination of these test types. The most popular Hogan assessment among recruiters is the HPI, while the MVPI is the least used of the three.
Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI)
The Hogan Personality Inventory is designed to assess the ‘bright side’ of your personality – that is how you act and relate to others when you are at your best. This assessment is based on the theory that getting along with peers is one of the dominant themes in social life.
This personality test quizzes participants on concepts such as ambition, inquisition and sociability.
Testing a person’s bright side can also provide an insight into how an employee will flourish in the workplace. As development is a sign of achievement, having the capacity for growth is an important quality.
There are seven primary scales (or personality traits) and 42 subscales. The primary scales are:
- Ambition
- Sociability
- Adjustment
- Inquisitiveness
- Interpersonal sensitivity
- Learning approach
- Prudence
For each scale, the test taker scores themselves on a scale from low to high. This provides data that recruiters can analyse to paint a picture of the candidate’s personality.
The HPI test assesses candidates on these six occupational scales:
- Stress tolerance
- Clerical potential
- Service orientation
- Sales potential
- Reliability
- Managerial potential
The HPI tests personality using the OCEAN model that is used in psychology. The five tenets of OCEAN are:
- Openness
- Conscientiousness
- Extraversion
- Agreeableness
- Neuroticism
These traits are assessed in the HPI test across 220 questions. The test generally takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
Hogan Development Survey (HDS)
If the Hogan Personality Inventory assesses a person’s bright side, the Hogan Development Survey is the opposite. It measures the dark-side personality – traits that emerge in times of stress and strain.
This personality test is used to determine how a person manages behaviours such as excitement, imagination and diligence. While not inherently bad qualities, scoring at either end of the scale can impact the effectiveness of a business or workplace.
The test is mainly used when assessing candidates for leadership positions as it can provide an insight into how individuals handle stress. Recruiters can use the Hogan assessment results to recognise weaknesses, maximise strengths and build a successful team.
The Hogan Development Survey uses 11 personality scales (known as ‘job derailers’) and 33 subscales. The 11 personality scales are:
- Excitable
- Skeptical
- Dutiful
- Colorful
- Leisurely
- Cautious
- Bold
- Diligent
- Reserved
- Mischievous
- Imaginative
Generally taken online alongside the Hogan Personality Inventory, the HDS consists of 170 questions. It is not timed and takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
It will present you with statements and the options to strongly agree, agree, disagree or strongly disagree.
Motives, Values, Preferences Inventory (MVPI)
Whereas the HPI and HDS tests assess how an individual’s personality appears to others, the Motives, Values, Preferences Inventory measures the ‘inside’ of the personality.
It evaluates a person’s core goals, interests and values. It is these concepts that drive us to succeed. They are also useful in helping us, and employers, deduce the role and environment that we are best suited to.
The MVPI can provide insight into what employees want from their work. Testing the motives, values and preferences of candidates is important for organisations. They need to know that their employees align with the company ethos and will work together to achieve a common goal.
This 15-to-20-minute test measures the 10 following primary values:
- Recognition
- Power
- Altruistic
- Security
- Hedonism
- Commerce
- Affiliation
- Science
- Aesthetics
- Tradition
The primary scales have the following five subscales:
- Lifestyle
- Beliefs
- Aversions
- Occupational preferences
- Preferred associates
The 200 Hogan assessment questions in the Motives, Values, Preferences Inventory evaluate what a person wants to do – which may differ from what they would do – in certain situations.
Hogan Judgment Test
The Hogan Judgment Test combines into one assessment the measurement of cognitive ability, bright and dark personality, and values. It evaluates how candidates make judgments and decisions.
One of the most recent Hogan tests, the Hogan Judgment Test assesses verbal and numerical reasoning, decision making and reactions after making decisions – including their responses to negative feedback.
It includes questions across three sections: information processing, decision making, and coachability.
The test assesses how candidates fix bad decisions and learn from their mistakes – important skills to have in any workplace.
It takes into account that a failed decision does not end there – it has an impact until the leader reflects on the outcome. The test subscribes to the notion that an individual’s judgement can only be improved if they learn from experience and negative feedback, however uncomfortable that may be.
This test does not categorise candidates as good or bad at making decisions. Rather, it recognises that everyone makes decisions with varying success and that it is how you react that matters.
The Hogan Judgment Test is a good tool for employees of all levels, right up to the executive level.
Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory
As the name suggests, the Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory assesses an individual’s reasoning style. Reasoning is the ability to evaluate data, solve problems, make decisions and learn from mistakes to avoid repeating them.
Assessing a potential or current employee’s reasoning style allows an organisation to understand their team’s capacity and areas for development.
The Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory includes 24 questions of three different types:
- Numerical Reasoning
- Logic and Verbal Reasoning
- Abstract Reasoning
The test evaluates two types of problem solving: qualitative reasoning and quantitative reasoning.
Associated with verbal information such as words, qualitative reasoning uses logic and data visualisation to solve problems.
Quantitative reasoning is the opposite discipline and involves working with mathematical and spatial information to solve problems.
As this test has a 30-minute time limit, practice can help you answer the questions quickly and accurately.
Hogan Assessment Practice Tests
The best way to prepare for the Hogan assessment is practise, practise and more practise! By understanding the structure of the tests, you can avoid any surprising questions.
Below you will learn more about the types of questions you can expect for each test.
Hogan Personality Inventory Example Question
Some of the question types you may find in the Hogan Personality Inventory are 'True' or 'False' and 'Agree' or 'Disagree'.
Below is a 'True or False' example statement for the first principle of Openness:
I can feel restricted by routine
You may feel conflicted about how to respond to this statement. The important thing to do is answer truthfully, as you deserve to work in an environment that suits you.
Hogan Development Survey Example Question
An example statement you may find on the Hogan Development Survey is:
People think I’m shy when they meet me for the first time
You can see from these statements there is no safe ‘neither agree nor disagree’ middle option to choose from, so you must pick a side.
It is important that you read the statement carefully and select the option that feels right to you.
You may not want to pick the two extremes of ‘strongly agree’ and ‘strongly disagree’ for some questions so you do not appear unwilling to adapt.
Hogan Motives, Values, Preferences Inventory Example Question
An example of the type of statement you may see on the Hogan Motives, Values, Preferences Inventory test is:
Job satisfaction is more important than job security
To this statement, you will have to answer Agree, Disagree or Undecided. It is best to not choose Undecided too many times, as this will suggest that you are bad at making decisions.
Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory Example Question
An example of a Verbal Reasoning and Logic question you may find on the Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory is:
All of the school’s teachers speak more than one language. Some people who speak more than one language have a higher-than-average IQ.
Which of these statements must be true?
a) Some of the school’s teachers have an IQ that is higher than average
b) All people who speak more than one language are teachers at the school
c) All teachers have a higher-than-average IQ
d) None of the above
The correct answer is: d).
To solve this question, you must identify the three groups of people in the scenario: the school teachers, people who speak more than one language and people with a higher-than-average IQ.
There may be some overlap between groups, but we cannot say with certainty that any of the statements are true.
What Does the Hogan Assessment Cost?
If you are asked to take a Hogan assessment, the cost will likely be covered by the employer.
As you are saving on the cost of the real assessment, you may wish to purchase a practice test pack, so you know the Hogan series inside out.
How to Pass the Hogan Test Online
When it comes to Hogan assessments, the importance of practice cannot be underestimated. To help you know where to start, we have listed some of our top tips below:
Take Hogan Assessment Practice Tests Online
Practising the Hogan test online can relieve enormous pressure, as it will provide an idea of what the real test will be like. While you can practise taking a free Hogan test online, it is worth purchasing a more comprehensive package to help you prepare.
The great thing about the JobTestTest Practice Tests is that they include more than 500 questions on the topics of numerical, verbal, mechanical and abstract reasoning. With detailed answer explanations, you can see what employees are looking for from candidates.
Understand the Test Format
The Hogan assessments each have varying structures with different topics and numbers of questions. Understanding the test sections in advance of taking the assessment will help you focus on the questions instead of trying to figure out the format.
You should also take a look at a Hogan assessment sample report to see how the sections are scored. This can put your mind at ease ahead of the test.
Learn About the Role
A great way to figure out which qualities the employer is looking for is to learn about the role.
You can review the job description to deduce the company’s preferred characteristics and give yourself the best chance of passing the assessment.
Tips for Hogan Personality Tests
Be Authentic
While some answers may be more desirable than others, you should always respond to questions as your authentic self.
Hogan assessment questions are not designed to catch you out and can in fact help you identify areas for personal and professional development.
Don’t Fake It
Again, be yourself. If you always answer ‘strongly disagree’ to statements about emotions, mistakes or regrets, the recruiter will know that you have not answered honestly.
Just like everyone else, you are human. You don’t have to pretend to be perfect on these assessments.
Know Who You Are
This tip is all about remaining true to yourself. It is a good idea to think about your beliefs and values ahead of the assessment, so you can stick to them in the test. By letting your true self shine through, you will be making the best decisions.
Tips for Hogan Cognitive Ability Tests
Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Knowing your strengths and weaknesses before you go into the assessment can help you answer the cognitive skill questions clearly and accurately. As well as highlighting what you are good at, these questions can help you identify areas for development.
Read a Lot
Reading a wide range of texts will provide you with a strong vocabulary, which will come in handy for any verbal reasoning questions.
Brush Up on Basic Maths Skills
Practising basic maths will help when it comes to arithmetic and numerical reasoning. Brushing up on this skill is likely to bring back maths knowledge you forgot you had.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hogan Assessment?
The Hogan assessments are a series of science-based aptitude tests used by employers to screen potential and existing employees. The tests assess an individual’s cognitive abilities and personality traits.
Is the Hogan Assessment hard to pass?
The Hogan assessment can be hard to pass, as there are so many different sections. The key to passing the test is fitting in plenty of practice so you are familiar with the type of question you may be asked. This is where doing lots of Hogan assessment sample questions will come in handy.
What online tools can I use to prepare for the Hogan Assessment?
You can find many tools online to help you prepare for the Hogan assessment. You can take a specific Hogan practice test and also research concepts such as judgment and personality to provide a full picture of the assessment. These materials and more are available from JobTestPrep.
What is the purpose of the Hogan Assessment?
The purpose of the Hogan assessment is to analyse an individual’s personality and cognitive abilities. The test is used with job candidates and existing employees to help companies plan their team structure.
Is it possible to fail the Hogan Assessment?
The Hogan assessment is a personality test and so there are no right or wrong answers. For this reason, it is not possible to fail. The Hogan assessment results will inform the employer who has the type of personality they are looking for.
What is the average score for the Hogan Assessment?
An average score for the Hogan assessment is generally 50%. This means that you performed to the same standard – or better – than half of the normative group.
Can you retake the Hogan Assessment?
The Hogan assessment cannot be retaken if you are not offered the job. In this case, be sure to ask for feedback to use in the future.
Is the Hogan Assessment timed?
The test is typically untimed. The Hogan Personality Inventory and the Hogan Development Survey each take around 15 minutes to complete.
Where can I find Hogan Assessment practice tests?
You can find a Hogan assessment practice test and sample questions online at TestHQ. Their test packs include hundreds of practice tests with detailed answer explanations to help you revise.
How much does the Hogan Assessment cost?
The cost of the Hogan assessment is generally covered by the hiring company, making it free to the participant.
What companies use the Hogan Assessment in their hiring process?
Many companies use the Hogan assessment in their hiring process, such as Vodafone, Coca Cola, Johnson & Johnson, and Amazon.
Where can I find a complete guide for the Hogan Assessment?
For a huge range of practice questions and answer explanations, visit JobTestPrep. These resources are bursting with Hogan assessments sample questions that are great for assessment preparation and setting the tone for the real test.
Final Thoughts
For the best chance of success, make sure you research the Hogan Assessment sample questions and test structure. The practice guides from JobTestPrep are excellent resources and can help you understand what is needed to achieve a high score.
That said, the key thing to remember is that there are no right or wrong Hogan Assessment answers. If you are not selected by the hiring company, then that simply means they are not the right fit for you. Try not to feel too downhearted, as another brilliant opportunity will be coming your way.
