How to Prepare for a Cognitive Ability Test
Every organization has specific requirements during its hiring process. Many professions require their candidate to complete a series of aptitude tests before moving on to the next step. One such test is the Cognitive Ability Test, designed to assess various skills related to the position. The Cognitive Ability Test examines your capability to solve problems analytically through verbal, mechanical, numerical, spatial, and logical questions. Cognitive Ability Tests measure your intelligence, aptitude for numbers, reading comprehension, communication skills, and analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Most Cognitive Ability Tests are timed and range from 25 to 50 questions. The amount of time varies depending on the test, but generally, you are allowed 30 seconds per question. With timed tests, employers want to determine that you can keep calm under pressure and work quickly and instinctively. Most workplaces administer Cognitive Ability Tests online, allowing automatically generated results to be sent to the employer or recruiter for review.
What is a Cognitive Ability Test?
A Cognitive Ability Test assesses the candidate's decision-making capabilities, intelligence, and overall suitability for the role. Unlike other more targeted aptitude tests such as basic numeracy or verbal reasoning tests, Cognitive Ability Tests cover a broad range of aptitudes. Typical Cognitive Ability Tests cover the following topics:
- Spatial awareness
- Logical reasoning
- Mechanical reasoning
- Numerical reasoning
- Verbal reasoning
Why do Employers Use Cognitive Ability Tests?
Employers use Cognitive Ability Tests to analyze a candidate's ability to make sound decisions in stressful situations, reasoning and decision-making skills, reading comprehension, and aptitude. Companies in various industries use Cognitive Ability Tests to narrow their candidate pool and find the most qualified person to hire. By requiring a Cognitive Ability Test for employment, companies can ensure that everyone they invite for an interview has the skills needed for a particular role in their company.
What Type of Jobs May Require Candidates to Take a Cognitive Ability Test?
Industries that use Cognitive Ability Tests include:
- Retail
- Banking
- Customer service representatives
- Insurance agencies
- Law firms
- Hospitals
- Engineering companies
- And many more
What Types of Questions Are on the Cognitive Ability Test?
Here are a few examples of the types of questions you can encounter on a Cognitive Ability Test, with explanations as to why the correct answer was chosen.
Directions: Choose the best response to the following questions.
1. What is a synonym for "overwhelm"? Hint: Think of which word means the same.
- inundate
- fail
- yield
- uncover
Correct answer: a
Explanation: A synonym is a word that has the same meaning. Inundate is another word for "overwhelm," whereas the other answers are antonyms or opposites of the word.
2. What is the mean value of 21, 25, 41, 99, 23, and 45? Hint: Remember that "mean" is the same as "average." Use addition and division to find the correct answer.
- 25.49
- 99.37
- 42.33
- 36.23
Correct answer: c
Explanation: To find the mean value of a set of numbers, you first add all the numbers together. Then, you divide the total by the amount of numbers in the group to determine the mean value.
21 + 25 + 41 + 99 +23 + 45 = 254
254 ÷ 6 = 42.33
3. An intern is offered a job at an ad agency and will be working four days a week, six hours per day. How many hours will the intern have worked in one year? Hint: Use multiplication to find the correct answer.
- 2,400
- 1,248
- 1,152
- 2,136
Correct answer: b
Explanation: First, multiply the number of hours per week the intern will be working. Four days (4) times the number of hours per day (6) is 24 hours per week.
4 x 6 = 24
Then, multiply the number of hours per week (24) by the number of weeks in a year (52), and the answer is 1,248.
24 x 52 = 1,248
4. A company email is sent to all employees, notifying a 2% pay raise will be added to their next paycheck for a cost-of-living increase. If an employee makes $4,723 per month, what will be the amount of their pay raise? Hint: Use multiplication to find the correct answer
- $94.46
- $86.24
- $96.68
- $122.32
Correct answer: a
Explanation: Percentages are a fraction of a number out of 100%. For example, 2% represents 2 out of 100. To determine the pay raise amount, you will make 2% into a decimal, or .02, which denotes 2 out of 100"”multiple .02 times the monthly pay ($4,723) to determine the pay raise amount.
.02 x 4,723 = $94.46
5. Which of the images is a replica of the image on the left in the above diagram? Hint: Look at the color of the boxes and their location.
- A
- B
- C
- D
Correct answer: b
Explanation: Both A and C are incorrect because the box at the top of the pentagon is yellow, where the box at the top of the pentagon on the image on the left is white. D is incorrect because the yellow box is on the left side instead of the right. Therefore, B is a replica of the image on the left and the correct answer.
What is a Cognitive Ability Test?
Here are some common questions you might have about the Cognitive Ability Test:
How quickly do I receive the results of my test?
Every organization has different methods for their test results. It is best to ask the hiring manager or recruiter when the test results will be available.
At what stage in the hiring process is the Cognitive Ability Test given?
After submitting your application and resume, the hiring manager will schedule a Cognitive Ability Test and any other aptitude tests needed for the position. After successfully completing the test(s), you will be invited to a telephone or in-person interview.
What is a passing score on the Cognitive Ability Test?
Every Cognitive Ability Test is different. Some companies will ask you to complete as many questions as possible in a given period and compare the number of correct answers you have with other candidates. With other companies, a passing score might be 80% or 90%. The higher score you receive will place you higher on the candidacy list, so you want to achieve as high a score as possible.
How do I prepare for the Cognitive Ability Test?
The first step is to take the Mock Questions Cognitive Ability practice test. In addition to taking that test, there are many online resources to take additional practice tests. Some companies will offer a testing packet to candidates that have sample questions. If a company provides a testing packet, study the packet before taking the written test. It is also recommended timing yourself while taking the practice exams to get an idea of how long it will take you to answer each question.
What do I do if I do not know the answer to a question?
If you do not know the answer to a question, skip over it and move on to the next question. You want to answer as many questions as possible to achieve a high score. It is not recommended to leave any questions blank, so after you complete the test, go back to the unanswered questions and choose the answer you believe to be most accurate.
If the questions on the test are based on basic knowledge, do I need to study?
The questions are based on basic knowledge, but it is recommended that you study for the exam if you want to achieve a high score. Those who spend time familiarizing themselves with the content on the test tend to feel more confident on the day of the test and have a better chance of achieving the highest possible score.
Helpful Advice for Candidates Preparing for the Cognitive Ability Test.
In addition to studying the materials and taking online practice tests, here is some more advice to candidates preparing for the Cognitive Ability Test:
- Watch videos on how to pass a Cognitive Ability Test
- Study each section of questions that may be on the test (verbal reasoning, spatial awareness, etc.)
- Practice basic math skills using a pen and paper (in case calculators are not allowed)
- Set aside a certain amount of time each day to dedicate to studying practice tests
After completing the Cognitive Ability practice test, check out the other aptitude tests that Mock Questions offers here.
