Cognitive ability tests measure general mental ability (GMA), the strongest single predictor of job performance. They combine numerical, verbal, logical, and spatial reasoning.
Cognitive ability tests (often called IQ tests in recruitment) measure general mental ability across multiple domains: numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, abstract/logical reasoning, spatial reasoning, and working memory. They are the single strongest predictor of job performance across all roles. Used extensively by the military, civil service, and consulting firms.
Understanding the different formats helps you prepare more efficiently.
Complete a sequence of numbers following a mathematical rule. Tests numerical reasoning and pattern recognition.
Word or concept analogies (A is to B as C is to ?). Tests verbal reasoning and conceptual thinking.
Identify which 3D shape matches a 2D net, or which rotated shape matches the original. Tests spatial reasoning.
Remember and manipulate sequences of numbers, letters, or shapes. Tests working memory capacity.
Complete simple tasks (e.g., symbol matching) as quickly as possible. Tests cognitive processing speed.
Proven techniques to maximise your IQ & Cognitive score.
Unlike single-domain tests, cognitive ability tests cover multiple areas. Identify your weakest sub-component and focus practice there.
Many cognitive tests include timed mental arithmetic. Practice multiplication tables, percentage calculations, and number series daily.
Common analogy types: part-to-whole, cause-and-effect, synonym, antonym, function, degree. Recognising the relationship type speeds up answering.
Everything you need to know about IQ & Cognitive tests.
Numerical reasoning tests measure your ability to interpret and analyse numerical data, tables, graphs, and charts, under time pressure. Used by 75% of Fortune 500 companies.
Verbal reasoning tests assess your ability to understand written information and draw logical conclusions. The True/False/Cannot Say format trips up even strong readers.
Logical reasoning tests measure abstract thinking and pattern recognition, the ability to identify rules in sequences of shapes, symbols, and diagrams without language or numbers.