Free PI Cognitive Assessment Test Practice: 2023 Prep Guide

The Predictive Index (PI) Cognitive Assessment is the new name for the test previously known as the Predictive Index Test or Professional Learning Indicator Test (PLI Test). While the PI Test was re-branded at first as The Predictive Index Learning Indicator or PILI test, this name was discarded, and the PI Cognitive Assessment is the new official moniker of this PI Test. Therefore, if you are told that you are about to take a test that follows any of the names above – know that they all refer to the same PI Test.

The PI Cognitive Assessment is a 12-minute test with 50 questions. It is given to potential employees to assess the skills that interviewers can’t gauge through the candidate’s resume or in person. When hiring to fill a position, employers often assume that if the person has a degree in the required area, he or she will suffice. However, the degree only shows that the candidate has completed the curriculum, not how well they have performed while doing it.

Hence, the Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment is supposed to find those who have earned not only a diploma or a specialization in the respective courses but also have the desire and the capability to learn and grasp new things. It measures the candidate’s capability under set time constraints. It is one of the best scientifically-approved management tests for measuring the learning capabilities of job applicants. It predicts thinking capabilities, knowledge acquisition, and much more.

PI Question Types Explained

The creators of the assessment test have divided the test’s 50 questions into three sub-categories:

1. Numerical Reasoning: Number series, math problems, and word problems
2. Verbal Reasoning: Analogies, formal logic, antonyms
3. Non-verbal Reasoning: Spatial awareness, logical reasoning, inductive reasoning

1. Numerical Ability

These questions assess your ability to reason using numbers and numerical concepts, and they measure analytical thinking.

In order to solve the questions of this category, you need to have previous knowledge of the following:

1. Four basic math operations
2. How to approach and solve problems that involve fractions, percentages, and decimals
3. The basics of calculating an average
4. Working with probabilities and ratios

The three types of questions that comprise this section are:

Word Problems

Question Format / Instructions

You need to solve a mathematical word problem. These math problems involve different types of math calculations—anywhere from basic operations to statistics and probability. Like the rest of the questions, you only have about 15 seconds to solve each one, which can make you feel tremendous time pressure, especially as word problems are perceived as more difficult and stressful.

Winning Tip for Word Problem Questions

The best usual course of action is to not complete the calculations but to eliminate answers until you are left with one. Since there must be a correct answer, you can mark it and move onward. iPrep’s detailed solutions include many elimination techniques.

Number Series

Question Format / Instructions

You must decipher the underlying logic of a series of numbers and find the next number in the series. 

Winning Tip for Number Series Questions

For this type of question, the most important concept you should have in mind is “Times 2.” In many sequences, either the numbers are multiplied or divided by 2 or the differences between the numbers are multiplied or divided by 2.

Value Estimation

Question Format / Instructions

Your goal is to determine which numerical expression has the highest or the lowest value. The expressions usually consist of fractions and decimals.

Winning Tip for Value Estimation Questions

It is highly recommended to know simple conversions of decimals to fractions, and vice versa, by heart, which will be an outstanding time-saver.

2. Verbal Ability

This category assesses reasoning and comprehension of words, constructive thinking, and logical reasoning ability.

These questions do not focus on the basic command of English grammar rules but focus more on your vocabulary, mainly through various comparisons of words and their meanings like word analogies and antonyms/synonyms.

The three types of questions in this section are as follows:

Word Analogies

Question Format / Instructions

Your goal is to find a meaningful relationship between two words (WORD A : WORD B). Once you have established the relationship, you will locate another pair of words that has the same relationship so that the sentence “WORD A is to WORD B like WORD C is to WORD D” will be correct.

Winning Tip for word analogy questions

While solving analogies, the most important rule is to maintain the order of the analogy. If the analogy between word A and word B is “A works at B”, then an answer that presents a perfect analogy but in the reverse order (“D works at C”) can never be the correct answer.

Finding the Antonym

Question Format / Instructions

You need to find a word whose meaning is the opposite of the given word.

Winning Tip for Finding the Antonym Questions

Have in mind that some words are homophones, which are pronounced the same but have different meanings. The tricky answers often rely on that and offer you words that are the opposite of a word that sounds the same. Take 2-3 seconds and make sure that the given word is spelled as you expect.

Formal Logic

Question Format / Instructions

Your goal is to analyze several assumptions and determine whether a suggested conclusion is true, false, or cannot be determined to be true or false, based on the assumptions.

Winning Tip for Formal Logic Questions

If a conclusion is definitely not true, this doesn’t mean that it is definitely false. A conclusion must directly contradict the premises in order to be considered “false.” If it is definitely not true but does not directly contradict the premises, the correct answer is “cannot be determined.”

3. Non-Verbal Ability

This category assesses your ability to visualize, make spatial judgments, and solve problems.  This category is also known as Abstract Reasoning and Inductive Reasoning, and it is used to test general intelligence. In most cases, you are required to compare several elements in order to complete one of two tasks: 

1. to find another element that completes a pattern
2. to find an element that doesn’t follow the same pattern as the rest of the elements.

The most common types of questions in this section are as follows:

Series Completion

Question Format / Instructions

You must decipher the underlying logic of a series of shapes to find the next shape in the series. 

Winning Tip for Series Completion Questions

If the element includes multiple shapes or features, start by focusing on just one of them. Check whether you find some underlying logic to its progression along the sequence. If you do, try locating that feature within the given answers. From here on, you can continue examining only the answers that include that feature in the correct position. You can eliminate the rest of the answers. Repeating this process 2-3 times is usually sufficient to eliminate all the answers but one, which must be the correct answer.

Shape Analogy

Question Format / Instructions

Your goal is to find a meaningful relationship between two shapes/constructs and locate a shape that possesses a similar relationship with another given shape.

Winning Tip for Shape Analogy Questions

Usually, the analogy is based on a single feature but there are cases in which it is based on more than one single feature. In these cases, there is a good chance that more than one option adheres to the analogy based on one feature but only one option adheres to all the features. Be sure to rule out this option before you mark your answer.

Finding the Odd One Out

Question Format / Instructions

You are presented with an original pair of shapes that share a common feature, which you must identify. Then, you will see four additional shapes of which three of them share that same feature. The one that doesn’t share the same feature as the others is the correct answer.

Winning Tip for Finding the Odd One Out Questions

The top figures probably share more than one common feature but only one is the most significant one. While practicing, do not settle for understanding what the correct answer is. Challenge yourself by recognizing all the common features, then examine the answers again and try to understand why those features were not significant enough. This will boost your inductive reasoning skills and raise your chances of success.

PI/PLI Preparation Strategies

1. While you are preparing, it’s important to keep trying to beat your time. 

It’s true that none of the PI Cognitive Assessment questions is truly difficult, but answering 50 questions in 12 minutes can be stressful. Here are some tips:

1. While you are practicing, look at the questions again and ask yourself if you can be faster in answering them the next time. 
2. It is not always imperative for you to do the calculations in order to find the correct answer; you can usually cancel out all the wrong answers faster than checking if your answer is correct. 
3. Use the explanations to help you find time-saving solving tips, learn how to avoid taking too much time on one question, and develop your own practices for test-taking.

2. Zero in on your strengths and learn how to score easy points. 

The average score on a PI Cognitive Assessment test is 20 points. For most companies and positions, a passing score is 24 points. You will need between 28-32 points if you want to be considered a top candidate. A score of 35 points will want a recruiter to hire you immediately. This information should help you see that if you get a high score, you will be perceived in a better way than if you try to answer all the questions correctly. While you are preparing, find strategies that will help you get more answers correct even if you get some wrong along the way. This way, as you answer the questions on the real test, you can zero in on questions that are easier for you to answer correctly and with speed and forget about the questions that take you longer to answer. 

• There are three main categories of questions: verbal, math & logic, and spatial reasoning. It is important to be well-prepared with these basic skills. If any of these categories is difficult for you, it is imperative for you to get advanced practice so you are better equipped to handle them. However, if there is only one kind of difficult question for you within a category, skip it and concentrate on your strengths.

3. Rest and refresh between preparation sessions.

Keeping your brain working at its optimum level requires rest. Taking a significant break between practice sessions and between the test will allow you to better process the information you have learned, and put you in a better position to succeed. Try to schedule two serious preparation sessions prior to the test, and avoid last-minute cramming – you will probably find you remember a lot of the material that you studied.

• Before starting the test, answer 3-5 practice questions, which will help get your brain focused on the real test and help you succeed.

4. Understand what the test will ask of you.

Instructions in the PI Assessment Test may be a bit confusing or unclear. Understanding what is required of you before taking the test serves two purposes. First, you will feel more confident as you go through the test. Second, you won’t have to spend as much time reading instructions, giving you more time to take the test.

5. Simulate testing conditions.

When you practice using actual testing conditions, your body and mind will feel more comfortable during the actual test, and you will feel less intimidated. Your practice test should have the full 50 questions, with a strictly enforced 15-minutes time limit. Don’t take breaks once you’ve started the clock, and do not have your mobile device or calculator accessible. Follow all test-taking rules, including no skipping questions.

6. Find your optimal test-taking zone.

Stress affects everyone differently. Some people thrive on pressure, while others find that stress impairs their performance. Find the balance that works best for you, and try to place yourself in that state of mind during the actual test.

7. Get your body right.

Eating and sleeping well the day before and the day of the test can improve your concentration and focus, which will help you perform well on the test. Reduce disturbances and distractions as much as possible.

Predictive Index Test Features

1. Scientifically Valid

Companies rely on the PI Cognitive Assessment test because it is reliable, readily applicable, and science-based. It has a long history of resolving business challenges by providing a positive impact on the company’s performance metrics. It measures the general ability of an employee by following the stringent standards set by organizations like SIOP (Society for Industrial and Psychology), ITC (International Test Commission), and APA (American Psychological Association).

2. Measure Employee’s Intellect

The test was previously named Professional Learning Indicator (PLI Test) since it measures employees’ intellect as it applies to specific job placements. It measures one’s capability to adapt, learn, and grasp new concepts in the workplace. When cognitive tests are used for hiring, people with a higher intellect such as swift learners, problem solvers, and decision-makers, are usually the ones who receive job offers.

3. User-Friendly

The PILI Test is quite simple – it consists of 50 questions that you will need to complete in 12 minutes. It has different categories of questions including general ability, verbal, and reasoning. The test aims to measure the candidate’s intellect and processing skills.

Technical Facts

Fast Facts (tl;dr)

• Total of 50 questions.
• The test is 12 minutes long.
• Question types: numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning.
• Calculators are not permitted.
• Bring a form of ID.

Common and Past Names of the PI Test:

• Predictive index cognitive assessment
• PICA (PI Cognitive Assessment)
• Professional Learning Indicator Test (PLI Test)
• The PI Learning Indicator Test (PI LI Test)
• Predictive Index Test

Time Limit

The test has a time limit: You will be given only 12 minutes to complete the test and answer as many questions as possible.

The Questions

The PLI Test offers 50 multiple-choice questions. The difficulty level increases as you advance through the test.

The PILI Test is divided into three different sections:

1. Numerical Reasoning
2. Verbal Reasoning
3. Non-verbal Reasoning

Note:

• Each screen will have 5 questions; you can hop on to any question using the ‘Previous’ and ‘Next’ icons placed at the bottom of the page.
• The time will keep running on the right side of the screen.
• Calculators are not permitted.

Availability and Language Support

Currently active in 50+ countries, the test is available in 70+ languages.

Compatibility

Any organization can take the test for any respective position they wish to hire for.

Results and Score

Once the test is over, scores are made available to the candidate instantly.

Results Scale and Interpretations

The Predictive Index (PI) Cognitive Assessment test (aka Professional Learning Indicator or PLI Test) has been the most widely used method of hiring employees in organizations. Scoring high on this test will bring you closer to your desired job and position. Organizations who are looking for candidates with strong cognitive abilities – like problem-solving, logical reasoning, processing complex information, grasping new things, or implementing new solutions – welcome candidates who pass this test into their workspace.

Organizations believe that cognitive tests reflect the candidate’s ability to comprehend new information and perform well in the workspace. It reflects the mechanism of how the candidate learns, remembers, and applies freshly learned things at work, and their ability to carry out difficult tasks. Although these things are very valuable when hiring a person, other factors like experience, personality, knowledge, and cultural-job-fit should also be considered.

Each test is created in such a way that every candidate receives a unique questionnaire. This minimizes the possibility of cheating and the necessity of repeat assessments. Once the test is completed, the results bar pops up, with the candidate’s name on the left side and the respective score on the right. You will see the complete details of your score in all the subjects – meaning the ratio of answers to questions.

High score

Candidates with a high score (1st quartile) are more likely to have broad and in-depth knowledge of many subjects. They are capable of handling job complexities and are expected to have exceptional learning skills.

Above average score

Candidates with above-average scores (2nd quartile) are expected to have the ability to adapt to the changing workplace environment with ease. They are quick learners and are best fit for jobs that have complex challenges.

Below average candidates

These individuals (3rd quartile) can only handle tasks that require a specific kind of knowledge. They need some time to adapt to new skills and absorb changes. Some of them may also be risk-takers and may love being challenged.

Low score candidates

The low-score candidates (4th quartile) will take more time than any other candidate, but once they are on the job, they will use their experience and skills to learn new things. They are good at doing habitual activities and can solve less complex problems.

As can be seen in the diagram, the scores are reported on both a normalized graph and a quartile distribution scale where The first quarter represents the lower 25% of test takers, and the fourth quarter the upper 25% of test takers.

PI/PLI FAQs

PI/PLI Test Tips

To do well on a timed test that includes English, diagrams, and numbers, all you need is precision, planning, and practice. Although it may be difficult, the following tips will help:

1. Keep the time in mind

There will be 50 questions and a time limit of 12 minutes, which means the critical factor is TIME. And practicing is the main thing that can help you; so practice as many questions as possible.

2. Know your weaknesses and strengths

While practicing, you will come across topics that you might find tricky aside from topics that are easy; identify them and work on them. Leave the topics you are most fearful of and practice the ones you enjoy.

3. Keep calm

Being stress-free doesn’t mean you start cracking lame jokes of course. Just stay calm and focus on the test; feel out every question and begin with the ones you find easy to answer.

4. Analyze

Before making an attempt, take one second to analyze the question. If you think the question is too tricky and is not for you, don’t waste time trying.

5. Skip and move on

Skip questions that take too much time. 12 minutes mean you have approximately 15 seconds to finish each question. Skip the ones that require more time and move on to those that are easier.

Administration

How is PI Learning Indicator administered?

The PI Cognitive Assessment Administrator sends an email with a link and instructions to the assessment. Each link is different and available for one-time use.

Can I retake the test?

Since the Professional Learning Indicator (PLI Test) is a dynamic assessment system, one can issue a second and third assessment online anytime. However, candidates are usually given only a single attempt to successfully pass the test.

Do incorrect answers count?

No. Even if you guessed wrong on a few questions, you don’t lose points for wrong answers. When in doubt, eliminate some of the obviously wrong answers, guess, and move on.

When will I get the results?

After you complete the test, the result will be generated immediately. The report will show your scores with all the necessary details.

Test Provider

The Predictive Index Company (PI) caters to employers who wish to transform their workforce and hire highly people who are a perfect fit for the position. The company will compare the shortlisted candidate list with the employer’s pre-set job requirements and help them hire the best candidates for the job.

The Predictive Index Company (PI) makes hiring an easy task for the employer. The employer sends a shortlist of candidates to be tested and they do the rest. They will measure the candidates’ capabilities vis-a-vis the specific job requirements and provide a score list based on the employer’s job profile. The PI Company will also assist in behavior assessment, cognitive assessment, job targeting, and much more.

In addition, the Predictive Index Company will create the PI interview questions per the employer’s behavioral pattern for the desired job. It will ensure the employer asks the right questions consistently during each interview.

Information Sources

• Predictive Index Company

Disclaimer – All the information and prep materials on iPrep are genuine and were created for tutoring purposes. iPrep is not affiliated with the Predictive Index Company, which is the owner of the Predictive Index (PI) Cognitive Assessment.