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Cognitive Ability Test for Employment

Cognitive and reasoning skills are great predictors of future job performance as, most jobs require basic reasoning skills.

Our cognitive tests can show if applicants can be trained, think deeply, and understand both easy and hard ideas.

People who perform well are usually fast learners and good at following a step-by-step process to find an answer to a complicated problem.

TARGET JOBS

Admin/office support
Accounting
Managers
Freelancers
All entry->mid-level roles.

QUESTION TYPE

Multiple Choice

DIFFICULTY

Basic to Intermediate

ADMINISTRATION TIME

12-20 minutes

What does cognitive ability mean?

  • Analyzing data and forming conclusions when complete information isn’t available.
  • Reading large amounts of information and understanding the business-related issues involved.
  • Generating creative ideas or “work-arounds” to common situations.

Read more about the value of cognitive skills tests in our Recruiter’s Toolbox Essentials.

Pre-employment assessments

How we help

Cognitive ability is challenging to evaluate during an interview. Without using an assessment, you might later discover  that the new employee lacks the this important ability. Using our test(s) reduces that risk.

You don’t want miss an outstanding candidate with high cognitive ability but limited job experience, such as entry-level applicants or recent college graduates.

For a great candidate, you may be more flexible about previous work experience, wouldn’t you?

Let’s Get Started

Pre-employment tests for job applicants

Cognitive and Reasoning Test Options

Elite Cognitive Profile (12 minutes)

This test covers logical reasoning (20 questions), which is the applicants’ ability to reason logically and to solve basic math, logical and abstract problems.

It also covers verbal reasoning (20 questions), which is the ability to understand relationships between words, which includes word comprehension and associations.

View Sample Cognitive Score Report

 

Hiring Tests for Job Interview

Workplace Reasoning Test

This 15 minute test includes questions to assess mental processes that are critical to numerical, logical and verbal problem solving in work-related environments.

View Sample Score Report

Pre-employment tests for job interviews

Avoiding bias

Using pre-employment tests, such as cognitive tests, is one way to avoid unconscious bias in the hiring process.

Using research-based pre-hire tests reduces bias that may come from work or educational experience.

It’s actual intelligence being measured, with a “concrete” numerical score that can be compared with other candidates.

 

Pre-employment tests for job applicants
EmployTest FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cognitive test for employment?

A cognitive test for employment is an assessment designed to measure a job candidate’s intellectual capabilities and job potential. These tests evaluate various cognitive functions, such as analytical ability, problem-solving, attention to detail, and logical reasoning. Employers use cognitive tests to predict a candidate’s ability to learn, adapt, and perform job-related tasks efficiently. By testing  cognitive skills, HR departments try to identify candidates with the mental agility to succeed in complex job positions.

What kind of questions are on the test?

Cognitive tests for hiring typically include questions that evaluate various mental abilities. Common question types involve numerical reasoning, where candidates interpret data and solve math problems; verbal reasoning, which tests comprehension and communication skills; and logical reasoning, assessing pattern recognition and problem-solving abilities. These questions measure a job applicant’s critical thinking, analytical skills, and overall cognitive aptitude, helping employers choose the best person for the job.

How to test job candidates for cognitive and reasoning skills?

Testing job candidates for cognitive and reasoning skills involves administering standardized cognitive assessment tests. These tests can be conducted online and include a series of timed questions covering various cognitive domains such as numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning. Employers use companies like EmployTest to administer these tests. Combining cognitive tests with other assessments like situational judgment tests and skills tests, can give a “big picture” view of a candidate’s cognitive and reasoning abilities.

How are the tests measured?

Pre-employment cognitive tests are measured using standardized scoring systems that compare a candidate’s performance to a normative sample. Scores are typically presented as percentiles, indicating how a candidate performed relative to others. The tests assess different cognitive aspects, and the results can be broken down into sub-scores for each area, such as numerical, articulated, and logical reasoning. These scores help employers identify candidates with the highest cognitive potential and predict their future job performance and capacity to handle typical workplace tasks.

How do pre-employment tests assess candidates' cognitive and reasoning skills?

Pre-employment tests assess candidates’ cognitive and reasoning skills through a variety of question types designed to measure different cognitive functions. Each section of the test focuses on a specific cognitive skill and uses timed questions to simulate real-world decision-making pressure, ensuring that candidates can apply their reasoning skills in an efficient manner.

What specific cognitive and reasoning skills are covered in your pre-employment tests?

Our pre-employment tests cover a range of cognitive and reasoning skills essential for job performance. These include numerical reasoning, assessing mathematical problem-solving abilities; verbal reasoning, evaluating comprehension and communication skills; and logical reasoning, focusing on pattern recognition and analytical thinking. We also have other tests that measure attention to detail and other skills. These skills are critical for roles that require quick thinking, problem-solving, and effective decision-making.

Why is your pre-employment test valuable for assessing cognitive and reasoning skills in candidates?

Our pre-employment test is valuable for assessing cognitive and reasoning skills because it provides a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate’s mental capabilities. The test covers critical areas such as numerical reasoning, verbal comprehension, and logical analysis. By accurately measuring these skills, our test helps employers identify candidates with the intellectual agility and problem-solving abilities necessary to thrive in the company. This targeted Cognitive Profile test  ensures that only the most cognitively fit candidates are advanced in the hiring process, which leads to a better job performance outcome.

How can your pre-employment assessment ensure candidates meet our cognitive and reasoning skills requirements?

Our pre-employment assessment ensures candidates meet your cognitive and reasoning skills requirements by using a standardized, scientifically validated testing method. The assessment includes a variety of questions that evaluate numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning skills, which gives you a detailed view of their cognitive abilities. The scoring system helps employers quickly spot which candidates have the necessary intellectual skills to do well in their jobs.

How to help an employee with their cognitive and reasoning skills?

To help an employee with their cognitive and reasoning skills, employers can implement targeted training programs and provide access to learning resources. Offering development classes on critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis can enhance cognitive capabilities. Feedback and mentoring can also guide employees in developing these skills further. It can be hard at first, but Investing in continuous learning opportunities ensures employees remain sharp and capable of handling complex tasks effectively.

Why should businesses prioritize cognitive and reasoning skills in pre-employment tests?

Hiring managers and HR should prioritize cognitive and reasoning skills in pre-employment tests because these skills are critical for effective job performance and decision-making. Employees with strong cognitive abilities can analyze information, solve problems efficiently, and adapt to change quickly. By testing these skills during the hiring process, companies can ensure they choose job candidates who are not only qualified but contribute to workplace success. 

How does this help businesses ensure quality?

Cognitive assessment tests for employment help businesses ensure quality by providing objective, quantifiable data on candidates’ intellectual abilities. By selecting candidates with known cognitive capabilities, businesses can reduce the risk of hiring mistakes, improve productivity, and maintain a high work quality. 

Why are cognitive and reasoning skills important for business?

Cognitive and reasoning skills are important for business because they are the basis for effective decision-making and problem-solving. Employees with strong cognitive abilities can quickly analyze information, generate solutions, and make informed decisions. These skills are essential for navigating complex tasks and responding to unforeseen challenges.

Which cognitive and reasoning skills should business prioritize when hiring?

Businesses should prioritize cognitive and reasoning skills such as numerical reasoning, verbal comprehension, logical analysis, and problem-solving abilities when hiring. Numerical reasoning ensures employees can handle data and perform calculations accurately. Verbal comprehension is crucial for effective communication and understanding complex information. Logical analysis helps in identifying patterns and making sound decisions. By focusing on these key abilities, companies and governments will create a workforce that’s efficient and capable of hitting their goals.

Why do businesses use cognitive ability tests for job hiring?

Businesses use pre-employment cognitive tests for job hiring to objectively predict job performance. These tests assess critical cognitive skills such as numerical reasoning, verbal comprehension, and logical analysis. With these cognitive tests, employers can identify the top candidates, reduce the risk of hiring errors, and ensure that new hires have cognitive abilities necessary for success on day 1 of employment.

How does cognitive assessment test for employment benefit businesses in evaluating candidates?

Cognitive test for hiring help businesses by providing a non opinion-based measure of job candidates’ intellectual ability. By using cognitive assessments, businesses can make informed hiring decisions, before hiring applicants that may not have strong problem-solving and analytical skills.