Predictive Index aptitude test
Predictive Index now uses the PI Cognitive Assessment to assess candidates for jobs. In the past PI also used the Professional Learning Indicator Test (PLI), the PI Learning Indicator Test (PI LI Test) and the Predictive Index Test. All these tests are now substituted by the newly developed PI Cognitive Assessment. On a side note, large companies usually change their website / job invitations once every few years. This means, you may still encounter the old names in your invitation. But, you will have to take the PI Cognitive Assessment when you take the test!
The PI Cognitive Assessment consists of the following categories:
- Abstract reasoning: spatial awareness, logical reasoning and inductive reasoning.
- Numerical reasoning: number series, math problems and word problems.
- Verbal reasoning: analogies, antonyms, formal logic.
On the test, you will have to answer 50 questions in just 12 minutes. Therefore, it is important to practice a lot. It is also important to make sure you practice the right questions.
Practicing for aptitude tests leads to a higher score.
A higher score helps you stand out and improves your chances at getting your dream job.
- Corstiaan Smit – aptitude trainer since 2012
Hellotest is not affiliated with, or endorsed by Predictive Index. All practice materials are developed independently by Hellotest to support candidates preparing for their job application and not for selection purposes.
About the PI Cognitive Assessment test
The PI Cognitive Assessment has a lot of sub categories of questions. More than you will usually see on a test. This combined with the limited time and increasing difficulty of each question makes this a difficult assessment. The PI Cognitive Assessment consists of the following:
- Abstract reasoning: spatial awareness, logical reasoning and inductive reasoning.
- Numerical reasoning: number series, math problems and word problems.
- Verbal reasoning: analogies, antonyms, formal logic.
Abstract reasoning
Spatial awareness – spacial ability / exclusion
Spatial awareness is part of abstract reasoning. In other logical tests you often have to find an answer that meets the rules of the figures given. With exclusion you must state exactly which figure does not fit in the list.
In principle, spatial awareness could be applied to every component. In practice you only come across this as a figurative test. The advantage of this is that this component is culture-free. This means that every candidate must be able to take the test regardless of his background.
Logical reasoning – figure sequence
This measures how good you are at completing logical reasoning. The exercises consist of four figures that logically follow each other. On this basis you must determine what the fifth figure will be. You will see several figures at the same time, each with their own logical connections. If you solve the elements separately, you can always exclude incorrect answers until you choose one correct answer.
Inductive reasoning
With the PI type inductive reasoning you will have to answer an abstract form of analogies. You will see three figures. The first two have a logical relationship. Then, you have to determine this relationship and find the fourth figure to complete the relationship with the third figure.
Numerical reasoning
Number series – number sequence
For numerical sequences, you determine which calculations underly the given sequence. Based on the perceived calculations you have to determine the next number in the sequence. This can be tricky, because at first glance, it might seem there are several options. By following the right strategies you can easily solve numerical sequences and avoid common pitfalls.
Math problems – mental arithmetic
Relatively simple calculations must be solved during the assessment. In general, this is an euqtion with three parts, one of which is unknown. These can be simple additions, multiplications or variations of fractions. Do not start this part unprepared. Make sure you have refreshed the calculation rules. For example, how to divide by a fraction, or multiply by decimal places.
Word problems
Word problems are a combination of verbal and numerical reasoning. You will be given one or more sentences containing information. Based on the information you have to perform the right calculation to find the asnwer. The difficult part is knowing what to calculate and which calculations to use.
Verbal reasoning
Analogies
An analogy is a method for establishing relationships between words. Your ability to solve these analogies quickly and properly depends on the degree to which you are able to recognize the relationships between words. Analogies can be divided into a limited number of categories. As soon as you learn to recognize and apply these categories quickly, you will be able to get a good score.
Antonyms
Antonyms are words with an opposite meaning. For instance: pretty and ugly or warm and cold. Antonyms are quite easy, but you will need to have a large vocabulary to answer these questions correctly. Often, uncommon words are used so it really pays of to practice even if you are a native speaker. Antonym questions should be answered quickly so you can spend more time on difficult parts of the test.
Formal logic – syllogisms
A syllogism is a classical form of verbal reasoning. You must choose the correct conclusion for given statements. An example is that all cows are mammals. If all mammals have four legs, a cow will also have four legs. The cows belong to the collection of mammals. For the collection of mammals it applies that they all have four legs. Syllogisms often deviate from reality, which makes it very difficult. You therefore need to prepare very well to prevent errors during the real assessment.
Preparing for PI Cognitive Assessment
Prepare for the test
The score depends on both speed and accuracy. Because of the special questioning method, it is important to become well acquainted with the questioning method and then gradually build up in level and speed.
Frequently asked questions
How is the Hellotest practice material developed?
We have been active as assessment trainers since 2012. In the first instance you could only come to us for personal training:
- one on one training,
- group training,
- workshops and training at universities and career fairs.
In 2015 we decided to put our developed training material online so that our candidates could practice after training.
Thanks to our many years of experience as an assessment trainer, we know exactly which variations exist for a component. We have developed questions about these components for each variation.
We have combined that knowledge with the parts that certain agencies require. We have been able to determine which variations are used by which agency. Then you will find the right variations in your training package.
How often can I retake the lessons / quizzes?
You can take our lessons and practice tests as often as you want during your subscription. If you want to retake a lesson or practice test, you can reset the lesson or quiz yourself via a button.
Can I practice with a timer?
All our practice tests are provided with a timer. The duration of the practice tests corresponds to the time that you get on the real test.
Our lessons are not provided with a timer. In this way you can become comfortable with all the questions and take as long as you want.
Where can I use the practice package?
All the training material is available online. So you can use it everywhere, as long as you have a working internet connection.
Our training material can be used on all modern devices (mobile, tablet, laptop and desktop) and in all modern browsers (IE, Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari etc.).
In which languages is the practice material available?
English.
Click here for Dutch.
Can I get help if I get stuck with the material?
If you have questions about the exercise material you can always ask them here. We try to get back to you in two business days.
How do I know if I am ready for the assessment?
In our e-learning system, the recommended score is indicated for each practice test. That way you can estimate whether your score is good enough to start the real test.
You can do the practice tests until your score is good enough.
Who are we
Our aim is to help you get your dream job. Aptitude tests are used by most employers nowadays and are a major hurdle to candidates. As many as 50% of the candidates do not pass their aptitude test. We find this unfair.
By preparing for your aptitude test you can easily pass the test. You are not cheating, you are getting prepared. If you have never solved number sequences or never even seen a figure sequence you will not get a high score on your test. You may even fail. By practicing, you will be familiar with such types of questions. Now, you can actually take the test.