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Cognitive Ability Test

The cognitive ability test assesses a candidate's general intelligence- ability to think abstractly, understand complex ideas, draw logical conclusions and learn quickly. Research has shown that cognitive ability is the strongest predictor of job performance for all employment levels across industries.

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Screen candidates with a 40 mins test

Test duration:  40 mins
Difficulty level:  Moderate
Availability:  Ready to use
Questions:
  • 5 Verbal Reasoning MCQs
  • 5 Numerical Reasoning MCQs
  • 5 Abstract Reasoning MCQs
  • 5 Critical Thinking MCQs
Covered skills:
Abstract reasoning
Critical thinking
Diagrammatic reasoning
Deductive reasoning
Inductive reasoning
Problem-solving
Pattern matching
Spatial reasoning
Creativity
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Use the Cognitive Ability Assessment Test to shortlist qualified candidates

The Cognitive Ability Test helps recruiters and hiring managers identify qualified candidates from a pool of resumes, and helps in taking objective hiring decisions. It reduces the administrative overhead of interviewing too many candidates and saves time by filtering out unqualified candidates at the first step of the hiring process.

The test screens for the following skills that hiring managers look for in candidates:

  • Analytical thinking
  • Logical reasoning
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Pattern recognition
  • Critical analysis
  • Abstract reasoning
  • Deductive reasoning
  • Inductive reasoning
  • Spatial reasoning
  • Creativity
  • Attention to detail
  • Numerical aptitude
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Screen candidates with the highest quality questions

We have a very high focus on the quality of questions that test for on-the-job skills. Every question is non-googleable and we have a very high bar for the level of subject matter experts we onboard to create these questions. We have crawlers to check if any of the questions are leaked online. If/ when a question gets leaked, we get an alert. We change the question for you & let you know.

How we design questions

These are just a small sample from our library of 15,000+ questions. The actual questions on this Cognitive Ability Test will be non-googleable.

๐Ÿง Question

Easy

Overseas office
Inferential Reasoning
Reading Comprehension
Solve
Your company recently opened a second office overseas. Some of the people from the original office will be relocating. All the people hired in the last six months will continue working in the original location where they were hired. Which of the following statements can be true regarding employees relocating?

Medium

China manufacturing
Economic reasoning
Cost analysis
Solve
The cost of manufacturing phones in China is twenty percent lesser than the cost of manufacturing phones in Vietnam. Even after adding shipping fees and import taxes, it is cheaper to import phones from China to Vietnam than to manufacture phones in Vietnam. Which of the following statements is best supported by the given information. 
A: The shipping fee from China to Vietnam is more than 20% of the cost of manufacturing a phone in China.
B: The import taxes on a phone imported from China to Vietnam is less than 20% of the cost of manufacturing the phone in China. 
C: Importing phones in Vietnam will cut 20% of the manufacturing jobs in Vietnam.
D: It takes 20% more time to manufacture a phone in Vietnam than it does in China.
E: Labour costs in Vietnam are 20% higher than in China.

Medium

Commerical Premises
Reading comprehension
Solve
A large real estate company conducted a recent study of their customers. The study was designed to uncover insights regarding the main criteria for choosing to invest in a residential property. A majority of the customers surveyed stated the 'returns profile' was their main priority, followed by 'development potential' and 'stability of income'. 'Portfolio legacy' ranked at the bottom in the list of factors. It was interesting to note that respondents were less likely to have residential holdings that formed part of mixed-use assets i.e. as an add on to commercial investment. One might assume that more investors are proactively investing in residential real estate rather than having incidental exposure via business investments. 
Based on the given passage, what can we say about the following statement?

Business owners having commercial premises often have a residential property as part of their portfolio.

Medium

Increasing monthly gross profit
Percentage Calculations
Solve
The CEO of Snipr. Inc wants to grow monthly gross profit by 4%. If costs stay the same, what does the sales turnover need to be in February to achieve this goal?
 image

Hard

Magic bag
Arithmetic Sequences
Solve
Alexโ€™s uncle is a magician who gave them a magic bag in which coins get doubled each time you put those coins into it. Initially, Alex had few coins with them. So, Alex put all the coins, and the coins got doubled. Alex took out all the coins and gave a few to their friend and then again put the remaining coins back in the bag. The coins doubled again; Alex took out all the coins again and gave a few coins to their second friend. Alex then put the remaining coins in the bag and the coins doubled again. Alex took out all the coins and gave a few coins to their third friend. 
There were no coins left with Alex when Alex gave coins to the third friend and Alex gave an equal number of coins to each friend. What is the minimum number of coins Alex had initially and how much did Alex give to each friend?
A: Started with 3 coins
B: Started with 5 coins
C: Started with 6 coins
D: Started with 7 coins
E: Started with 9 coins
F: Gave 3 coins in every turn
G: Gave 4 coins in every turn
H: Gave 5 coins in every turn
I: Gave 7 coins in every turn
J: Gave 8 coins in every turn
K: Gave 9 coins in every turn

Medium

Three Clocks
Time Calculations
Solve
In my house, there are three clocks of different shapes โ€“ a round clock, a square clock, and a rhombus clock. The rhombus clock is always accurate whereas the round clock gains 2 minutes every day and the square clock loses 2 minutes every day. I checked the clocks on July 22nd, 2007 at 10 PM, and they were showing different times.
Two hours later, when I checked, the clocks were showing the same time, then on which date will all three clocks show the same time again?
A: 17 July 2008 
B: 23 Sep 2007
C: 25 July 2009
D: 19 Aug 2008
E: 26 July 2008
F: 28 Nov 2007
G: 11 June 2008
H: 15 Aug 2007

Medium

Missing element
Solve
Which of the following figures do you think would complete the pattern shown below?
 image
 image

Easy

Missing element
Solve
Which of the following figures do you think would complete the pattern shown below?
 image

Medium

Claims for a new drug Xylanex
Critical Thinking
Evaluating Arguments
Identifying Assumptions
Solve
A pharmaceutical company claims that their new drug, Xylanex, is highly effective in treating a specific medical condition. They provide statistical data from a clinical trial to support their claim. However, a group of scientists has raised concerns about the validity of the study design and potential bias in the data collection process. They argue that the results may be inflated and not truly representative of the drug's effectiveness.

Which of the following assumptions is necessary to support the pharmaceutical company's claim?
A: The clinical trial participants were randomly selected and representative of the target population.
B: The scientists raising concerns have a conflict of interest and are biased against the pharmaceutical company.
C: The statistical analysis of the clinical trial data was conducted by independent experts.
D: The medical condition being treated by Xylanex is widespread and affects a large number of individuals.
E: The pharmaceutical company has a proven track record of developing effective drugs for similar medical conditions.

Medium

Emma's cafe business
Solve
Emma's cafe has been operating successfully for the last 6 years. Profits have been growing every year, with this year (2020) being their best year so far. As a thank you, Emma treated her staff to a meal at a Michelin star restaurant. 
 image
Below are 3 statements about Emma, her staff and her cafe. Can you help us decide whether the 3 statements are "True", "Probably True", "Insufficient Data to Say True or False", "Probably False", or "False".

1. Emma's staff members are happy.
2. Emma's cafe did well in 2016.
3. Emma is rich.

A: True
B: False
C: Probably True
D: Probably False
E: Insufficient Data

Medium

Ivory's new startup
Solve
Statement: Ivory started a new startup. We know for a fact that almost all startups fail within the first 2 years. 
Conclusion: Ivory's startup will fail.
Does the conclusion follow from the statement?
๐Ÿง Question๐Ÿ”ง Skill

Easy

Overseas office
Inferential Reasoning
Reading Comprehension

2 mins

Verbal Reasoning
Solve

Medium

China manufacturing
Economic reasoning
Cost analysis

2 mins

Verbal Reasoning
Solve

Medium

Commerical Premises
Reading comprehension

2 mins

Verbal Reasoning
Solve

Medium

Increasing monthly gross profit
Percentage Calculations

2 mins

Numerical Reasoning
Solve

Hard

Magic bag
Arithmetic Sequences

3 mins

Numerical Reasoning
Solve

Medium

Three Clocks
Time Calculations

3 mins

Numerical Reasoning
Solve

Medium

Missing element

2 mins

Abstract Reasoning
Solve

Easy

Missing element

2 mins

Abstract Reasoning
Solve

Medium

Claims for a new drug Xylanex
Critical Thinking
Evaluating Arguments
Identifying Assumptions

2 mins

Critical Thinking
Solve

Medium

Emma's cafe business

2 mins

Critical Thinking
Solve

Medium

Ivory's new startup

2 mins

Critical Thinking
Solve
๐Ÿง Question๐Ÿ”ง Skill๐Ÿ’ช DifficultyโŒ› Time
Overseas office
Inferential Reasoning
Reading Comprehension
Verbal Reasoning
Easy2 mins
Solve
China manufacturing
Economic reasoning
Cost analysis
Verbal Reasoning
Medium2 mins
Solve
Commerical Premises
Reading comprehension
Verbal Reasoning
Medium2 mins
Solve
Increasing monthly gross profit
Percentage Calculations
Numerical Reasoning
Medium2 mins
Solve
Magic bag
Arithmetic Sequences
Numerical Reasoning
Hard3 mins
Solve
Three Clocks
Time Calculations
Numerical Reasoning
Medium3 mins
Solve
Missing element
Abstract Reasoning
Medium2 mins
Solve
Missing element
Abstract Reasoning
Easy2 mins
Solve
Claims for a new drug Xylanex
Critical Thinking
Evaluating Arguments
Identifying Assumptions
Critical Thinking
Medium2 mins
Solve
Emma's cafe business
Critical Thinking
Medium2 mins
Solve
Ivory's new startup
Critical Thinking
Medium2 mins
Solve

Test candidates on core Cognitive Ability Hiring Test topics

Abstract reasoning: Abstract reasoning refers to the ability to analyze and solve complex problems using logical thinking and without relying on prior knowledge or concrete facts. This skill is measured in the test to assess the candidate's ability to think conceptually, identify patterns, and make logical connections, which are crucial for problem-solving and decision-making roles.

Critical thinking: Critical thinking involves the systematic analysis and evaluation of arguments, ideas, and information to form objective judgments and make informed decisions. This skill is measured in the test to assess the candidate's ability to identify and understand logical flaws, evaluate the validity of claims, and think critically in complex situations, which is vital in roles that require decision-making and problem-solving.

Diagrammatic reasoning: Diagrammatic reasoning focuses on the ability to interpret and analyze visual information presented in the form of diagrams, charts, and graphs. This skill is measured in the test to assess the candidate's aptitude for understanding complex visual representations, recognizing patterns, and extracting meaningful insights, which is relevant for roles that involve data analysis, graph interpretation, and problem-solving.

Deductive reasoning: Deductive reasoning involves the ability to draw logical conclusions based on given premises or general principles. This skill is measured in the test to evaluate the candidate's capacity to apply logical thinking and derive conclusions from existing information, which is essential for roles that require analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Inductive reasoning: Inductive reasoning refers to the ability to generalize, make predictions, and draw conclusions based on specific observations or patterns. This skill is measured in the test to assess the candidate's capability to identify underlying patterns, infer relationships between variables, and make informed predictions, which is valuable in roles that involve data analysis, forecasting, and problem-solving.

Problem-solving: Problem-solving encompasses the ability to identify, analyze, and find effective solutions to complex problems or challenges. This skill is measured in the test to evaluate the candidate's capacity to think critically, apply logical reasoning, and employ systematic approaches to solve problems, which is crucial for roles requiring analytical thinking, decision-making, and innovation.

Pattern matching: Pattern matching involves the capability to identify similarities, analogies, and relationships between various elements or entities. This skill is measured in the test to assess the candidate's aptitude for recognizing patterns, making connections, and applying logical reasoning to solve problems, which is significant in roles involving data analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Spatial reasoning: Spatial reasoning refers to the ability to mentally manipulate and understand visual representations of objects and spaces. This skill is measured in the test to evaluate the candidate's capacity for visual thinking, understanding spatial relationships, and solving problems that require mental transformation or visualization, which is important in roles involving architecture, engineering, and creative problem-solving.

Creativity: Creativity involves the generation of novel ideas, solutions, or approaches that are original and valuable. This skill is measured in the test to assess the candidate's ability to think innovatively, adapt to new situations, and provide unique perspectives, which is essential in roles that require problem-solving, innovation, and creative thinking.

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Web Proctoring

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Have questions about the Cognitive Ability Hiring Test?

What roles can I use the Cognitive Ability Assessment Test for?

Here are few roles for which we recommend this test:

  • Data Analyst
  • Graduates
  • Freshers
  • Managers
  • System Admin
  • Front-office roles
Can I combine Cognitive Ability Test with Problem Solving questions?

Yes, recruiters can request a single custom test with multiple skills. For assessing problem-solving skills, please refer to our Problem Solving Test.

How to use Cognitive Ability Test in my hiring process?

Use it as a pre-screening tool. Add a link to the assessment in your job post or invite candidates via email. Employ our assessment in place of traditional resume screening to identify skilled candidates earlier.

What are the main cognitive ability tests?
Do you have any anti-cheating or proctoring features in place?

We have the following anti-cheating features in place:

  • Non-googleable questions
  • IP proctoring
  • Screen proctoring
  • Web proctoring
  • Webcam proctoring
  • Plagiarism detection
  • Secure browser
  • Copy paste protection

Read more about the proctoring features.

What experience level can I use this test for?

Each Adaface assessment is customized to your job description/ ideal candidate persona (our subject matter experts will pick the right questions for your assessment from our library of 10000+ questions). This assessment can be customized for any experience level.

I'm a candidate. Can I try a practice test?

No. Unfortunately, we do not support practice tests at the moment. However, you can use our sample questions for practice.

Can I get a free trial?

Yes, you can sign up for free and preview this test.

What is Cognitive Ability Test?

The Cognitive Ability Test measures candidates' problem-solving skills, reasoning capabilities, and overall cognitive function. Recruiters use this test to identify top talent for roles that require strong mental acuity.

What topics are evaluated in the Cognitive Ability Test?

This test assesses skills in verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, abstract reasoning, critical thinking, and additional areas such as deductive and inductive reasoning, pattern matching, and spatial reasoning.

Can I test Verbal and Numerical Reasoning together in a test?

Yes, you can test both Verbal and Numerical Reasoning together. Check out our Verbal Reasoning Test and Numerical Reasoning Test for more details.

Can I combine multiple skills into one custom assessment?

Yes, absolutely. Custom assessments are set up based on your job description, and will include questions on all must-have skills you specify. Here's a quick guide on how you can request a custom test.

How do I interpret test scores?

The primary thing to keep in mind is that an assessment is an elimination tool, not a selection tool. A skills assessment is optimized to help you eliminate candidates who are not technically qualified for the role, it is not optimized to help you find the best candidate for the role. So the ideal way to use an assessment is to decide a threshold score (typically 55%, we help you benchmark) and invite all candidates who score above the threshold for the next rounds of interview.

Does every candidate get the same questions?

Yes, it makes it much easier for you to compare candidates. Options for MCQ questions and the order of questions are randomized. We have anti-cheating/ proctoring features in place. In our enterprise plan, we also have the option to create multiple versions of the same assessment with questions of similar difficulty levels.

What is the cost of using this test?

You can check out our pricing plans.

I just moved to a paid plan. How can I request a custom assessment?

Here is a quick guide on how to request a custom assessment on Adaface.

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