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Cognitive Ability Tests

    • 35 tests |
    • 456 questions

Cognitive ability tests are predictors of general intelligence. Like IQ tests, they examine your ability to solve problems and think logically, via verbal, numerical, mechanical, spatial and logical questions.

Cognitive tests are popular with employers, as the broad range of aptitudes covered can give a good overview of each candidate’s strengths and weaknesses, and indicate whether they have what it takes to succeed in the role.

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Free Practice Cognitive Ability Test Questions

As mentioned, the cognitive ability test covers a huge variety of topics and question styles.

Most people will naturally be stronger at some areas and have to work a little harder on others, so it’s important to try your hand at all the various different types of questions as part of your preparation.

Below are five practice cognitive ability questions for you to try out. All answers are below.

Numerical Reasoning

numerical reasoning practice question

What was the total power in gigawatts generated by thermal power over the full year?

  • A) 11
  • B) 30
  • C) 47
  • D) 62

Verbal Reasoning

verbal reasoning practice question

Statement: A derivative could be used by an airline to secure the price of oil now, which it won’t use until six months time.

Logical Reasoning

logical reasoning practice question

Which of the given shapes would complete the sequence?

Mechanical Reasoning

mechanical reasoning practice question

How much force is required to lift the weight?

Spatial Reasoning

spatial reasoning practice question

Which of the given shapes is the unfolded net of the 3D shape?

Answers

Numerical reasoning: Q1 = 10 GW Q2 = 10 GW Q3 = 14 GW Q4 = 13 GW

So the total is C) 47 GW produced by thermal power.

Verbal reasoning: True – “to secure the price of a commodity which is to be “bought” at a future date, but at a price that is set today.”

Logical reasoning: The shapes are moving around the points of the polygon. The circle and arrow are both moving anti-clockwise 2 points, and the square is moving 4 spaces in a clockwise direction. So the answer is C.

Mechanical reasoning: There is only 1 load-bearing section of rope, which means that the force needed to lift the weight is the same as the weight itself. So the answer is 10kg.

Spatial reasoning: If you look at the two ends, you can see that the only correct answer could be C.

Sample Cognitive Ability Tests question Test your knowledge!

A sequence of statements is given below. Which statement logically follows from the given statements? 1. No manager is a leader. 2. All directors are managers. 3. Some leaders are directors.

  • Some directors are not leaders.
  • No directors are leaders.
  • All leaders are directors.
  • Some managers are not directors.

All roses are flowers. Some flowers fade quickly. Therefore:

  • Some roses fade quickly.
  • Roses are the only flowers that do not fade quickly.
  • No roses fade quickly.
  • It is possible that some roses fade quickly.

If it takes 5 minutes to drill a half-inch hole, how long will it take to drill a two-inch hole?

  • 10 minutes
  • 20 minutes
  • 8 minutes
  • 5 minutes

A researcher compiled data over several years and found that for Company X, employee productivity increases by 2% for every 1% increase in salary. If an employee's salary is increased by 10%, by how much can the researcher expect their productivity to increase?

  • 20%
  • 10%
  • 2%
  • 5%

Which word is a synonym for 'evanescent'?

  • Eternal
  • Fleeting
  • Opaque
  • Adhesive

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Cognitive Ability Tests Tips

1Try out each of the different test types

We recommend working through the different types of tests we’ve listed that sit within the overall cognitive ability test. This will help you identify your stronger and weaker areas.

2Work harder on your weaker areas

It’s tempting to spend more time on the areas you enjoy, but ignoring this urge in favour of working on your weaker spots will pay dividends when it counts. So whether it’s logic slowing you down or verbal reasoning causing you a little uneasiness, spend the extra time on the topics you find more challenging.

3Practice in a suitable environment

Practically speaking, there’s no substitute for a quiet environment when taking mock tests. Try to find as peaceful an area as possible when you’re taking a mock test, and ensure you have everything you need before you start.

4Put the timer on

It’s essential to time yourself while doing any practice tests, so you can see how well you fare against the clock. At the end, go over your answers and spend time evaluating your score, and if there were mistakes, why they happened.

Cognitive Ability Video Tutorials

Word Swap

2 mins

Analogies

2 mins

Graph Interpretation

2 mins
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Cognitive Ability Tests FAQs

What is this test used for?

Cognitive ability tests are a common tool used by employers to gauge a job seeker’s potential in various skill areas. They serve as a quantifiable method to assess problem-solving and logical thinking capacities, which are essential across numerous jobs and industries.

What do these tests involve?

These tests are a series of questions designed to evaluate your problem-solving abilities and logical reasoning. Covering a range of topics, from verbal to spatial understanding, they effectively measure how you process information and confront complex situations.

What do these tests measure?

Our cognitive ability tests focus on precise evaluation of your analytical skills, adaptability, and problem-solving prowess. Utilizing state-of-the-art adaptive technology, our test questions constantly evolve to maintain up-to-date with industry trends and standards, offering a true measure of your cognitive strengths.

Where can I practice these tests?

You can dive into a variety of practice cognitive ability tests right here at Practice Aptitude Tests. We provide a deep library of simulations that closely mimic real test environments, giving you the best preparation for your upcoming assessments.

Which employers use these tests?

A wide range of employers across various fields leverage cognitive ability tests as part of their hiring process. These assessments help them identify candidates who have the necessary mental acuity and agility that complement their specific job roles and organizational needs.

Reviews of our Cognitive Ability tests

What our customers say about our Cognitive Ability tests

  • United States of America

    October 14, 2023

    Challenging

    I found the test challenging and very exciting. I really had to slow down to think through the logic.

  • India

    October 10, 2023

    Good

    I like the test it's very difficult to solve in one attempt. It is very good test for practice the exam. But they are almost same type of questions still it is very difficult to solve. I would like to attempt more questions like this for practice. I try to understand the pattern.

  • United Kingdom

    October 03, 2023

    Logical reasoning

    This required a thoughtful anyalysis of all information presented and required cross referencing of evidence provided.

  • United States of America

    September 06, 2023

    The test was challenging

    The test was difficult to understand for the last few questions but decently easy to understand for the first few . But I understood the questions .

  • United States of America

    July 24, 2023

    Shapes and Positions

    Interesting series of questions. Sometimes the answers come easier by visual review, sometimes by comparative review.

  • United States of America

    July 05, 2023

    This Was Fun

    This test seems t only be focused on spatial awareness and pattern recognition. Although, because I have not yet seen the results of the test I'm unfamiliar just how much these two skills play a role in the bigger picture.

  • Romania

    June 29, 2023

    Pretty Balanced

    It was my first cognitive ability test. seems pretty balanced. Some harder but I managed to find some logic even in the toughest ones

  • Australia

    June 28, 2023

    Good, like to see more.

    Thought there would of been a mix of numerical and verbal reasoning, rather than just abstract reasoning.

  • India

    June 22, 2023

    Best GCA questions to practice

    I liked the way the questions slowly progressed toward increasing difficulty levels. It helps in getting a grip on the logical reasoning skills

  • South Africa

    June 21, 2023

    Pay attention

    There instructions were at the beginning of the test which made me panic and anxious so I just clicked on anything but caught on in the middle of the test