Passing a Cognitive Ability Test can be challenging. Use these easy preparation tips — from smart-guessing to time management — and breeze through it.
Are you anxious about your coming test? It is easy to just take it, and waste the opportunity – something you will surely later regret. However, it is not too late! Take a few moments to review these tips and get ahead of the competition.
1. Aim for Excellence, Not Perfection
Your absolute goal is to answer enough questions correctly – not to answer all the questions of the test correctly. Only a small fraction of test takers manage to finish the test and even fewer people answer all the questions correctly. It is that difficult!
On average, people answer correctly only 48% of the Cognitive Ability Test questions. For the vast majority of the jobs, if you manage to get 56% of the answers, you will very likely secure the next step of the recruitment process.
2. Know Your Strengths
Through practice, you will be able to identify question types that you answer more intuitively, thus faster. Try to answer all of them.
Equally important, you will probably identify question types that you find to be more difficult. Some of us are slow readers, some are confused by percentages, and some have a weaker command of grammar. If you encounter a question for which you know you will need more time, simply move on. It is not worth it to lose precious time on a question and only then to decide to move on.
3. Keep an Eye on the Time
Do not spend too much time on any one particular question. Remember that you have only a short time to complete your Cognitive Ability Test. Typically you can only spend around half a minute per question. Try solving shorter easier questions faster so you can leave the lengthier more difficult questions more time.
If you’ve found the correct answer or pretty sure that you have found it, mark it as the correct answer and move forward. Do not spend time going over the rest of the answers nor to verify that they are indeed incorrect.
Finally, If you find yourself stuck on a question for too much time, simply move on to the next one.
4. To Skip or to Guess?
Two absolutely critical pieces of information you will need to gather before the exam are:
- Is there a penalty for a wrong answer?
- Can you go back to previous questions?
Your strategy during the exam will vary based on the answer to these two questions. If there’s no penalty then there’s no harm in guessing. However, if there’s negative scoring in the exam, try to avoid wild guesses.
Additionally, if you cannot go back to previous questions, or if the time limitation practically prevents it, make sure to address all the questions as you go along through the test.
5. Be Prepared!
And finally – practice makes perfect. Invest your time now in preparing for the test and simulate the test as many times as possible. It can take as little as half an hour, and there are plenty of online sources forpracticing Cognitive Ability Tests.
Many people believe there is no way to improve by preparing for these tests. However, it’s not true! Cognitive Ability Tests tend to reuse a similar format for the types of questions they use. Reviewing different kinds of questions in advance will give you a head start on your competition!
Cognitive Ability Tests Resources
FAQs
Prepare for your Cognitive Ability Test
Practicing the full range of numerical, verbal, deductive, spatial, and logical reasoning questions under strict time frames can greatly assist in improving your scores. We also provide detailed answer explanations, helping you to understand the logic behind each question.
How do I pass a cognitive assessment test? ›
Ability Test Tips
- Expect to be timed. ...
- Don't waste time. ...
- If you don't know, make your best educated guess. ...
- Brush up on your subject knowledge beforehand. ...
- Read each question twice. ...
- It might get more difficult as the test progresses. ...
- Practice makes perfect. ...
- Get your beauty sleep.
Prepare for your Cognitive Ability Test
Practicing the full range of numerical, verbal, deductive, spatial, and logical reasoning questions under strict time frames can greatly assist in improving your scores. We also provide detailed answer explanations, helping you to understand the logic behind each question.
How do I ace my cognitive aptitude test? ›
Top 10 Tips To Pass Your Cognitive Ability Test
- Know which publisher is used. ...
- Don't get stuck. ...
- Practice different reasoning tests to build your confidence. ...
- Sharpen your numeracy. ...
- Get comfortable with spotting patterns. ...
- Repeat hard questions. ...
- Have a strategy. ...
- Skip or guess?
The PI Cognitive Assessment is a validated workplace assessment that takes only 12 minutes to complete. It measures critical cognitive skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking, which are important for predicting success in new roles.
What is the 5 word test for dementia? ›
How Does the 5-Word Memory Test Work? Participants are given a set of 5 random words to remember for a short duration before being asked to recall them. This seemingly rudimentary exercise is underlined by intricate cognitive processes, and it can be a vital tool in the early detection of impaired cognitive function.
What are the 30 questions in the cognitive test? ›
The Mini‐Mental State Examination (Folstein 1975), or MMSE, is a simple pen‐and‐paper test of cognitive function based on a total possible score of 30 points; it includes tests of orientation, concentration, attention, verbal memory, naming and visuospatial skills.
Can you give yourself a cognitive test? ›
Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam (SAGE) for Dementia. The SAGE is a short test you can take on your own to help detect signs of mild cognitive impairment. But you'll need a doctor to interpret results and perform additional tests to check whether you have dementia or Alzheimer's.
What is an example of a cognitive test for seniors? ›
What are the most common cognitive screening tests? Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): This test involves memorizing a short list of words, naming objects shown in pictures, copying shapes and performing other tasks. This test takes about 15 minutes to complete.
How to crack the cognitive aptitude test? ›
How Do I Pass the CCAT Test?
- Answer The Questions Fast. Criteria's cognitive aptitude test gives you an average of 18 seconds per question. ...
- The Questions Graduate in Difficulty. ...
- Skip Questions You Get Stuck On. ...
- Play to Your Strengths. ...
- Make The Most of Your Trial Test. ...
- Practice Pen and Paper Solves.
If you fail one of the cognitive screening tests, it doesn't mean you have dementia, but it does show that further testing is warranted, Verghese said. And if you ace it? “If you pass, it doesn't mean you're completely normal, just less likely to have dementia.”
What is a simple cognitive test? ›
They generally involve answering questions and doing simple tasks, such as repeating lists of words or spelling words backwards. The most commonly used tests usually take 15 minutes or less. Cognitive impairment is more common among older people, but it's not a normal part of aging.
What is an acceptable score on a cognitive test? ›
A score of 30 is a very low score, a performance similar to the lowest 2% of all candidates globally. A score of 50 marks a performance better than or equal to 50% of all candidates. A score of 70 marks a performance better or equal to 98% of all candidates.
What are typical questions on a cognitive test? ›
The questions featured in these tests tend to include verbal analogies, arithmetic calculations, spatial relations number series puzzles, comprehension, and reading comprehension. Cognitive ability tests are notoriously tricky, as they often come with harsh time-limits and specific question types.
Are cognitive assessments hard? ›
It's typically easy for someone without cognitive impairment, but is harder for those declining mentally. The creator of the test, Canadian neurologist Ziad Nasreddine, told the BBC that he thought the test could be good for Biden - both as a way to reassure Americans and in case there is a problem.
What does it mean if you fail a cognitive test? ›
If your score is lower than normal, it usually means you have some level of cognitive impairment. But your provider can't make a diagnosis on these test results alone.
