PI Cognitive and Behavioral Assessment Practice Test
Are you taking the Predictive Index Test? This is one of the most commonly used pre-employment assessments used by top companies across the world. Ensure you get the best possible score on both the PI Cognitive and Behavioral Assessment. Learn what specific requirements are needed for the role you are applying for. Access FREE Predictive Index Practice Test questions, answers, and explanations. In this competitive job market don't leave your success up to chance, make sure you come in prepared.
What Is the Predictive Index (PI) Test?
The Predictive Index test is an assessment tool, used by top employers, designed to measure cognitive abilities and behavioral traits. There are two PI assessments:
- The PI Behavioral Assessment is a 6-10 minute personality survey. In which time you will be asked which adjectives describe your personality.
- The PI Cognitive Assessment, also known as The Predictive Index Learning Indicator (PI LI or PLI), is a 12 minute 50 question cognitive mental ability test.
What Is PI Behavioral Assessment?
The PI Behavioral assessment is used by employers to reveal your natural workplace behavior, help match candidates to suitable roles, and enhance understanding of team dynamics based on your behavioral style. The test will last between 6-10 minutes in which time you will be required to choose words from two lists, each containing 86 adjectives.
On the first list, you will be asked to pick adjectives that describe the way others expect you to behave. This is known as self-concept, or how you adapt your core natural behaviors to the work environment. On the second list you will be asked to describe yourself. This will give your employer an idea of your sense of "self," your native drives.
The adjectives you chose will relate to four key factors: Dominance, Extraversion, Patience, and Formality, which help determine your preferred working and decision-making styles.
- Dominance: Desire to influence people or events.
- Extraversion: Need for social interaction.
- Patience: Preference for consistency and stability.
- Formality: Tendency to conform to rules and structure.
Based on the adjectives you choose, you will be assigned one of 17 personality types, offering valuable insights for your employer.
| PI Factor | What Does This Trait Look Like in a Work Environment? |
| Dominance | People with high dominance are typically assertive, take charge, and are often seen as leaders, while those with low dominance may favor collaboration and prefer following others' guidance. |
| Extraversion | High extraversion suggests a preference for teamwork, social interaction, and communication, whereas low extraversion typically indicates a preference for solitary work and introspection. |
| Patience | Individuals with high patience generally prefer routine and stability, whereas those with low patience tend to seek change, variety, and fast-paced environments. |
| Formality | High formality reflects a preference for structure, precision, and adherence to guidelines, whereas low formality suggests a tendency towards flexibility and adaptability. |
There are two other factors taken into consideration when you take the PI Behavioral assessment:
- Factor E: How emotions are a part of your decision making.
- Factor M: The M is for Morale. How you respond to the questions.
Many employers feel PI Behavioral Assessment is an essential tool for aligning individuals with roles and teams that maximize their effectiveness and job satisfaction. This simple assessment helps save time and money down the line by ensuring you are suited for the job role.
Practice with this PI Behavioral Assessment Practice Test.
What Is the PI Cognitive Assessment?
The Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment is a cognitive ability exam consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 12 minutes, averaging just over 14 seconds per question. The test covers three main areas:
Verbal Reasoning
Assesses English language comprehension and expression through vocabulary questions (such as opposites, odd ones out, and analogies) and logical reasoning (syllogisms).
Numerical Reasoning
Evaluates numerical skills with questions on number series (finding the missing number) and word problems (math problems presented in text).
Abstract Reasoning
Tests the ability to identify patterns and complete sequences in symbols or matrices, focusing on next-in-series, odd-one-out, and analogies.
Practice with these PI Cognitive Assessment Questions.
PI Behavioral Assessment Test Sample Questions, Answers, and Explanations
The behavioral assessment will give you two identical checklists of 86 adjectives.
- First List: Choose adjectives that you believe describe how others expect you to behave.
- Second List: Choose adjectives that you believe describe your true self.
It is hard to give an exact sample question. But, we can help you understand which adjectives fit for which roles.
Let's take a look at the PI Behavioral Assessment Adjectives list below:
Which of these words describes you?
| Independent | Competitive | Self-starting |
| Resourceful | Inventive | Determined |
| Resolute | Autonomous | Venturesome |
| Innovative | Directive | Challenging |
| Forceful | Aggressive | Controlling |
| Self-reliant | Confrontational | Unyielding |
Answer
This list of adjectives describes various levels of high dominance. Individuals with high dominance are assertive, goal-oriented, and seek autonomy, often challenging norms and being proactive while sometimes resistant to external feedback.
- Moderate indicators of dominance include: Independent, Competitive, Self-starting, Resourceful, Inventive, and Determined.
- Strong indicators of dominance include: Resolute, Autonomous, Venturesome, Innovative, Directive, and Challenging.
- Extreme indicators of dominance include: Forceful, Aggressive, Controlling, Self-reliant, Confrontational, and Unyielding.
Consider which words you chose and whether they match your occupational profile. Reflect on whether these traits will be advantageous for your prospective job.
Get more PI Behavioral Assessment Questions and Answers.
PI Behavioral Assessment Sample Questions for Specific Job Positions
Answer
The correct answer is A. Dominance is the key factor for effective team leaders. Dominant leaders decisively steer projects, reduce confusion and indecision, and establish a clear hierarchy, which can enhance communication and task delegation.
Answer
The correct answer is B. Formality in public relations builds credibility and trust, reinforcing the brand's reputation for reliability and professionalism. A formal approach also ensures clear and consistent communication, reducing misunderstandings that could harm the organization's public image.
Answer
The correct answer is C. Extraversion enables a sales representative to quickly build rapport and engage clients, boosting the chances of a successful sale. Dominance allows them to effectively guide negotiations and close deals, providing greater control over the sales process.
Answer
The correct answer is D. Patience in customer support enhances the client experience by making them feel heard and understood. It also helps in resolving issues more effectively, leading to more lasting solutions.
Answer
The correct answer is B. Formality in a data analyst ensures that findings are presented and interpreted according to professional standards, boosting the credibility of the analysis. Dominance enables the analyst to emphasize the importance of data-driven decisions, ensuring that evidence takes precedence over intuition or speculation.
Understanding which adjectives to choose to match the position you are applying for can be quite tricky. Review this behavioral guide and get more FREE Behavioral Assessment Test Questions and Answers.
Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment Sample Test Questions, Answers, and Explanations
1. PI Cognitive Assessment Numerical Reasoning Question- Word Problem
Beth, Carl, and Dana are working for a cleaning company. Together, they can clean a house in 3 hours. If Beth does the job alone, she can finish it in 6 hours. If Carl does the job alone, he can finish it in 9 hours.
How long will it take Beth and Dana together to complete the job?
- 2.25 hours
- 4.5 hours
- 2.75 hours
- 3 hours
Answer
B. 4.5 hours
1. Determine individual rates of work:
- Beth's rate: 1 house / 6 hours = ⅙ house per hour
- Carl's rate: 1 house / 9 hours = 1/9 house per hour
2. Calculate the combined rate of Beth, Carl, and Dana:
Together, they clean the house in 3 hours, so their combined rate is: 1/3 house per hour.
3. Calculate Dana's rate of work:
Combined rate of Beth, Carl, and Dana: ⅓ house per hour = Beth's rate + Carl's rate + Dana's rate
Therefore, Dana's rate: ⅓ =⅙ +1/9 +Dana's.
4. Solve for Dana's rate:
⅓= ⅙ + 1/9 +Dana's rate
Find a common denominator for the fractions:
⅙= 3/18
So: ⅓= 6/18=3/18 +2/18 + Dana's Rate
6/18 -5/18= 1/18
So, Dana's rate is 1/18 house per hour.
5. Calculate the combined rate of Beth and Dana:
Beth's rate + Dana's rate = ⅙ + 1/18
Find a common denominator:
⅙ = 3/18
So: ⅙ +1/18 = 3/18 +1/18 = 4/18 = 2/9
6. Find the time taken for Beth and Dana to clean the house together:
Combined rate = 2/9 house per hour
Therefore, the time taken:
Time = 1 house / 2/9 house per hour = 9/2 hours = 4.5 hours
So, the correct answer should be 4.5 hours.
2. PI Cognitive Assessment Numerical Reasoning Question - Number Series
What is the next number in the series?
4 | 7 | 13 | 25 | 49 | __
- 91
- 95
- 97
- 99
Answer
C. 97
To find the pattern in the series, let's examine the differences between the consecutive terms:
- 7 - 4 = 3
- 13 - 7 = 6
- 25 - 13 = 12
- 49 - 25 = 24
We notice that the differences between consecutive terms form the series: 3, 6, 12, 24. Each difference is increasing by a factor of 2:
- 3×2=63 * 2 = 63×2=6
- 6×2=126 * 2 = 126×2=12
- 12×2=2412 * 2 = 2412×2=24
The next difference should be 24×2=4824 * 2 = 4824×2=48.
Adding this difference to the last term in the original series:
49 + 48 = 97
So, the next number in the series is 97.
3. PI Cognitive Assessment Verbal Reasoning Sample Question- Logic
Read the facts and determine if they prove the conclusion or not:
FACTS:
- If Jason is late to the meeting, Kevin will have to work late.
- Lois will not cook dinner for Kevin unless Kevin gets home from work on time.
- If Lois does not cook dinner for Kevin, Kevin will order pizza for dinner.
- Lois cooked dinner for Kevin.
CONCLUSION:
Jason was not late to the meeting.
Choose the correct statement:
- The facts prove the conclusion is true.
- The facts prove the conclusion is false.
- The facts are insufficient to prove the conclusion true or false.
Answer
A. The facts prove the conclusion is true.
To determine if the conclusion is correct, let's analyze the facts:
- If Jason is late to the meeting, Kevin will have to work late.
- Lois will not cook dinner for Kevin unless Kevin gets home from work on time.
- If Lois does not cook dinner for Kevin, Kevin will order pizza for dinner.
- Lois cooked dinner for Kevin.
From Fact 2, we know that Lois only cooks dinner if Kevin gets home on time. Since Lois cooked dinner for Kevin (Fact 4), Kevin must have gotten home from work on time.
From Fact 1, if Jason were late to the meeting, Kevin would have had to work late, which means he would not have gotten home on time. But since Kevin got home on time, Jason could not have been late to the meeting.
Therefore, the conclusion that Jason was not late to the meeting is proven true by the facts provided.
4. PI Cognitive Assessment Verbal Reasoning Sample Question- Analogy
WHEELS is to CAR as:
- BLADES is to FAN
- PAGES is to BOOK
- FUEL is to ENGINE
- TRACKS is to TRAIN
Answer
A. BLADES is to FAN
To solve this analogy, we need to understand the relationship between "WHEELS" and "CAR." Wheels are essential components that allow a car to function properly.
Now, we need to find a pair with a similar relationship:
A. BLADES is to FAN: Blades are essential components that allow a fan to function properly, just like wheels are essential for a car. This is the correct answer.
B. PAGES is to BOOK: Pages are components of a book, but they are not functionally essential in the same way wheels are for a car.
C. FUEL is to ENGINE: Fuel is required for the engine to run, but it is not a physical component of the engine itself.
D. TRACKS is to TRAIN: Tracks are what a train runs on, but they are not components of the train itself.
Thus, the best analogy is "BLADES is to FAN."
5. PI Cognitive Assessment Verbal Reasoning Sample Question- Antonym
Choose the word that is most nearly the opposite of "Gregarious":
- Sociable
- Reserved
- Outgoing
- Friendly
Answer
B. Reserved
To solve this antonym question, we need to understand the meaning of "Gregarious."
"Gregarious" means sociable and enjoying the company of others.
Now, we need to find the word that means the opposite of "gregarious":
- Sociable: Similar to "gregarious," meaning friendly and outgoing.
- Reserved: Not inclined to seek out social interactions, which is the opposite of "gregarious."
- Outgoing: Similar to "gregarious," meaning sociable and eager to engage with others.
- Friendly: Similar to "gregarious," meaning pleasant and sociable.
Thus, the word that is most nearly the opposite of "gregarious" is "reserved."
More FREE PI Cognitive Assessment Questions and Answers.
6. PI Cognitive Assessment Abstract Reasoning Sample Question- Odd one Out
Answer
The correct answer is B.
Each frame features a shape and 2-3 small circles. In frames 1, 3, 4, and 5, the shape contains at least one circle. However, frame 2's pentagon is empty inside. Therefore, the correct answer is 2.
Distractors:
- The space around the shape occasionally includes circles.
- Some of the shapes appear three-dimensional.
- The shapes differ in the number of sides.
7. PI Cognitive Assessment Abstract Reasoning Sample Question- Next in Series
Answer
The correct answer is D.
The series features two elements that vary: the outer shape and the inner shape.
The pattern for the outer shapes is: circle, square, triangle.
The pattern for the inner shapes is: square, triangle, circle.
Following these patterns, the next shape should be a square with a triangle inside.
8. PI Cognitive Assessment Abstract Reasoning Sample Question- Abstract Analogies
Answer
The relationship between figure X and figure Y is that any line present in only one of the shapes in figure X is also present in figure Y.
Therefore, the correct answer should maintain the same relationship with figure Z, which is shape E.
Take a full-length PI Cognitive Assessment Practice Test.
PI Behavioral Assessment FAQs
How Is PI Behavioral Assessment Scored?
The Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment uncovers an individual's natural workplace behavior by focusing on how they naturally behave in various work environments. It evaluates three domains: Self (how individuals see themselves), Self-Concept (how they believe others expect them to behave), and Synthesis (a combination of Self and Self-Concept). The assessment measures four factors: Dominance, Extraversion, Patience, and Formality, with scores ranging from 1 to 10. The final product gives the employer a behavioral pattern that categorizes individuals into one of 17 personality types. Trained practitioners interpret the scores to align candidates with suitable roles, enhancing performance and job satisfaction.
Make sure you are a good fit for the role you want Practice for the PI Behavioral Assessment.
What Elements will be Considered when Employers Score your Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment?
Your results on the Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment will be evaluated based on the following factors:
- The factor each adjective relates to (Dominance, Extraversion, Patience, and Formality) and how many adjectives you choose from each factor.
- How well your results match the required qualities for the role.
- The total number of words you select.
- The ratio of words chosen from each list.
- The number of words selected to represent each factor.
Learn more about how your Predictive Index Assessment Score.
How Long Does it Take to Complete the Predictive Index Behavioral Test?
The Behavioral Assessment is untimed and typically takes about six-ten minutes to finish.
How Many Adjectives Should I Choose on the PI Behavioral Assessment?
You will be given a score called the Morale or M Factor. This will show the employer your response level including your stress and energy level. The sweet spot is choosing between 20-50 adjectives. DO NOT choose over 80 adjectives. Make sure you are choosing adjectives that are relevant for your position.
Understand the Best for your position take a look at these Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment Sample Questions.
Should I Choose Different Adjectives for the Two Lists?
You don't want the differences between the two lists to be extreme. Try to strike a good balance. We advise you to choose more adjectives from the first list ("self-concept") than from the second list. A slight gap between the two shows potential for self-development. However, make sure you keep the same ratio of adjectives for each factor to show the employer you have the most important qualities for the role.
Learn more about the PI Behavioral Assessment Answers.
How Can I Prepare for the PI Behavioral Assessment?
We recommend this Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment Practice Test and Study Guide. We like it because it was developed by a team of psychologists to help you identify and prioritize key adjectives for YOUR specific position. It includes practice questions on how to classify adjectives into the four assessed personality factors. It gives strategies for analyzing job descriptions to determine the most and least important qualities. Lastly it helps you understand how to tackle the two lists with tips on how to select and re-select adjectives from each list effectively.
Review Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment Answers.
PI Cognitive Assessment FAQs
How Is PI Cognitive Assessment Scored?
You will be scored for the number of correct answers. There will be NO penalty for incorrect answers. This means it works to your advantage to answer every single question. The PI Cognitive Assessment will give your employer a raw score, which is the total number of correct answers ranging from 0 to 50. The percentile ranking compares this score to a normative group, indicating how you performed relative to others (e.g., a 90th percentile means the candidate scored higher than 90% of the comparison group). Your employer will get both the overall score and the sub-scores in numerical, verbal, and abstract reasoning. This will give them detailed insights into specific cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
Get the score you need with this Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment Practice Test.
What Is a Good Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment Test Score?
Depending on the role employers will be looking for a certain score range. A score below 20 is suitable for less complex roles, 20-29 for moderately complex roles, 30-39 for complex roles, and 40 and above for highly complex roles. There is no easy answer for how to pass the Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment. The best tactic is to try and get the highest score you can.
Ensure you get the position you want Practice for the PI Cognitive Assessment.
Can You Fail the PI Cognitive Assessment?
There is no specific failing score; results are interpreted based on the role's requirements and the organization's needs. That being said, there are scores that are considered "poor grades."
Make Sure you pass the test review PI Cognitive Assessment Answers.
How Long Does it Take to Do the Predictive Index Cognitive Test
The PI Cognitive Assessment has 50 questions and lasts 12 minutes.
Get more 12-minute Cognitive Test Free Sample Questions and Answers.
Where Do You Take the PI Assessment?
You will typically receive an email with a link to the PI Learning Indicator online testing platform, along with specific instructions for your test. Some employers may choose to administer the test in a controlled environment at their offices or a testing center. If you need to take the test at a testing center, you will be notified with the date and location details.
Which Companies Use the Predictive Index Test for Recruitment?
The PI Test is widely used by various companies across different industries for recruitment and talent management. Some notable companies that utilize the PI Index include:
- Subway
- Chick-fil-A's - fast food restaurant
- Aflac
- Maersk
- GIC
- Nestle
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Aon
- DBS - Banking
- Walmart
- Eddie Bauer
- DocuSign
- Fairmont - Hotels
- Securitas
- US Cellular
- McDonald's
- Ikea - Furniture
- UnitedHealth Group - Healthcare and insurance
There are many other employers who use the PI Assessment. It is one of the most commonly used selection assessments.
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How Can I Prepare for the PI Cognitive Assessment?
Coming in prepared is the most important thing. Make sure you review Cognitive Assessment Sample questions and answers. For many test takers the abstract reasoning questions can be difficult. You don't want your first time being exposed to the test to be on the test day. Additionally many test takers find it impossible to finish the 50 questions within the 12 minute time frame. For this reason we recommend looking at a practice test. Optimizing your time management and accuracy is essential for this exam.
PI Cognitive Assessment Test Free Practice Test.
Predictive Index Test Taking Tips
- For the Predictive Index (PI) Cognitive Assessment, manage your time. Don't spend more than 25 seconds on any given question. It is better to guess and move on. Try and do the questions you are confident about first.
- For the Predictive Cognitive Assessment there is no penalty for wrong answers. If you see time is winding down quickly, guess on the remaining questions.
- For the PI Behavioral Assessment review the hierarchy of traits required for your target position. Then plan out the ratio of adjectives you would like to choose for each list.
- Go into the test rested and prepared and take a PI Practice Test in advance.