Hiring someone who looks good on paper doesn’t always mean they’ll perform well on the job.
That’s why more employers today are turning to cognitive ability tests—to see how candidates think, solve problems, and process information.
But here’s the thing: most candidates have no idea what these tests look like. And even employers aren’t always sure what kinds of questions to use.
So in this blog, we’re sharing real sample cognitive ability test questions and answers—plus a free downloadable PDF you can use to practice or share with candidates.
Not sure what cognitive ability is or why it matters? Start with this:
👉 What is Cognitive Ability? Why is It Important to Test Cognitive Ability Skills for Employment
What Is a Cognitive Ability Test?
A cognitive ability test is designed to measure a person’s thinking skills—how they reason, learn, remember, and solve problems.
These tests aren’t about job-specific knowledge. They’re about your brain’s ability to handle new situations and make smart decisions.
These tests typically assess:
- Logical reasoning
- Verbal and numerical ability
- Memory and attention
- Problem-solving speed
- Pattern recognition
Check out the full list of test types here:
👉 Types of Cognitive Tests
Why Use Cognitive Ability Tests in Hiring?
Because they’re one of the most accurate predictors of job performance.
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
| Predicts job success | Strong correlation between high scores & performance |
| Levels the playing field | Tests raw thinking skills, not just past experience |
| Works across industries | Useful for everything from tech to customer service |
| Supports fast hiring decisions | Quickly identifies high-potential candidates |
More on how these skills show up at work:
👉 Cognitive Ability Skills in the Workplace
Free PDF: Sample Test Questions & Answers
Want to skip to the good part?
📄 Download the PDF that includes all the sample questions below—plus a few extras.
Now, let’s dive into the examples.
🔍 Sample Cognitive Ability Test Questions (With Answers)
These questions are grouped by the type of skill being tested.
1. Logical Reasoning
Question:
All engineers at Company A must complete safety training. Sarah is an engineer at Company A.
Can we conclude that Sarah completed safety training?
- A. Yes
- B. No
- C. Cannot be determined
✅ Answer: A. Yes.
The statement says all engineers must complete training. Since Sarah is an engineer there, she must have done it.
2. Numerical Reasoning
Question:
A company’s revenue increased by 25% from $80,000 last quarter. What is the new revenue?
- A. $85,000
- B. $100,000
- C. $105,000
- D. $110,000
✅ Answer: C. $100,000
25% of $80,000 = $20,000 → $80,000 + $20,000 = $100,000
3. Verbal Reasoning
Question:
Choose the word that is most similar in meaning to “innovative”:
- A. Traditional
- B. Creative
- C. Repetitive
- D. Routine
✅ Answer: B. Creative
“Innovative” implies new ideas, similar to “creative.”
4. Abstract Reasoning (Pattern Recognition)
Question:
What comes next in this pattern?
🔺 🔷 🔺 🔷 🔺 ___
- A. 🔺
- B. 🔷
- C. 🔵
- D. 🔶
✅ Answer: B. 🔷
The pattern alternates between triangle and diamond.
5. Deductive Reasoning
Question:
If the cafeteria is open, then lunch is available.
The cafeteria is closed today.
Can we say lunch is not available?
- A. Yes
- B. No
- C. Not necessarily
✅ Answer: C. Not necessarily
Just because the cafeteria is closed doesn’t guarantee lunch isn’t available. It might be served elsewhere.
Learn more about this logic style here:
👉 How to Test Deductive Reasoning
6. Attention to Detail
Question:
Which of the following words is spelled incorrectly?
- A. Necessary
- B. Accommodate
- C. Maintenance
- D. Occurrence
✅ Answer: B. Accommodate
Correct spelling: Accommodate
How to Use These Questions in Hiring
If you’re an employer, here’s how to integrate cognitive testing into your process:
| Step | What to Do |
| 1. Identify key job skills | What cognitive traits does the job require? |
| 2. Choose test categories | Mix of logic, verbal, numerical, memory, etc. |
| 3. Set a time limit | Test how candidates perform under light pressure |
| 4. Use a scoring scale | Standardize evaluation with a rubric or benchmark |
| 5. Compare with other inputs | Combine with interviews or work samples |
Need a reliable scoring method? Check out:
👉 Cognitive Assessment Scale
And if you’re building an overall strategy:
👉 How to Test Cognitive Skills for Employment
Tips for Candidates Taking These Tests
If you’re preparing for a cognitive ability test:
✅ Practice sample questions (like the ones above)
✅ Don’t overthink—look for clear logic
✅ Use scratch paper for numerical problems
✅ Manage your time wisely
✅ Stay calm—tests are meant to challenge you, not trick you
Want to improve your skills? Start here:
👉 Cognitive Ability Skills
Final Thoughts
Cognitive ability tests are one of the best tools for assessing how people think—not just what they know. Whether you’re hiring or job hunting, understanding these tests helps you prepare, perform, and choose wisely.
To recap:
- Use a mix of question types to test key skills
- Evaluate fairly using a scoring scale
- Download the sample question PDF to save and share
📄 Grab your free PDF now and put these questions to use today.
And for a complete understanding of cognitive testing and how it fits into hiring, explore the full series:
Hiring smarter starts with testing how people think—start there, and the rest gets easier. ✅