Below you will find a free aptitude test that is similar in structure to many aptitude tests used during job interviews and employee evaluations.
Whether you are preparing for a job interview, have been asked to take an aptitude test for career evaluation, or want to view some aptitude sample questions, we’ve put together an aptitude test that is free to take and can be taken as many times as you like.
Take a Sample Aptitude Test
UPDATED! This test now provides a table of how your score compares to the average taker of this test but it does not provide a numeric IQ score. If you would like to obtain your True Certified IQ Score, please take our Official 2021 IQ Test!
Click “Start Test” below to begin the 25-question 6-minute IQ test.
Purpose of Aptitude Tests
Aptitude tests are designed to gauge an individual’s ability to solve problems and think logically. While there is much debate surrounding the reliability of aptitude tests, they are a fast and efficient way to take a measurement of a large number of people.
The results can not only be compared to other individuals who have taken the test, but also to other individuals who have taken the test in years past and years to come. This allows organizations like companies, high schools, colleges, and government agencies to find correlations between aptitude test results and some other factor.
History of Aptitude Tests
Aptitude tests of various types have been administered for hundreds of years. However, their popularity rose quickly when aptitude tests started becoming standardized in the 1910s and 1920s.
Aptitude tests like the Stanford-Binet were based on theoretical knowledge and were widely adopted by government agencies around the world.
Types of Aptitude Tests
There are over 5,000 different types of aptitude ability tests used for various purposes.
Aptitude tests are typically either administered on a computer or on pencil and paper. More tests are moving towards the computer format as they can be administered from any location and are typically more secure.
Nearly all aptitude tests are in a multiple choice format.
Speed vs Skill
Aptitude tests typically either test your ability to think quickly or your ability to solve complex problems.
Tests like the Wonderlic have a short time limit and measure your ability to solve as many questions as possible in a very short time window. These tests are often used professionally as a means to screen or assess a large group of individuals, as not much time is required to complete the testing.
You typically have much more time to answer problems on skill based tests, but the problems are often much more complex and require more effort to solve. These tests are often custom designed to measure a specific factor or answer a select number questions about a smaller sample size.
Types of Questions
While different aptitude tests will ask different question types, most generally fall under a few different categories:
- Numerical Reasoning – Questions focus on basic mathematic principles and can come in the form of math word problems, charts and graphs, or simple math problems without written or visual accommodating information.
- Verbal Ability – This measures the basic understanding of a specified language including word knowledge, grammar, analogies, synonyms, and antonyms. Verbal ability may also be able to assess one’s ability to communicate, particularly in written formats.
- Mechanical Reasoning – Many aptitude tests are designed to include questions about one’s knowledge on machinery, automobiles, engineering, and other mechanical related topics. This is often because the job or roles that a candidate is applying for require a basic understanding of mechanical knowledge.
- Spatial Reasoning – This assesses the ability to recognize patterns, determine objects that fit in spaces, and your ability to visual two-dimensional objects as three-dimensional objects.
Tips for Acing your aptitude test
The following are a few tricks and tips that will help you do well on your upcoming aptitude test.
Know what type of aptitude test you are taking
You may already know what type of aptitude test you are taking, but do you know the format of the test? What types of questions are asked on the test?
This is critical information to know, as it will help you better prepare for the challenges that the test has to offer. It doesn’t hurt to ask – either the test administrator or others who have already taken the test.
Should you answer every question, or will you be penalized for answering questions incorrectly? For most aptitude tests you should not leave a question unanswered. But for some tests, most notably the SAT, you are both rewarded for getting questions right and penalized for getting questions wrong.
Be mindful of the clock
Some aptitude tests have very short time limits, which force test takers to answer the questions quickly. If that is the case, be sure to practice using sample tests that have a built in timer.
Know what types of questions you will be asked
Some only focus on select question types – it’s pointless to spend time practicing spacial recognition questions if the aptitude test only covers word knowledge and mathematics related topics.
Do your research and only spend time practicing question types that you know will appear on your aptitude test.