Getting ready to take the Predictive Index test? Whether you have been asked to take the PI test as a part of a job application process, or your employer has requested that you take the test, it is important to learn about the structure of the PI test, get a sense of the types of questions on the test, and be aware of the time limit.
Can you take a Practice PI Test?
While there are no free practice Predictive Index Tests available online, there are tests with similar structures that might be helpful in getting you prepared. We have a quick IQ test below where you have 6 minutes, or 360 seconds, to answer the 25 questions. Time beings as soon as you click the button. You score one point for each correct answer. Best of luck!
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.
What is the Predictive Index (PI) Test?
The Predictive Index test, more commonly known as the PI test, is a cognitive ability test that is frequently used for pre-employment screening. The test is also known as the Predictive Index Learning Indicator or PILI, and until recently it was known as the Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment or PIBA as well as the Professional Learning Indicator or PLI.
Recruiters or HR departments often ask their job candidates to take the PI test to help them ensure that they would be a good fit for the position that needs to be filled or to help reduce the initial size of their candidates.
Questions
Questions found on the Predictive Index test are similar to what you would expect to see on an IQ test, but they typically fall under three separate categories.
1. Numerical Reasoning
Also known as math word problems, these questions assess your ability to identify information from written paragraphs to solve math-related problems.
Questions deal with a wide range of math-related questions including fractions, decimals, basic algebra, numerical sequences, multiplication, and division.
Calculators are not allowed on the PI test, so you must use a pencil and paper or the thoughts in your head to quickly solve numerical reasoning questions.
2. Verbal Reasoning
Questions related to verbal reasoning test your ability to solve written logical problems.
These questions often test your deductive reasoning skills, or your ability to sort out unrelated information from a question.
Quite often, questions give you the options to decide from a list of options or to decide if the question does not contain enough relevant information to make a decision. Don’t be afraid to choose the “does not contain enough information” selection, as it is often the correct option.
3. Logical Reasoning
Also known as pattern recognition, questions from this section of the test focus on solving logical problems using visual objects as a part of the questions.
These questions often ask “what comes next” in a series of patterns. Patterns can include lines, shapes, graphs, and other visual objects.
PI Test Scoring
Scores on the PI Cognitive Assessment are measured out of 50 and each question is worth one point. So if you answer 28 out of 50 questions correctly, your Predictive Index score is 28.
A good PI score depends on the type of job that you are applying for. It varies based on the industry, but most target scores fall between 20 and 26.
It should also be noted that the company often sets their own PI score – regardless of their industry or the job function. This is often a reflection of their current hiring needs and whether or not they need to fill a role quickly or not.
PI Test Tips
The best way to prepare for an upcoming Predictive Index test is by taking as many practice tests as you can. An example of a free PI test sample can be found on this page above.
When taking practice tests, make sure that they are timed to the correct standard of 50 questions in 12 minutes. This is extremely important as you need to develop a mental clock in your head of the time limit. Most people who take the test are not able to complete all 50 questions. The test is designed to have an extremely short time limit, and taking timed practice tests helps you get used to answering questions quickly.
Be sure to eat a healthy meal and stay hydrated leading up to the test. Also, try to get a full nights sleep the night before the test.
Everyone can have a bad day, so if you feel that your test score results were impacted by an unforeseen factor, let the test administrator know. It is often up to the test administrator, but it is not uncommon for employers to re-administer the PI Cognitive Assessment a second time to qualified candidates. This is especially true if you have a valid reason for why you felt that you did not perform as well as you should have on the test.