Cognitive ability tests
Measure how people reason with numbers, words and patterns. Cognitive ability is one of the most researched predictors of how well someone learns and performs in a new role.
- Time
- 12–30 minutes, depending on the subtests
- Format
- Online, multiple choice
- Evidence for
- Languages
- Interface in 5 languages; each test lists its validated language versions
What the tests measure
Numerical reasoning
Working with figures, tables and charts: percentages, ratios and quick estimates.
Verbal reasoning
Drawing correct conclusions from short business texts, and seeing what a text does not say.
Logical reasoning
Finding the rule in series and patterns, with little dependence on language or prior knowledge.
How organisations use them
Selection
Compare candidates on the same scale, especially for roles with complex information or a lot to learn quickly.
Development
Show employees their reasoning strengths before a training programme, a promotion or a move to another role.
Reading the scores
Scores are reported against a norm group, for example as a percentile or a stanine, with a confidence range. The report names the norm group. A difference of a few points between two candidates is often within that range and says little on its own.
The evidence behind each test
Every cognitive test on Match.hr gets a psychometric label that shows:
- the intended use: selection, development or both
- reliability, such as internal consistency
- the size of the norm group, per country and language
- whether a fairness analysis has been done
- the date of the last analysis
Our review criteria follow the structure of the COTAN and EFPA test review models. Match.hr is not affiliated with or endorsed by either organisation.
Explore the LabNumerical reasoning
Example- Intended use
- Selection, development
- Reliability (ω)
- 0.89
- Norm sample
- 12,482
- Languages validated
- EN, NL, DE
- Fairness analysis
- Completed
- Last analysis
- October 2026
Example questions
These questions show the format. They are not taken from a live test.
Numerical reasoning Example
A team of 6 handles 240 tickets a week. The team grows to 8 people, each handling the same number as before. How many tickets does the team handle per week?
Show answer
Answer: 320. Each person handles 240 ÷ 6 = 40 tickets. Eight people handle 8 × 40 = 320.
Verbal reasoning Example
“Every new employee completes a safety training in their first week. Mira started on Monday as a new employee.” Statement: Mira will be trained in fire safety this week.
Show answer
Answer: Cannot say. The text says Mira completes a safety training, but not what it covers. Fire safety may or may not be part of it.
Logical reasoning Example
Which number comes next? 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, …
Show answer
Answer: 42. The differences grow by two each time: 4, 6, 8, 10. The next difference is 12, so 30 + 12 = 42.
Good to know
- Practice tests on Assessment-Training.com help candidates prepare. They are never used as selection tests.
- If a candidate needs an adjustment, such as extra time because of dyslexia, agree on it beforehand and take it into account when you read the scores.
- Use the score as one piece of evidence next to the interview. A person makes the decision.
Frequently asked questions
Which subtests should we use?
Choose what the role asks for: numerical reasoning for roles with figures, verbal reasoning for roles with reports and policies, logical reasoning when you want a measure that depends less on language.
Can candidates retake a test?
Retaking a test soon after the first attempt gives a practice effect, so the second score is not comparable. We advise a waiting period of several months between attempts.
Do cognitive tests disadvantage some groups?
Group differences can occur, for example when someone takes a test in a second language. That is why each language version is analysed separately and fairness analyses are part of the psychometric label. Combining a cognitive test with other measures also reduces the effect of such differences on a decision.
Related pages
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