Free Cognitive Test With Answers: Practice Questions, Score Guide and Explanations

This free cognitive test gives you practice questions with answers and explanations for the most common reasoning skills used in employment cognitive ability tests.

The test includes:

• numerical reasoning;
• verbal reasoning;
• abstract reasoning;
• logical reasoning;
• spatial reasoning;
• critical thinking;
• problem solving;
• pattern recognition;
• time management.

These questions are designed to help you prepare for cognitive aptitude tests such as the CCAT, PI Cognitive Assessment, Wonderlic, SHL, Aon, Korn Ferry and general pre-employment aptitude tests.

Aptitude test practice can supplement this page with additional free reasoning drills.

These are original practice questions for study purposes. They are not official questions from Criteria, Predictive Index, Wonderlic, SHL, Aon, Korn Ferry or any other test provider.

Free Cognitive Test Instructions

Answer all questions before checking the answer key.

Verbal reasoning practice can help you move faster through the language-based items in this free cognitive test.

Recommended timing:

20 questions
10 minutes
30 seconds per question

This is more generous than some real tests, but it gives you a useful starting point.

For a more realistic timed challenge, try to complete the test in:

6 minutes
18 seconds per question

That pacing is closer to highly time-pressured tests such as the CCAT.

Free Cognitive Test

Question 1: Numerical Reasoning

A product costs $80 after a 20% discount. What was the original price?

• A. $90
• B. $96
• C. $100
• D. $120

Question 2: Numerical Reasoning

A team completes 72 reports in 9 hours. At the same rate, how many reports can the team complete in 5 hours?

• A. 35
• B. 40
• C. 45
• D. 50

Question 3: Percentages

A department had 60 employees. The number increased by 25%. How many employees are there now?

• A. 70
• B. 72
• C. 75
• D. 80

Question 4: Number Series

Find the next number:

3, 6, 12, 24, ?

• A. 30
• B. 36
• C. 42
• D. 48

Question 5: Number Series

Find the next number:

5, 9, 17, 33, ?

• A. 49
• B. 57
• C. 65
• D. 71

Question 6: Verbal Reasoning

Choose the word most similar in meaning to accurate.

• A. Fast
• B. Correct
• C. Heavy
• D. Recent

Question 7: Antonym

Choose the word most opposite in meaning to expand.

• A. Grow
• B. Increase
• C. Reduce
• D. Extend

Question 8: Verbal Analogy

Clock is to time as thermometer is to:

• A. Weight
• B. Temperature
• C. Distance
• D. Speed

Question 9: Word Classification

Which word does not belong?

• A. Apple
• B. Banana
• C. Carrot
• D. Orange

Question 10: Logical Reasoning

All analysts are employees. Some employees work remotely.

Which statement must be true?

• A. All analysts work remotely
• B. Some analysts work remotely
• C. All analysts are employees
• D. No analysts work remotely

Question 11: Deductive Reasoning

If a request is marked urgent, it must be reviewed today. Request A is marked urgent.

What must be true?

• A. Request A must be reviewed today
• B. Request A must be reviewed next week
• C. Request A must be rejected
• D. Request A is missing information

Question 12: Conditional Logic

If an employee works the night shift, the employee receives a shift premium. Dana receives a shift premium.

What must be true?

• A. Dana works the night shift
• B. Dana does not work the night shift
• C. Dana receives a shift premium
• D. All employees receive a shift premium

Question 13: Abstract Reasoning

Find the next item:

Circle, square, circle, square, circle, ?

• A. Circle
• B. Square
• C. Triangle
• D. Star

Question 14: Abstract Pattern

A black arrow points up, then right, then down, then left. What comes next?

• A. Up
• B. Right
• C. Down
• D. Left

Question 15: Shape Matrix

Complete the pattern:

Row 1: small circle, medium circle, large circle
Row 2: small square, medium square, large square
Row 3: small triangle, medium triangle, ?

• A. Small triangle
• B. Medium triangle
• C. Large triangle
• D. Large square

Question 16: Spatial Reasoning

A right-pointing arrow is mirrored horizontally. What direction does it point?

• A. Right
• B. Left
• C. Up
• D. Down

Question 17: Spatial Reasoning

An arrow points up and rotates 180 degrees. Where does it point?

• A. Up
• B. Down
• C. Left
• D. Right

Question 18: Critical Thinking

A company introduced checklist training. The next quarter, errors decreased by 15%.

Which conclusion is best supported?

• A. Checklist training may have helped reduce errors
• B. Checklist training eliminated all errors
• C. Errors decreased only because of checklist training
• D. Employees no longer need training

Question 19: Problem Solving

A machine produces 210 parts in 7 hours. How many parts does it produce per hour?

• A. 25
• B. 28
• C. 30
• D. 35

Question 20: Time Management

A cognitive test has 50 questions and a 15-minute time limit. About how much time do you have per question?

• A. 12 seconds
• B. 18 seconds
• C. 25 seconds
• D. 30 seconds

Answer Key

Question	Skill Tested	Correct Answer
1	Numerical reasoning	C
2	Numerical reasoning	B
3	Percentages	C
4	Number series	D
5	Number series	C
6	Verbal reasoning	B
7	Antonym	C
8	Verbal analogy	B
9	Word classification	C
10	Logical reasoning	C
11	Deductive reasoning	A
12	Conditional logic	C
13	Abstract reasoning	B
14	Abstract pattern	A
15	Shape matrix	C
16	Spatial reasoning	B
17	Spatial reasoning	B
18	Critical thinking	A
19	Problem solving	C
20	Time management	B

Score Guide

Use this score guide for the 20-question practice test.

Score	General Interpretation
0–7	Needs significant review
8–11	Basic familiarity, but weak under test conditions
12–15	Solid starting point
16–18	Strong practice result
19–20	Excellent practice result

This is not an official score scale. Real cognitive tests use their own scoring systems, percentiles, norm groups and employer benchmarks.

Related guide:

• Cognitive Ability Test Scores

Answer Explanations

Question 1 Explanation

Correct answer: C. $100

A 20% discount means the customer paid 80% of the original price.

80 = 0.80 × original price
80 ÷ 0.80 = 100

The original price was $100.

Question 2 Explanation

Correct answer: B. 40

First find the hourly rate:

72 ÷ 9 = 8 reports per hour

Then multiply by 5 hours:

8 × 5 = 40

The team can complete 40 reports.

Question 3 Explanation

Correct answer: C. 75

A 25% increase means add one quarter of the original number.

25% of 60 = 15
60 + 15 = 75

The department now has 75 employees.

Question 4 Explanation

Correct answer: D. 48

Each number doubles.

3 × 2 = 6
6 × 2 = 12
12 × 2 = 24
24 × 2 = 48

Question 5 Explanation

Correct answer: C. 65

The differences double:

5 to 9 = +4
9 to 17 = +8
17 to 33 = +16
33 to 65 = +32

The next number is 65.

Question 6 Explanation

Correct answer: B. Correct

“Accurate” means correct or precise.

Question 7 Explanation

Correct answer: C. Reduce

“Expand” means grow or become larger. The opposite is “reduce.”

Question 8 Explanation

Correct answer: B. Temperature

A clock measures time.

A thermometer measures temperature.

The relationship is:

instrument → what it measures

Question 9 Explanation

Correct answer: C. Carrot

Apple, banana and orange are fruits.

Carrot is a vegetable.

Question 10 Explanation

Correct answer: C. All analysts are employees

The first statement directly says all analysts are employees.

The second statement says some employees work remotely, but it does not say whether those remote employees are analysts.

Only option C must be true.

Question 11 Explanation

Correct answer: A. Request A must be reviewed today

The rule says:

If urgent → reviewed today

Request A is urgent.

Therefore, Request A must be reviewed today.

Question 12 Explanation

Correct answer: C. Dana receives a shift premium

The statement already says Dana receives a shift premium.

You cannot conclude that Dana works the night shift because there may be other reasons for receiving a premium.

The rule says:

night shift → premium

It does not say:

premium → night shift

Question 13 Explanation

Correct answer: B. Square

The sequence alternates:

circle → square → circle → square → circle → square

The next item is square.

Question 14 Explanation

Correct answer: A. Up

The arrow rotates 90 degrees clockwise each step:

up → right → down → left → up

Question 15 Explanation

Correct answer: C. Large triangle

Across each row, size increases:

small → medium → large

Row 3 uses triangles, so the missing item is a large triangle.

Question 16 Explanation

Correct answer: B. Left

A horizontal mirror image reverses left and right.

A right-pointing arrow becomes a left-pointing arrow.

Question 17 Explanation

Correct answer: B. Down

A 180-degree rotation turns the arrow to the opposite direction.

The opposite of up is down.

Question 18 Explanation

Correct answer: A. Checklist training may have helped reduce errors

The statement supports a cautious conclusion.

Errors decreased after the training, so the training may have helped.

It does not prove:

• errors were eliminated;
• training was the only cause;
• no further training is needed.

Question 19 Explanation

Correct answer: C. 30

Use the rate formula:

rate = total ÷ time
210 ÷ 7 = 30

The machine produces 30 parts per hour.

Question 20 Explanation

Correct answer: B. 18 seconds

Convert 15 minutes to seconds:

15 × 60 = 900 seconds

Divide by 50 questions:

900 ÷ 50 = 18 seconds

You have about 18 seconds per question.

How to Interpret Your Free Cognitive Test Score

This practice score is only a rough guide.

A real cognitive test may use:

• raw score;
• percentile rank;
• scaled score;
• norm group comparison;
• employer benchmark;
• section scores;
• role-fit interpretation.

Do not treat this free test as an official predictor of your real score.

Use it to identify weak areas.

If You Missed Mostly	Focus On
Questions 1–5	Numerical reasoning and number series
Questions 6–9	Verbal reasoning
Questions 10–12	Logical and deductive reasoning
Questions 13–15	Abstract reasoning
Questions 16–17	Spatial reasoning
Question 18	Critical thinking
Question 19	Problem solving
Question 20	Time management

What This Free Cognitive Test Measures

This test measures several cognitive aptitude skills.

Skill	Questions
Numerical reasoning	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Verbal reasoning	6, 7, 8, 9
Logical / deductive reasoning	10, 11, 12
Abstract reasoning	13, 14, 15
Spatial reasoning	16, 17
Critical thinking	18
Problem solving	19
Time management	20

Most real cognitive ability tests mix several skills in one test.

Numerical reasoning test practice can help you build speed on the quantitative items in this free test.

How This Compares to Real Cognitive Tests

This free test is shorter and more general than most provider-specific assessments.

Real tests may be more time-pressured.

Examples:

Test	Common Format
CCAT	50 questions / 15 minutes
PI Cognitive	Often prepared as 50 questions / 12 minutes
Wonderlic	Often 50 questions / 12 minutes depending on version
SHL	Varies by assessment
Aon / cut-e	Varies by assessment
Korn Ferry	Varies by role and assessment type

If your employer names a specific provider, prepare for that provider.

Free Cognitive Test Resources

Free cognitive tests are useful for first exposure and diagnosis.

Useful free resources may include:

Resource	Best Use
Aptitude-Test.com cognitive ability test	Broad free cognitive practice with abstract, spatial, verbal and numerical sections
Tests.com cognitive abilities practice	School-oriented cognitive practice and instant scoring
AssessmentDay	General aptitude and psychometric practice resources
Practice Aptitude Tests	Cognitive ability test explanations and free practice
12minprep	Free cognitive ability practice and short timed preparation
JobTestPrep free cognitive test pages	Employment-focused free cognitive practice
Official provider samples	Confirm exact format

Use free resources to understand formats, but use test-specific prep when the assessment is high-stakes.

Best Free Cognitive Test Strategy

Use this process:

1. Take the test without looking at answers.
2. Time yourself.
3. Check the answer key.
4. Review every explanation.
5. Group mistakes by question type.
6. Redo missed questions.
7. Practice your weakest section.
8. Move to provider-specific practice.
9. Complete full timed simulations if available.
10. Review test-day instructions.

When Free Practice Is Enough

Free practice may be enough if:

• the test is low-stakes;
• you only need format familiarity;
• your score is already strong;
• the employer provides official samples;
• you are not facing a strict cutoff;
• the assessment is only one small part of the process.

When Paid Prep Is Worth It

Paid prep is more useful if:

• the test is required for hiring;
• the role is competitive;
• your test date is close;
• the provider is named;
• the test is timed;
• you need full simulations;
• you need answer explanations;
• you need score reports;
• your practice score is below target.

Best Prep by Test Type

Test	Best Prep Focus
CCAT	Verbal, math/logic, spatial reasoning and 15-minute pacing
PI Cognitive	Numerical, verbal, abstract reasoning and ultra-fast timing
Wonderlic	Arithmetic, vocabulary, logic, comparisons and mixed speed
SHL	Numerical, verbal, inductive and deductive provider-style practice
Aon / cut-e	Short timed formats and special question styles
Korn Ferry	Cognitive, role-fit and behavioral assessment preparation
General cognitive test	Mixed numerical, verbal, abstract and logical reasoning

How to Improve Your Score

If You Scored 0–7

Focus on basic concepts before speed.

Practice:

• simple percentages;
• basic analogies;
• simple number series;
• all/some/none logic;
• basic shape patterns.

Do not rush into full simulations yet.

If You Scored 8–11

You understand some formats but need more accuracy.

Focus on:

• reviewing explanations;
• repeating missed question types;
• practicing untimed first;
• adding timing gradually;
• learning common traps.

If You Scored 12–15

You have a solid starting point.

Focus on:

• speed;
• mixed timed practice;
• reducing careless mistakes;
• provider-specific prep;
• full simulations.

If You Scored 16–20

You have a strong practice result.

Focus on:

• harder questions;
• stricter timing;
• test-specific formats;
• full simulations;
• avoiding overconfidence.

7-Day Study Plan After This Free Test

Day	Study Focus
Day 1	Take this free test and review explanations
Day 2	Numerical reasoning
Day 3	Verbal reasoning
Day 4	Abstract and spatial reasoning
Day 5	Logical reasoning and critical thinking
Day 6	Timed mixed practice
Day 7	Review repeated mistakes and complete a short simulation

24-Hour Study Plan After This Free Test

If your test is tomorrow:

1. Review your wrong answers.
2. Identify your weakest section.
3. Drill only high-yield question types.
4. Learn skipping strategy.
5. Review common percentage formulas.
6. Review verbal analogy patterns.
7. Review abstract reasoning rules.
8. Complete one timed mixed set.
9. Prepare your testing environment.
10. Rest before the test.

Common Mistakes on Free Cognitive Tests

Avoid these mistakes:

• checking answers too early;
• taking the test without a timer;
• memorizing answers instead of methods;
• ignoring explanations;
• focusing only on your final score;
• skipping review of wrong answers;
• assuming free practice exactly matches your real test;
• using school-oriented practice for employment tests without checking fit;
• practicing generic questions when your provider is named.

Related Cognitive Aptitude Test Guides

Use these related pages to continue preparing:

Guide	Best For
Cognitive Test Sample Questions	More practice questions
Cognitive Test Answers Explained	Step-by-step explanations
Cognitive Ability Test	Full cognitive test overview
Cognitive Assessment Test	Assessment overview
Cognitive Ability Test Scores	Score interpretation
Aptitude Test Practice	General aptitude practice
Numerical Reasoning	Number questions
Verbal Reasoning	Word questions
Abstract Reasoning	Shape patterns
Logical Reasoning	Logic questions
Spatial Reasoning	Rotations and 3D reasoning
Critical Thinking Test	Argument evaluation
Problem Solving Test	Practical reasoning
Best Cognitive Test Prep	Prep resources

Sources / Information to Verify Before Publication

Before publication, verify all cognitive test details with current official and provider sources.

Use sources such as:

• Aptitude-Test.com cognitive ability test;
• Tests.com cognitive abilities practice test;
• AssessmentDay aptitude practice resources;
• Practice Aptitude Tests cognitive ability test page;
• 12minprep free cognitive ability test practice;
• JobTestPrep cognitive ability test page;
• JobTestPrep free cognitive test page;
• JobTestPrep free aptitude test page;
• JobTestPrep CCAT, PI Cognitive and Wonderlic pages;
• Criteria CCAT official pages;
• Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment resources;
• Wonderlic official cognitive assessment resources;
• Korn Ferry candidate assessment guide;
• Aon talent assessment products and tools;
• employer assessment invitation.

Verify:

• exact test name;
• exact provider;
• whether the test is employment-focused or school-focused;
• current number of questions;
• current time limit;
• question types;
• calculator policy;
• proctoring rules;
• whether guessing is penalized;
• score report format;
• whether answers and explanations are provided;
• whether practice is free or requires registration;
• current JobTestPrep product contents;
• current JobTestPrep affiliate URL;
• access duration;
• refund or guarantee terms;
• whether full simulations are included.

FAQ