Problem Solving Test: Free Practice Questions, Answers and Tips

A problem solving test measures how well you can understand a situation, identify the key information, choose a logical approach and reach an effective solution.

Problem solving questions are common in:

• cognitive ability tests;
• aptitude tests;
• Pre-employment tests;
• psychometric tests;
• management assessments;
• graduate assessments;
• SHL-style assessments;
• Aon / cut-e assessments;
• Korn Ferry assessments;
• CCAT-style cognitive tests;
• PI Cognitive Assessment practice Assessment practice Assessment practice-style assessments;
• Wonderlic-style tests.

For broader employment test context, employment test practice can help candidates compare common problem-solving formats across hiring platforms.

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

What Is a Problem Solving Test?

A problem solving test is an assessment that measures your ability to solve practical, logical or numerical problems.

You may need to:

• calculate a rate;
• identify the best action;
• prioritize tasks;
• allocate limited resources;
• solve a multi-step word problem;
• apply a rule;
• interpret workplace information;
• choose the most efficient solution;
• evaluate constraints;
• make a decision under time pressure.

The goal is not only to get the right answer. The goal is to solve efficiently.

Cognitive ability test practice can help candidates rehearse rate problems, prioritization and multi-step word problems under timed conditions.

What Does a Problem Solving Test Measure?

Skill	What It Means
Analytical thinking	Breaking a problem into parts
Numerical reasoning	Solving number-based problems
Logical reasoning	Applying rules and drawing conclusions
Critical thinking	Evaluating evidence and assumptions
Prioritization	Deciding what matters most
Resource allocation	Using limited time, people or materials effectively
Decision-making	Choosing the best option from several possibilities
Processing speed	Solving accurately under time pressure
Workplace judgment	Applying practical reasoning to job-like situations

Problem solving is often tested inside broader cognitive aptitude assessments.

Problem Solving vs Logical Reasoning

Problem solving and logical reasoning overlap, but they are not identical.

Problem Solving	Logical Reasoning
Focuses on finding a practical solution	Focuses on valid conclusions and rules
May include numbers, workplace scenarios or priorities	Often includes statements, patterns and formal logic
Can be multi-step	Can be rule-based or pattern-based
Example: “How many units per hour?”	Example: “What must be true?”

Related guide:

• Logical Reasoning

Problem Solving vs Critical Thinking

Critical thinking focuses on evaluating claims, assumptions and evidence.

Problem solving focuses more on reaching a workable answer.

Problem Solving	Critical Thinking
Finds a solution	Evaluates reasoning
Often practical or numerical	Often argument-based
May involve constraints	May involve assumptions or evidence
Example: “What should the team do first?”	Example: “Which conclusion is best supported?”

Related guide:

• Critical Thinking Test

Problem Solving vs Cognitive Ability Test

A cognitive ability test is broader.

Problem solving is one skill within cognitive ability.

Cognitive Ability Test	Problem Solving Test
May include numerical, verbal, abstract, logical and spatial questions	Focuses on solving practical or reasoning problems
Measures general learning and reasoning ability	Measures solution-finding ability
Example: CCAT, PI Cognitive, Wonderlic	Example: rate problem, prioritization task, workplace scenario

Related guide:

• Cognitive Ability Test

When problem solving appears inside a broader assessment, pre-employment assessment practice can support mixed timed review across question types.

Common Problem Solving Question Types

Question Type	What You Need to Do
Rate problems	Calculate output per hour, speed or productivity
Multi-step word problems	Convert text into several calculations
Prioritization	Decide which task should be done first
Resource allocation	Assign time, people or materials efficiently
Logical problems	Apply rules to reach a solution
Workplace scenarios	Choose the best practical response
Scheduling problems	Fit tasks into limited time
Data-based problems	Use numbers, tables or constraints
Process improvement	Identify the most efficient change
Critical decision problems	Choose the option best supported by the facts

Free Problem Solving Test Questions

Answer each question before reading the explanation.

Question 1: Rate Problem

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

• A. 25
• B. 28
• C. 30
• D. 35

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 30

Use the rate formula:

rate = total ÷ time
210 ÷ 7 = 30

The machine produces 30 parts per hour.

Question 2: Work Rate

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

Answer and 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 in 5 hours.

Question 3: Multi-Step Word Problem

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

• A. $90
• B. $96
• C. $100
• D. $120

Answer and 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 4: Prioritization

You have three tasks due today:

• Task A takes 20 minutes and is due in 30 minutes.
• Task B takes 60 minutes and is due in 3 hours.
• Task C takes 10 minutes and is due tomorrow.

Which task should you complete first?

• A. Task A
• B. Task B
• C. Task C
• D. None of them

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Task A

Task A is both urgent and short enough to finish before its deadline.

Task B is important but has more time.

Task C is not due today.

The best first action is Task A.

Question 5: Resource Allocation

A project needs 12 hours of work. Three employees can each work 4 hours today. Can the project be completed today?

• A. Yes, exactly
• B. Yes, with 2 hours left over
• C. No, it needs 2 more hours
• D. No, it needs 4 more hours

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Yes, exactly

Total available work time:

3 employees × 4 hours = 12 hours

The project needs 12 hours.

So it can be completed exactly.

Question 6: Scheduling

A meeting lasts 45 minutes. It starts at 2:20 p.m. What time does it end?

• A. 2:55 p.m.
• B. 3:00 p.m.
• C. 3:05 p.m.
• D. 3:15 p.m.

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 3:05 p.m.

Add 45 minutes to 2:20 p.m.

2:20 + 40 minutes = 3:00
3:00 + 5 minutes = 3:05

The meeting ends at 3:05 p.m.

Question 7: Logical Problem

All urgent requests must be reviewed today. Request X is urgent.

What must happen?

• A. Request X must be reviewed today
• B. Request X must be reviewed next week
• C. Request X must be rejected
• D. Request X must be ignored

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Request X must be reviewed today

The rule says:

urgent request → reviewed today

Request X is urgent.

Therefore, Request X must be reviewed today.

Question 8: Best Practical Decision

A customer reports a serious billing error. You are not authorized to correct billing errors, but your supervisor is available.

What is the best next step?

• A. Ignore the issue
• B. Tell the customer nothing can be done
• C. Escalate the issue to your supervisor
• D. Guess the correction and apply it yourself

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. Escalate the issue to your supervisor

The issue is serious, and you are not authorized to fix it.

The best action is to escalate it to someone who has the authority to correct it.

Question 9: Process Improvement

A team spends 2 hours every day manually copying data. A software tool can reduce this task to 30 minutes per day. How much time would the team save each day?

• A. 30 minutes
• B. 60 minutes
• C. 90 minutes
• D. 120 minutes

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 90 minutes

Original time:

2 hours = 120 minutes

New time:

30 minutes

Time saved:

120 - 30 = 90 minutes

The team saves 90 minutes per day.

Question 10: Constraint Problem

A delivery truck can carry 500 kg. Four boxes weigh 120 kg each. Can the truck carry all four boxes at once?

• A. Yes, total weight is 480 kg
• B. Yes, total weight is 500 kg
• C. No, total weight is 520 kg
• D. No, total weight is 600 kg

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Yes, total weight is 480 kg

Total weight:

4 × 120 = 480 kg

The truck can carry 500 kg.

Since 480 kg is under the limit, the truck can carry all four boxes.

Question 11: Critical Problem Solving

A department notices that errors are highest during the final hour of each shift. Which solution should be tested first?

• A. Add a short checklist before final-hour submissions
• B. Remove all quality checks
• C. Increase final-hour workload
• D. Stop tracking errors

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Add a short checklist before final-hour submissions

The problem is errors during the final hour.

A checklist directly targets the error point.

The other options either increase risk or remove useful controls.

Question 12: Data-Based Problem

A company received 300 support tickets. 40% were resolved on the first day. How many were resolved on the first day?

• A. 90
• B. 100
• C. 120
• D. 140

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 120

Calculate 40% of 300:

0.40 × 300 = 120

So 120 tickets were resolved on the first day.

Problem Solving Answer Key

Question	Skill Tested	Correct Answer
1	Rate problem	C
2	Work rate	B
3	Multi-step word problem	C
4	Prioritization	A
5	Resource allocation	A
6	Scheduling	C
7	Logical rule application	A
8	Workplace judgment	C
9	Process improvement	C
10	Constraint problem	A
11	Critical problem solving	A
12	Data-based problem	C

How to Solve Problem Solving Test Questions

Use this step-by-step method.

Step 1: Identify the Goal

Ask:

What am I trying to find or decide?

Examples:

• a rate;
• a total;
• a deadline;
• the best first action;
• whether a constraint is met;
• the most efficient solution.

Do not start calculating before you know the goal.

Step 2: Extract the Relevant Information

Most problem solving questions contain extra wording.

Focus on:

• numbers;
• deadlines;
• constraints;
• rules;
• priorities;
• authority limits;
• required outcomes.

Ignore irrelevant details.

Step 3: Choose the Right Method

Match the problem type to the method.

Problem Type	Method
Rate	total ÷ time
Average	total ÷ number of values
Percentage	percentage × total
Deadline	compare time required with time available
Resource allocation	compare required resources with available resources
Prioritization	urgency + importance + feasibility
Rule application	apply the stated rule exactly
Workplace scenario	choose the safest, most relevant and authorized action

Step 4: Solve Efficiently

Use the simplest method.

Do not overcalculate.

For example, if the question asks whether 4 boxes of 120 kg fit under a 500 kg limit:

4 × 120 = 480
480 < 500

That is enough.

Step 5: Check the Answer Against the Question

Before choosing, check:

• Did I answer what was asked?
• Did I use the right units?
• Did I compare against the correct constraint?
• Did I choose the best action, not just a possible action?
• Did I add assumptions not given in the question?

Problem Solving Strategies by Question Type

Rate Problems

Rate problems ask how much is completed per unit of time.

Formula:

rate = total ÷ time

Example:

210 parts in 7 hours
210 ÷ 7 = 30 parts per hour

Related guide:

• Numerical Reasoning

For calculation-heavy problem sets, numerical reasoning test practice can support rate, percentage and word-problem review.

Multi-Step Word Problems

For multi-step word problems:

1. Translate the words into numbers.
2. Identify the sequence of operations.
3. Solve one step at a time.
4. Check whether the answer makes sense.

Common topics:

• discounts;
• percentage increase;
• rates;
• ratios;
• averages;
• totals;
• remaining work.

Prioritization Questions

Prioritization questions ask what should happen first.

Use this order:

1. Urgent and important
2. Important but less urgent
3. Quick tasks that prevent delay
4. Low-priority tasks

A good answer usually considers:

• deadline;
• impact;
• risk;
• authority;
• available time;
• dependencies.

Resource Allocation Questions

Resource allocation questions ask whether available resources meet a need.

Resources may include:

• time;
• people;
• budget;
• materials;
• capacity;
• equipment.

Basic method:

available resources - required resources = surplus or shortage

Workplace Scenario Questions

Workplace problem solving questions often test judgment.

Good answers usually:

• address the issue directly;
• follow policy;
• escalate when necessary;
• avoid unauthorized action;
• protect customers or safety;
• use evidence;
• communicate clearly.

Weak answers often:

• ignore the problem;
• act outside authority;
• blame others;
• delay unnecessarily;
• remove controls;
• make unsupported assumptions.

Logical Problem Solving

Logical problem solving questions require applying rules.

Example:

All urgent requests must be reviewed today.
Request X is urgent.

Conclusion:

Request X must be reviewed today.

Related guide:

• Logical Reasoning

When visual pattern sections also appear on your invitation, abstract reasoning practice can round out mixed cognitive review.

Critical Problem Solving

Critical problem solving questions ask you to choose the best-supported action.

Good answers are usually:

• cautious;
• evidence-based;
• directly connected to the problem;
• practical;
• within authority;
• not extreme.

Related guide:

• Critical Thinking Test

Common Problem Solving Mistakes

Mistake 1: Solving the Wrong Problem

Many candidates calculate something related but not what was asked.

Always identify the goal first.

Mistake 2: Adding Assumptions

Use only the information provided.

Do not assume extra staff, extra budget or a policy exception unless stated.

Mistake 3: Overcalculating

Problem solving tests often reward efficient reasoning.

Do not do unnecessary calculations.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Constraints

Common constraints include:

• time limit;
• capacity;
• authority;
• budget;
• deadline;
• available staff;
• required order of tasks.

If an answer violates a constraint, it is usually wrong.

Mistake 5: Choosing a Possible Answer Instead of the Best Answer

Workplace scenarios may include several possible actions.

Choose the best action based on the facts, not just any action that could work.

Mistake 6: Misreading Units

Watch for:

• minutes vs hours;
• daily vs weekly;
• total vs per person;
• kilograms vs boxes;
• percentage vs percentage points.

Mistake 7: Spending Too Long on One Problem

Some problem solving questions are time traps.

If the problem takes too long, eliminate weak answers and move on if the test allows.

Related guide:

• Time Management

Problem Solving in Major Test Providers

Problem solving may appear under different labels.

Test / Provider	How Problem Solving May Appear
CCAT	Math and logic, word problems, spatial reasoning
PI Cognitive	Numerical, verbal and abstract reasoning
Wonderlic	Arithmetic, logic, vocabulary and general reasoning
SHL	Numerical, verbal, inductive or deductive reasoning
Aon / cut-e	Short timed reasoning and workplace-style tasks
Korn Ferry	Cognitive, judgment or role-fit assessment depending on role
JobTestPrep	Cognitive ability, aptitude and reasoning practice

If your invitation names a provider, use provider-specific practice.

Best Problem Solving Test Prep

For employment problem solving and cognitive aptitude tests, JobTestPrep is a strong option because it includes practice across major reasoning formats and providers.

Use JobTestPrep for:

• cognitive ability tests;
• problem solving;
• numerical reasoning;
• logical reasoning;
• critical thinking;
• CCAT;
• PI Cognitive;
• Wonderlic;
• SHL-style assessments;
• Aon-style assessments;
• Korn Ferry-style assessments;
• answer explanations;
• timed simulations.

Cognitive ability test practice can highlight how rate problems, prioritization and workplace scenarios behave under timed conditions. Verify product fit on the vendor site before purchasing.

Free vs Paid Problem Solving Practice

Prep Type	Best Use
Free problem solving questions	Learn common formats
Free cognitive tests	Practice mixed reasoning
Official provider samples	Confirm assessment style
Answer explanations	Learn efficient methods
Paid JobTestPrep	More practice volume and simulations
Timed drills	Build speed
Provider-specific prep	Best if your invitation names CCAT, PI, Wonderlic, SHL, Aon or Korn Ferry

Free practice is useful for basics. Paid prep is more useful when the assessment is high-stakes or provider-specific.

7-Day Problem Solving Study Plan

Day	Study Focus
Day 1	Diagnostic mixed problem solving test
Day 2	Rate problems, percentages and word problems
Day 3	Logical reasoning and rule application; add logical reasoning practice for must-be-true items
Day 4	Prioritization and workplace scenarios
Day 5	Resource allocation and scheduling
Day 6	Timed mixed practice
Day 7	Review mistakes and repeat weak formats

24-Hour Problem Solving Study Plan

If your test is tomorrow:

1. Take a short diagnostic test.
2. Review wrong answers.
3. Practice rate and percentage problems.
4. Practice rule-application questions.
5. Practice workplace scenario questions.
6. Review prioritization rules.
7. Complete one timed mixed set.
8. Prepare your test environment.

If your invitation also includes language-based reasoning, verbal reasoning practice can round out last-minute mixed review.

Related Cognitive Aptitude Test Guides

Use these related pages to continue preparing:

Guide	Best For
Logical Reasoning	Rule application
Critical Thinking Test	Evidence and judgment
Numerical Reasoning	Rate and calculation problems
Cognitive Test Sample Questions	Mixed examples
Cognitive Test Answers Explained	Step-by-step explanations
Free Cognitive Test With Answers	Free practice
Aptitude Test Practice	General aptitude practice
Time Management	Pacing and skipping
Common Mistakes	Mistakes to avoid
Best Cognitive Test Prep	Prep resources

Sources / Information to Verify Before Publication

Before publication, verify problem solving and provider-specific assessment details with current sources.

Use sources such as:

• JobTestPrep cognitive ability test page;
• JobTestPrep free cognitive test page;
• JobTestPrep free aptitude test page;
• JobTestPrep free psychometric test page;
• JobTestPrep logical reasoning or problem-solving resources if available;
• SHL reasoning resources;
• AssessmentDay reasoning resources;
• Aon talent assessment products and tools;
• Korn Ferry candidate assessment guide;
• Criteria CCAT official pages;
• Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment resources;
• Wonderlic official cognitive assessment resources;
• Aptitude-Test.com cognitive ability test;
• Practice Aptitude Tests cognitive ability test page;
• 12minprep free cognitive ability test practice;
• employer assessment invitation.

Verify:

• exact assessment name;
• exact test provider;
• whether problem solving is tested directly;
• whether questions are numerical, logical, situational or mixed;
• current time limit;
• number of questions;
• calculator policy;
• whether guessing is penalized;
• whether full simulations are included;
• whether explanations are included;
• current JobTestPrep product contents;
• current JobTestPrep affiliate URL;
• access duration;
• refund or guarantee terms.

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