Predictive Index Assessment Guide: Fast-Track Your Career! [Updated 2024]
- Overview
- Cognitive
- Behavioral
- Curriculum
Is the Predictive Index Test standing between you and your dream job? Mastering this assessment is crucial to unlocking career opportunities. The PI Test evaluates your behavioral tendencies and cognitive abilities to determine how well you align with a specific job role.
Many applicants struggle with the Predictive Index Test due to its unfamiliar format and tight deadlines. To overcome these challenges, our Predictive Index Mastery Course offers comprehensive guidance. It demystifies the test’s components and structure, providing the support you need to succeed.
Ready to conquer the PI Test? Let’s explore what it involves.
About the PI Assessment
The Predictive Index Test is a combination of 2 different Predictive Index tests: The PI Cognitive Assessment (Previously known as PLI test) & PI Behavioral Assessment.
Let’s see what these are & what can you expect on you PI Test.
This combination of cognitive & behavioral testing helps both companies & the applicants as they both get an to kn0w their ideal fit job roles. Now we will take a look at the sections of the Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment followed by the sections of Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment.
About PI Cognitive Assessment
The Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment (PICA) is a 12-minute test featuring 50 questions designed to predict job performance by evaluating language skills, mathematical concepts, and the capacity to discern patterns from abstract information. The assessment is divided into three sections:
**Note: For a dedicated course on the PI Cognitive Assessment check out our PICA course page.
Verbal Reasoning
The Verbal Reasoning section evaluates a candidate’s vocabulary, language proficiency, and comprehension skills. Among the 50 questions in the Cognitive section, 16 are dedicated to these 3 topics:
- Word Analogies: Tests understanding and connection-forming between seemingly unrelated words.
- Synonyms & Antonyms: Measures vocabulary depth and the ability to understand and identify equivalents or opposites of words.
- Verbal Analysis: Evaluates language comprehension through passages or assumptions with subsequent questions.
Numerical Reasoning
The Numerical Reasoning section tests candidates’ understanding of basic math operations, data analysis, and pattern recognition in numerical sequences. This section takes the spotlight with a whopping 18 out of 50 questions among these 4 topics:
- Basic Math: Focuses on fundamental math principles and their application.
- Word Problems: Encapsulate math in real-life scenarios, requiring the identification and application of key figures.
- Number Series: Essential in cognitive tests, this involves recognizing numerical patterns.
- Data Interpretation: Simulates real-world tasks with charts and graphs, demanding precise data analysis.
Abstract Reasoning
The Abstract Reasoning section assesses candidates’ quick comprehension, analysis, and pattern recognition in visual elements, requiring robust critical and analytical thinking. It includes 16 questions covering these four topics:
- Next in Series: Analyze figural series to identify patterns and predict the next figure.
- Abstract Analogies: Compare visual images to discern and complete a set with the correct missing image.
- Odd One Out: Identify the unrelated figure in a visual series.
- Matrices: Solve matrix puzzles by selecting the element that correctly completes the visual grid.
To check out an in-depth overview & samples for the type of questions you can expect on the PI cognitive test, you can check out our Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment page. For practice on all these sections you should see our PI Practice Test page.
About PI Behavioral Assessment
The Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment (PIBA), grounded in workplace behavior theories, evaluates personality traits also known as predictive index personality types or predictive index profiles which help recruiters anticipate behavior and identify ideal roles without a pass/fail categorization.
PIBA evaluates a candidate against 4 core and 1 secondary behavioral drives.
PI Behavioral Question Format
This test is untimed, but candidates usually finish it in about 6 minutes. It presents two identical lists, each with 86 adjectives that reflect the five behavioral drives.
- Self Concept List: Candidates select adjectives they think describe how others expect them to behave.
- Self List: Candidates choose adjectives that they believe accurately describe themselves.
Below is an example of adjectives that might appear on the test (for illustrative purposes only):
Charismatic | Persistent | Imaginative | Nonpartisan |
Meditative | Stable | Conscientious | Pragmatic |
Focused | Thoughtful | Sophisticated | Level-headed |
Outspoken | Resilient | Reserved | Progressive |
Expressive | Procedural | Polished | Inquisitive |
For more comprehensive coverage of the test, including the best strategies and time-saving tips, consider Prepterminal’s Predictive Index Test prep course. It includes a suite of practice quizzes designed to help candidates get accustomed to the test conditions. The goal is to ensure their skills and abilities shine, skyrocketing the chances of impressing potential employers.
For exclusive access to our behavioral section course, please visit: Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment
Discover complimentary cognitive practice tests on our Predictive Index Practice Test Page.
Take a Look at our Predictive Index Test Modules
- Introduction to Predictive Index2 Steps - 10 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Cognitive Section - Overview1 Step - 5 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- - Word Analogies5 Steps - 2 Hours & 30 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- - Synonyms & Antonyms5 Steps - 2 Hours & 15 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- - Verbal Analysis4 Steps - 1 Hours & 45 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- - Basic Math4 Steps - 1 Hours & 45 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- - Word Problems4 Steps - 2 Hours & 5 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- - Number Series4 Steps - 2 Hours & 30 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- - Data Interpretation4 Steps - 2 Hours & 45 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- - Next in Series4 Steps - 2 Hours & 15 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- - Abstract Analogies4 Steps - 2 Hours & 15 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- - Odd One Out4 Steps - 2 Hours & 15 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- - Matrices4 Steps - 2 Hours & 15 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- - Cognitive Practice Quiz - Full Size2 Steps - 25 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Behavioral Section - Overview1 Step - 15 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- - Exploring Behavioral Drives1 Step - 50 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- - Behavioral Assessment Details1 Step - 1 Hours & 10 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- - Understanding Reference profiles4 Steps - 3 Hours & 20 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- - Reporting in Predictive Index1 Step - 45 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- - Behavioral Practice Quiz - Role Specific4 Steps - UntimedBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
What you can expect from our Prep Course
In-Depth Coverage: Our course provides a comprehensive understanding of the Predictive Index test and its components. Ensuring that you know what to expect, comprehend the reasoning behind each question type, and are equipped with the knowledge to beat them.
Proven Test-Taking Strategies: We provide you with a toolkit of proven test-taking strategies. These tactics are designed to help you navigate the test efficiently, identify time traps, and tackle even the most challenging questions with confidence.
Customized Learning: We understand that each candidate is unique, so you can follow your own learning path. Our course is accessible on multiple devices, so you can learn where you want, when you want.
Practice Makes Perfect: Our course includes a wealth of practice materials, including full-length quizzes. Regular practice allows you to hone your skills, build confidence, and familiarize yourself with the test format.
Time Management: Time is of the essence in the Predictive Index test, and our course equips you with the knowledge to use it effectively. Effective strategies and tips ensure you make the most of the limited time available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. Our course is designed to familiarize you with every aspect of the Predictive Index test, from the fundamentals to practice quizzes. But your final score is dependent upon a host of personal factors, such as your level of comprehension, regularity of practice, and factors like attentiveness.
The PICA and PIBA are qualitative assessments. You are not measured against other candidates but rather the target score set by the organization itself. So what is considered a good score can vary based on the role and organization you are applying for. However, the average raw score is 20 correct answers.
The Predictive Index Assessment is not a traditional test. As such, you cannot pass or fail an assessment. They simply measure your level of competence across various areas to figure out your strengths and weaknesses.
Generally, the applicant does not pay for the test. The cost is covered by the organization you are applying for. You should only be concerned with the test preparation for PICA and honesty in answering questions when it comes to the PIBA.
Typically, you only get 12 minutes to answer all the questions presented in the PICA. Once this time limit expires, your scores are calculated based on the number of questions you answered correctly. Employers do not expect you to answer every question within this time limit, however, in special cases, such as for accommodating candidates with disabilities, they can be administered an extended version of the test.
Created by: Michael Lerner
BSc, Psychometric Tutor, Prepterminal Test Expert
764 students, 4.8, 168 Reviews
Hey, I’m Michael, PrepTerminal’s Predictive Index expert. I am here to help you with any questions or concerns you may have about the PI Test. Feel free to contact me at [email protected].