PI Cognitive Assessment Prep Course - Master the PICA - Updated for 2024
In today’s competitive job market, employers are constantly on the lookout for top talent. This is where the Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment (PICA) steps in. It offers a game-changing approach to predicting job performance – cognitive ability. This makes it your secret weapon for impressing employers and securing that job opportunity.
Our PICA Prep Course guides you through the ins and outs of this widely used assessment. You will gain a concrete understanding of its foundations, learn proven strategies for success, and get tailored practice sessions to ensure that no deserving candidate goes unnoticed.
Join us on the journey to success – we are with you every step of the way!
Predictive Index Cognitive Mastery
Course Content
Introduction2 Steps - 15 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Word Analogies5 Steps - 2 Hour 30 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Synonyms & Antonyms5 Steps - 2 Hour 15 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Verbal Analysis4 Steps - 1 Hour 45 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Basic Math4 Steps - 1 Hour 45 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Word Problems4 Steps - 2 Hour 15 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Number Series4 Steps - 2 Hour 30 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Data Interpretation4 Steps - 2 Hour 45 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Next in Series4 Steps - 2 Hour 15 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Abstract Analogies4 Steps - 2 Hour 15 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Odd One Out4 Steps - 2 Hour 15 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Matrices4 Steps - 2 Hour 15 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.- Full Size Practice QuizBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
What is Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment?
The PICA is the cognitive half of the Predictive Index Assessment that measures how quickly a candidate can absorb new knowledge. It identifies if they have the required problem-solving abilities for the job, especially for organizations where change is constant.
PICA assesses a candidate’s aptitude in 3 key areas, namely Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, and Abstract Reasoning. Their results in these areas inform the employer of their critical thinking ability and capacity to process complex information effectively. This information can be essential in estimating their general workplace performance.
Verbal Reasoning
- Word Analogies
- Finding Synonyms & Antonyms
- Verbal Analysis
Numerical Reasoning
- Basic Math
- Word Problems
- Number Series
- Data Interpretation
Abstract Reasoning
- Next in Series
- Abstract Analogies
- Odd One Out
- Matrices
Quick Facts about the assessment
- It is used in collaboration with the PI Job Assessment.
- It assesses a candidate’s cognitive fit for a job role
- Every candidate experiences a unique set of questions.
- It is designed to minimize cheating
- It can be taken in over 50 languages
- Candidates cannot pass or fail a test
Question Types and Test Format
The PICA is a timed test, and candidates get 12 minutes to solve 50 multiple-choice questions. The test format emphasizes the speedy completion of tasks, a vital skill in every workplace. This means they can only afford to spend about 14 seconds per question, so attentiveness and time management are going to be the key distinguishing factors in success.
Applicants can attempt a maximum number of 16 Verbal questions, 18 Numerical questions, and 16 Abstract Reasoning questions(a total of 50). The average raw score is 20 correct answers out of 50. Remember, the test does not measure one’s IQ or job-specific knowledge but is a measure of their rate of quickly imbibing new information.
Now that you have got a grip on PICA’s format, let us take a closer look at its key test categories. Get ready to uncover the secrets to mastering PICA!
Verbal Reasoning
Verbal reasoning refers to your ability to understand and interpret information expressed through language, both written and verbal. It goes beyond vocabulary or fluency, and judges how well you can engage with the given material and decipher the underlying meaning.
This section tests your linguistic skills, contextual understanding, and ability to rapidly acquire new knowledge and implement it. It consists of 3 types of questions:
Word Analogies
These questions present you with two sets of words that share a hidden connection. But there is a catch – only one of the two sets is complete. Candidates have to put their analytical skills to the test as they figure out this underlying connection to complete the second, incomplete pair.
‘Poet is to verse as composer is to ___?’
Finding Synonyms & Antonyms
Such questions are a true test of one’s vocabulary. Candidates are presented with a target word followed by a host of answer options. The challenge lies in using their language skills to accurately spot the option most similar or opposite in meaning to the target word.
COOPERATION
Verbal Analysis
These questions evaluate a candidate’s reading comprehension and the ability to read between the lines. They will have to scan passages, analyze assumptions, or draw inferences from the provided text. They must then use this knowledge to answer questions based on the provided information.
Assumptions:
All students in the class are learning mathematics.
Some students in the class are learning physics.
John is a student in the class learning physics.
Conclusion:
John is not learning mathematics.
If the assumptions are true, is the conclusion:
Numerical Reasoning
The ability to deal with numbers quickly and accurately is a valuable skill in any workplace. And the numerical reasoning section puts this front and center as it is all about comprehending numerical patterns systematically and efficiently.
Your grip over fundamental mathematical concepts, pattern recognition, and logical deduction are put to the test here. This section consists of 4 types of questions:
Basic Math
Dust out those old textbooks as basic math is all about knowing fundamental mathematical operations and formulae. The questions in this segment evaluate a candidate’s command over vital concepts such as percentages, averages, etc.
An office orders 15.75 kg of coffee beans, which is ⅞ of the monthly requirement. What is the full monthly requirement of coffee beans for the office?
Word Problems
Word problems are numerical questions disguised as everyday scenarios. They are presented in the form of a sentence with key figures hidden within the text. Here, candidates have to identify crucial details and perform the necessary calculations to arrive at the required result.
Number Series
These questions are as much a test of one’s pattern recognition ability as mathematical competency. Candidates are presented with a series of numbers that might not look connected at first glance, however, they are very much following a mathematical progression. And the challenge lies in spotting this pattern and using it to arrive at the right answer.
Data Interpretation
Numerical questions don’t always take the form of a sentence or an equation. Sometimes numerical data is represented in visual formats, such as charts, bars, and graphs. Data Interpretation questions require you to interpret and answer question based on such representations.
The following pie charts illustrate the distribution of overseas tourist traffic in Europe. The two charts show the tourist distribution by country and the age profiles of the tourists respectively.
Abstract Reasoning
Abstract Reasoning contrasts with the previous two categories in how it tests your logical reasoning ability. It disregards numerical and verbal components, instead focusing on a visual approach consisting of shape and pattern recognition.
This makes abstract reasoning a test of not just your problem-solving, but also your observational ability and critical thinking. This section includes 4 question types:
Abstract Analogies
Analogies challenge candidates to compare two sets of figures to find the underlying pattern that links them. Once candidates spot this pattern within the first set of figures they must apply it to the second, incomplete set to predict its matching figure.
- A:
- B:
- C:
- D:
Next in Series
These are a common question type on abstract reasoning tests. They consist of a series of visual elements that follow a logical progression. Candidates have to follow this progression to accurately predict the next item in the series.
- A:
- B:
- C:
- D:
Odd One Out
Odd One Out questions are as straightforward as their name suggests. These consist of a series of figures just like ‘Next in Series’. However, instead of predicting the next figure in the series, candidates have to spot the outlier amongst the figures instead.
Matrices
Matrices are a step up from all previous question types. Candidates are presented with a 3×3 grid composed of various elements following a set progression. But one of these boxes is empty, and candidates have to analyze the grid to arrive at the correct answer to fill that grid.
- A:
- B:
- C:
- D:
Scoring
A candidate’s PICA score is calculated as the total number of correct answers out of 50, called raw score. For example, the average raw score is 20, which implies the candidate correctly answered 20 questions out of the 50. This raw score is then turned into a scaled score ranging from 100 to 450. This is done to ensure consistency amongst revisions of the test or if the candidate received extended time.
They also receive a percentile ranking, which indicates how a candidate ranks amongst a norm group. For example, a percentile score of 50 implies the candidate performed better than 50% of previous test-takers.
But the most important thing to know about the PI assessment scoring is that you cannot fail a test. The Cognitive Assessment measures your strengths with specific skills in regard to the job target. They are criterion assessments, rather than normative. This means that candidates are compared to a target score set by the employer as opposed to each other.
Why Choose Our PICA Prep Course?
All too often qualified candidates fail to get past the hurdle of the Predictive Index test because of a lack of familiarity with the test format and questions. At Prepterminal, we overcome this with a host of features designed to ensure you put your best foot forward in proving your suitability for the job.
Comprehensive Study Guides: Our course helps you master the ins and outs of the PI Cognitive Assessment. We leave no detail untouched, from in-depth lessons to insider tips. Regardless of your current proficiency level, by the end of this course, you will be able to tackle the PICA with confidence.
Extensive Practice Tests: Theory is only half the challenge. So our lessons are followed by meticulously crafted practice quizzes that simulate the conditions of the test. We offer timed and untimed tests with varying levels of complexity, so you can always keep improving.
Detailed Explanations: Both our lessons and practice quizzes come equipped with detailed explanations. These help you keep track of your progress and put your learning into practice.
Flexible Learning: Study at your own pace. Our course is accessible on multiple devices so that the learning never stops.
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