Predictive Index (PI) Test: Format and How to Practice Free

Reviewed: October 2026

The Predictive Index (PI) cognitive assessment has 50 multiple-choice questions in 12 minutes and measures verbal, numeric and abstract reasoning. It should not be confused with PI's behavioral assessment, which is a different instrument; to prepare, practice speed and accuracy across all three item types and confirm in your invitation which test you were assigned.

What the Predictive Index assessment is

Predictive Index offers two distinct instruments. The behavioral one describes work preferences and is not something you prepare for like an exam. The cognitive one, by contrast, is a timed ability test, and it is the subject of this guide.

Companies use it to estimate how quickly a person can learn and solve problems, usually alongside interviews and other data.

Format and timing

Details from Predictive Index's official documentation.

  • 50 multiple-choice questions in 12 minutes in the standard version, about 14 seconds per question.
  • A maximum of 16 verbal items, 18 numeric and 16 abstract reasoning.
  • 18- and 24-minute variants exist for people with reasonable disability accommodations.
  • Each person gets a different set of questions, and during the test the screen blurs and copy-paste is blocked if you navigate away.
  • By default one attempt is allowed; the company can authorize up to three.
  • PI does not specify in the pages we reviewed whether the test is adaptive or whether a calculator is allowed: confirm in your invitation.

What each part measures

The three item types combine into a single overall score.

  • Verbal: comprehension and use of language; according to third-party guides, it includes synonyms, antonyms, analogies and judging logical statements.
  • Numeric: math and reasoning with numbers, such as word problems and number series, according to third-party guides.
  • Abstract reasoning: patterns and logic with shapes, no text.

How scoring works

PI uses a scaled score compared with a general-population norm whose average is 250, plus a supporting percentile. The verbal, numeric and abstract subscores are not recommended for hiring decisions.

  • In the pages we reviewed, PI does not document a penalty for errors or for leaving items blank.
  • The scoring guide warns that skipping or guessing on items that seem to take too long can affect the result.
  • There is no public pass figure: each employer sets a cognitive target for the role.

How to practice here

The app offers exercises in a style inspired by these skills and a timed mock exam. They are not PI questions.

  • Cognitive ability: a mix of item types to work on pace.
  • Number sequences: the base for the numeric block.
  • Figural series: training for abstract reasoning.
  • Verbal reasoning: vocabulary and word relationships.
  • Timed mock exam: practice against the clock in one sitting to feel the pace.

Test-day strategy

  • PI offers sample questions to get you familiar with the format and timing; do them beforehand and do not treat them as a score.
  • Do what you know first and do not linger on an item: it is about 14 seconds per question.
  • Do not leave the test screen: the tool detects it.
  • Use a place without interruptions, a stable connection and pencil and paper if allowed.
  • If you need adjustments, ask the company before opening the link.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the cognitive assessment with the behavioral one and preparing for the wrong one.
  • Obsessing over an average of 20 out of 50: it is a figure from practice sites with no official backing.
  • Trying to open another tab or seek help during the test.
  • Practicing without a clock.

Practice this here

These categories train the three item types of the cognitive assessment, with exercises in an inspired style:

Start with these tests

How to solve each type

Your preparation path

  1. Take the full mock exam to see how you do against the clock across several categories. Go to the mock exam
  2. Take exam-mode tests in the categories closest to your assessment. See the tests
  3. Choose the job type in your report. See a sample report

The report organizes your practice by job type; it does not predict your result on Predictive Index.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions does the Predictive Index cognitive test have?

Up to 50 multiple-choice questions in 12 minutes, with a maximum of 16 verbal, 18 numeric and 16 abstract reasoning, according to PI's documentation.

Can you use a calculator on the PI test?

PI does not specify it in the official pages we reviewed. Confirm in your invitation and train arithmetic by hand.

What is a good score?

PI uses a scaled score with an average of 250 in the general population, and each employer sets its target by role. An average of 20 out of 50 that circulates on practice sites is not an official figure.

Is the behavioral assessment the same as the cognitive one?

No. The behavioral one describes preferences and work style; the cognitive one is the timed 50-question test in this guide.

Can you practice?

Yes. PI offers sample questions with no score, and here you can train with free similar-style exercises and a timed mock exam.

Related guides

Sources

We are not affiliated with Predictive Index or its tests. This guide is independent, based on public sources and may change: confirm the format in your invitation. Our exercises are similar in style, never the real items.