The Predictive Index (PI) sends two short assessments: an untimed Behavioral Assessment where you tick adjectives, and a 12-minute Cognitive Assessment with 50 questions. The cognitive test is designed so almost nobody finishes, which surprises many candidates. This page covers what the Predictive Index assessment is, its format and timings, how it is scored, the rules to know before you start, how to prepare and a practice plan.
What the Predictive Index assessment is
Employers use PI to compare candidates with a behavioral and cognitive profile set for the job. The Behavioral Assessment maps work-style drives; the Cognitive Assessment measures general reasoning with numerical, verbal and abstract questions.
Format and timings
| Part | What it involves | Time and questions |
|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Assessment | Two lists of 86 adjectives: tick those that describe you, then those others expect of you | Untimed; most people finish in about 6 minutes |
| Cognitive Assessment | Numerical problems, logical and abstract reasoning, and language questions | 50 multiple-choice questions in 12 minutes |
| Extended-time cognitive versions | The same test with accommodations | Available on request through the employer |
Total: about 6 minutes for the behavioral checklist plus 12 minutes for the cognitive test.
How it is scored
- Your cognitive score is the number of questions answered correctly within the time; there is no pass mark.
- The employer compares your score with a cognitive target for the job.
- Prep sites commonly report that the average candidate gets about 20 right and very few finish all 50.
- The Behavioral Assessment has no right or wrong answers.
Rules to know before you start
- No negative marking: wrong answers are not penalized, so never leave a question blank as time runs out.
- No calculator on the Cognitive Assessment, according to a PI administrator guide; scratch paper is fine.
- By default you get one cognitive attempt; the employer can resend it up to two more times, and expired attempts count.
- There are no restrictions on aids for the Behavioral Assessment.
How to prepare
- Try PI's official cognitive sample questions before the real test.
- Budget about 14 seconds a question and skip anything slow.
- Guess on everything left in the last seconds, since blanks score nothing.
- Answer the behavioral checklist quickly and honestly; overthinking does not help.
A practice plan
- Day 1: read the employer's invitation for which tests you will take, then do the publisher's official practice questions untimed.
- Days 2 and 3: timed practice on your weakest test type, reviewing every mistake.
- Days 4 and 5: full timed runs in the same browser and device you will use.
- Day 6: rest, check your setup, and plan a quiet time slot.
- Day 7: take the test in one sitting, early in the deadline window.
Related guides: what an online assessment is, the SHL assessment, the CCAT.
On the day, and the mistakes to avoid
- Open the invitation early and note the deadline, the tests included and the time each takes.
- Use a laptop or desktop with a current browser, on a stable connection, with notifications silenced.
- Have paper, a pen and, if the instructions allow it, a calculator ready before you start.
- Read every instruction and example screen; formats differ more than people expect.
- Take the tests in a quiet room in one sitting, at a time of day when you are sharp.
- If something breaks, take a screenshot, note the time and contact the employer straight away.
Mistakes that cost candidates:
- Treating untimed or 'as many as you can' tests casually: speed and accuracy are usually both recorded.
- Bringing outside knowledge into reasoning items that must be judged only on the information given.
- Answering personality questions as the 'ideal' candidate instead of honestly, which shows up as inconsistency.
- Starting on a phone when the publisher recommends a computer.
- Leaving the test until the deadline, when any technical problem becomes fatal.
What happens after the Predictive Index assessment
Results usually go to the employer, who compares them with the profile for the role. Shortlisted candidates move on to a video interview, an assessment centre or a first interview, so start preparing for those while you wait. For the next stage, see our guide to online assessments.
Where CoPilot Interview fits
Online assessments are tests you take on your own: outside help is not allowed, and proctoring settings can flag other apps, tab switches or a second voice. Practice beforehand instead. CoPilot Interview is an AI interview assistant; its free AI mock interview prepares you for the interviews that follow the assessment, with questions built from your résumé and the job description and each spoken answer scored out of ten. The free plan gives 15 minutes a day of live help in sessions of up to 15 minutes, with AI mock interviews included. Read the invitation carefully and follow your employer's rules.
Disclosure: CoPilot Interview is our product, so weigh what we say about it accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Predictive Index cognitive test?
Fifty multiple-choice questions in 12 minutes, mixing numerical, verbal and abstract reasoning.
What is a good Predictive Index score?
There is no pass mark. Employers compare your score with the target they set for the job. Prep sites report that about 20 correct is average.
Can I use a calculator on the PI test?
No calculator on the Cognitive Assessment, according to PI's administrator guidance; scratch paper is allowed.
Can I retake the Predictive Index test?
Only if the employer resends it. By default you get one attempt, with up to three in total if the employer allows.
Can I use AI tools during the Predictive Index assessment?
No, unless the instructions explicitly allow it. Assessments are meant to be taken on your own, and proctoring settings can flag other apps, tab switches or pasted code. Use AI tools to practice beforehand, and follow your employer's rules.
Practice this interview before the real one
The AI mock interview builds questions from your resume and the job description, reads them aloud and scores each spoken answer out of 10. Included on the free plan.
Start a mock interview