When preparing for pre-employment assessments, candidates often come across two widely used tests: the Wonderlic Test and the Predictive Index (PI) Assessments. While both are designed to help employers evaluate candidates, they measure very different abilities. Understanding the difference can help you prepare effectively and boost your chances of success.
Overview of the Wonderlic Test
The Wonderlic Personnel Test (WPT), commonly known as the Wonderlic, is a cognitive ability test used to measure problem-solving, learning speed, and critical thinking.
- Format: 50 multiple-choice questions in 12 minutes.
- Skills Tested:
- Numerical reasoning
- Verbal reasoning
- Logical problem-solving
- General knowledge and quick decision-making
- Purpose: Predicts how quickly a candidate can learn, adapt, and solve problems in the workplace.
The Wonderlic is widely used in corporate hiring and even in the NFL Draft Combine to test athletes’ cognitive abilities.
Overview of the Predictive Index (PI) Assessments
The Predictive Index offers two main types of tests:
- PI Behavioral Assessment – A personality-based test that measures workplace behavior and motivation.
- Format: Two lists of adjectives (descriptive words). Candidates choose words that reflect how others see them and how they see themselves.
- Purpose: Identifies traits such as dominance, extraversion, patience, and formality.
- PI Cognitive Assessment – A test of general cognitive ability (similar to Wonderlic).
- Format: 50 questions in 12 minutes.
- Skills Tested: Numerical, verbal, and abstract reasoning.
- Purpose: Measures learning ability, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Key Differences Between Wonderlic and Predictive Index
| Feature | Wonderlic Test | Predictive Index (PI) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | General cognitive ability | Personality & cognitive ability (two separate assessments) |
| Format | 50 questions, 12 minutes | PI Behavioral: adjective checklist (untimed) PI Cognitive: 50 questions, 12 minutes |
| Measures | Problem-solving, logic, reasoning speed | Behavioral traits (personality) + learning ability (cognitive) |
| Used For | General employment screening across industries | Matching candidates to roles based on personality and thinking ability |
| Result Type | Score out of 50 | Behavioral profile + cognitive benchmark score |
Which Test is Harder?
- Wonderlic: Considered challenging because of the strict time limit and wide range of general knowledge questions.
- PI Cognitive: Similar difficulty level but often more abstract in style.
- PI Behavioral: Easier in format since there are no “right” or “wrong” answers, but employers interpret your personality fit carefully.
How to Prepare for Each
Wonderlic:
- Practice timed numerical, verbal, and logic questions.
- Focus on answering quickly and accurately—speed is key.
- Get used to skipping hard questions and returning if time allows.
Predictive Index:
- Behavioral Assessment: Reflect on your personality and answer honestly. Review the job description to understand what traits the employer may value.
- Cognitive Assessment: Practice short, timed reasoning tests. Focus on mental math, logic patterns, and verbal comprehension.
FAQ: Wonderlic vs. Predictive Index
Q: Do both tests have time limits?
A: The Wonderlic and PI Cognitive have strict 12-minute limits, while the PI Behavioral Assessment is untimed.
Q: Can you fail the PI Behavioral Assessment?
A: No. It’s not a pass/fail test; it shows your personality profile compared to the job role.
Q: Which test is more common?
A: Both are widely used, but the Predictive Index is increasingly popular for personality-focused hiring.
Q: Is the Wonderlic harder than the PI Cognitive?
A: They are similar in difficulty. The Wonderlic includes more general knowledge, while the PI Cognitive emphasizes abstract reasoning.
Q: Do companies ever use both tests?
A: Yes, some employers may use multiple assessments, but typically you’ll face one or the other.
