“Without data – you’re just another person with an opinion.” – W.E. Deming
It all began in 1936 when E.F. Wonderlic created a cognitive ability test that has evolved to become one of the world’s most well-known standardized tests. Wonderlic created the test because he knew that data could solve the most challenging hiring and selection problems.
At the time, Wonderlic was Director of Personnel for Household Finance and needed to solve his employer’s two biggest hiring issues. The company’s hiring managers across the nation had inconsistent hiring practices and also had problems identifying qualified entry-level candidates.
He knew that data was the answer.
After lengthy research, Wonderlic discovered that hiring managers of the time all relied on one thing for hiring decisions: their gut feeling! Immediately, Wonderlic knew that skill tests and interviews weren’t enough to vet a candidate. He hypothesized that measuring a candidates’ general intelligence and overall cognitive ability was the only way to fully paint a full picture of a candidate.
The only problem was that most general intelligence tests lasted over three hours. So Wonderlic revamped the testing process and created the world’s first short-form intelligence test: 50 questions in only 12 minutes. Wonderlic proved that data was crucial to making informed hiring decisions.
The rest is history. The Wonderlic Cognitive Ability Test measures learning ability, overall intelligence, and problem-solving aptitude. It’s commonly used for employee screening, college admissions, and team-making assessments.
As the world’s first short-form cognitive ability test, it has been used by countless organizations such as the United States military, Subway, and the NFL (to name a few!).
The Wonderlic test is the most popular worldwide exam for employers and organizations that need to get a strong measure of a candidates’ cognitive ability and potential. Organizations such as the Dallas Cowboys use the Wonderlic to forecast player performance and identify how much support they will need in training and beyond.
… So How Does the Test Work?
Quite honestly, the Wonderlic test can be highly challenging. There are 50 multiple choice questions that can be answered in only 12 minutes. That means each question should be answered in less than 15 seconds.
Yikes!
If you take the Wonderlic you should expect a range of subjects including mathematics, logic, word problems, verbal reasoning, and general facts. Your highest possible score for the test is 50 and the lowest possible score is 0. On average, the majority of test-takers get a score of roughly 20.
However, don’t let that worry you. Different professions will have higher standards compared to others: while a bank teller might need to score 20 – a chemist will aim to score 31 or above.
If you need to take the Wonderlic test soon, you seriously should take time to practice and earn your best possible score. Nobody wants to miss out on a job or placement opportunity because of an entrance exam. This would be a huge disappointment!
Here’s How to Pass with Flying Colors
That’s why it’s a strong idea to take a Wonderlic practice course that has been formulated by a team of psychometric experts. We recommend using one that is comprehensive and easy-to-use. You want to use a course that makes the test seem easy – and not a heartbreaking challenge!
Remember that any cognitive ability test practice course should include the following:
- An easy-to-follow video-based course that you can tackle at your own pace.
- Total curriculum-based preparation that includes assessment tests, cognitive aptitude test sample questions, study materials, and practice tests.
- Applicable to all cognitive ability test providers – not just the Wonderlic.
- Practice drills in subjects including number series, logical reasoning, language competencies, patterns, and graph reasoning.
- Immediate access to your scores, and suggestions on how to improve them.
Wonderlic tests for employment are becoming a common factor during the employment process. If you want to land a job and shine above the competition: put the time in and practice!
Here are our top tips for Wonderlic exam success:
1. Answer as many questions as you can: points won’t be deducted for giving the wrong answers. If the question is killing you, skip it and come back to it later.
2. Take a cognitive ability test preparation course. This saves you time and makes studying easy. These contain tips and insights and designed by experienced psychometric experts who help you ace the test.
3. Don’t get stressed. If you put solid preparation in, you’ll probably earn a better score. If you let your nerves get to you, it’s just a test!
If you take a Wonderlic test, it’s a great way to demonstrate your brilliant cognitive ability for future employers to awe at. Taking a cognitive aptitude course also simply makes you smarter! Your brain is a muscle like any other part of your body! Exercise, nutrition, and a little bit of rest can go a long way.
Any cognitive ability test such as Wonderlic will include the following types of questions:
- Abstract Reasoning: The Wonderlic tests your ability to draw assumptions and conclusions based on a variety of information. You will identify missing items so you can complete logical patterns.
- Deductive Reasoning: You’ll need to apply key information provided in a statement or argument to arrive at a conclusion.
- Numeral Reasoning: Wonderlic tests will include basic numerical questions – mathematics and arithmetic content that requires high-level critical arithmetic reasoning.
- Logical Reasoning: You’ll demonstrate your reading ability and understanding of texts. You draw your own conclusions by narrowing the most critical facts.
- Verbal Reasoning: The Wonderlic test also measures your English language skills including grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, and reasoning.
Remember – think of the Wonderlic test as a challenge that can increase your intelligence and prepare you for your next big opportunity. It’s your chance to stand out from the crowd and gain a competitive advantage.
Impress your potential employer with your Einstein-level of cognitive ability. Okay, that’s an exaggeration but if your employer knows you’re an intelligent candidate, they’ll be dying for a hiring. Put the time in and nothing will stop you. Good luck!
Author Bio: Darcy is a Journalism graduate who loves writing content on new topics. When he isn’t working, you can find him reading a Stephen King and cheering on the Ottawa Senators.
You can learn more about him by visiting his website: https://www.darcyallanpr.com/