IQ tests as part of an assessment

Assessment practice

Score higher on tests and ace your assessment

The IQ test or intelligence test is part of every assessment. There are different types of IQ tests and there are three main ways of presenting the information to you: by words, images or numbers. Of each of these three, dozens of tests circulate. Each focuses on a specific part of intelligence research and a number of them are often used in assessments:

Very frequently used:

General intelligence and reasoning ability

Verbal analogies (Single analogy test, double analogy test)
Syllogisms (Syllogism test)
Progressive matrices (Progressive matrices test)

Frequently used:

Specific intelligence and reasoning ability

Numerical reasoning (Number series test)
Automation understanding/flow charts

Used sometimes:

Intelligence skills

Linguistic ability (Antonym test, difficult word test)
Precision/data control
Arithmetic skills
Technical understanding
Geometric understanding (Geometric intelligence test)
Commercial understanding

These last IQ tests are mainly used for assessments in specific sectors and for positions for which the respective abilities are important. An intelligence test about commercial understanding is not likely to be part of your assessment if you are applying for a non-commercial position.

In most cases you will have to complete a number of IQ tests during an assessment and together they will determine the results. This means there is not just one test resulting in one IQ number.

Practicing IQ tests

Contrary to what some people say, it is beneficial to practice IQ tests in advance. You may not be able to practice the exact questions, but it will give you an idea of strategies and thinking patterns that may come in handy during the actual tests. You train your brain in thinking in the way that will be expected of you. Brains are similar to muscles and can be trained. Practicing an intelligence test therefore will never hurt. To prepare for an IQ test, you can take some short IQ tests.