The Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment (PI Behavioral Assessment) is a widely used pre-employment test designed to measure a candidate’s natural behavioral drives and workplace personality traits. Employers use this assessment to gain insight into how a person might fit within a team, respond to workplace demands, and contribute to overall organizational goals.
This assessment is typically administered online and includes a set of statements or word selections. Candidates are asked to indicate which words they believe best describe themselves and how they believe others expect them to behave at work. The goal is to map behavioral patterns, including factors such as dominance, extraversion, patience, and formality.
Organizations use PI results to:
- Match candidates to roles that suit their behavioral profiles
- Identify leadership potential
- Guide employee development and coaching strategies
- Improve team dynamics and communication
Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment (PIBA)
The assessment typically consists of a series of questions or tasks that ask the candidate to rank their level of agreement with statements, describe their approach to specific situations, or identify their values and motivations. The results of the assessment are analyzed to provide insight into the candidate’s strengths, tendencies, and potential areas for development and to determine their fit for the role and organization.
Many different questions could be included in a Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment (PI Behavioral Assessment). These questions are designed to assess an individual’s behavioral tendencies and work-related personality traits. Some common types of questions in a PI Behavioral Assessment include:
- Agree/Disagree: The candidate is asked to rank their level of agreement with statements, such as “I enjoy working independently” or “I prefer working in a structured environment.”
- Situational judgment: The candidate is presented with hypothetical situations and asked to describe how they would handle them.
- Motivations: The candidate is asked to rank their level of importance for different motivations, such as recognition, security, and creativity.
Predictive Index personality types (PI)
The Predictive Index (PI) utilizes a behavioral assessment to evaluate an individual’s workplace personality traits and behavioral tendencies. The results generate a PI Behavioral Pattern, which highlights a person’s dominant drives and natural behaviors in a professional setting.
There are four main PI Behavioral Patterns: Dominance, Extraversion, Patience, and Formality. Each pattern is represented by a combination of two of the four dimensions of behavior, including:
- Dominance: This dimension measures an individual’s assertiveness and tendency to take charge.
- Extraversion: This dimension measures an individual’s sociability and energy level.
- Patience: This dimension measures an individual’s level of comfort with change and pace of work.
- Formality: This dimension measures an individual’s need for structure and preference for rules and procedures.
What types of questions are asked on a predictive index test?
Verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, and pattern recognition are common components of many cognitive and aptitude tests. Some of these assessments are timed, making it essential to practice in advance to improve speed, accuracy, and confidence on test day.
predictive index assessment sample test
Predictive index tests pdf
How do you pass a predictive index test?
To perform well on the Predictive Index (PI) Behavioral Assessment, it’s important to understand that there is no “pass” or “fail.” The test is designed to identify your natural behavioral traits and how they align with a specific role. The best way to succeed is to be honest and consistent with your answers. Don’t try to guess what the employer wants—this can result in a mismatched profile. Instead, focus on choosing adjectives that genuinely reflect your personality and workplace behavior.
For the PI Cognitive Assessment (if included), preparation is key. Practice solving verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning questions under time constraints to improve your performance. Managing your time wisely and staying calm during the test will also help you do your best. Ultimately, authenticity and preparation are your best strategies.
Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment sample questions
Here are some free sample questions from the Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment:
- How do you prefer to work in a team? a. Leading the team and making decisions b. Contributing to the team’s efforts and offering ideas c. Supporting the team and making sure everyone is working well together d. Taking on specific tasks and responsibilities within the team
- How do you handle stressful situations? a. By remaining calm and thinking logically b. By seeking support and advice from others c. By taking a break and focusing on self-care d. By pushing through the stress and working harder
- How do you react to change? a. By embracing the change and seeing it as an opportunity for growth b. By feeling anxious or overwhelmed by the change c. By seeking more information and understanding the reasons for the change d. By adapting to the change quickly and efficiently
- How do you prioritize your tasks? a. By focusing on urgent tasks first and dealing with less urgent tasks later b. By tackling the most important tasks first, regardless of urgency c. By balancing urgent and important tasks equally d. By taking a flexible approach and adapting to changing priorities as needed
- How do you communicate with others? a. By being direct and to the point b. By being friendly and engaging c. By being empathetic and understanding d. By adjusting your communication style to fit the needs of the situation
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