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Game-based assessments

Gamified cognitive ability tests with the predictive power of traditional assessments — completed in minutes, not hours, and built to resist AI cheating.

  • 4-6 mins
  • 10-12 questions
  • AI-resistant
MindmetriQ game-based assessments on two mobile phones

Powering hiring decisions at Lenovo, EDF and more

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Gamified cognitive tests based on Spearman's 'g' factor

Our MindmetriQ™ series uses dynamic, gamified tasks that demand high cognitive loading, with each assessment focusing on a particular element of cognitive ability: numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, or logical reasoning.

General cognitive ability is the single biggest predictor of job performance. Every MindmetriQ™ assessment is a scientifically validated measure of general cognitive ability, built to the same strict psychometric standards as traditional tests — but delivered in a format that's shorter, more engaging, and resistant to AI cheating.

IDEAL SCENARIOS
  • High volume screening - Filter thousands of candidates quickly without sacrificing accuracy.
  • Early careers and graduate roles - Engage younger candidates with a format they're comfortable with.
  • Remote screening - Assess with confidence knowing AI tools can't be used to cheat.
  • Positive candidate experience - Short, interactive tests that candidates actually want to complete.

Test Partnership’s tests give one of our best indicators to future performance. The gamified tests have only enhanced their effectiveness, testing candidates on multiple levels simultaneously. Add to that their ability to identify candidates' true potential rather than that of ChatGPT, we consider it an invaluable part of our skills assessment process

Why choose MindmetriQ?

Whether you're replacing outdated traditional tests or looking for something more rigorous than the typical game-based assessment, Test Partnership's MindmetriQ tests are built to solve the problems both approaches leave behind.

Other test providers

  • Most gamified tests measure personality traits, which have a much weaker correlation to job performance than cognitive ability.
  • Long, boring assessments lead to candidate drop-off and damage your employer brand.
  • Many providers offer no published validation data, only marketing claims.
  • Long, text-heavy formats can disadvantage neurodiverse candidates, creating barriers from test design rather than ability.
  • Static question formats are exploited by AI tools like ChatGPT, making results unreliable.

Our game-based tests

  • Measures core cognitive ability (g), the strongest single predictor of job performance, in just 4–6 minutes per test.
  • Shorter, engaging tests reduce drop-off while keeping candidates focused and performing at their best
  • Scientifically validated against established benchmarks like the ICAR, with construct validity correlations as high as 0.89.
  • Visual, interactive tasks measure problem-solving ability without relying on heavy reading.
  • Dynamic formats prevent AI-cheating, so results reflect the candidates' genuine ability.

Our gamified assessments in action

Numerical Reasoning

Net the Numbers, a MindmetriQ gamified numerical assessment

Net the Numbers

  • 4 mins
  • 12 questions

Position the net over the highest possible sum of numbers.

Abilities assessed: quantitative reasoning, working memory capacity, visual processing.

Number Racer, a MindmetriQ gamified numerical assessment

Number Racer

  • 6 mins
  • 12 questions

Only collect the numbers which sum to the target number.

Abilities assessed: quantitative reasoning, perceptual speed, memory span.

Verbal Reasoning

Link Swipe, a MindmetriQ gamified verbal assessment

Link Swipe

  • 6 mins
  • 15 questions

Decide whether each pair of words are synonyms, antonyms, or neither.

Abilities assessed: lexical knowledge, processing verbal information, grammatical sensitivity.

Word Logic, a MindmetriQ gamified verbal assessment

Word Logic

  • 6 mins
  • 15 questions

Select which word best completes the logical comparison.

Abilities assessed: reading decoding, processing verbal information, cloze reasoning (missing information).

Logical Reasoning

Pipe Puzzle, a MindmetriQ gamified logical reasoning assessment

Pipe Puzzle

  • 4 mins
  • 10 questions

Re-arrange the pipes to connect the two end points.

Abilities assessed: logical reasoning, spatial scanning, visual memory, flexibility of closure.

Shape Spinner, a MindmetriQ gamified logical reasoning assessment

Shape Spinner

  • 4 mins
  • 10 questions

Find the wheel position where each symbol is next to one of the same shape or same shading, but not both.

Abilities assessed: logical reasoning, speeded rotation, visualization, serial perceptual integration.

How to use them in your recruitment

We’re often asked: “Do I use all six?” - the answer is it depends on your hiring goals.

You can mix and match them as you please. For most organisations, we recommend starting with at least one assessment from each cognitive area, then expanding based on your insights and needs. This allows for comprehensive coverage whilst maintaining candidate engagement.

Quick screening

Use one of each test type for rapid initial screening. Great for high volume recruitment.

Duration: ~12 mins

Targeted selection

Choose 4-5 assessments based on role requirements. Perfect for a deeper assessment into core skills.

Duration: ~18 mins

Comprehensive assessment

Use 3-6 tests combined with our personality test for a full candidate profile of aptitude and personality.

Duration: ~35 mins

chart showing strong validity construct validity results

Measures the core cognitive abilities that predict performance

Validation studies show strong correlations with established cognitive ability measures. Against the ICAR (International Cognitive Ability Resource), correlations reach 0.91 for verbal reasoning and 0.89 for numerical.

Against a broader battery of cognitive tests covering reflective thinking, syllogistic reasoning, and numerical reasoning, correlations range from 0.75–0.84 across all test types.

Reliable and efficient

Each MindmetriQ assessment takes just 4–6 minutes to complete, without compromising measurement precision.

Each test uses item banking and adaptive difficulty (IRT), adjusting in real time to select harder or easier items based on the candidate's responses — pinpointing their true ability level faster. Shorter time limits on each question capture genuine reasoning speed rather than test-taking strategy.

Person reliability scores above 0.70, the industry benchmark, confirm it consistently distinguishes between high and low performers.

chart showing dynamic assessments exceeding reliability standards

Sample reports and questions

Review real sample reports and try example questions to see exactly how the assessment works in practice — from the candidate experience through to the hiring insights.

Gamified assessments FAQs

Our gamified assessments are particularly effective for graduate, apprentice, and high-volume hiring, where you need to assess cognitive ability quickly and fairly at scale. They suit any role where problem-solving, learning ability, and general cognitive ability matter.

Because they're short, interactive, and designed for modern devices, they work especially well with candidates who are comfortable with digital, fast-paced interfaces — helping improve engagement and completion rates without compromising assessment quality.

Most game-based assessments on the market measure personality traits through simple, low-stakes tasks. They might look interactive, but they often lack published validation data and don't measure the cognitive abilities that actually predict job performance.

MindmetriQ assessments are built on a fundamentally different foundation. Every test measures cognitive ability — numerical, verbal, or logical reasoning — using dynamic tasks that demand real problem-solving under time pressure. They're validated against established cognitive ability benchmarks, with construct validity correlations as high as 0.84 and person reliability scores exceeding the 0.70 industry standard.

Yes. Our gamified assessments measure cognitive ability just as accurately as traditional tests, and more efficiently. Each test taps into core reasoning ability through fast-paced, interactive tasks. What matters is the psychometric science behind the design, not whether questions are presented as text or interactive challenges. MindmetriQ assessments also capture additional cognitive signals — such as processing speed and working memory — that traditional formats can't easily measure.

Our assessments require real-time interactions — drag-and-drop, rotation, swiping, hold-and-release — that come naturally to humans but can't be replicated by AI tools. Because the content shifts dynamically, candidates can't screenshot a question or paste it into a chatbot for a quick answer. The format itself is the security layer.

Our gamified assessments are fully accessible on desktop, tablet, and mobile. They're designed from the ground up for smaller screens, so candidates get a smooth experience on any device without cramped interfaces or compromised measurement quality.