How to Pass the Revelian Cognitive Ability Test (RCAT): Tips to Improve Your Score and Land the Job

How to Pass the Revelian Cognitive Ability Test (RCAT): Tips to Improve Your Score and Land the Job

Introduction to the Revelian Cognitive Ability Test (RCAT)

The Revelian Cognitive Ability Test (RCAT) is a widely used psychometric assessment designed to measure an individual’s cognitive abilities. This test evaluates several mental faculties, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and reasoning. It is a key component in modern recruitment processes, offering employers a standardized way to assess a candidate’s potential to perform complex tasks, process information quickly, and adapt to new challenges.

Originally developed by Revelian, a global provider of behavioral insights and assessments, the RCAT is used by companies around the world to screen candidates for roles that require mental agility, logical reasoning, and quick decision-making. Unlike other pre-employment tests, which may focus on personality or emotional intelligence, the RCAT is centered around cognitive ability, giving employers a snapshot of how well a candidate can think on their feet.

The Importance of Cognitive Ability in the Workplace

Cognitive ability is one of the most reliable predictors of job performance across various industries. Studies have shown that employees with strong cognitive abilities tend to learn faster, solve problems more efficiently, and adapt to new environments more readily than their peers. As a result, employers increasingly turn to tests like the RCAT to ensure that they hire candidates who can excel in dynamic and demanding job roles.

Cognitive ability is especially important in roles that require frequent decision-making, problem-solving, and multitasking. For example, jobs in fields like technology, finance, and management often demand individuals who can process information quickly, think critically, and apply logic to unfamiliar situations.

Moreover, since cognitive ability correlates with learning potential, employees who score high on tests like the RCAT are often considered trainable, adaptable, and capable of taking on more complex tasks over time.

Structure of the Revelian Cognitive Ability Test

The RCAT consists of 51 questions that must be answered within a 20-minute time limit. The questions are designed to challenge various aspects of cognitive functioning, including numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and abstract reasoning. This time limit makes the test particularly challenging, as candidates need to think quickly and accurately under pressure.

The test typically covers three main areas:

  • Numerical reasoning: Focuses on interpreting data, solving mathematical problems, and working with numerical information.
  • Verbal reasoning: Assesses comprehension, logical connections between concepts, and the ability to understand written material.
  • Abstract reasoning: Involves identifying patterns, relationships, and logical rules in sets of figures or symbols.

The RCAT’s format is multiple-choice, with candidates selecting the correct answer from a set of options. Since there are more questions than can typically be answered in the time available, candidates are encouraged to prioritize speed and accuracy.

Types of Questions on the RCAT

  • Numerical Reasoning — Number Series, Matrices, Word Problems
  • Verbal Reasoning — Analogies, Vocab, Deductive Reasoning, Odd one out
  • Abstract Reasoning — Series , Analogies , Odd one out

Checkout free sample questions of each question type

Scoring of the RCAT

The RCAT is scored out of 51, with the final score reflecting the number of correct answers. However, raw scores are often converted into percentile rankings to allow for comparison with other test-takers. A percentile rank indicates the proportion of people the candidate scored better than. For example, if a candidate is in the 75th percentile, they performed better than 75% of the other test-takers.

A “good” score generally falls into the 70th to 90th percentile, indicating that the candidate has stronger cognitive abilities compared to most other applicants. However, different companies may interpret scores based on the specific demands of the role being filled.

Key Skills Assessed by the RCAT

The RCAT measures several key cognitive abilities that are crucial for workplace success:

  • Problem-solving: The ability to find solutions to unfamiliar or complex issues.
  • Critical thinking: Evaluating information and arguments to make logical decisions.
  • Logical reasoning: Drawing valid conclusions from available evidence, whether numerical, verbal, or abstract.

These abilities are fundamental to roles that require decision-making, planning, and analysis, making the RCAT a valuable tool in recruitment processes for positions that emphasize cognitive demands.

Preparation for the RCAT

While cognitive ability tests are designed to measure inherent abilities, there are strategies to improve performance:

  • Familiarize yourself with question types: Reviewing sample RCAT questions helps to understand the structure and the type of reasoning required.
  • Practice under timed conditions: Since time is a critical factor, taking practice tests in a time-limited setting can help improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Work on weak areas: If numerical reasoning is a challenge, focus more on practicing math problems. Similarly, practice logical reasoning exercises for abstract questions.

Check out our RCAT practice tests course available to help candidates prepare, simulate the exact structure and timing of the RCAT.

For additional practice questions and answers tailored to the RCAT, we recommend exploring our Full-length 6 Practice Tests. (Use Coupon — WELCOMERCAT ). If you seek a test simulation closely mirroring the real exam experience, consider visiting our course. Engaging in full-length tests aids in acclimating to time constraints, ultimately improving your score in RCAT.

Strategies for Performing Well on the RCAT

Success on the RCAT requires a combination of speed, accuracy, and concentration:

  • Break down complex questions: Focus on understanding the question fully before attempting to solve it. If a question seems too complex, it may be beneficial to skip it and return later.
  • Time management: Don’t spend too long on any single question. Allocate time evenly across sections to ensure you get through as many questions as possible.
  • Stay calm under pressure: Managing anxiety is crucial for performing well. Taking deep breaths and staying focused can help reduce stress and keep your mind sharp.