Sending the PI Cognitive Assessment to candidates | The Predictive Index Documentation Center

This article applies to users with cognitive access in the PI2 platform.

If you've chosen to set a Cognitive Target, see how well a candidate fits that target by having them complete the PI Cognitive Assessment.

How to send the PI Cognitive Assessment to candidates

There are two ways to send behavioral assessments to candidates. You can either send them via PI, or you can send them yourself:

Sending assessments via PI

Log in to PI Hire.
From the Hiring Center, select either a Job you’ve created or a Job for which you have "Edit" access.
Select the Candidates tab.
Click the "Add Candidates" button.
You will be asked which assessments you'd like to send.
Select "PI Cognitive Assessment."
(Optional) Select "PI Behavioral Assessment."
Click "Next."
Enter the first name, last name, and email address of the candidate to whom you’re sending the assessment(s).
Click "Send Assessment(s)."

Note: If you do not see an option to send the PI Cognitive Assessment, this likely means you do not have cognitive access. To gain cognitive access, reach out to a cognitive admin.

Sending assessments yourself

Log in to PI Hire.
From the Hiring Center, select either a Job you've created or a Job for which you have Edit access.
Click the "Copy assessment link" button in the top-right corner. An open invitation link to take the assessment(s) will copy to your clipboard.
Write an email via your preferred email client and post the link in the email body.

Note: By default, this assessment link only allows candidates to complete the PI Behavioral Assessment. To prompt applicants to complete the PI Cognitive Assessment, customize the link before sharing it with them.

For some best practices when writing your own email, see the next section.

Preparing candidates for the cognitive assessment

The PI Cognitive Assessment is an incredibly powerful predictor of on-the-job success. But that power comes with responsibility.

It's critical to understand the ethics of administering cognitive assessments. Cognitive data should not be the lone determinant for hiring decisions. If you hire solely based on cognitive data, you risk ignoring other aspects of a person's candidacy, which can lead to bias (even if subconscious) and adverse impact.

Thankfully, you can avoid that scenario with the right preparation and intention. To use the CA effectively, start by setting the right expectations with your candidates.

When sending them the assessment, tell them:

It is a 12-minute timed assessment that includes verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning questions.
The assessment should have your full concentration, so limit or remove any possible distractions.
Read instructions carefully and use your own judgment to answer questions.
The PI Cognitive Assessment does not measure intelligence, education, or experience. It simply measures a person’s capacity to learn, adapt, and grasp new concepts.

For more information about the PI Cognitive Assessment, learn about Cognitive Assessment scoring.

FAQs

I'm unable to send the PI Cognitive Assessment. Why?

There are two common reasons you might not be able to send the PI Cognitive Assessment:

If you don't see an option to send the Cognitive Assessment, it likely means you do not have cognitive access. To gain access, reach out to a cognitive admin.
If you do see an option to send the Cognitive Assessment, but it's greyed out, it likely means you haven't set up a Cognitive Target for the job.

I can’t find a candidate's downloadable Cognitive Report. Is that available?

Here's how to download a candidate's Cognitive Report.

Where can I find a breakdown of a candidate's Cognitive Score?

In addition to the Cognitive Score, you can also view three cognitive “subscores”: Verbal, Numeric, and Abstract Reasoning.

You can find these subscores in two places:

On the Cognitive Target Fit page, directly underneath the candidate's cognitive score. (Look for the expandable section titled "Cognitive Subscores.")
On the full version of a candidate's downloadable Cognitive Report.

Is there a way to send the PI Cognitive Assessment by link?

Yes. To do so, find the candidate assessment link for the relevant job, modify the settings to your liking, then copy and share the link directly with candidates.

Important: To ensure candidates are sent the Cognitive Assessment, make sure your link is enabled to auto-send the Cognitive Assessment.

Is it possible to send the Cognitive Assessment to a candidate without creating a job?

At PI, we believe strongly in fair and responsible assessment use. To reduce bias and ensure a consistent candidate experience, it is crucial that all behavioral (and cognitive) results are assessed relative to a Job Target.

While creating a job and setting a target takes time, they are necessary steps to use PI's assessments accurately and responsibly.

We recognize that your time is valuable. If you'd like to send assessments first and then build your Job Target, please follow the instructions in the next FAQ question. We hope this allows some flexibility when creating your target.

I'm not sure what Job Target I'd like to build. Can I revisit it later, so I can first send out some assessments?

Yes, you have the option to temporarily skip the Job Target process.

To do so:

Start by creating a new job.
Enter the job title, then continue.
Click the "Skip for now" text in the bottom-left of the screen.
Confirm by clicking "Skip for now."
You will be prompted to send assessments to candidates. (You can revisit the Job Target process at any time by clicking the "Job Target" tab.)

Note: Although you can send assessments without a Job Target, you must create a target to access full candidate insights, including cognitive results and job fit.

You also must set a target to leverage features such as the Interview Builder.

Additional support

Sending the PI Behavioral Assessment