A single timed reasoning test is usually short, but the whole assessment stage can run much longer. This guide separates figures that publishers state from those you should confirm yourself.
Published figures for individual cognitive tests range from about 12 to 36 minutes, and most employers combine several tests or stages. The exact length depends on the provider, the version and the role, so the invitation email is the only reliable source.
The table below lists only what the publishers themselves say, as of 12 October 2026. Versions are updated, so treat a number as a guide rather than a promise.
| Provider / test | What the publisher states | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SHL Verify Interactive Numerical Reasoning | 18 minutes, maximum 10 questions | Fact sheet describes it as computer adaptive and designed for unsupervised use. |
| SHL Verify Interactive G+ | 36 minutes, maximum 24 questions | Covers deductive, inductive and numerical reasoning in a single sitting. The fact sheet carries a 2018 date. |
| Criteria CCAT | 50 questions in 15 minutes | Criteria says very few candidates finish all 50 items. |
| Talogy Logiks | 12 to 25 minutes, 20 to 50 items | The page does not map durations to each level. |
| Saville Assessment | Not publicly confirmed in the pages we read | The practice page says tests run to strict time limits and tells candidates to ask support for durations. |
| Aon (including cut-e) | Not confirmed from an official candidate page | Third-party sites quote figures, which we do not repeat here. |
| Korn Ferry | Not confirmed from an official candidate page | Lengths vary with the mix of tests and questionnaires an employer chooses. |
Putting the published numbers side by side gives a rough pattern, with plenty of exceptions.
| Family | What published figures show | Caution |
|---|---|---|
| Numerical reasoning | One SHL example allows 18 minutes for a short set of items | Some tests use more questions in less time. |
| Combined general ability tests | Between 12 and 36 minutes across the examples above | Combined tests mix several skills in one timer. |
| Verbal, abstract, logical | Often one short section each within a battery | No figure confirmed for every provider, so check yours. |
| Situational judgement, error checking | Not standardised across publishers | Employer configuration varies. |
| Video interviews, work samples, assessment centres | Set entirely by the employer | Can range from short tasks to a full day. |
Talogy notes on its answers page that, for timed assessments, the time shown is the maximum allotted time. In other words, a 15-minute limit means you cannot take longer, not that everyone uses all of it. Untimed questionnaires are estimated instead.
Set aside more time than the headline number. Instructions, example questions, a short break between sections and a technical check all add minutes. Some platforms show the schedule for each part, which helps you plan.
For the main stage types, see the pre-employment assessment guide.
When you build a practice routine, match the clock to the figures above. Work through a set from a practice provider with a timer, then upload the questions you missed to ReasonEra, a browser-based AI tutor, to see the reasoning behind the answer. It helps with numerical, verbal, abstract, logical and similar reasoning items. New accounts get 3 free trials, and a 14-Day Pass is 49 € if you want unlimited use for two weeks. Our free practice tests also show your time and score at the end.
Assessment stages vary by role, country and intake, so use these notes as a starting point only.
ReasonEra is designed for practice and learning, but many employers prohibit outside help during a live assessment, so follow the rules you agreed to when you accepted the invitation.
Published figures for single cognitive tests sit between roughly 12 and 36 minutes, but the length depends on the provider and version. Check your invitation for the number that applies to you.
The CCAT has up to 50 questions and a 15-minute time limit, according to Criteria. The company says very few candidates answer all of them.
SHL fact sheets list 18 minutes for Numerical Reasoning and 36 minutes for G+, with maximum question counts of 10 and 24. Employers choose which SHL tests to use, so your invitation may differ.
Most cognitive tests are timed, although some questionnaires are not. The instructions screen normally states the limit before you begin.
It varies widely, from under an hour for a short online battery to a full day for an assessment centre. Employers set the schedule, so ask the recruiter if the invitation is unclear.
Upload what you are practising today and get the explanation straight away. A 14-Day Pass is available if you want more.
Payments are processed by Paddle, with refund terms set out in the Refund & Cancellation Policy.
Notes. Everything described here rests on publicly available information, listed in the sources section. This page was written by ReasonEra without involvement from the organisations it mentions.