Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory 

What is the Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory?

The Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory (HBRI) is a highly regarded assessment tool designed to evaluate cognitive reasoning and decision-making skills within a business context. Developed by Hogan Assessments, this inventory is widely used by organizations to identify individuals with the analytical and strategic thinking abilities necessary for success in leadership and managerial roles.

The test consists of 24 multiple-choice questions that assess two major categories: Qualitative Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning.

The HBRI is available in both timed and untimed formats, with the version administered depending on the employer’s preference. Regardless of the format, candidates are encouraged to work efficiently, as the estimated completion time is 25–30 minutes.

According to Hogan, approximately 6% of HBRI test-takers answer all 24 questions correctly. Compared to other cognitive assessments, this is a relatively high percentage, likely because the HBRI is primarily used to screen candidates for high-level positions.

Here, we will cover what you need to know about the HBRI test.

What questions can I expect on the HBRI?

The Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory test consists of 24 multiple-choice questions, which should be completed as quickly as possible.

While the questions are versatile, they can be categorized into six distinct types, divided across the two main areas of focus: qualitative reasoning and quantitative reasoning.

Qualitative Reasoning:

Questions assess verbal reasoning, pattern recognition, and the ability to interpret abstract concepts. These may involve identifying trends, drawing logical conclusions, and understanding business scenarios.

The qualitative reasoning questions includes three types of questions: Image series, word analogies, and deductive reasoning.

We will cover these three question types below.

Image Series

An image series question typically presents a series of figures, shapes, numbers, or letters, and asks you to identify the underlying pattern or rule. Based on this pattern, you are asked to choose the next item in the series.

Word Analogies

Word analogy questions assess a test-taker’s ability to recognize relationships between words. These questions will present a pair of words that share a specific relationship, followed by a single word and multiple answer choices. The test-taker must select the word that best completes the second pair by maintaining the same relationship as the first.

Deductive Reasoning

Deductive reasoning is the process of reasoning from one or more statements to reach a logically certain conclusion.

Deductive reasoning questions will require you to use your problem-solving and reasoning skills by evaluating arguments, analyzing scenarios, and drawing logical conclusions.

Quantitative Reasoning:

Questions focus on numerical data, mathematical relationships, and logical problem-solving skills. These may include interpreting graphs, solving equations, and identifying patterns in numbers.

The qualitative reasoning questions includes three types of questions: Data Interpretation, word problems, and object rotations.

We will cover these three question types below.

Data Interpretation

Data interpretation involves analyzing information presented in charts, graphs, or tables to answer questions or draw conclusions based on the given data.

Word Problems

A word problem typically presents a scenario or a situation that involves numbers and requires the application of mathematical concepts to solve. These problems are written in a narrative form and often relate to real-life situations. The goal is to extract the relevant numerical information from the text and use appropriate mathematical operations to find a solution.

Object Rotation

Object rotation questions require you to visualize how a 2D shape would look if rotated and identify the correct match from the options provided.

We have included practice questions of every type in our  Hogan Test Prep Package.

How is my score calculated?

HBRI scores are based on a comparison to a normative group, meaning results indicate how well a candidate performs relative to others. The scoring includes:

• Overall Score – A general measure of reasoning ability.

• Quantitative Reasoning Score – Reflecting numerical and logical problem-solving ability.

• Qualitative Reasoning Score – Measuring verbal, abstract, and critical reasoning skills.

• Decision-Making Style – Indicating how candidates approach complex business problems and process information to arrive at conclusions.

Employers use these scores to predict a candidate’s potential for success in strategic decision-making roles.

How to prepare for the Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory (HBRI)?

Preparing for the HBRI will help you perform better and increase your chances of landing the job. There are several things you can do to prepare for the HBRI:

• Practice your mental calculation skills—speed is important for scoring well on the HBRI.
  Practice doing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division calculations in your head. This will help you perform calculations faster in numerical reasoning questions.
• Brush up on your knowledge of basic mathematical rules and concepts, such as fractions, decimals, percentages, square roots, exponents, and basic algebra.
• Practice questions similar to those on the HBRI, this will familiarize you with the questions and help you feel more confident about taking the test.
• Set up a simulated HBRI test with the same question types and time limit. Practicing time management techniques is very important for performing well.

Tips for taking your HBRI test

• Keep an eye on the time. You only have 30 minutes to answer as many questions as you can.
• You should not spend too much time on any one question. If you are not close to an answer after about 90 seconds, take a guess and move on.
• If you do not know the answer to a question, or if you find yourself taking too much time on any one question, you should guess at the answer rather than leave it unanswered. There is no penalty for wrong answers.
• Use scratch paper and a pen or pencil to assist you; it will help you keep track of your calculations.
• Remember to read all answer options. Sometimes ruling out unreasonable answers can make it easier to identify the correct answer.

Preparation makes the difference

We can help you prepare for the Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory. With our Hogan Index Test Prep package, you get more than 500 HBRI practice questions with explained solutions, four full-length simulated HBRI tests, extra study tools, and guidance throughout your training. Get access now.

Try our free HBRI practice test, we’ve included each of the question types explained above.