What You Should Expect From the Wonderlic Personality Test
According to many modern psychologists, the more you know about someone’s character, the better you can predict future performance. That’s why more and more large corporations are adding Wonderlic’s personality tests to their list of psychometric assessments.
Why Study Personality?
You’ve heard the term “employee disengagement” in the news a great deal lately. Chances are good though that you don’t need the local news channel to tell you that not all your co-workers are passionate and excited about coming into the office every morning at 8am.
That being said, the statistics are truly alarming.
According to the 2017 Gallup poll on employee engagement, only 33% of full-time American employees are “highly involved in and enthusiastic about their work and workplace.” Worse still, that number drops to only 15% when analyzed on a global scale.
Workplace engagement, or lack thereof, has an enormous impact on productivity. Companies will continue to struggle to make ends meet if they hire ill-suited candidates in their rush to fill an opening. Whether because they’re ignoring important warning signs or hiring someone solely for their skills, hiring managers need to be more careful when extending offers.
However, a single exam supposedly takes care of all that. Instead of relying on your gut feeling, you can rely on a test score. The Wonderlic personality tests help employers ultimately to identify candidates that not only possess certain skills, but who share the company’s values and fit seamlessly into the company culture
Great way to study!
I was able to double my score from just a weeks worth of studying. They bring up very easy ways to get to the solution of the problem. Would recommend to anyone who has to take this test!
I found the course to be very helpful
I found the course to be very helpful. I like how they made it crystal clear on how to solve every problem. They also provide sample test that you can take until you get good with time management. The course is very detail of what you should expect to be see on the real exam.
Great explanations on every module
Great explanations on every module. Course helps you boost your confidence and most importantly your speed. 10/10 all the way
This test prep helped me in a crunch
This test prep helped me in a crunch. I had two days to review prior to taking the test as part of a job interview process. I was able to quickly learn the process and shortcuts for some of the questions and GREATLY improve my time.
I’ve been studying for my test and most…
I’ve been studying for my test and most of the questions are on here and they break down every question you get wrong so it will become easier for you to solve its definitely worth it
Easy to comprehend lessons/ breakdowns…
Easy to comprehend lessons/ breakdowns of potential Wonderlic tests. I was pressed for time to prepare for the Wonderlic and this test prep was a huge help in my time of need!!
Very user friendly to begin with and…
Very user friendly to begin with and the test actually helped me improve my score by at least 5-10 pts
Worth the investment
The material was just like the actual test. The tips provided for each type of question were spot on. If you need to take the Wonderlic, this prep is worth the money.
I could not have completed the…
I could not have completed the Wonderlic exam without the help of Wonderlic Test Prep tutorials and practice tests. Great experience, materials are accurate and it gave me the confidence to finish the exam. Thank you Wonderlic Test Prep!
This wonderlic test prep prepared me to…
This wonderlic test prep prepared me to have a better test grade that helps to get College admission.
Going back for a new career
I am starting a new career and Wonderlic helped me greatly to get back into my college for preparing for my entrance examination. I found the testing to be extremely helpful and actually contributed to my passing the examination. I would recommend this program to everyone both young and people who are starting a new career.
This was a great program
This was a great program. As an adult learner, I found it a wonderful test-taking resource, and the explanations were helpful.
What is the Wonderlic Personality Test?
There are actually three different Wonderlic personality tests, all of which focus on different character traits and target different kinds of employees. Below, we discuss each of these Wonderlic exams in detail and even offer you a free Wonderlic Practice Sample Test.
Wonderlic Personal Characteristics Inventory (PCI)
This Wonderlic personality test contains 150 questions, and takes approximately 25-30 minutes. It can be administered as either a proctored online or hand-written test and evaluates personality according to the Five Factor Personality Model.
The Five-Factor Personality Model, also known as the Big Five Model was originally developed by Paul Costa and Robert McCrae, who believed that it was possible analyze personality through five essential qualities: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neurosis, the five of which are sometimes abbreviated as O.C.E.A.N.
The PCI exam breaks these five main categories into 12 subscales:
- Sociability
- Leadership Orientation
- Leadership Orientation
- Cooperation
- Consideration
- Dependability
- Efficiency
- Even-Temperament
- Achievement Striving
- Self-Confidence
- Abstract Thinking
- Creativity
And 4 success scales:
- Teamwork
- Commitment to Work
- Learning Orientation
- Integrity
This assessment is typically administered to individuals applying to work in production, manufacturing, logistics, or management. You may also be asked to take the WPCI if you intend to perform clerical or administrative work, drive a commercial vehicle, or work in computers and IT.
This exam is designed to help recruiters decide whether employees will be happy or not in a specific role. HR departments spend thousands of dollars searching for and interviewing new employees, and they will have wasted a lot of time and money if they went through all of that trouble only to find out that the employee quits a few weeks later.
There’s no way to know for sure whether a specific individual will thrive in a certain working environment, but by evaluating his or her personality traits, the company improves their chance of identifying and hiring the right employee on the first attempt.
Even though many hirees who are asked to take the PCI are lower-level employees who tend not to interact with clientele that frequently, their participation still matters. The more a company can increase employee satisfaction and reduce turnover, the more productive they will be.
Wonderlic Personality Test Sample Questions:
- Strongly Disagree
- Disagree
- Neutral
- Agree
- Strongly Agree
- Strongly Disagree
- Disagree
- Neutral
- Agree
- Strongly Agree
- Strongly Disagree
- Disagree
- Neutral
- Agree
- Strongly Agree
Wonderlic Comprehensive Personality Profile (CPP)
The Comprehensive Personality Profile consists of 88 true or false questions, which take about 20 minutes to complete on average. However, it is untimed, so you can take as long as you need.
In contrast to the PCI, the CPP is designed mainly for employees who interact with customers. So, if you’re applying for a role in sales, customer service, nursing, healthcare, or telemarketing, you’ll probably take the Wonderlic Comprehensive Personality Profile. Because these employees will represent the company, it’s essential that their interpersonal skills are very strong.
Not only will this exam help your prospective employer to decide whether your values are aligned with the company’s or not, but it will also allow them to determine how you might fit onto their team. By assessing your personality traits, the CPP will evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and place you into one of four categories: driver, supporter, thinker, or motivator.
This specific personality test is based off of seven main personality traits and ten minor ones, all of which are listed below.
Seven Principle Personality Traits:
- Assertiveness
- Emotional Intensity
- Exaggeration
- Intuition
- Recognition Motivation
- Sensitivity
Ten Minor Personality Traits:
- Assertiveness
- Decisiveness
- Efficiency
- Ego Drive
- Empathy
- Independence
- Interpersonal Warmth
- Objectivity
- Stability
- Tolerance
Great way to study!
I was able to double my score from just a weeks worth of studying. They bring up very easy ways to get to the solution of the problem. Would recommend to anyone who has to take this test!
I found the course to be very helpful
I found the course to be very helpful. I like how they made it crystal clear on how to solve every problem. They also provide sample test that you can take until you get good with time management. The course is very detail of what you should expect to be see on the real exam.
Great explanations on every module
Great explanations on every module. Course helps you boost your confidence and most importantly your speed. 10/10 all the way
This test prep helped me in a crunch
This test prep helped me in a crunch. I had two days to review prior to taking the test as part of a job interview process. I was able to quickly learn the process and shortcuts for some of the questions and GREATLY improve my time.
I’ve been studying for my test and most…
I’ve been studying for my test and most of the questions are on here and they break down every question you get wrong so it will become easier for you to solve its definitely worth it
Easy to comprehend lessons/ breakdowns…
Easy to comprehend lessons/ breakdowns of potential Wonderlic tests. I was pressed for time to prepare for the Wonderlic and this test prep was a huge help in my time of need!!
Very user friendly to begin with and…
Very user friendly to begin with and the test actually helped me improve my score by at least 5-10 pts
Worth the investment
The material was just like the actual test. The tips provided for each type of question were spot on. If you need to take the Wonderlic, this prep is worth the money.
I could not have completed the…
I could not have completed the Wonderlic exam without the help of Wonderlic Test Prep tutorials and practice tests. Great experience, materials are accurate and it gave me the confidence to finish the exam. Thank you Wonderlic Test Prep!
This wonderlic test prep prepared me to…
This wonderlic test prep prepared me to have a better test grade that helps to get College admission.
Going back for a new career
I am starting a new career and Wonderlic helped me greatly to get back into my college for preparing for my entrance examination. I found the testing to be extremely helpful and actually contributed to my passing the examination. I would recommend this program to everyone both young and people who are starting a new career.
This was a great program
This was a great program. As an adult learner, I found it a wonderful test-taking resource, and the explanations were helpful.
Wonderlic Personality Test Sample Questions:
If my manager criticizes my work, but I disagree with his arguments, I will stand up for myself.
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
Wonderlic Comprehensive Personality Profile (CPP)
The Wonderlic Profile Index consists of 90 questions and usually requires between 20 to 30 minutes. Designed for entry-level positions, the WPI is a simple personality test that helps employers to evaluate hirees that will be handling company equipment, merchandise, and cash without direct supervision.
Essentially, because the majority of entry-level candidates have little to no work experience, employers can use this personality test as a means by which to minimize risk.
The test is founded on the five-factor model discussed above but centers on three main attributes: conscientiousness, stability, and agreeableness.
Conscientiousness refers to the ability to set goals and work diligently toward achieving them. Conscientious workers are reliable, serious, focused, diligent, and competent.
Stability allows you to maintain a sense of calm even in stressful situations. This is an essential quality for entry-level workers who may be overwhelmed by a large workload–a long line of restless customers, a long list of data to process, etc.
Agreeableness: agreeable people tend to be generous, understanding, sweet, caring, respectful, and kind. However, someone who is too high in agreeableness might come off as naive, insecure, and meek. It’s important that employees exercise balance.
Applicants can either take the test at home online or at the office itself, and their results will be ready immediately.
The report will show five different numbers, which indicate scores for: Personal Productivity
- Personal Productivity
- Work Effort and Persistence
- Service and Support
- Counterproductive Work Behavior
- Turnover
Based on these scores, Wonderlic will generate an automatic report with relevant interview questions for your interviewer.
How Do I Prepare for a Wonderlic Personality Test?
1. Be Yourself:
While it might sound cliche, it’s important that you don’t assume characteristics or qualities you don’t have. Your employers want to see a personality profile after all.
They know that different people have different strengths and weaknesses, and that’s okay.No one has only strengths. If you skew your answers to try to fit some imaginary ideal,you’ll likely just end up cutting yourself short. What you really want is a consistentprofile. While you won’t want to reveal any major shortcomings, you shouldn’t shy awayfrom answering authentically.
2. Think in Terms of Traits:
Try to jump inside the minds of the test-writers for a second. Each of these personality tests were written with certain character traits in mind. When you answer questions, focus on the character trait in question.
Remember, you’ll want your report to tell a consistent story. So, try to emphasize a few of your main qualities. For instance, maybe your highly ambitious and conscientious, but not very extroverted. On the other hand, you could be highly open, creative, and agreeable, but not very decisive. Essentially, you need to strike a balance.
3. Take our Wonderlic Prep Course:
While it might sound cliche, it’s important that you don’t assume characteristics or qualities you don’t have. Your employers want to see a personality profile after all.
They know that different people have different strengths and weaknesses,
In our Rapid QuickPass™ Wonderlic® Guide, we have a bonus module devoted solely to the Wonderlic personality tests. We’ll go into depth on how to avoid common mistakes and edge out your competition. Click below to learn more about our online course.
Note: Wonderlic Inc. and other trademarks are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of the trademark holders are affiliated with Wonderlic Test Prep or this website.
and that’s okay.No one has only strengths. If you skew your answers to try to fit some imaginary ideal,you’ll likely just end up cutting yourself short. What you really want is a consistentprofile. While you won’t want to reveal any major shortcomings, you shouldn’t shy awayfrom answering authentically.
About the Author: Michael Lerner
Michael Lerner is a leading authority on the Wonderlic Test and the founder of wonderlic Test Prep.
Together with a team of expert psychometric tutors, Michael has developed a highly effective Wonderlic prep course that is continuously updated to reflect the latest test formats and challenges.
Their combined expertise has helped countless individuals excel on the test and secure their dream jobs.
Michael's mission is to make mastering the Wonderlic test straightforward, effective, and accessible for everyone.
The QuickPass™ Wonderlic® Prep Course
QuickPass™ is independent prep by PrepTerminal™ — not affiliated with Wonderlic, Inc.
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Discover what our students said about this course.
Great way to study!
I was able to double my score from just a weeks worth of studying. They bring up very easy ways to get to the solution of the problem. Would recommend to anyone who has to take this test!
I found the course to be very helpful
I found the course to be very helpful. I like how they made it crystal clear on how to solve every problem. They also provide sample test that you can take until you get good with time management. The course is very detail of what you should expect to be see on the real exam.
Great explanations on every module
Great explanations on every module. Course helps you boost your confidence and most importantly your speed. 10/10 all the way
This test prep helped me in a crunch
This test prep helped me in a crunch. I had two days to review prior to taking the test as part of a job interview process. I was able to quickly learn the process and shortcuts for some of the questions and GREATLY improve my time.
I’ve been studying for my test and most…
I’ve been studying for my test and most of the questions are on here and they break down every question you get wrong so it will become easier for you to solve its definitely worth it
Easy to comprehend lessons/ breakdowns…
Easy to comprehend lessons/ breakdowns of potential Wonderlic tests. I was pressed for time to prepare for the Wonderlic and this test prep was a huge help in my time of need!!
Very user friendly to begin with and…
Very user friendly to begin with and the test actually helped me improve my score by at least 5-10 pts
Worth the investment
The material was just like the actual test. The tips provided for each type of question were spot on. If you need to take the Wonderlic, this prep is worth the money.
I could not have completed the…
I could not have completed the Wonderlic exam without the help of Wonderlic Test Prep tutorials and practice tests. Great experience, materials are accurate and it gave me the confidence to finish the exam. Thank you Wonderlic Test Prep!
This wonderlic test prep prepared me to…
This wonderlic test prep prepared me to have a better test grade that helps to get College admission.
Going back for a new career
I am starting a new career and Wonderlic helped me greatly to get back into my college for preparing for my entrance examination. I found the testing to be extremely helpful and actually contributed to my passing the examination. I would recommend this program to everyone both young and people who are starting a new career.
This was a great program
This was a great program. As an adult learner, I found it a wonderful test-taking resource, and the explanations were helpful.