Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory (HBRI)
How to Pass the Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory (HBRI)?
Looking to pass the HBRI test with confidence? The Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory evaluates your strategic and tactical thinking skills—not your memory or personality. To succeed, you need to think critically, stay calm under pressure, and solve complex problems using logic, numbers, and pattern recognition.
There’s no pass/fail score, but high performance can give you an edge in leadership roles, data-heavy positions, and high-stakes decision-making jobs. Focus on sharpening your abstract reasoning and numerical logic skills.
Want detailed tips? Scroll down to learn what to do before, during, and after the test.
What Is the Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory (HBRI)?
The HBRI is a cognitive assessment that evaluates strategic and tactical reasoning skills, focusing on how people approach and solve real-world business problems. Unlike general intelligence tests, the HBRI is tailored for corporate decision-making and problem-solving.
It is part of the Hogan Assessments suite and is often used in combination with personality tests like the HPI, HDS, or MVPI to offer a complete profile of a candidate’s cognitive style and leadership potential.
What Does the HBRI Measure?
The HBRI focuses on two types of business reasoning:
| Reasoning Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Strategic Reasoning | Measures the ability to identify trends, interpret abstract data, and think conceptually. Often linked to verbal and logical reasoning. |
| Tactical Reasoning | Measures attention to detail, speed, accuracy, and the ability to solve concrete problems. Often aligned with numerical reasoning and data-driven tasks. |
A third measure, Cognitive Style, is derived from the test and indicates whether someone prefers fast decision-making or deliberate, reflective thinking.
Who Takes the HBRI?
The HBRI is used primarily for:
Mid-level to senior-level hiring
Leadership development
Succession planning
Roles involving data, strategy, or business operations
Industries that frequently use the HBRI include finance, consulting, tech, healthcare, and logistics.
Test Format and Structure
Length: 24–30 multiple-choice questions
Time Limit: ~25–30 minutes
Delivery: Online
Question Types: Abstract reasoning, pattern recognition, number sequences, logic problems
Questions are designed to assess problem-solving under time pressure, reflecting real business challenges where fast and accurate decisions are needed.
How Is the HBRI Scored?
The HBRI provides scores in three key areas:
Strategic Reasoning – percentile score showing performance on abstract, conceptual problems
Tactical Reasoning – percentile score for detail-focused, data-oriented problems
Cognitive Style – shows whether you lean toward fast, intuitive thinking or cautious, analytical decision-making
Scores are compared to a professional norm group and interpreted based on job requirements. For example:
A high Tactical score is valuable for roles in accounting or data analysis.
A high Strategic score fits well in leadership, marketing, or R&D.
There’s no universal passing score—employers evaluate fit based on the position.
How to Prepare for the HBRI
While you can’t memorize answers for cognitive ability tests, preparation can improve speed, accuracy, and confidence.
Top Tips to Succeed:
Practice abstract and numerical reasoning questions
Work on pattern recognition, logic puzzles, and number sequences
Time yourself to build test-taking stamina
Read each question carefully—HBRI questions are designed to test precision
Avoid distractions and take the test in a quiet space
✅ Start with free HBRI-style practice questions at 24Practice.com to simulate real test conditions and identify your strengths.
Sample Question
Strategic Reasoning Sample Questions
(Conceptual, abstract, and pattern-based logic)
Question 1: Pattern Recognition
Which figure comes next in the sequence?
Shapes rotate 90° clockwise in each step.
A → B → C → ?
A)
🔁
B)
🔃
C)
↩
D)
↪
E)
➡
Correct Answer: Based on rotation logic – B (you’d need visual figures in real test format).
Question 2: Syllogism Logic
All analysts are problem-solvers.
Some problem-solvers are not strategic thinkers.
Therefore:
A) All analysts are strategic thinkers
B) Some analysts may not be strategic thinkers
C) No analysts are strategic thinkers
D) Some analysts are not problem-solvers
Correct Answer: B – Some analysts may not be strategic thinkers (but all are problem-solvers).
Question 3: Verbal Deduction
If all managers must attend training and John is a manager, which of the following is true?
A) John may not need to attend training
B) Only some managers attend training
C) John must attend training
D) Managers are not required to attend training
Correct Answer: C
🔹 Tactical Reasoning Sample Questions
(Numerical, attention to detail, real-world calculations)
Question 4: Numerical Logic
A report shows a department’s output dropped from 180 units to 135 units. What is the percentage decrease?
A) 20%
B) 25%
C) 30%
D) 35%
Correct Answer: B
(180 – 135 = 45 → 45 / 180 = 0.25 = 25%)
Question 5: Ratio Problem
A team of 4 employees completes 12 projects in 6 days. At the same rate, how many projects can 6 employees complete in 3 days?
A) 9
B) 12
C) 13.5
D) 18
Correct Answer: A
(Projects per employee per day = 12 ÷ (4 × 6) = 0.5. Then 6 × 3 × 0.5 = 9)
Question 6: Data Checking
A sales report shows:
Q1: $24,000
Q2: $30,000
Q3: $28,000
Q4: $26,000
Which quarter had the second-highest sales?
A) Q1
B) Q2
C) Q3
D) Q4
Correct Answer: C
Question 7: Currency Conversion
A U.S. product costs $150. If 1 USD = 0.85 EUR, how much does it cost in Euros?
A) €127.50
B) €147.50
C) €135.00
D) €112.50
Correct Answer: A
(150 × 0.85 = $127.50)
Overview of Hogan Assessment Tests
| Test Name | Purpose | Traits Measured | Format | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HPI Hogan Personality Inventory | Measures normal personality and job fit | Adjustment, Ambition, Sociability, Interpersonal Sensitivity, Prudence, Inquisitive, Learning Approach | 206 true/false questions (15–20 min) | Hiring, development, team fit, leadership screening |
| HDS Hogan Development Survey | Identifies derailers and risk factors under stress | 11 derailment traits (e.g., Excitable, Skeptical, Bold, Reserved, Leisurely) | 168 true/false questions (15–20 min) | Leadership development, risk mitigation |
| MVPI Motives, Values, Preferences Inventory | Measures core values, motivators, and cultural fit | 10 values (e.g., Recognition, Power, Hedonism, Altruism, Security) | 200 items (15–20 min) | Culture fit, career planning, team alignment |
| HBRI Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory | Assesses cognitive ability and reasoning | Tactical Reasoning (Numerical), Strategic Reasoning (Verbal) | Multiple choice (25–30 min) | Roles involving analysis, decision-making |
| Judgment Hogan Judgment Assessment | Evaluates decision-making and learning style | Information Processing, Decision-Making Style, Reaction to Feedback | Interactive scenarios | Executive hiring, leadership training |
| Hogan 360° | Multirater leadership feedback | Self and others’ ratings across leadership behaviors | Questionnaire sent to peers/managers | Executive coaching, leadership benchmarking |
FAQ
The test includes 24–30 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes to complete. It is administered online and is typically timed to reflect workplace pressure.
There is no pass/fail outcome. Instead, your results are given as percentile scores that show how you compare to other professionals. Employers evaluate your fit based on the reasoning style required for the job.
A “good” score depends on the role.
High Tactical scores are valuable in roles involving data, operations, and detail-oriented tasks.
High Strategic scores are ideal for leadership, planning, and innovation roles.
Employers may look for balanced or role-specific strengths.
Yes! While the HBRI measures cognitive ability, you can improve your speed and accuracy by practicing reasoning problems in advance.
Our practice tools help you sharpen your reasoning skills and feel confident before taking the real assessment.
