Critical Thinking

As of January 2027 the Critical Thinking Test replaces the Watson-Glaser III

The Critical Thinking assessment is an online cognitive evaluation designed to identify individuals who can evaluate information objectively, assess arguments, and make sound, logical decisions. Launching in January 2027 as the official replacement for the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal® III, this updated assessment relies on the same gold-standard methodology trusted by leading global employers.  Taking less than 30 minutes to complete, it uses a secure, randomized “item-banked” format that prevents cheating during unsupervised remote screening. The test can be timed for recruitment or untimed for employee development, scoring candidates across 5 core criteria: Inference, Recognizing Assumptions, Deduction, Interpretation, and Evaluating Arguments.

Built on the industry-leading Watson-Glaser™ methodology trusted by employers worldwide, our Critical Thinking assessment helps identify individuals who can evaluate information objectively, assess arguments, and make sound, logical decisions. With flexible administration options and proven methodology, it provides a clear, reliable view of how people think— helping you build teams that act with confidence and clarity. In today’s workplace, critical thinking is a powerful advantage. Employees must navigate complex information, competing perspectives, and high-stakes decisions. Top performers go beyond processing information—they question assumptions, evaluate evidence, and draw well-reasoned conclusions.

Benefits

• Proven measure of critical thinking ability used globally across industries.
• Predicts job performance by identifying individuals who make sound, evidencebased decisions.
• Flexible administration options – timed for recruitment or untimed for development use.
• Real-world, business-relevant content designed for modern, global workplaces.
• Secure and scalable – randomized questions enable unsupervised screening with confidence.
• Supports better hiring and development decisions by reducing bias and increasing objectivity.

Critical Thinking assessment measures the following:

1. Inference: Rating the probability of truth of inferences based on information given.
2. Recognize Assumptions: Identifying unstated assumptions or presuppositions underlying given statements.
3. Deduction: Determining whether conclusions follow logically from given information
4. Interpretation: Weighing evidence and deciding if generalizations or conclusions based on data are warranted.
5. Evaluate Arguments: Evaluating the strength and relevance of arguments with respect to a particular question or issue.

What It’s Best Used For

• Vetting high-stakes professionals, measuring advanced analytical reasoning, screening broad organizational tiers, identifying leadership potential, and predicting readiness.

Languages:

• English (U.S. and U.K.)
• Spanish (Spain and Latin America)
• French (France and French Canadian)
• Dutch
• German
• Portuguese (Brazilian)
• Italian

Norms:

• General population, role-based, educational and organizational benchmarks (where available)

This assessment is based on the industry-leading Watson-Glaser™ methodology. The gold-standard test for critical thinking, analytical reasoning and decision making – first developed by Watson and Glaser and trusted by leading employers worldwide to spot top talent.

© Pearson Assessment Inc.