Problem Solving Test - The Best Way to Quickly Identify skills in employees and candidates

ID-Problem-Solving Test

The ID-Problem Solving test (Trp), previously Problem Resolution Test (PRT), is an online assessment solution that measures various cognitive skills associated with general intelligence. In other words, this test is used to measure problem-solving ability during the structured problem-solving process to evaluate real-life problem-solving performance as well as social problem solving.

It allows for a more precise measurement of the ability to analyze an item and solve problems using a logical or deductive reasoning approach. In particular, it uses several cognitive learning and adaptive skills that require a strong ability to analyze and draw accurate conclusions and scores about different versions of concerns.

Characteristics of our problem-solving test

Available languages

English | French

Required time

1:15 min

Administration

22 Questions | Multiple Choice

Target audience

Professionals, supervisors, and managers who require the ability to analyze and solve different types of problems.

Assessed Skills Standard Report

The test requires candidates to identify the right answers within a limited amount of time. Successful candidates can easily identify the key elements of a problem, and work through them quickly without making mistakes to reach an optimal solution.

Problem-solving tests are a great way to measure a candidate’s overall analytical ability and problem-solving skills, using a structured problem-solving process. The ID-Problem-Solving focuses on the following competencies:

  • Problem solving
  • Cognitive ability

More specifically, this self-report measures a candidate’s problem-solving ability. The responses are given a score based on four criteria: logical sequences, mathematical reasoning, conclusions relating to laws and regulations, and conclusions relating to a text. Finding the optimal solution in the test is a great indicator of a candidate’s real-life problem-solving performance.

 

Why give your candidates a problem-solving test?

A creative problem-solving test helps you identify candidates who display sought-after skills. The test presents candidates with work-related issues requiring logical solutions. Problem-solving tests and cognitive ability tests, in general, are scientifically and professionally known as being the best predictor of future job performance.  Moreover, it is critical for higher-end and management positions where decision making is a key factor.

Key points

  • Quickly identify cognitive and problem-solving ability. Discover the potential for your company in your candidates;
  • Get instant results;
  • Receive a simple yet detailed report.

Why are problem-solving skills essential?

Learn more about problem-solving and HRID’s tests

Problem-solving skills allow you to identify candidates who are cognitively prepared for any job they might be hired for. Problem solvers can notice, judge, and act swiftly when difficulties arise when they invariably do. Furthermore, they aren’t scared of the unknown, which makes them valuable to employers who rely on them to identify and solve problems.

Problem-solving skills help employees at any level solve problems in their jobs. Here, we’ll look at five of the most important traits that all problem solvers can bring to their jobs and workplaces.

1. Better time management

Time management skills can often be overlooked as one of the benefits of problem-solving skills in the workplace. On the other hand, people who have problem-solving abilities tend to be good at managing their time. The ability to manage your time effectively and focus on what matters most will help you make better decisions and achieve greater business impact.

2. Ability to prioritize, organize, and execute strategies

Problem solvers don't mind carefully assessing customer and client requirements and how to prioritize, schedule, and execute strategies to meet them. They can handle all the different moving parts because they can strategize how to meet the needs of multiple unique demands.

3. Thinking outside the box

Problem solvers can sometimes identify opportunities in the issues they face. Thinking outside the traditional box is an essential problem-solving skill in the workplace because it can typically lead to unexpected results.

4. Ability to work under stress

Problem solving is an essential skill for any businessperson. Problem solvers often possess personal traits that help them cope under pressure, including accelerated timeframes and changing project parameters. Depending on your workplace environment, you may prefer someone who delivers quick solutions or someone who identifies the next steps. Both are valid problem-solver qualities.

5. Risk Management

Planning is an essential skill for problem solving. Problem solvers are both skilled at dealing with the problem at hand and are also able to anticipate potential problems that may arise in the future based upon trends, patterns, experience and current events.

Is testing for problem-solving skills in job candidates difficult?

To be effective, problem solving requires a broad range of skills that enable people, teams, and organizations to achieve their goals. It involves the ability for someone to define a problem, break it down into manageable pieces, develop approaches to solve the problem using creativity and analytical thinking and then execute flawlessly. The given instruction is also there to see how each one of the applicants interprets it and how an instruction, as basic as it may be, can result in a different approach from one candidate to the next.

It will tell you if they’re confident and effective problem solvers and what their structured approach behaviours are. All successful companies are using such a solution and notice various patterns in their employees or applicants based on the quality of solutions they provide and their interpretation of different versions of instructions.


What are the benefits of having problem solving skills in the workplace?

Problem-solving skills are essential for success in the workplace. Every business and every position has its challenges. Every employee will face challenges that cannot be solved by a quick Google search, no matter their level. That is why employers need to hire people who have problem-solving skills. Especially for roles that require dealing with complex business challenges, tight deadlines, and changing variables. What are problem-solving skills? What role do they play in the workplace? How do they come into play? Most importantly, how do you evaluate candidates’ skills before you hire them?

What are problem solving skills?

To fully understand the importance of problem-solving skills in the workplace, we need to first understand their broader skill set. Problem solving refers to a person’s ability to successfully manage, find solutions for, and solve complex and unexpected situations. Candidates with strong problem-solving skills combine analytical and creative thinking. They’re comfortable making decisions and confident enough not to be afraid of challenges at work.

These candidates possess a blend of analytical, creative, critical thinking skills and a high level of attention to detail. As a result, you’ll be able to quickly identify problems when they occur and identify the most effective solution. They’ll look at the factors and forces that may have caused the problem and implement changes to mitigate future challenges. There are six key skills that you should look out for when assessing job applicants.

1. Listening skills

Active listeners tend to be good problem solvers. They pay attention to their surroundings to gather the information they need to solve the problem at hand. They recognize the importance of valuing others' opinions and experiences to understand why the problem occurred, and the best course of actions to remedy it.

2. Analytical thinking skills

Analytical thinkers can quickly identify the logical reasons for an issue, its potential long-term effects, and which solution would be most effective to solve the issue.

3. Creative thinking skills

Creative thinkers can use both their analytical skills and creativity to solve problems. Creative thinking skills allow people to uncover innovative and progressive ways to solve problems. They're able to provide fresh perspectives and offer imaginative and experimental solutions to any kind of problem.

4. Communication skills

Communication skills are important for problem solvers. Being able to effectively convey complex information thoroughly yet succinct­ly is a huge advantage for employers who work in fast-paced environments.

5. Decision-making skills

Those who have problem-solving skills also tend to be good at making decisions and being confident in them. It's important because most problem-solving involves making firm decisions to reach a successful outcome.

6. Teamwork

Problem solvers need to be independent, but they also need to work well as part of a team. It’s important for candidates to be able to collaborate with others to determine the best solutions and work together to develop and implement solutions.