Short answer: you can prepare, but not by learning answers. A work personality questionnaire is not a pass-or-fail knowledge test. The useful preparation is to know the format, get enough rest, read the role description and answer honestly and consistently.
Last checked: 15 October 2026. By Prepti. Spotted something out of date? Contact us.
What they measure, and what they do not
Hogan says the questions in its personality and values assessments are designed to help understand how you relate to yourself and others, and that there are no right or wrong answers or good or bad results (Hogan FAQ). SHL says personality questionnaires look at behavioral preferences, not abilities, and that there are no rights or wrongs in behavioral style, although some behaviors may be more or less appropriate in certain situations (SHL about assessments).
They are not intelligence tests. Reasoning tests such as those in our SHL guide are different: they have correct answers and a time limit. Some employers use both together.
Common types, in the publishers’ words
- Caliper Profile. Caliper describes it as an assessment of personality traits, motivations and behaviors related to job performance. Talogy’s support article says most of it is forced choice: you pick which statement describes you best and which least. Caliper’s FAQ says it is not timed and takes about 60 minutes (Talogy support, Caliper FAQ).
- Hogan. Hogan’s FAQ says the HPI, HDS and MVPI each take 15 to 20 minutes on average, and that you can stop at any time and your answers are saved (Hogan FAQ). The HBRI is a reasoning assessment and works differently.
- Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment. PI calls it “untimed, free-choice” and says it measures natural behavioral drives and needs, taking about 6 minutes (PI support, PI Behavioral).
- Other questionnaires exist. Your invitation will name the one you have.
Honest advice
- Understand the format. Know whether it is forced choice or rating, and whether it is timed. Your invitation or the publisher’s candidate page will tell you.
- Be honest. Hogan’s own advice is simply to be honest. Caliper says its Profile is designed to resist manipulation (Caliper FAQ). Trying to guess what an employer wants adds stress and is unlikely to help you. A role that only suits a version of you that is not real is unlikely to suit you for long either.
- Answer consistently. Think about how you act at work most of the time, not on your best or worst day.
- Rest first. Do it when you are alert and unlikely to be interrupted. Caliper recommends setting aside enough time to take it in one sitting (Caliper FAQ).
- Read the role description. It helps you think about what the job asks of you and whether you want it.
- Try a demo if one is offered. Some publishers and employers include one. It shows the layout and question style only.
We do not provide answer keys or tell you how to “score” better, and we do not claim to know what any employer wants.
Myths
- “There is a pass mark.” Publishers describe these as profiles of preferences. Employers decide how to use them, and do not usually publish how.
- “You can study for it.” You can learn the format. You cannot memorise your way to a better profile.
- “One result decides everything.” Employers use many inputs. Ask the recruiter how the questionnaire is used if you are unsure.
If you need an adjustment
Ask the employer before you start. SHL says that time extensions require the approval of the company you are taking the test for (SHL support).
FAQ
Can I practise for free? Publishers rarely offer sample personality questionnaires. Third-party practice sites exist. They are unofficial and their scores are not publisher results.
Is it timed? Caliper and PI Behavioral are untimed according to their own pages. Check yours.
Can I retake it? That is up to the employer. Ask them.
Should I answer as the company would want? We do not recommend it. Answer honestly.
How long does it take? From about 6 minutes (PI Behavioral) to about 60 minutes (Caliper), per the publishers’ pages above.