Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal
Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal
Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal
Improve your hiring process by assessing for high ability and potential with the industry standard measure of critical thinking ability.
Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal

What does the Watson Glaser test measure?
One of the most established and reputable global tests, the Watson Glaser™ Critical Thinking Appraisal is designed to be a quick, consistent, and accurate measure of the ability to: Analyse, reason, interpret and draw logical conclusions from written information.
The test is suitable for appraising adults (16 years and above), and has been revised and improved many times since its launch several decades ago.
The Watson-Glaser test has five scales that are the building blocks of critical thinking and reasoning. The questions are of varying difficulty and format to measure all areas of critical thinking ability.
The five subtests, listed here, require different, though interdependent, applications of analytical reasoning in a verbal context.
- Drawing inferences - Rating the probability of the truth of inferences based on the information given.
- Recognising assumptions - Identifying unstated assumptions or presuppositions underlying given statements.
- Deducing - Determining whether conclusions follow logically from given information/data
- Interpreting - Weighing the evidence and deciding if generalizations or conclusions based on data are warranted.
- Evaluating arguments - Evaluating the strength and relevance of arguments with respect to a particular question or issue.
"Critical thinking ability is not just a workplace skill it’s a life skill. It’s something that traverses multiple sectors, so is relevant to your daily life as well.”
Matt Stevens, Head of TalentLens UK
Testimonial - Kearney
How Does Testing Critical Thinking Improve The Hiring Process?
Make Informed Decisions
Tools such as the Watson Glaser test help organisations objectively measure candidates’ aptitude and suitability for a job role, as well as providing an indication of their general ability. The critical reasoning test is also used by University selection teams as part of their administration processes.
Reduce risk and the cost of a potential ‘bad hire’
On average, a ‘bad hire’ costs companies 30% of each hire’s annual salary. Using the Watson Glaser appraisal as a tool can help strengthen your decision-making process.
Predict the performance of potential employees
The Watson Glaser test is seen as a successful tool for predicting job success. Research shows that organisations can predict over 70% of performance by using the right tools. Results can help you identify and select good team members and possible future leaders.
Available as an online assessment
Designed to save time and offer greater flexibility, the Watson Glaser critical thinking test can be offered remotely, online via our testing platform.
Efficient Selection
Cognitive ability tests combined with personality tests can give organisations a full picture of their potential candidates. Helping to pinpoint suitable candidates immediately and making your recruitment process more efficient. This is essential for specific roles such as trainee barristers who must sit a critical thinking exam in the UK.
About Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal

Product Information
Use | Gradutes, Execs and Managerial, Supervisors, Professionals |
Format | 40 items, 30 mins timed |
Languages | English, French, Dutch, Spanish, Swedish |
Price | Available on Request |
What is the format of the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal?
The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal is a timed online test. Applicants are allowed a maximum of 30 minutes to complete the test. Along with test instructions and untimed practice questions, the total time to administer may be up to 40 minutes.
The critical thinking test comprises of 40 items (questions) that include a new bank of business-relevant questions suitable for international use.
Multi-lingual: The test is available in a number of languages including:
- UK English
- US English
- French
- French Canadian
- Dutch
- Spanish
- Latin American
- Spanish
Suitable for unsupervised (unproctored) screening of job applicants due to its ‘item-bank’ design whereby questions are randomly selected from a large pool. It is also suitable for online completion in a supervised environment such as assessment or development centres. A wide variety of norm groups are available. Bespoke norms can be created.
Available Reports
Two reports are currently available for Watson Glaser-lll:
- Profile Report: which contains an overall percentile score presented with individual percentile scores for the three sub-areas of measurement: Recognise Assumptions, Evaluate Arguments and Draw Conclusions
- Development Report: designed to help you leverage and strengthen your critical thinking skills.
Training
- Required training (excludes US and Canada customers) to use the Watson Glaser is BPS Test User: Occupational Ability Remote Training (Level A) – the course, developed by Angus McDonald, has been designed according to the BPS qualification standards which define the knowledge and skills necessary for anyone using psychometric ability tests. A BPS combined course Level A & B is also available.
- Critical Thinking: Online Training and Assessment course - Coming soon! An introduction to critical thinking – discover how to move from theory into practice. At the end of the training, you will be offered the chance to measure your own critical thinking ability levels using the Watson Glaser test.
- Critical Thinking Workshop – one-day bespoke workshop designed to show employers and employees how to absorb, organise, and evaluate complex information, from multiple perspectives – to reach logical, well-founded conclusions. By the end of this workshop, attendees will have the knowledge to apply this key skill.