What should a candidate do if they encounter a question they cannot answer during the cognitive ability test?

When faced with a question that a candidate cannot answer during a cognitive ability test, making an educated guess or moving on to the next question is often the best approach. This strategy allows the candidate to manage their time effectively, which is critical in timed tests. By not getting stuck on a difficult question, the candidate ensures they can allocate sufficient time to answer questions they may be more confident about.

An educated guess, when applicable, leverages any partial knowledge or reasoning the candidate may have about the question, potentially earning them valuable points. Skipping questions entirely or leaving them blank typically results in a zero score for those items. Furthermore, asking for clarification from the test administrator is generally not permissible in standardized tests, as these assessments aim to measure individual cognitive abilities in an independent context.

Overall, the emphasis is on strategic time and question management to maximize score potential on the test.