What Is A Good Score On A Watson Glaser Test?

There is no single pass mark. Your number of correct answers is usually compared with a norm group, a large sample of people who have taken the same test, and reported as a percentile. What counts as a good score depends on the norm group the employer chooses and how many candidates it plans to take forward.

How Do I Get Better At The Watson Glaser Test?

Practise. Working through practice tests helps you get used to the question types, especially if you practise under timed conditions. You can also build the underlying skill day to day, for example by reading arguments closely and asking what each one assumes and whether its conclusion really follows.

Is The Watson Glaser Test Accurate?

TalentLens describes the Watson-Glaser as a predictor of job success and offers it with a wide range of norm groups. Its current version draws questions from an item bank, with each item coded by difficulty so that different candidates receive equivalent tests.

Which Is Harder: Watson Glaser Or Cappfinity Tests?

Neither is simply harder than the other. The Watson Glaser tests critical thinking with question types most candidates have not met before, which can make it feel demanding. Some Cappfinity tests are adaptive, meaning the questions adjust depending on how you answer. That does not make them easier, as they aim to challenge each candidate at their own level. Another difference is timing: Cappfinity says its cognitive tests may be adaptive, time recorded or time limited, while TalentLens lists the Watson Glaser as a timed test of 30 to 40 minutes. Again, this does not make either one more or less difficult, but will challenge candidates in different ways.

Which Companies Use Watson Glaser?

The Watson Glaser is best known in law, where many firms use it in graduate recruitment, and it is also used in other sectors; insurer Hiscox is quoted by TalentLens as a user. It was the basis of the Bar Course Aptitude Test until the Bar Standards Board abolished that requirement in July 2022.

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Published 1 July 2021 · Updated 13 October 2026

What Is A Watson Glaser Assessment?

The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal is a critical thinking test published by TalentLens, part of Pearson. It is named after its original authors, Goodwin Watson and Edward Glaser.

Critical thinking is a skill employers value. A survey by the American Management Association, cited by Pearson, rated it the most important of four key workplace skills, often called the four Cs:

Critical thinking
Creativity
Communication
Collaboration

It shows that someone is capable of assessing a situation while considering different perspectives and differentiating facts and opinions to reach a rational solution.

The Structure Of Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Assessments

The test is made up of five subtests, each covering a different part of critical thinking. TalentLens reports the results as an overall score plus three areas: recognising assumptions, evaluating arguments and drawing conclusions. The test has 40 questions. TalentLens lists it as timed, at 30 to 40 minutes; with 30 minutes you would have about 45 seconds per question.

Making Correct Inferences

Inference questions test how well you can judge whether a conclusion is likely to be true, given the facts in front of you. For these types of questions you will be presented with a short passage and then a list of inferences, from which you will have to answer on whether you think they are true, probably true, probably false, false, or insufficient data. Many people find inference questions difficult as they draw conclusions without enough information, or do not use common knowledge to help them answer.

Recognising Assumptions

This section gives you a statement followed by a list of possible assumptions. For each one, you decide whether the person making the statement has taken it for granted, even though it is not stated. Spotting unstated assumptions shows that you can tell the difference between what has been shown and what has simply been taken as true, and that you can look at an issue from more than one viewpoint.

Making Deductions

A deduction is made from following the information to a logical conclusion, which is usually phrased as if the conclusion 'follows' or 'does not follow' the statement. With deduction questions, you only have a choice of yes the answer is logical or no the answer is not, there is not a scale of logic unlike with inferences, which allow for more possibilities.

Interpretation

Interpretation is very similar to deduction as it asks you to process information and then come to a logical conclusion based on the evidence given. You should assume that everything in the statement is true for the purposes of the assessment and work from there, showing that you can identify key information and use it to make an informed decision.

Evaluating Arguments

This section requires you to analyse a statement and determine the strength of the arguments based on this statement. You will have to decide whether the arguments are 'weak' or 'strong' by assessing how relevant each argument is to the question and how much weight it carries.

Tips To Pass Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Tests

1. Only Use The Information Contained In The Test

When it comes to this kind of test, you might be tempted to use the knowledge that you have on a subject that is not given on the test, but this is not how they are designed. Beyond common knowledge that almost everyone would know, you should only take into account what is written in the question or you will not show the skills that the test is looking for.

2. Watch The Time Limit

The test is timed, and TalentLens lists 30 to 40 minutes for 40 questions. At 30 minutes, that is an average of 45 seconds per question. Some questions may take more or less time than this, but if you get stuck then it is better to move on and come back. Your score is based on the number of questions you answer correctly, compared with a norm group, not on how quickly you finish. Try to reach every question, but do not trade accuracy for speed.

3. Practise With Example Tests

One of the most useful ways to prepare for any test is practising. The Watson Glaser question types are unlike most other aptitude tests, so they can feel unfamiliar at first. Through practice, you can become familiar with the structure of the questions and what is expected of you to answer them correctly.

4. Understand Logical Fallacies

A logical fallacy is a flaw in reasoning that undermines an argument. One common type is a non sequitur, where the conclusion does not follow from what came before. If you can quickly identify holes in an argument such as false comparisons and disconnects between the proof and the information, then you will be much more effective at determining correct conclusions and deductions.

5. Read The Questions Carefully

The abstract nature of these questions means it is very important to take your time and read the questions carefully. How you are expected to approach the information is set out in the wording of the question. If you skim it, you may interpret the information in the wrong way.

More Publisher Tests

Sample practice question Test your knowledge!

Score: /3

A health magazine published an article stating that eating late at night leads to weight gain. However, some dietitians argue that total calorie intake is the primary factor for weight management, regardless of meal timing. Which statement would best challenge the magazine's claim?

A person's metabolism slows down significantly during sleep.
People who eat late at night tend to choose high-calorie foods.
Several studies have not found a significant relationship between the timing of meals and weight gain.
Celebrities often eat late at night without gaining weight.

Company X started an initiative to reduce carbon emissions in production. After a year, a report suggests a significant reduction in emissions. The report concludes that Company X's initiative was successful. Which question would be crucial to evaluate the report's conclusion?

Were there any changes in production volume during the year?
How did the reduction in emissions affect the company's profitability?
What is the public perception of Company X's initiative?
Did any key competitors also implement similar environmental initiatives?

Local governments have instituted water restrictions to combat drought. Yet, a scientist argues that such restrictions are not effective in the long run because they don't address underlying issues of water management. Which of the following evidence would support the scientist's claim?

Water restrictions have led to a temporary improvement in local water tables.
Areas with water restrictions continue to experience decreasing water levels over several years.
Residents report that they are satisfied with the government's efforts to conserve water.
Many local businesses are investing in water-efficient technologies.

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Watson Glaser Tests Tips

Understand the Basics: Get familiar with what critical thinking tests involve, including how arguments, assumptions and conclusions work. The overview above explains each part of the Watson Glaser so you know the kind of questions to expect and the skills they look for.
Hone Your Critical Skills: The Watson Glaser is not just about what you know; it’s about how you think. Sharpen your ability to dissect arguments and differentiate between fact and opinion. With Psychometric Tests, we provide exercises specific to critical thinking that can help train your brain to process information analytically and logically.
Practice Under Exam Conditions: The environment you practice in can make a big difference. Try simulating the test conditions you'll face during the actual exam. Time yourself, reduce distractions, and use our platform to try realistic Watson Glaser practice tests. This way, you won't just be prepared for the questions, but also the pressure of the test day.
Review and Learn: Every practice test you take is an opportunity to grow. Make sure to review your answers, especially the ones you got wrong. Our detailed explanations can help you understand the rationale behind each question, so that you learn from your mistakes rather than just repeating questions.
Stay Calm and Positive: Lastly, try to stay calm. Nerves can make it harder to read carefully, so take a moment to settle before you start. Remind yourself that you have prepared and know what the questions will look like.

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Watson Glaser Tests FAQs

What Is A Good Score On A Watson Glaser Test?: There is no single pass mark. Your number of correct answers is usually compared with a norm group, a large sample of people who have taken the same test, and reported as a percentile. What counts as a good score depends on the norm group the employer chooses and how many candidates it plans to take forward.
How Do I Get Better At The Watson Glaser Test?: Practise. Working through practice tests helps you get used to the question types, especially if you practise under timed conditions. You can also build the underlying skill day to day, for example by reading arguments closely and asking what each one assumes and whether its conclusion really follows.
Is The Watson Glaser Test Accurate?: TalentLens describes the Watson-Glaser as a predictor of job success and offers it with a wide range of norm groups. Its current version draws questions from an item bank, with each item coded by difficulty so that different candidates receive equivalent tests.
Which Is Harder: Watson Glaser Or Cappfinity Tests?: Neither is simply harder than the other. The Watson Glaser tests critical thinking with question types most candidates have not met before, which can make it feel demanding.
Some Cappfinity tests are adaptive, meaning the questions adjust depending on how you answer. That does not make them easier, as they aim to challenge each candidate at their own level.
Another difference is timing: Cappfinity says its cognitive tests may be adaptive, time recorded or time limited, while TalentLens lists the Watson Glaser as a timed test of 30 to 40 minutes. Again, this does not make either one more or less difficult, but will challenge candidates in different ways.
Which Companies Use Watson Glaser?: The Watson Glaser is best known in law, where many firms use it in graduate recruitment, and it is also used in other sectors; insurer Hiscox is quoted by TalentLens as a user. It was the basis of the Bar Course Aptitude Test until the Bar Standards Board abolished that requirement in July 2022.