Mention the words “reasoning test” and you’re likely to see a few uneasy smiles. Flashbacks to school exams, stressful multiple-choice questions, or that feeling of being judged purely on logic... Few assessments provoke as much anxiety among candidates.
And yet…
In a world where information is everywhere and changes in real time, the ability to think quickly, clearly and accurately has never been more valuable. Making connections, interpreting implicit reasoning, spotting hidden analogies – these are subtle indicators of potential that no degree can guarantee.
That’s precisely the thinking behind Central Test’s latest innovation: SMART GAME – Analogies, a gamified verbal reasoning assessment.
And no, it’s not “just a game”.
A reasoning test… set in a spaceship
Behind its playful design, SMART GAME – Analogies is a rigorous psychometric tool. Set within an immersive space mission, the test challenges participants to rebuild sentences in order to re-establish contact with Earth.
Each task must be completed within 30 seconds. The difficulty adjusts dynamically across 8 levels, offering a fast-paced, adaptive, and engaging experience.
In just five minutes, the tool generates an accurate profile of the candidate’s verbal reasoning abilities, with a score based on both correct answers and the highest level of complexity reached.
As Sophia D., HR Director at a consultancy firm, puts it: “Our candidates finish the test with a smile. They often say they forgot they were being assessed. Yet the results are impressively precise.”
Why reasoning still makes candidates nervous
Cognitive assessments often carry a stigma. They're seen as “elitist”, they trigger memories of school, and they can feel like cold, clinical judgement – all of which naturally provoke stress. After all, they measure raw thinking skills, with no room for fluff or storytelling.
But that’s exactly where their value lies.
👉 Verbal reasoning, in particular, is a strong predictor of vital transferable skills:
- Rapid comprehension of abstract ideas
- Accuracy in processing complex information
- Identifying logical inconsistencies
- Structuring and expressing coherent thoughts
These are the kinds of abilities that help someone learn quickly, persuade effectively, and adapt intelligently to new roles and challenges. Far from being “soft”, these are critical professional skills.
Why choose a gamified reasoning assessment?
Beyond the engaging experience, SMART GAME – Analogies meets every expectation of a strategic HR tool:
- Reliable results: The SMART item bank ensures robust psychometric quality, even during early access. Results can be confidently used for hiring, internal mobility and development planning.
- A standout candidate experience: The gamified setting reduces stress and increases accessibility—especially for non-academic profiles.
- Spotting atypical talent: The assessment uncovers cognitive potential where a CV may say little. It’s a powerful way to broaden talent pools, support diversity and avoid bias.
- A boost to your employer brand: Using a gamified assessment signals innovation and a genuine commitment to a modern candidate experience.
Which roles benefit most from this assessment?
Verbal reasoning is particularly valuable for:
- Consultants, who must analyse complex situations and propose structured solutions
- Managers, who lead teams and make decisions in uncertain contexts
- Salespeople, who constantly adapt to their audience
- Young talents, whose potential outweighs their experience
Pierre H., Director of Operations at a software firm, explains:
“Since using SMART GAME as a first screening step, we’ve saved a huge amount of time. Every candidate who moves forward meets our reasoning criteria. Now, interviews focus on personality and motivation.”
A smart, engaging revival of reasoning assessments
Integrating a gamified test into your hiring process sends a powerful message.
It shows your organisation embraces innovation, prioritises the candidate experience, and adopts a forward-looking recruitment approach.
SMART GAME – Analogies isn’t just a reinvention of logical testing. It’s a smart, engaging revival. It retains the scientific rigour that gives cognitive assessments their value—while removing the barriers that once held them back.
The result? A tool that reveals talent instead of intimidating it.
Because when done right, cognitive evaluations aren’t about excluding people—they’re about uncovering potential.
Not all talent knows how to self-promote. But those who can reason well tend to shine in the long run.
And the best way to recruit for tomorrow is to understand how people think today.
Interested in trying the assessment or booking a demo? Click here.
