Previously known as the McQuaig Occupational Test, the McQuaig Mental Agility Test (MMAT) is a timed 15-minute test that aims to measure one’s general mental agility, the speed of thought and other aspects of intelligence that are required for a job. Mental intelligence (also known as ‘general intelligence’) is one of the most important aspects of measurement for the prediction of future performance of a candidate on the job. It indicates the candidate’s ability to think and quickly learn new job-related information.
Did you know?
The MMAT Test is a pre-employment test in which you must answer 50 questions in 15 minutes. This test aims to measure one’s general mental agility. It consists of three types of questions: (1) math, (2) reasoning, and (3) verbal comprehension. The average score is between 25-35. Candidates with strong problem-solving skills do well on this test.
The MMAT is taken online and consists of 50 multiple choice questions in various categories, including vocabulary, reasoning, and mathematics. The test aims to measure the mental intelligence of the employee, something a recruiter can’t naturally assess through a resume.
Prior to taking the test, you will first have to participate in the online McQuaig survey. The Online McQuaig survey is a personality test that aims to judge the core temperament and personality of the employee.
To take the survey, you should go to the McQuaig website and enroll yourself. You will then get an email directly from the McQuaig Online Survey to your inbox. Although there’s no passing or failing the survey, it aims to measure an employee’s personality. It’s not a time-limited survey, and candidates typically take about 10-20 minutes to complete it.
The survey will measure:
- How the candidate behaves in their current job
- What kind of events motivate or de-motivate the candidate
Test Features
1. User-friendly
The MMAT is easily accessible and available online. However, you can also take the paper version of the test if you wish. The McQuaig Mental Agility Test features 50 questions that you will have to complete in 15 minutes. It includes the following sections: verbal, general ability, and reasoning to measure mental intellect.
2. Equal Opportunity
Companies rely on this test also because it meets the requirements of equal opportunity regulations such as EEOC (the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission).
3. Reliable
The MMAT meets all professional benchmark standards and is therefore completely reliable. Candidates rely on the results of this test as a tool for achieving their desired job.
4. Measures mental intellect
The test aims to measure mental abilities like the speed of thought and problem-solving skills, that a job requires. It measures the candidate’s abilities to learn and absorb new information and several other components of intelligence that fit the position’s requirements.
When such tests are used as a hiring measure, candidates with higher intellect are the ones that join the organization.
Technical Facts
1. Time-specific
You will be given only 15 minutes to complete the test.
2. 50 Questions
The MMAT includes 50 questions and it is divided into three different sections:
- Mathematical ability: This section will assess your numerical skills which means you should practice basic math techniques prior to the test.
- Reasoning: This section uses deductive and inductive processes to gauge your reasoning skills.
- Verbal Comprehension: To take this test, you should know well English or the language in which you are taking the test.
Please note:
- The time will be running on the screen
- Candidates are not allowed to use any electronic devices
- You can hop on to the next question or go back to the previous one at any time
3. Randomly ordered questions
The questions are placed in random order, and you can skip and move to the next or previous one at any time.
4. Comes in many languages
The online version is available only in English and French. For those who wish to take the McQuaig Mental Agility Test in pen-paper format, the MMAT is available in the following languages:
- Portuguese
- Italian
- Polish
- Spanish
- Swedish
- Dutch
- German
*The English and French versions are also available in pen-paper format.
Results Scale and Interpretations
The score is based on the number of correct answers out of 50 questions. As you see below, the average score is between 25 and 35, depending on the candidate’s background and skill.
Here are score statistics based on the databank of September 2013, which included the scores of 6,868 MMAT test takers:
- Education – On average, higher scores were achieved by those with higher education: Bachelor’s (average score of 34), graduate (34); followed by Certificate/none high school diploma (30), and high school (29).
- Language – The survey was carried across 15 countries and languages and English speakers, on average, achieved the highest MMAT score (33), followed by European (29), South East Asians (26), Middle East (26), South Asians (26) and “Other” (25).
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MMAT Test Tips
For a quick way to judge the candidate’s problem-solving and mental skills, many recruiters are turning to these mental-ability tests. If you want to pass the MMAT with flying colors, all you need is a plan. Here are a few tips that you should keep in mind.
1. Brush-up your skills
Since the test will feature reasoning, verbal, and mathematical questions, brush-up all your basic skills. Place emphasis on reading and building a strong vocabulary, and practice your math and reasoning skills.
2. Skip and move on
Since there will be 50 questions that you will need to complete in a limited time, skip the ones you don’t know the answer to right off the bat. Don’t dwell on any question for too long. Instead, move on to the next one and come back once you have completed the test. Getting delayed on any one question will waste your time and your chances of success.
3. Plan & practice
Plan and start practicing! Practicing sample tests and training your brain to solve similar questions will improve your results in the actual test. Practicing will also help you build a good pace which indirectly would also help you succeed.
4. Work on your strengths and weaknesses
Assessing your strengths and weaknesses is essential. Once you know what they are, work on them diligently; solve as many questions as you can and put your skills to the test. Don’t waste too much time on problems you are unable to solve.
Administration
The Mental Agility Test measures general intelligence and is one of the most powerful predictors for hiring high-intellect people. It was developed within the guidelines of EEOC, and it meets all professional standards.
Is the test online or offline?
The MMAT is available also in English and is administered either online or in paper-and-pencil format – just pick your desired option.
Is there a penalty for a wrong answer?
No! There’s no penalty for a wrong answer. Hence, you should try to at least attempt each question.
Test Provider
As an employer, if you want smart people on your team but don’t want to waste time and money on hiring, the McQuaig Psychometric system can help. The McQuaig Psychometric test was published in 1967 by the McQuaig Institute to help organizations recruit, retain and develop their strongest asset, i.e., THE TEAM.
The McQuaig Institute believes that employees, when hired into in their desired job, deliver quality work that helps the organization scale. Through the McQuaig Institute development, retention and succession planning system, the organization will be able to save time and money.
The McQuaig Psychometric system has over 50 years of experience with psychometrics in Europe, UK, US, and Asia. They are registered as occupational, ability and personality test provider. The McQuaig Institute works hard to build the competency that will take any organization to new heights. For them the ROI of using a psychometric test is:
- Having the right people on-board
- Finding the right people for the job
- Managing work effectively
- Reducing turnover
Information Sources
Disclaimer – All the information and prep materials on iPrep are genuine and were created for tutoring purposes. iPrep is not affiliated with the McQuaig Institute, which is the owner of the McQuaig Mental Agility Test.
Free MMAT practice test: Get to know what the McQuaig Mental Agility Test (MMAT) will be like by practicing with these sample questions:
Question 1 of 7
BIRD is to EGG as…
- HUMAN is to WOMB
- BUTTERFLY is to CATERPILLAR
- SPAWN is to FISH
- CONTEMPORARY is to ARCHAIC
- GUITAR is to MUSIC
The correct answer is HUMAN is to WOMB.
The analogy underlying this question is: the first word is the offspring that develops in the second word.
Question 2 of 7
Choose the word that is most nearly the opposite of “COMMEND”:
- comply
- certify
- criticize
- prevail
- dissuade
The correct answer is criticize.
“Commend” means to praise formally or officially. “Criticize” is exactly the opposite – it means to indicate the faults of someone or something in a disapproving way.
Question 3 of 7
Choose the word that, when inserted in the sentence to replace the blank, best fits the meaning of the sentence:
The union delegates claim they acknowledge that what they did was unfair and wrong and want to _________ it by repealing the notorious tax regulations.
- compensate
- condone
- eradicate
- rectify
- revamp
The correct answer is rectify.
The correct answer is “rectify,” which means to put something right; correct. The sentence presents an improper situation and the sense is that the delegates want to correct it. “Rectify” is the most appropriate word for it.
Question 4 of 7
Assume the first two statements are true. Is the final statement: 1) True, 2) False, or 3) Uncertain based on the information provided?
Benevolent people contribute to charity and have pets.
Thomas contributes to charity and has no pets.
Thomas is not a benevolent person.
- True
- False
- Uncertain
The correct answer is True.
Statement A provides a rule: Benevolent people → contribute to charity AND have pets. This rule states that being benevolent entails two different properties that have to go together.
Statement B provides information: Thomas + does contribute + without pets.
Conclusion – Thomas is not a benevolent person. Thomas has only one of the necessary properties for being benevolent. Therefore, according to the first two statements, the conclusion is true.
Remember that previous knowledge or common sense are irrelevant for solving these types of questions.
Question 5 of 7
Steven bought five similar soda cans for $3.20. How much does a single can of soda cost?
- 58 cents
- 62 cents
- 56 cents
- 64 cents
- 60 cents
The correct answer is 64 cents.
One dollar is worth 100 cents. $3.20 equal 320 cents.
320 cents / 5 soda cans = 64 cents per soda can.
Question 6 of 7
What is the next number in the following series of numbers?
7 10 15 22 31
- 39
- 41
- 42
- 40
The correct answer is 42.
The differences between adjacent terms increase by 2 in every step (3, 5, 7, 9). Therefore, the difference between the last displayed number of the series and the next number should be 9 + 2 = 11. The next number of the series is, therefore, 31 + 11 = 42
Question 7 of 7
The chance of winning prizes at the local fair is 9/10. If 200 children visited the local fair, how many of them most probably did not win a prize?
- 18
- 10
- 12
- 20
- 40
The correct answer is 20.
9/10 is the probability to win a prize. Therefore, the probability of not winning a prize is 1 – 9/10 = 1/10. You can use this figure in order to find the number of children who most probably did not win a prize:
200 * 1/10 = 200/10 = 20.
Well done!
You have completed the Sample Questions section.
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About the course
Welcome to iPrep’s McQuaig Mental Agility Test (MMAT) preparation course.
This course will help you boost your skills and with it your confidence towards your upcoming MMAT. The course will provide you with the following tools and benefits:
- You will become familiar with the test’s various types of questions.
- You will be given four full-length MMAT-style simulation tests. These simulations include similar questions to those you will encounter in the real test with the same level of difficulty. They also have the same time limit as the real test. Experiencing the test’s time pressure will ensure it will not come as a surprise on test day.
- You will be provided with a great variety of helpful tips for the different types of questions. Some of the tips are in the introductory sections while most are in the detailed explanations that follow each question.
5
Learning hours
4
Practice tests
245
Questions
30
Day access
By the end of this course, you will be more knowledgeable and comfortable with the MMAT format – Knowledge and familiarity with the test are the two most significant factors that can help you maximize your score and improve your chances of success.
The course is comprised of both practice and learning sessions. But first, you will go through an introductory sample test to get a feel for the challenge ahead. In it, you will solve questions with a time limit. Once done, you will have the option to review your answers and question explanations.
Following the introductory test experience, we will guide you through learning lessons with essential information about your upcoming MMAT test and sample questions. These lessons will help you understand the underlying techniques that are essential for succeeding on the test.
The course is then concluded by simulating full-length tests that accurately follow the structure and concepts of the MMAT. Once done, you will be able to get full question explanations and even see how well you performed in comparison with other people who have taken the test.
Wishing you an enjoyable learning experience!
Skills you will learn
Mathematical ability
Verbal-ability
Reasoning
Curriculum
- Course Introduction
- Warming Up – 15-Question Speed Test
- Question Types Introduction
- Time Management Tips
- Full-Length MMAT-Style Simulations
- Course Conclusion
About the author
M.A. Tamir Rubin
Psychology and Cognitive Sciences Expert
Tamir Rubin has been working in the field of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences for over ten years. His experience includes the development of tens of assessment test preparations in subjects such as Abstract Reasoning, Cognitive Ability, Critical Thinking, Deductive Reasoning, Inductive Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and more.
Rubin has been the Head Of Products for TestPrep, a global leader in assessment test preparation, and holds a Master’s degree from the Bar-Ilan University and a Bachelor’s degree from the Hebrew University.
DISCLAIMER
All the information and prep materials on iPrep are genuine and were created for tutoring purposes. iPrep is not affiliated with the McQuaig Institute, which is the owner of the McQuaig Mental Agility Test.
Customer Testimonial
Absolutely fantastic MMAT test prep pack! Made me feel very confident about my upcoming test. The instructions clearly break down the sorts questions that could come up and provides huge access to a range of practice questions. Amazing!
Vida Frederick
March 6, 2021 at 4:10 PM
Reviews
James C***
September 12, 2024 at 6:43 PM
I bought the course a few days before my test was due. I had never encountered the test before so I needed something to practice with. The course provided enough detail to help me pass the test extremely well. My only problem with the course is the limited number of practice questions. It helped to get used to the structure and question types but the question content was not sufficient. It helped nonetheless and I would recommend it to anyone needing help with the test.
Alex M****
August 2, 2024 at 2:51 PM
Great test. Simulates the timed test very well. would recommend it to anyone taking the MMAT.
Miguel S***
November 25, 2023 at 10:43 AM
I have used iprep in preparing for pre-employment test and can confirm that there are very practical guides and useful tips.
Serena H*******
October 26, 2023 at 8:41 AM
This course has been incredibly helpful. I now know what to expect in my test and I can prepare for it. Thank you for the great insight and reasonings and explanations for the answers. I am more confident about passing now.
Jennifer G****
July 4, 2023 at 12:20 PM
I have found this course to be a useful tool, informative and invaluable in my preparation, the cost is reasonable.
Naveen E*******
June 6, 2023 at 8:16 PM
Questions were repeated. No new set of questions were asked. It would me much helpful if there were more practice questions.
Michael R******
June 2, 2023 at 7:18 PM
Easy to navigate and just enough practice. Review capability was essential to improvement. Explanations were clear. Tips were helpful for strategy.
Daniel G******
March 22, 2023 at 12:51 PM
The most difficult part of he test is limited time. The course not only provides numerous suggestions and techniques to speed your problem solving skills. It also provides you the confidence and discipline to move on to the next question when stymied.
Ana-Maria N***
March 16, 2023 at 4:44 PM
Really useful course! I really liked that we received clear ways in which we could solve each type of question.
Jithin M******
March 9, 2023 at 12:37 AM
Best guide to passing MMAT. Helped me crack interview at SpaceX now I am going to Mars. bye bye. Will definitely recommend this to Aliens on Mars.