What Is the Thomas International GIA Test?
Oct 09, 2022The Thomas International General Intelligence Assessment (GIA) is a speed test used in recruitment.
It was originally developed for use by the Armed Forces to assess the intellectual abilities of potential recruits.
The British Army used the test extensively to evaluate the suitability of British Army Recruitment Battery (BARB) candidates.
In 1993, the test was developed into a psychometric paper test for assessment provider Thomas International, with online testing launching in 2006.
It is now used to predict the potential of prospective employees, as the test provides an indicator of whether a candidate is a good match or whether they require improvement.
The Thomas International GIA Test is made up of five quickfire sections that each last for two to three minutes. In total, the test features 200 questions to be answered in less than 20 minutes.
The five sections are:
- Perceptual speed
- Reasoning
- Number speed and accuracy
- Spatial visualisation
- Word meaning
In psychology, the concept of general intelligence consists of two subdivisions:
- Fluid intelligence
- Crystallised intelligence
The term 'crystallised intelligence' means learned knowledge, such as facts and figures and information you learn through education.
'Fluid intelligence' refers to how well you process new information for use in identifying patterns and solving problems.
The five sections of the Thomas International GIA Test assess fluid intelligence. If you have never taken a fluid intelligence test before, you may feel unfamiliar with the type of questions in this test.
A great way to get used to the format of the test is to practise with aptitude tests. The Thomas GIA Practice Tests from TestHQ are an ideal solution, as they are a one-time payment with a money-back guarantee.
Below, you will learn more about the five different sections of the assessment.
What Are the Five Sections of the Thomas International GIA Test?
1. Perceptual Speed
Perceptual speed refers to the ability to analyse sets of information and quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences between them.
The information may be example letters, numbers, pictures or patterns. This section of the test assesses how quickly you can comprehend and compare information.
2. Reasoning
The reasoning section of the test measures your ability to make inferences from the information provided. You will be assessed on your short-term memory and how well you solve problems.
3. Number Speed and Accuracy
Being able to work with numerical data is an important skill for many career paths. This section is a test of basic numerical reasoning ability. The questions are designed to assess how comfortable you are working with quantitative data.
4. Spatial Visualisation
The term spatial visualisation refers to the ability to think in three dimensions. We all have spatial visualisation ability, but some people are more skilled at it than others. This section assesses your capacity for comparing shapes.
5. Word Meaning
This section assesses your vocabulary and knowledge of words. You may be asked to identify words that are similar or opposite in meaning.
The word meaning section is designed to test how well you would work in an environment that requires an understanding of written or verbal instructions.
Check out the Thomas GIA Practice Tests from TestHQ
Who Uses the Thomas International GIA Test?
The Thomas International GIA Test may have started life as an Armed Forces assessment, but it is now used by many brands to identify strong job applicants.
Some of the top companies that use this test in their recruitment processes are:
- Siemens – The technology company mainly uses the Thomas International GIA Test for mid-management and engineering positions.
- Version 1 – Irish company Version 1 uses the test mostly for business analysts and technical positions.
- Metro Bank – This UK bank uses the Thomas GIA test for almost every position.
- CBRE – The real estate firm uses the test mainly for screening its graduate scheme candidates.
In various businesses, the test may be used when applying for external jobs or new roles within the same company.
What Are Some Examples of Thomas International GIA Test Questions?
One of the best ways to prepare for any assessment, and especially the Thomas International GIA Test, is to practice using sample questions. This can help you understand the layout of the test.
Check out the Thomas GIA Practice Tests from TestHQ
As each section of the Thomas International GIA Test lasts two to three minutes, practising with sample questions will also allow you to exercise answering questions against the clock.
Perceptual Speed Examples
This section assesses your ability to quickly process visual data.
You will be presented with four pairs of upper-case and lower-case letters. You will then need to decide how many pairs contain the same letter.
As the test is timed, the pairs of letters will flash up on the screen and disappear to test how quickly you processed the information.
Example Questions:
1. In these pairs, how many letters are the same?
H k G n a
h J K A m
a) 0
b) 1
c) 2
d) 3
e) 4
2. In these pairs, how many letters are the same?
t y z S a
s T K A Y
a) 0
b) 1
c) 2
d) 3
e) 4
The correct answers are:
1. d). The matching letters are H and h; k and K; and a and A.
2. e). The matching letters are t and T; y and Y; S and s; and a and A.
Check out the Thomas GIA Practice Tests from TestHQ
Reasoning Examples
The reasoning section tests your short-term memory. It also assesses your ability to make logical conclusions quickly and accurately.
These questions will give a statement that describes a relationship between individuals or objects. You will then need to answer a question based on the statement.
Example Questions:
1. Statement: Bob was born before Joe.
Question: Who is younger?
2. Statement: Rover’s lead is not as long as Daisy’s.
Question: Which dog has the shorter lead?
The correct answers are:
1. Joe is younger than Bob.
2. Rover has the shorter lead.
Number Speed and Accuracy Examples
The number speed and accuracy section assesses your ability to quickly and accurately perform simple numerical tasks.
These questions will present three numbers. You will need to identify the highest and lowest numbers, and then work out their difference from the third number. The third number is called the median.
Example Questions:
1. Which of these numbers is farthest from the median?
23 | 15 | 9
a) 23
b) 15
c) 9
2. Which of these numbers is farthest from the median?
31 | 19 | 53
a) 31
b) 19
c) 53
The correct answers are:
1. a). The median is 15. The number 23 has a difference of 8, whereas 9 has a difference of 6.
2. c). The median is 19. The number 31 has a difference of 12, whereas 53 has a difference of 34.
Check out the Thomas GIA Practice Tests from TestHQ
Spatial Visualisation Examples
This section of the test is designed to see how quickly you can mentally rotate shapes and symbols.
The question will present a set of symbols. Some of the symbols are paired with the same symbol, and some are paired with a rotated mirror image. You will need to count how many symbols are paired with the exact same symbol and circle the number.
Example Questions:
1. Look at the example letters below. How many matching pairs are there?
How many symbols are exactly the same (not mirror image)?
a) 0
b) 1
c) 2
2. Look at the example symbols below. How many matching pairs are there?
a) 0
b) 1
c) 2
The correct answers are:
1. b). There is only one symbol that is exactly the same. The bottom symbol can be rotated to match the top one. The other symbols have been reversed to be a mirror image and cannot be rotated to match the top letter.
2. a). None of these symbols match their top symbol. They have all been reversed and cannot be rotated to match.
Word Meaning Examples
This section tests how quickly you can spot the odd one out in a group of words. You will be presented with three words, two of which are related. You need to identify which word does not fit with the other two.
1. Which of these words is the odd one out?
a) Brick
b) Flour
c) Concrete
2. Which of these words is the odd one out?
a) Start
b) Pause
c) Begin
The correct answers are:
1. b). The odd word is 'flour'. The words 'brick' and 'concrete' are similar in that they are both used for building.
2. b). The odd word is 'pause'. The words 'start' and 'begin' have similar meanings, as they both refer to 'commencing something', whereas 'to pause' means 'to temporarily stop'.
Access Practice Material With TestHQ
How did you do with the example questions? If you were stronger at some sections over others, focus your practice on where you need it most.
For a huge range of practice material, take advantage of the TestHQ GIA practice tests to access more than 800 questions and answers.
The package includes full solutions and explanations, so you can understand how to get to the correct answer and avoid those dreaded point deductions.
How Is the Thomas International GIA Test Scored?
Each section in the Thomas International GIA Test is scored separately, but you will be given an overall final score. For each correct answer, you are given one point.
Incorrect answers also matter in this test, as each wrong answer means points are deducted from your score.
What’s more, any questions you do not answer also result in point reductions. The deductions are weighted differently for each section, as explained below:
- Reasoning – One point reduced for an incorrect answer
- Perceptual Speed – 0.25 points reduced
- Number Speed and Accuracy – 0.5 points reduced
- Spatial Visualisation – 0.5 points reduced
- Word Meaning – 0.5 points reduced
Your Thomas International GIA Test score report will outline how you performed in each section. You will be given a percentile ranking for all five parts, and the report will also show the following:
- How many questions you answered in each section
- How many questions you answered correctly
- How many questions you answered incorrectly
- Your adjusted score, taking into account any deductions for incorrect answers
The way the Thomas International GIA Test is scored means it is important that you find the balance between speed and accuracy when answering all questions.
Being too quick to answer may lead you to rush into decisions, while taking too long may mean you run out of time. With practice, you can find the ideal middle ground to achieve a passing score.
Your Thomas International GIA Test score will be presented as a percentile, which is based on the percentage of past test-takers your score is higher than.
For example, if you score in the 80th percentile, you have scored higher than 80% of those who took the test before you.
The Thomas International GIA Test score percentiles can be converted into the following grades:
- Low – 4 to 15 percentile
- Below average – 16 to 34 percentile
- Average – 35 to 65 percentile
- Above average – 66 to 85 percentile
- High – 86+ percentile
As the pass score is based on the percentile, it is not possible to give an exact number that signifies a pass.
Therefore, it is important that you aim for as high a score as possible. If you can achieve a score in the above-average or high percentiles, you should have a good chance of passing the test.
How to Prepare for the Thomas International GIA Test
To pass the Thomas International GIA Test, preparation is key. It is an unusual and challenging assessment. It features unique questions and has a penalty for incorrect answers, so it cannot be taken lightly.
To help you prepare for the assessment, here are some tips:
Practise Timings
One of the most stressful parts of the Thomas International GIA Test is the time limit.
There is only a short period of time in which to answer the questions on the GIA aptitude test.
You should aim to practise the test under timed exam conditions to replicate the Thomas International General Intelligence Assessment environment.
Do this as often as you can in the lead-up to exam day, as this is a great way to speed up processing.
Practice Questions
As well as strengthening your ability to work under pressured time conditions, you should also practise answering the unique style of International GIA questions.
To increase your chance of success, you can find a pack of tailored questions and answers from TestHQ.
With example tests developed by industry experts, you can improve your score and achieve the career of your dreams.
The TestHQ question and answer package gives you a full seven days of access, so is perfect for dedicated practice in the week leading up to your exam.
The TestHQ practice pack also includes access to a training platform so you can focus on the areas you need to strengthen the most.
Personal Care
Revising for exams is a stressful time, so you should ensure you look after yourself during this period.
While practising example questions is important, you should also take regular breaks to rest and refresh.
When it comes to the test day, you should have had a good night’s sleep to give yourself the best chance of success.
Make sure you have a good meal and plenty to drink, as hunger and dehydration can affect your performance.
Take Practice Tests Under Time Pressure
The limited time is one of the hardest things about the International GIA test. Setting a timer while taking the TestHQ example assessments can help you perform better under stressful conditions.
With TestHQ’s performance system, you can keep track of your progress and repeat tests until you are confident with your performance.
Check out the Thomas GIA Practice Tests from TestHQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Thomas GIA Test?
The Thomas GIA Test is a speed test that is used to screen candidates during the job application process.
Designed to assess whether applicants are a good fit for the role, the test assesses candidates on perceptual speed, reasoning, number speed and accuracy, spatial visualisation and word meaning.
Where can I prepare for the Thomas GIA Test?
You can prepare for the test using TestHQ’s Thomas GIA Practice Test examples. The package allows you to practise with over 800 Thomas International GIA test questions and answers and keep track of your progress with the personal performance system.
Is the Thomas GIA Test difficult to pass?
The Thomas GIA Test can be difficult to pass, as it features unique questions that are not part of any test you may have done before.
Another challenge of the test is that there is no set pass score that you can aim for, as scores are calculated as percentiles based on previous test takers.
What is the purpose of the Thomas GIA Test?
The purpose of the test is to assess a candidate’s problem-solving ability, capacity for handling numerical data and understanding of word meaning. It is used by companies to identify ideal candidates for job positions.
What is a good score for the Thomas GIA Test?
The test’s system means that scores are given as a percentile. Generally speaking, scores over 80% – in the 80th percentile – would be a pass.
How many questions are on the Thomas GIA Test?
There are a total of 200 questions on the Thomas GIA Test.
Where can I find more sample questions for the Thomas GIA Test?
You can find over 800 questions and answers from TestHQ. The package also provides solutions and explanations so you can understand how to get to the correct answer.
How long does the Thomas GIA Test take?
As the test is timed, the 200 questions must be answered in less than 20 minutes.
How is the GIA score calculated?
Each section of the GIA test is scored separately, with one point for each correct answer. You will be given an overall score for the test.
Can I retake the Thomas GIA Test if I fail?
No, you cannot retake the test if you fail. If you do not pass the test, that will mark the end of your job application.
Where can I get a complete practice guide for the Thomas GIA Test?
You can get a complete Thomas GIA Test practice test guide from TestHQ. The package includes over 800 questions and answers, a training platform, performance system, full solutions and explanations – all for a one-time payment.
What is the next step after taking the Thomas GIA Test?
After taking the Thomas GIA Test, your score will be analysed and the employer will decide which candidates will move to the next stage of the interview process.
Final Thoughts
While the Thomas GIA Test is a challenging assessment, it is worth all your hard work and preparation, as it can be the next step in your career.
The practice can be tiresome, and the questions are tricky, but the test is just 20 minutes.
It is crucial that you put in the effort to succeed, as passing the short exam can make a huge difference in your life.
With careful preparation and plenty of GIA test practice, you can beat the competition and land the job of your dreams.
Wishing you the best of luck with your International GIA journey!
