If you have found your free practice materials, use these tactics to maximize your points.
To prepare for the TMA, you need to exercise both your verbal and numerical "muscles." Below are practice questions modeled after the real exam format.
If you have been asked to take the Thurstone Test of Mental Alertness (TMA) as part of a job application or academic screening, you might be feeling a mix of curiosity and anxiety. The name sounds intimidating, but the reality is much more approachable.
The TMA is one of the oldest and most respected cognitive ability tests used by employers today. It doesn't measure what you learned in school; it measures how you think.
In this guide, we will break down exactly what the test is, the two specific areas you will be scored on, and provide you with free practice questions to help you prepare.
This section tests your ability to perform quick arithmetic and recognize number patterns.
Question 5: Arithmetic Reasoning Instructions: Solve the problem. thurstone test of mental alertness practice free
If a box contains 12 rows of 8 items, and 10 items are removed, how many items remain? A) 86 B) 96 C) 90 D) 106
Question 6: Number Series Instructions: Look at the sequence of numbers. What number comes next?
3, 6, 12, 24, ___ ? A) 30 B) 36 C) 48 D) 52
Question 7: Number Series Instructions: Look at the sequence of numbers. What number comes next?
100, 81, 64, 49, ___ ? A) 36 B) 35 C) 25 D) 32
Question 8: Computational Logic Instructions: Solve the equation. If you have found your free practice materials,
What is 25% of 80 plus 10? A) 20 B) 30 C) 40 D) 90
Most novices fail the TMA not because they lack intelligence, but because they lack pacing. If you spend 60 seconds on a difficult arithmetic question, you will miss three easy "Same/Opposite" questions later.
The Golden Rule: Skip hard questions immediately. Mark an answer at random (if no penalty) or leave it blank (if penalty applies) and move on.
To pass the real exam, you must master four distinct sections. Understanding these sections allows you to target your free practice sessions effectively.
1. Perceptual Speed (The "Spot the Difference" section) You will be shown two lists of numbers or symbols. You must determine if they are identical or different as fast as possible.
2. Number Reasoning (Basic Math Logic) Do not panic—this isn't calculus. This section tests your ability to perform quick arithmetic and understand numerical sequences. This section tests your ability to perform quick
3. Verbal Meaning (Vocabulary in Context) This section measures your lexicon and ability to discern nuance. You will be asked to identify synonyms, antonyms, or analogies.
4. Spatial Visualization (Mental Rotation) You will look at 2D shapes and have to imagine what they look like when rotated, folded, or flipped.
Verbal Answers:
Quantitative Answers: 5. A (86). $12 \times 8 = 96$. $96 - 10 = 86$. 6. C (48). Each number is doubled (multiplied by 2). $24 \times 2 = 48$. 7. A (36). These are descending perfect squares ($10^2, 9^2, 8^2, 7^2$). The next is $6^2 = 36$). 8. B (30). 25% of 80 is 20. $20 + 10 = 30$.
Getting the right answer is only half the battle; you must do it quickly. Here are three strategies to improve your TMA score: