What Is The Hogan Assessment Test

Have you ever worked for a company that proudly says they “promote from within”? Many employers prefer to advance current employees into management roles because they already know and trust them. Promoting from within also saves time since internal candidates are already familiar with the company systems, culture, and expectations.

However, sometimes it’s tough to fill management positions internally—often because employees are content in their current roles and not looking to move up. That’s when companies turn to external candidates.

If you’re applying for a management or leadership role from outside the company, there’s a good chance you’ll be asked to take the Hogan Assessment Test. So, let’s break down what it is and what you need to know.

What is the Hogan Assessment Test?

The Hogan Assessment was developed in 1987 by Drs. Joyce and Robert Hogan. Inspired by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Hogans aimed to create a personality and leadership test that was scientifically valid and free from bias.

Today, the Hogan Assessment is widely used by employers, especially when hiring for middle to upper management positions. It’s designed to evaluate whether your personality, leadership style, and work behaviors are a good fit for both the role and the company’s culture.

What does the Hogan Assessment include?

There are four different versions of the Hogan Assessment, but the two most commonly used are:

• Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI)

• Hogan Development Survey (HDS)

Here’s a quick breakdown of each:

HPI

• Also known as the Hogan Personality Inventory

• Contains 220 questions

• Takes about 30–40 minutes to complete

• Measures how you behave on a typical, good day at work

HDS

• Also called the Hogan Development Survey

• Includes 170 questions

• Takes around 15–20 minutes to complete

• Measures how you respond under stress or pressure

What is the difference between the HPI and HDS Assessment?

Think of the HPI as a snapshot of your best self at work. It looks at how well you interact with others, whether you naturally take charge, and how you contribute to a team.

On the other hand, the HDS is all about how you behave when things go sideways—during conflict, high stress, or a crisis. It reveals your risk factors, or how your strengths might turn into challenges under pressure.

In short:

• HPI = Day-to-day personality and leadership potential

• HDS = Reactions under stress and potential derailers

Both assessments help employers see the full picture of who you are as a leader.

How can I pass the Hogan Assessment Test?

First off, there are no “right” or “wrong” answers. The purpose of the test is not to trick you but to evaluate whether your personality aligns with the role.

That said, it’s still important to approach the test with strategy and self-awareness.

• If you’re taking the HPI, focus on showing traits like leadership, collaboration, accountability, and motivation.

• If you’re taking the HDS, aim to reflect emotional intelligence, calmness under pressure, and the ability to manage conflict constructively.

Be aware: the test is designed to spot inconsistencies. Some questions are reworded versions of earlier ones to see if you’re being honest or just telling the employer what you think they want to hear. So, trying too hard to “game” the test can backfire.

The best approach? Practice beforehand so you know what to expect and can answer confidently without second-guessing yourself.

In Conclusion

I’ve taken this test myself during a previous job search for a middle management position. After a strong first interview, I was invited to take the Hogan Assessment Test. Unfortunately, I didn’t pass.

Why? Because I wasn’t prepared. I stayed neutral on too many questions out of fear—I didn’t want to say the “wrong” thing and lose the opportunity. But I didn’t realize then that this test doesn’t work like a typical exam. There are no correct answers—just honest ones. And staying neutral hurt my chances.

If only I had known about resources that offer practice tests and preparation tips beforehand. It would’ve made all the difference.

So, if you’re applying for a management role, don’t be caught off guard. Start preparing for the Hogan Assessment today with Job Test Prep. It could be the key to landing your next big opportunity.

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