Hogan Personality Assessment Test Guide: HPI, HDS, and MVPI

Amit, Hogan Assessment Expert at JobTestPrep
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The Hogan assessment test is a comprehensive assessment used to evaluate personality, cognitive abilities, and potential job fit that includes:

Hogan Personality Assessments

HPI (Hogan Personality Inventory)- a personality questionnaire with 206 questions.
HDS (Hogan Development Survey)- a personality questionnaire with 168 questions.
MVPI (Hogan Motives, Values, Preferences Inventory)- a behavioral questionnaire with 200 questions.

Hogan Cognitive Test

HBRI (Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory)- a cognitive test with about 24 questions.

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What can you expect from the free sample questions on this page? Selected from our complete Hogan preparation pack, these questions come with detailed answers and tips to help you prepare effectively for your Hogan assessment.

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The Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI) is a psychometric tool that measures normal personality traits, focusing on how individuals behave and interact when performing at their best.

It’s widely used in hiring, leadership development, and talent management to identify strengths and predict how someone will contribute to a team or organization.

The HPI test is very common and is usually administered alongside the Hogan Development Survey (HDS) questionnaire as part of the Hogan assessment.

Let’s begin by reviewing some sample Hogan Personality Inventory questions!

Each of the HPI examples presents a statement, and you have to rate your level of agreement from strongly agree to strongly disagree.

I am able to wind down after a challenging day at my job.

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

This statement assesses the Adjustment trait.

When answering this question, you should consider whether agreeing with the statement demonstrates a positive attribute related to the trait.

In this case, the statement expresses calmness, which is a positive attribute of a leader or a general role. Therefore, the statement is positive when considering the Adjustment trait and should be answered as Strongly Agree or Agree.

When posed with challenging obstacles I am inclined to walk away.

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

This statement assesses the Ambition trait.

Employers look closely at this personality trait. If you demonstrate extremely low ambition, you might work well within a team; however, it can also be perceived as lacking self-confidence and assertiveness in career choices.

On the other hand, a result of high ambition may show restlessness, which results in a desire to change roles often.

This is why, in this particular personality trait, it is important not to score at either extreme. These statements should be answered with Disagree or Agree.

I always attempt to understand other people's opinions.

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

This statement assesses the Interpersonal Sensitivity trait.

These statements aim to assess the degree to which you appear tactful, socially sensitive, and perceptive to others.

High Interpersonal Sensitivity often results in candidates who can easily relate to their peers and collaborate effectively in teamwork.

Academically I was or am often at the top of my class.

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

This statement assesses the Learning Approach trait.

Depending on the position you are applying for, the employer will look for different results for this personality trait.

The statements in this category will gauge your preferences in various academic subjects, such as mathematics, memorization, and reading.

Your desired results depend on the nature and focus of the job you are applying for. Responding with extreme answers just because you believe the assessors want them is never positive.

Your prior research on the position and the company will be critical here.

I believe in doing something right, or not doing it at all.

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

This statement assesses the Prudence trait.

These statements look to determine the degree to which you present a strong work ethic and can be a dependable part of the team.

Most employers are looking for candidates who will show big signs of this personality trait. In this specific statement, it is recommended to answer Strongly Agree or Agree.

Make sure to balance your responses associated with this personality trait so that employers can see you are answering honestly.

Prepare for the HPI test by practicing sample statements to master traits like ambition and sociability. Learn the “optimal range” for each trait—balanced responses are key to success. Avoid extremes and aim for authentic, nuanced answers.

Get full HPI simulations, tips, and job-specific feedback in our Hogan PrepPack for just $79. Start now and maximize your results!

To learn more about the Hogan HPI test go to our designated Hogan Personality Inventory Page.

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Other Hogan assessments you might encounter in your hiring process include the HBRI, HDS, and MVPI. Below, you'll find explanations and practice materials for each assessment.

The HDS is a Hogan assessment that measures potentially problematic personality traits. When these traits fall outside an optimal range, they can undermine employee performance or disrupt team dynamics. This detailed evaluation consists of 168 questions, providing insight into the “dark side” of personality.

HDS questions share the same format as the HPI but focus on traits that may sometimes help you, yet pose risks during high-stress situations.

It may sound complex, but it becomes much clearer once you try the free Hogan Development Survey practice questions below. Use our sample questions and resources to prepare and deepen your understanding.

HDS Sample Question:

Most of the time, I do what my manager tells me to, despite my own opinions

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

This statement assesses the Dutiful trait.

Agreeing to this statement expresses an obedient, hierarchy-oriented, yet non-independent attitude, which is mostly negative for leadership roles while somewhat positive for general employees.

Therefore, the correct answer for this statement will depend on the position you are applying to. Leaders should answer Strongly Disagree or Disagree, and general employees should answer Agree.

Learn more about Hogan HDS.

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The third Hogan personality test is the Motives, Values, and Preferences Inventory (MVPI).

Unlike the previous assessments, this test doesn’t evaluate personality traits but focuses on your motivations, interests, and goals through 200 targeted questions.

The MVPI helps determine your fit within a specific work environment, whether managerial or employee roles, and distinguishes between business-oriented (realistic) and creative (aesthetic) positions.

MVPI Sample Question:

The humanities are the principle of all culture

Disagree

Agree

Uncertain

This statement assesses the Aesthetic trait.

When answering this question, you should consider whether agreeing with it demonstrates a positive attribute related to the trait. In this case, the statement reflects a creative, visually oriented individual, and therefore it is positive with respect to the Aesthetic trait.

For business and scientific positions, this statement is considered “Neutral” because such roles typically show medium scores across a wide range of the Aesthetic trait. Still, for this statement, the answer should be Agree.

For aesthetic positions, this statement is positive, as creative and designer roles generally require a high score for the Aesthetic trait. Therefore, the answer should be Agree.

Learn more about Hogan MVPI.

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The HBRI (Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory). is an exam built to test your ability to identify and solve business-related problems through 24 challenging questions in just 30 minutes.

The HBRI assesses reasoning skills across three key areas:

Verbal Information: Understanding written content.
Quantitative Information: Interpreting data from financial reports and analyses.
Graphic Information: Solving problems with charts, graphs, and tables.

Get started with our Hogan business reasoning inventory practice test and explore Hogan assessment sample questions to maximize your preparation.

To get a better sense of what our practice tests look like, take this HBRI interactive assessment.

Learn more about Hogan HBRI.

Congratulations!

You have successfully completed our Hogan Assessment Test free practice. Now that you're familiarized with the Hogan personality and cognitive tests and you have been introduced to different solving techniques, it is time to begin your practice.

Our Hogan test prep includes comprehensive guides to better understand the traits for each personality test, and unique and useful solving techniques and tips.

Prepare yourself through full and accurate simulations that will help you reach your desired level.

Our all-inclusive Hogan test prep, available starting at 79$, includes comprehensive preparation material, including:

a Full HPI simulation
a Full HDS simulation
a Full MVPI simulation test
5 Full HBRI simulation tests
Comprehensive personality study guides
Study guides and dozens of additional cognitive practice tests.

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To learn more about other personality tests and how we can help you prepare for them, check out our designated pages:

Aiming for an Amazon leadership position? Check out our Amazon Leadership Principles Guide and learn everything you need to get the job you're after!

Hogan Personality Assessment Test Guide: HPI, HDS, and MVPI [2025]