BCG Cognitive Test vs Potential Test — which one am I taking?
BCG has used several reasoning tests over the past decade. Most offices have moved to the Cognitive Test (and the newer CCA) but a handful still use the older Potential Test. Both reward speed and accuracy on similar question types.
| Cognitive Test | Potential Test | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Current — Germany + expanding EU/APAC offices | Legacy — fully retired globally by early 2026 |
| Duration | 30 minutes | 45 minutes (computer version) |
| Sections | Numerical + logical (no verbal) | Numerical, verbal, abstract / business judgment |
| Calculator | Usually not allowed | Usually not allowed |
| Difficulty | ~22s/question — extreme speed pressure | ~2 min/question — slower, penalises wrong answers |
| Best preparation | 200+ timed numerical and logical items | Mix of cognitive and abstract reasoning drills |
Takeaway
If you've been invited recently, you are taking the Cognitive Test — the Potential Test is retired. The skills overlap for numerical and logical reasoning; ignore the verbal-passage material for the current test.
Train on cognitive items →Frequently asked
Cognitive Test runs 30 minutes. Potential Test runs 45 minutes (computer version).
Independent prep tool. CaseyPrep is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Trademarks belong to their respective owners.