Logical Reasoning Tests 2024. Practice Tests. Full Guide.

Reading Time: 16 minutes

Summary

What is a logical reasoning test? What does a logical reasoning test measure? How do I pass a logical reasoning test? If these are questions on your mind, then look no further than this guide.

In this text, we will go into depth on Logical Reasoning tests, and what they measure, what jobs and employers require a logical reasoning test and the best preparation techniques to help you practice with a free logical reasoning test practice example question below.

Our website provides practice logical reasoning assessments that can be used to prepare for logical reasoning tests used in top employer recruitment processes around the world. 

Not sure if you should practice to prepare for your Logical reasoning test? According to research, 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude tests results. It is proven that practice increases your chances of getting hired.

Contents

1. What are Logical Reasoning Tests?
2. What Happens During a Logical Reasoning Assessment?
3. What Different Types of Questions are Asked in Logical Reasoning Tests?
4. 6 Tips to Prepare for Logical Reasoning Tests
5. Free Logical Reasoning Test Question with Answers
6. How to Pass a Logical Reasoning Assessment?
7. What Employers use Logical Reasoning Tests?
8. Most Common Logical Reasoning Test Publishers
9. Logical Reasoning Test FAQs

What are Logical Reasoning Tests?

Logical reasoning tests are used by employers to assess your ability to solve problems. Employers want to understand whether you are able to spot patterns and think logically under timed pressure. 

Discover more about logical reasoning tests in under one minute with our YouTube video below:

Our tests are designed by previous SHL and Kenexa consultants and test developers. GF tests therefore give you a realistic experience of the real thing. Take a FREE logical reasoning test and get an expert personalised report with answers and fully worked solutions to help with your learning.

Logical Reasoning Tests – Key Facts

• The main purpose of logical reasoning tests is to assess your logical reasoning ability and whether you can spot patterns

• Logical reasoning assessments are typically used by employers alongside other assessments such as a numerical reasoning test, for roles where thinking logically and spotting trends is required

• For example, logical tests are typically used for roles in IT, Finance, Banking, Consultancy where data analysis and logic are highly used

• For each logical reasoning test question, you will need to identify the pattern in a series of images to work out what comes next in the sequence

• Images may vary in their shapes, movement, orientation and colour so logical reasoning test practice is key to get familiar with the types of patterns you could face

• Typically, there is no negative marking in logical reasoning tests unless stated in the instructions. Take an educated guess if you are behind on time to increase your chances.

What are the types of logical reasoning tests?

Often, employers and publishers may use the term logical reasoning tests interchangeably with the following assessments. Whilst similar, these tests differ from logical reasoning assessments: 

1. Inductive Reasoning Tests: Candidates are required to look for patterns between diagrams and use this to find the next in the sequence.

2. Deductive Reasoning Tests: Candidates will be required to analyse data provided to reach the appropriate logical conclusion.

3. Diagrammatic Reasoning Tests: You will typically need to identify a rule or pattern to determine what comes next in the sequence.

4. Abstract Reasoning Tests: You will need to analyse figures presented to form logical conclusions. Read on to learn more about this type of question.

5. Critical Reasoning Tests: These tests are verbal in nature. You will be assessed on your capacity to interpret written information to answer different question types.

Keep reading below as we cover these assessments in more detail, including what kinds of questions you can expect during these similar aptitude tests.

What Happens During a Logical Reasoning Assessment?

During logical tests, you will be required to spot a pattern in a sequence of images to find the next in the sequence. Essentially, you will be use logical reasoning to:

• Identify the underlying rules or patterns

• Draw inferences from these patterns

• Understand the relationships between various concepts and patterns

• Eliminate answer options that do not follow the pattern

• Select the diagram that fits the pattern

Typically, your task in a logical reasoning test will remain consistent regardless of the logical reasoning test publisher, whether this be SHL, Cubiks, or Talent Q. Continue reading to discover more about these providers and their assessments. But before we move on to this, let’s look at the types of logical reasoning test questions you can come across.

What Different Types of Questions are Asked in Logical Reasoning Tests?

You may be faced with different question types when taking a logical reasoning test. In the start of the text, we covered a list of cognitive assessments which are often used interchangeably with logical tests:

• Inductive Reasoning Tests
• Deductive Reasoning Tests
• Diagrammatic Reasoning Tests
• Abstract Reasoning Tests
• Critical Reasoning Tests

To help with your preparation, we have covered more about what you can expect for each of these question types below and what you will need to do to pass. Let’s start with inductive reasoning tests.

Inductive Reasoning Tests

Inductive reasoning tests most often involve identifying relationships between a sequence of shapes to determine the next in the sequence. 

Unlike a traditional logical reasoning test, inductive tests may also ask you to pick which shape in a series of shapes is the odd one out. As an example, the SHL Verify G+ tests often include ‘Odd One Out’ questions.

Deductive Reasoning Tests 

Deductive Reasoning tests require you to engage with the information provided to answer based on what would make the most sense logically. There may be some basic numerical and/or verbal reasoning involved too with these questions.

Diagrammatic Reasoning Tests

Diagrammatic Reasoning tests often involve a complex sequence of diagrams or shapes and require you to select an answer to complete a diagram or sequence of figures. You will need to first identify the underlying pattern or rules to do this. 

Abstract Reasoning Tests

Abstract reasoning tests measure your ability to reason with more abstract sequences of shapes, figures or numbers. The most commonly used abstract question involves determining which shape of 4-5 options completes a sequence. You will be required to find the pattern used to determine the missing shape in the sequence.

Critical Reasoning Tests

Critical reasoning tests closely resemble verbal reasoning tests but may be used interchangeably with logical tests in rare circumstances. You will be measured on your ability to solve problems and make decisions based on information provided in a passage of text. In the assessment, you must determine whether a series of statements are: True, an assumption, or strong/weak arguments.

Now that we’ve covered the different logical reasoning test questions you could face, let’s move on to tips to prepare for your logical test.

6 Tips to Prepare for Logical Reasoning Tests

So, you’ve just received your invitation to take a logical reasoning test. You now know what to expect, but how do we effectively prepare ahead of taking the assessment? We’ve got you covered with these 6 key preparation tips that you can use during your logical reasoning test practice:

1. Pace yourself: Build confidence by taking one practice test at a time to familiarise yourself with the questions and the logic expected to be used behind them.

2. Practice each test in-depth: Ensure to practice each test in detail, to ensure you have given enough time to understand the questions and solutions. 

3. Understand how to reach each answer: Before you move onto the next question in a logical reasoning practice test, make sure that you fully understand how the correct answer was reached.

4. Note the number of questions: As you continue your logical reasoning test practice, you will find that you get quicker. Make a note of how many questions you were able to complete for each practice test and try to improve on this with time. 

5. One rule at a time: When attempting a logical test question, focus on one rule or shape in the sequence at a time and eliminate the options that don’t follow these rules. 

6. Balance speed and accuracy: It is important to avoid sacrificing either speed or accuracy in your logical tests. Keep practicing until you are confident in your ability to answer quickly and accurately.

Free Logical Reasoning Test Questions with Answers

Test your logical reasoning ability with this example logical reasoning question similar to those used by top employers. For a real challenge, try to complete the following question in under 45 seconds! 

Worked Solution

Step 1: 

We may first notice that the arrow moves clockwise in every box of the sequence, rotating each time. The correct answer must therefore have an arrow at the top above the figure, leaving B, C, and E as potentially correct answers.

Step 2: 

The shapes in the center of each box in the sequence changes from a triangle, to a circle then a square before repeating. Therefore we can determine that the right figure must have a square as it follows on from a circle, leaving only C and E as the potential correct boxes.

Step 3:

We may then notice that the line in the middle of the box moves from horizontal to vertical in every diagram in the sequence. As the line in the previous box was horizontal, we can determine that the correct box must have a vertical line, leaving only C as the correct answer.

Answer: C

Discover more step by step worked solutions to common logical reasoning practice questions in our in-depth video guide:

Now that you have your prep covered, let’s discover more tips on how to pass a logical reasoning test.

How to Pass a Logical Reasoning Assessment

Logical reasoning tests can be tricky at first, so it’s important that we get ahead in our preparation.

12 Key Tips to Pass your Logical Reasoning Test

Our experts have tried and tested the following further 12 easy-to-follow tips that you can use to kick-start your logical test preparation and ace the test on the day:

1. Prepare by practicing logical reasoning tests
   • Find a trusted practice tests provider which provides online practice logical reasoning tests. PDF or paper practice assessments will not give you a more immersive experience of the real test. To further your logical reasoning test practice, we recommend that you also:
     • Practise under time pressure
     • Develop an understanding of the most common patterns
     • Use Sudoku and other logical games
   • Our logical reasoning practice tests fully emulate the real test experience with timed assessments, unique questions, industry-standard scoring and worked solutions to help enhance your understanding of logical reasoning test questions.

2. Practice Consistently
   • Repeat your logical reasoning test practice until you are confidently able to correctly identify around 90% of the right answers and have up to 20-30% ahead of the time remaining for the logical assessment.

3. Take the Test at Your Best
   • Take the logical reasoning test at the time of the day when your brain is at its peak performance (i.e. synched with your bio clock) to maximise your focus during the test.

4. Find a Quiet Space
   • Avoid taking the test in a busy area where you will be distracted such as Starbucks or Pret, dorm rooms or at the kitchen table (unless you are alone). The majority of logical assessments have strict time limits so remaining focussed throughout is a must.

5. Ensure Your Internet Works
   • If the test gets interrupted, you might not have a 2nd chance! Therefore it’s key ahead of time to ensure you have a strong and stable internet connection for the duration of the logical assessment.

6. Use the Recommended Device
   • Sometimes the logical tests are not fully mobile-friendly. You may not see full diagrams on the screen, they may be small or you will need to scroll; all of which costs you time and focus. Make sure to use the device that is recommended by the employer.

7. Read the Instructions Very Carefully
   • The instructions for logical tests may differ depending on the provider used by the company. For example, the time limit per question and number of questions can vary. Some providers can allow candidates to return to previously unanswered questions or pause the assessment.

8. Do not Cheat!
   • This may be obvious, but many of the tests have ‘cheating prevention functionalities. Be careful not to close the browser or use external tools to support as your test may be flagged and the timer will continue counting.

9. Monitor the Time
   • It is very likely that you will only have around 30-60 seconds to answer each question in a logical test. On average, logical reasoning tests may include between 15 to 40 questions. Before you begin, allocate your given time across each of the questions. For example, allocate 1 minute per question if you are given 20 minutes for a 20-question test.

10. Take the Test One Question at a Time
    • Do not be discouraged if you struggled with one of the previous logical questions. Logical tests are designed to be difficult to test your logical reasoning skills. If you are stuck, simply move onto the next question and remain confident in your abilities.

11. Be Prepared For if You Cannot Answer a Question
    • If you are not sure of the answer, and time is fast approaching, do not panic! A useful tactic you can use is to stay calm and eliminate the answers that are most likely to be incorrect first. There is usually at least one, so you can then use your intuition to select from the remaining options.

12. Bring a Notepad and Pen to the Test
    • Making quick notes can help you keep track of your progress per question and follow changes to diagrams. This tip is based on your preference, as you may or may not prefer note taking whilst you are practicing.

We will now take a look at some of the employers using logical reasoning tests to help you prepare for your job application process.

What Employers use Logical Reasoning Tests?

Logical reasoning tests are particularly common in roles and industries where analysing data and thinking logically is required to deal with new approaches, build strategies, and resolve problems.

Below we will cover key jobs and some of the many employers that use logical reasoning tests. Let’s start with industries first – here are some of the job areas that most commonly use logical reasoning:

• Management
• Data Analytics
• Finance
• Engineering
• Technology
• Project Management
• Operations Management
• Law
• Research and Development

Logical reasoning tests are used frequently in many of the recruitment processes of the following companies:

Accenture	McKinsey & Company
PwC	Goldman Sachs
JP Morgan	Morgan Stanley
HSBC	Barclays
NatWest RBS	Citibank

So what logical tests do employers use? Read on to discover the top logical reasoning tests and the top test providers. 

Most Common Logical Reasoning Test Publishers

Recruiters use logical reasoning tests that are designed and developed by test publishers. These test publishers may create customised logical assessments for recruiters, and can often differ slightly depending on which provider is used. The following are some of the most popular logical reasoning test publishers:

• SHL Inductive Reasoning Tests: SHL is a well-known publisher of psychometric tests, providing logical or inductive tests to over 10,000+ employers around the world.

• Kenexa Logical Reasoning Tests: Another top supplier of logical reasoning tests is IBM Kenexa. These Kenexa tests include 26 multiple choice questions within 25 minutes.

• Talent Q Elements: Korn Ferry Talent Q provides logical reasoning assessments as part of the Elements tests. You will have 15 minutes to answer 12 questions.

• Cubiks Logiks: Cubiks/Talogy provides user-friendly abstract or logical reasoning tests as part of their Logiks Intermediate and Advanced assessments ranges.

• Pymetrics Games: Alongside their game assessments, Pymetrics provides recruiters with gamified logical and numerical reasoning tests which takes up to 10 minutes to complete.

• AON/Cut-e Scales: AON provides employers with a variety of gamified logical reasoning tests as part of their Scales assessments range.

Discover more answers to frequently asked questions about a logical reasoning assessment with this insightful FAQ section below.

Logical Reasoning Test FAQs

What are logical reasoning tests?

Logical reasoning tests are used to evaluate your capacity to reason logically. You will need to spot a pattern from a sequence of images to determine what comes next. Logical tests are used in roles where spotting and trends is required, such as those involving data. 

How do you practice logical reasoning tests?

• Practice consistently
• Familiarise yourself with the format
• Use timed online tests
• Identify one rule at a time
• Pace your practice
• Track your progress

Register with GF today and practice logical reasoning questions designed by industry experts!

Are logical reasoning tests hard?

Logical reasoning assessments or tests can be more challenging for fresh job test takers. Whilst the difficulty of logical reasoning tests can vary across test publishers, a recent study found that 50-80% of candidates that did not prepare failed in the first hurdle of assessments.

Is logical reasoning the same as IQ?

Whilst logical reasoning tests are similar to IQ tests, logical reasoning tests assess the candidate’s ability to analyse and interpret underlying rules in data using patterns and shapes. Logical reasoning tests are often used in the recruitment context to find the best candidate for the employer.

Can I fail a logical reasoning test?

A logical reasoning test often does not have a pass or fail grade and so you cannot ‘fail’ in the traditional sense. However, your score will reflect your chances of being invited to the next stage of the application process. It is common for employers use a 30th percentile cut-off to safely sift candidates.