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Are you a recruiter or hiring manager looking for candidate pre-employment assessment tests and tools, including aptitude tests? We invite you to visit our Assess Candidates website.
What is an abstract reasoning test? How do I pass an abstract reasoning test? Where can I find free abstract reasoning test practice? Find out answers to all in this complete guide.
The text below provides a full guide to abstract reasoning tests that several employers use in their recruitment, assessment and selection process.
Our website provides practice logical reasoning tests used in top employer recruitment processes around the world that can be used to prepare for abstract reasoning psychometric tests.
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Not sure if you should practice for your abstract reasoning test? According to research, 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude test results. It is proven that practice increases your chances of getting hired.
A study found that candidates who do not practice tend to fail at the first hurdle of psychometric tests (54%-84%). This study looked at the Top 100 global employers. (Bradley et al., 2019)
Continue reading to get answers to the following common abstract reasoning test questions:
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Abstract reasoning tests are assessments designed to evaluate your ability to identify patterns, rules, and relationships between shapes and figures. They are commonly used as job assessment tests because they test pure logic and problem-solving ability.
Watch our short video below to understand abstract reasoning tests better.
Did you know? Abstract tests are one of many aptitude tests widely used by employers to sift candidates during the recruitment process.
Various organisations develop, publish, administer, and provide abstract reasoning tests. Find out who the most common abstract reasoning test providers are below.
Employers use abstract reasoning tests from various test publishers, who may customise assessments for different needs. Here are some of the most popular abstract test publishers used by employers today:
Good to Know: Our practice logical reasoning tests are designed by former SHL and Kenexa experts and test developers, and can give you a realistic experience of an abstract reasoning test.
What types of abstract reasoning topics can you expect from these test publishers?
Read on to find out!
Abstract reasoning assessments have various types of questions. The questions may differ slightly from each other, but they maintain the same core elements. Abstract reasoning test questions include the following:
Next in the Sequence
This type of abstract question has images with different patterns. This test question requires you to determine which of the given options is the pattern that comes next in the sequence.
Matrices Questions
This type of abstract question typically involves a grid filled with patterns or shapes, with a cell missing. Your task is to identify the logical relationship and select the shape that completes the matrix.
Analogical Comparison
This type of abstract reasoning question requires you to identify the relationship between two shapes or patterns and then apply that same relationship to solve a different pair.
Grouping and Classification
This type of abstract test presents you with several shapes or groups, and you must determine which shape belongs to a specific group or which group a shape best fits into.
Odd-One-Out
This type of abstract reasoning test presents you with a group of shapes, and you must identify which shape doesn’t follow the same logic or transformation pattern as the rest.
Check out an example of an odd-one-out abstract question below from AON/Cut-e!
AON Abstract Reasoning Question Example
Source: YouTube
Now that we’ve covered what they typically involve, let’s find out which employers use abstract reasoning tests in their recruitment process.
Abstract reasoning tests are used in a wide range of major industries, usually at the early stages of the company’s recruitment process. Below are some employers that have used or currently use abstract reasoning tests in their selection processes:
Check out our other employer guides to discover more helpful tips about various employer recruitment processes, and how you can prepare and pass first time!
Employers use abstract reasoning tests for a few important reasons, which we will highlight in the next section.
Employers use abstract reasoning tests in their recruitment processes for a few reasons. Below are some of these key reasons.
Assess Logical Thinking Skills
Abstract reasoning tests evaluate a candidate’s capacity to think critically, identify patterns, and solve complex problems.
Predict Adaptability and Learning Potential
Abstract questions measure fluid intelligence, which reflects how well a person can learn new information and adapt to changing environments.
Ensure Fair Candidate Evaluation
Abstract reasoning tests provide a standardised method to assess candidates, reducing biases that may arise from subjective evaluations.
Streamline the Recruitment Process
In high-volume hiring scenarios, abstract reasoning assessments are an efficient tool to filter candidates early in the selection process.
Identify Candidates Suited for Complex Roles
Abstract questions help pinpoint candidates with the necessary skills to excel in such positions.
Abstract reasoning psychometric tests are particularly valuable in roles that demand quick learning, adaptability, and strategic thinking.
Let’s find out what jobs require abstract tests below.
Many companies use abstract reasoning tests to hire for many different roles. Check out just some of these many roles below:
So, how do you prepare for abstract reasoning tests? Let’s move on to cover the top tips to pass your abstract reasoning psychometric tests.
Abstract reasoning tests can be tricky. However, below are our top expert tips that we have curated to help you pass abstract reasoning tests.
Bonus Abstract Reasoning Tip: Some abstract tests are interactive and may include unusual question styles. Practising with interactive samples can help you get comfortable navigating the interface and reduce hesitation during the real assessment.
Watch our short video below for more tips you can use to pass your upcoming abstract reasoning tests.
Get a glimpse of an abstract question below to get an idea of what abstract reasoning assessments may look like!
Below is our free example abstract reasoning test question. Have a go and check below the image to see if you got it right!
Step 1
Study the 3 diagrams and search for patterns that each of them has.
Step 2
You may notice that each of the 3 diagrams includes 2 squares. Therefore, the answer can only be C or D.
Step 3
Each of the 3 diagrams contains an arrow. However, both options C and D also include an arrow, so you must find another rule for this sequence.
Step 4
You may then notice that the number of dark blue shapes in the given diagrams is more than the light blue shapes. Following this logic, option C is the only best fit.
Answer: C
Get the practice Essentials with us to further your preparation with even more practice abstract questions!
And with this, you’re up to speed with everything you need to know about abstract reasoning psychometric tests.
Before you go, don’t miss even more answers to key frequently asked questions about abstract reasoning tests below!
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an assessment used by many universities in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand for admission of students into medical or dental programmes. This test includes a section of abstract reasoning questions.
Yes, most are strictly timed. You may have 20–30 minutes to answer all questions, depending on the employer or test provider.
Not exactly. Abstract reasoning tests are a subtype of logical reasoning tests. While Abstract reasoning assessments focus on non-verbal visual patterns, logical tests may involve verbal or numerical problems.
No. Abstract reasoning tests aim to be culturally and academically neutral, meaning that you don’t need any prior knowledge. Abstract reasoning tests only assess your logical thinking and pattern recognition skills.
A good score usually means getting most of the questions correct. However, passing benchmarks vary depending on the employer, role, and recommendations by the test provider.
Abstract reasoning psychometric tests can be challenging, especially under time pressure, but with regular practice, most candidates improve significantly. The difficulty often lies in unfamiliarity and time constraints.
Do you want to pass your abstract reasoning tests, first time? Take abstract reasoning test practice with us at GF today, the only aptitude practice test expert providing practice test solutions to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe. Practice with peace of mind without commitment to a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests*.
Do you want to pass your abstract reasoning tests, first time? Take abstract reasoning test practice with us at GF today, the only aptitude practice test expert providing practice test solutions to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe.
Practice with peace of mind without commitment to a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests*.
Start Preparing Today