What is an inductive reasoning test?
Inductive reasoning tests require you to identify the relationships between shapes and figures by spotting rules and patterns, and to apply these to find the answer. Patterns usually involve alternation, rotation, reflection, replacement or translation, or a combination of these.
These types of tests provide employers with an insight into how you think and how you approach new rules and situations. As well as assessing your general intelligence, they can reveal your levels of creativity and your ability to learn and apply new information.
They may be used in the job application process for all kinds of industries, but are particularly popular in roles involving engineering, science and IT. To do well at inductive reasoning tests you will need to be able to apply open-minded and explorative thinking skills, trying out different possible solutions in your head to reach the correct answer.
What's the difference between inductive and deductive tests?
Inductive reasoning uses specific observations to reach broader, more general conclusions, while deductive reasoning works the other way around, moving from broad generalisations to specific observations.
In deductive reasoning, we explore and reject a number of possible outcomes to reach one possible answer. With inductive reasoning, we may reach a general conclusion based on what we have observed – but this still allows for the possibility that the conclusion is false, even if all of the premises are true.
For example: All of the swans we have seen are white therefore We expect that all swans are white. In this instance, the premises provide support for the conclusion, but they do not guarantee it. With inductive reasoning, there is a degree of certainty but it is not absolute.
How best to prepare for an inductive reasoning test
The best way to prepare for an inductive reasoning test is to do lots of practice. If you are familiar with the types of questions you will be facing, and have developed strategies and techniques to tackle them, you are less likely to freeze or panic on the day.
You should also try to find out as much as you can about the test you will be taking. As mentioned previously, the terms inductive reasoning, diagrammatic reasoning, logical reasoning and abstract reasoning can be used interchangeably but may involve subtle differences, so check with the recruiter what type of test to expect.
If possible, you should also try to find out which test provider the recruiter uses. You can then visit the relevant website to get an idea of the format and content of the questions you are likely to encounter.
Our article on how to prepare for inductive reasoning tests has more advice.
Enhancing your familiarity with various test formats and question styles through practice is crucial for inductive reasoning tests. Equally important is understanding the specific type of test you’ll encounter, as inductive reasoning can encompass a range of question types. Investigating the test provider will give you insights into the test’s structure and help tailor your preparation effectively.
Common inductive reasoning test publishers
Inductive reasoning tests assess your ability to identify patterns, spot rules, and make logical predictions based on abstract information. These tests are commonly used for roles that require problem-solving and strategic thinking.
The most used test providers include:
-
SHL: SHL’s inductive reasoning tests typically last around 25 minutes. You’ll be shown a sequence of five symbols and asked to choose the next symbol from a set of multiple-choice options, based on the pattern.
-
AON: Also known as Scales ix, AON’s inductive test includes 20 questions to be completed in just five minutes. Candidates must identify which figure in a set does not follow the underlying rule.
-
Kenexa: Kenexa’s logical reasoning tests are very similar to SHL’s, with 25 questions to be completed in about 20 minutes. They focus on identifying the rule that connects a series of figures and selecting the correct one to complete the sequence.
-
Saville Assessment: Often labelled abstract or inductive logical reasoning, Saville’s tests require you to identify patterns in shape sequences and choose the missing element. These are widely used for roles requiring strategic and analytical thinking.
-
Talent Q: Talent Q’s logical reasoning test presents patterns of symbols and asks you to determine what comes next. The test is adaptive – meaning it gets harder as you answer correctly – and includes more answer options than most other tests (up to 14 per question).
