Non-Verbal Reasoning Tests
Non-verbal reasoning tests encompass a range of psychometric aptitude tests, all aimed at identifying your capacity to recognise relationships between shapes and patterns using logic. They also assess your ability to visualise movements in 2D and 3D shapes.
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Free Practice Non-Verbal Reasoning Tests
It’s important to familiarise yourself with the kinds of questions you may face in a non-verbal reasoning test, and to practise applying the logic and reasoning skills you need to do well.
Below we have provided a sample question for each of the different types of non-verbal reasoning test. Answers and worked solutions are below the questions.
Example diagrammatic question
Which is the next logical image in the sequence?
Example inductive question
Which of the suggested shapes shares a feature with the given shapes?
Example abstract question
Which of the boxes comes next in the sequence?
Example spatial question
Which of the given shapes is the unfolded net of the 3D shape?
Solutions
Diagrammatic question: There are two figures: a triangle and a circle. At each step in the series both the circle and the triangle move a step down a vertical line. As each shape reaches the bottom of a block it returns to the top of the next block. So the answer is B.
Inductive question: All of the given shapes have 1 line of symmetry, meaning C is the only shape that could be correct. A has none, B has multiple and D has 2.
Abstract question: Circle moves from top left of the frame, to the middle of the frame, then to the top right of the frame with each turn. Square moves around frame in a clockwise direction. So the correct answer is D.
Spatial question: You can pretty easily rule out A and D as they wouldn’t created a point at the top of the period. You can see that the base has equal length sides which rules out B and leaves you with the correct answer of C.

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How do you practice for a non-verbal reasoning test?
The best way to practise non-verbal reasoning is to find sample tests and questions online. Look for ones that are as similar as possible to the tests used by your recruiter and make sure you practise under timed conditions. Practice Aptitude Tests has a range of packages covering all types of aptitude tests, including non-verbal, as well as free sample questions.
How are non-verbal reasoning tests scored?
This depends on the test, but you will usually receive a raw score at the end which will then be compared to a normative group, or others taking the test alongside you. This means there is no pass mark, but that your result will depend on how well you performed in relation to others in the same group.
What comes under non-verbal reasoning?
Non-verbal reasoning refers to aptitude tests that assess a candidate’s ability to interpret visual information and solve problems using logic and reasoning. This could include identifying patterns and relationships in a sequence of shapes, or visualising how a shape may change. Diagrammatic reasoning, abstract reasoning, inductive reasoning and spatial awareness are all types of non-verbal reasoning tests.
Why is non-verbal reasoning important?
Employers often view non-verbal reasoning tests as an effective way to assess a candidate’s intelligence and creative thinking, as well their ability to solve problems and apply logic to new situations. These skills are important across a range of industries but non-verbal tests may be used particularly in recruiting for technical roles, as well as assessing leadership potential.
Non-Verbal Reasoning Tests Tips
1Read the question carefully
Make sure you understand what you are being asked to do and pay close attention to the details.
2Be methodical
When looking for rules or patterns, examine each different element of the graphic as well as the configuration as a whole. Then apply the rules you have identified one at a time rather than all at once.
3Draw things out
Where you can, draw out possible shapes and patterns on a piece of paper before giving your answer. Ask for a pencil and paper if these are not provided.
4Manage your time effectively
Check how many questions there are and how long you will have to answer them. Then work out how much time you can allow yourself for each question and stick to this. Don’t waste precious seconds on a question you’re struggling with - move on and come back to it at the end if you have time.
5Have some strategies ready
Non-verbal reasoning questions are often based around common themes and rules. So while the problems may differ, the strategies you use to solve them will be the same. The more practice tests you do, the better you will become at developing these strategies and spotting where and when you can apply them.
Non-Verbal Reasoning Video Tutorials
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Non-Verbal Reasoning 01
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Non-Verbal Reasoning 02
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Non-Verbal Reasoning 03
20 Questions|20 Minutes
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