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What is a Matrigma test?
A Matrigma test is a non-verbal cognitive ability test published by Assessio, the Swedish assessment company. Every question is an abstract matrix puzzle: you work out the logical rule in a grid of figures and pick the missing piece, so no language or maths knowledge is needed. There are two versions. Classic Matrigma allows 40 minutes for 35 puzzles, while Adaptive Matrigma runs about 12 minutes with up to a minute per item and adjusts difficulty as you go.
| Test types | Non-verbal abstract reasoning (figure matrices) only |
|---|---|
| Format | Online, multiple choice; Classic fixed form or Adaptive |
| Typical time limit | Classic: 35 items in 40 minutes; Adaptive: about 12 minutes, up to 1 minute per item |
| Used by | Employers across Europe and the Nordics for screening and selection |
What is a Matrigma test?
The Matrigma test is a non-verbal measure of cognitive ability, published by the Swedish assessment company Assessio. It requires no pre-existing knowledge, but instead tests your natural flair for solving problems. Hogan Assessments distributed Matrigma internationally for a time, which is why you may still see the two names linked, but the test itself is an Assessio product.
Its name derives from the word matrix and the three-letter abbreviation GMA, which stands for general mental ability. This gives an indication of what you can expect from this psychometric assessment.
Candidates must work through various non-verbal abstract reasoning questions, presented as 3x3 matrices. Each matrix contains a sequence of geometric shapes that follows some form of underlying logic, with one part of the sequence missing.
It’s the test-taker’s job to identify the sequential rule and fill in the gap with one of six multiple-choice options.
Matrigma abstract reasoning tests
With its focus on abstract reasoning, the purpose of a Matrigma test is to measure your aptitude for logic, and your ability to identify pre-determined rules.
To help you prepare, there are five key rules you should familiarise yourself with:
Motion : this is when the objects within the frames of the matrix change position as the sequence progresses. This movement may apply to any number of shapes present.
Construction : the construction rule applies when the first two frames – either of a row or column – form to create the third. Essentially, the object in frame three is ‘constructed’ from the objects in the preceding frames.
Frequency : here, there will be a common pattern that determines the frequency with which objects appear, and the order in which they do so. That frequency may relate to shape, colour, or any other object characteristic.
Rotation : as you’d expect, this rule refers to the rotation of objects, which may occur sequentially across either a row or a column.
Progression : with this rule, objects change from frame to frame. Elements may be added or removed, or parts of an object may change in shape, size or colour. Changes can occur in any direction.
Entry-level questions on a Matrigma test may focus on one rule only, but as you progress you’ll find a combination of rules need to be identified.
Further complexity is added by the fact patterns do not just appear in rows and columns, but also on diagonals: in frames one, five and nine, two, six and seven, and three, four and eight of a matrix.
This makes a Matrigma test a challenging assessment, so practice is essential for success.
Practise Matrigma style tests
Matrigma assessments draw on the test types below. Each link takes you to free practice questions in the same format, so you can get comfortable before the real thing:
