Ability test · Non-verbal reasoning
Give every applicant a fair chance to show how well they reason
Candidates spot the rules that change a series of figures and choose what comes next, with questions building from one rule to three. The report shows score band, speed and accuracy. Assessor and Candidate versions are available.
See what candidates see
20 'what comes next' figure series in 10 minutes. Candidates spot the rules that change each figure and choose the next one.
Every candidate gets clear instructions and examples before the test starts. To try the full test yourself, ask us for a free trial.
What the Abstract Reasoning Test measures
The Abstract Reasoning Test measures non-verbal reasoning: spotting the rules by which a series of figures changes and applying them to work out what comes next. No reading or number skills are needed beyond the instructions, so it gives a fair picture of reasoning ability whatever a candidate's background.
Spotting a single rule
Finding the one feature that changes from figure to figure, such as a turn, shading or size, and what stays the same.
Tracking two rules at once
Following two features that change together, each by its own rule.
Handling three rules
Keeping three changes in mind at once, including rules that repeat in a cycle.
Ruling out near misses
Rejecting options that break just one rule.
Why organisations choose Viewpoint ability tests
Fair and objective
Every candidate takes the same test, scored the same way, so decisions rest on evidence rather than impressions.
Candidates know what to expect
Clear instructions and example questions come before the test starts, so nobody is caught out by the format.
Reports you can act on
Clear results and score bands from Very Low to Very High, ready for shortlisting or a feedback conversation.
Fits your process
Use it to screen applicants early, to shortlist, or to add objective evidence at the final stage.
Reports that do the work for you
The report shows the candidate's score and score band (Very Low to Very High), with speed and accuracy, so you can see how many questions they answered and how many they got right. There are two versions: an Assessor Report with interview questions to explore the result, and a Candidate Report with no scores, giving supportive advice on how to improve.
View sample
Assessor Report
For recruiters and hiring managers
- Score band from Very Low to Very High
- Speed and accuracy
- Interview questions to explore the result
View sample
Candidate Report
For the person who took it
- Constructive feedback in plain English
- No scores shown
- Practical suggestions for development
Who it’s for
The test is designed for entry-level roles and is the entry-level companion to our Inductive Reasoning Test. Typical roles.
Entry-level recruitment
Compare apprentices, school leavers and operational applicants on reasoning ability.
Fairness across backgrounds
No reading or number skills needed beyond the instructions.
Secure retesting
Eight parallel versions mean candidates retaking the test see different questions.
How it works
- 1
Invite
Send candidates their link from the Viewpoint platform. They can take the test wherever suits them.
- 2
Practise, then take the test
Candidates read the instructions and try example questions before the test starts.
- 3
Get the results
Results are ready as soon as the candidate finishes. Download the report and use it straight away.
At a glance
- 20 questions, completed in 10 minutes
- A row of 4 or 5 figures, then a question mark: candidates choose the next figure from five options (A–E)
- Questions get harder through the test: one rule, then two, then three working at once
- Eight parallel versions, so candidates retaking the test see different questions
- 5 untimed practice questions with feedback before the test starts
Related tests
Symbol Checking TestA fast-paced checking test: 48 questions in 8 minutes. Candidates check two features of each symbol and adjust when the rule changes.
Concentration Test60 questions in 10 minutes. Candidates scan groups of dots and tick every group that has exactly four.
Diagrammatic Reasoning Test24 flowchart questions in 20 minutes. Candidates follow rule-based steps, handle Yes/No switches and work out missing steps.
Data Interpretation TestSix workplace charts, tables and dashboards with four questions each: 24 questions in 25 minutes.How candidates can do their best
Look at one feature at a time
Check the shape, its shading, its size and anything around it separately before putting the rules together.
Say the rule to yourself
Being able to describe the change ("it turns a quarter each time") makes it easier to check every option against it.
Check every option
Wrong options usually break just one rule, so make sure your answer follows all of them.
Keep moving
You have about 30 seconds per question. If one is taking too long, make your best choice and go on.
See the Abstract Reasoning Test for yourself
Try it and see the reports your team would receive. Contact us for a free trial or a demonstration of the platform.
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