Inductive reasoning tests are one of the most challenging forms of psychometric testing and assessment. Do not worry as this guide will help you and show you what to expect and how to succeed.
Useful starting-point resources
- Download inductive reasoning practice tests here
- Check our other guides on aptitude tests such as numerical, verbal, logical, etc. here.
Download our Ultimate Assessment Day and Interview Guide to get tips, insider secrets and tricks that would definitely help you succeed.
What is in this guide?
- 2 free inductive reasoning practice tests
- 3 useful inductive reasoning test resources
- 6 essential tips for inductive reasoning test
- Sample questions with answers
- Videos that will help you learn how to manipulate shapes
Get Your Inductive Reasoning Survival Kit
Download our inductive reasoning survival kit with tips, cheatsheets and practice questions here.
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What is an inductive reasoning test?
An inductive reasoning test is a psychometric test used often by corporate employers as part of their recruitment process to assess possible candidates for a job position.
What is measured by an inductive reasoning test?
Inductive reasoning test usually measures one’s ability to identify and interpret patterns. It checks how well you could identify and spot rules and consistencies in sets of verbal data and objects. It also sees if you could predict the sequence from the provided objects.
Take note that all psychometric tests including inductive reasoning provides and gives your prospect employers an idea of your overall intelligence and judgment skills.
Is this the same thing as abstract reasoning and diagrammatic reasoning?
In psychometric tests, there are some areas that overlap and inductive reasoning, abstract reasoning and diagrammatic reasoning are one of them. These tests are similar tests with different names. It is a bit confusing but the central areas remain the same.
When will I take my inductive reasoning test?
This depends on your prospective employer. It could be given before your interview assessment day but it could also be given on the day of your interview assessment day itself.
Do not worry! Download this 12- step assessment day cheatsheet and you would surely be prepared on the day of your assessment!
What should I expect during the inductive reasoning test?
In inductive reasoning test, you will need to predict what will come next in the sequence provided.
Could you show me some sample questions from an inductive reasoning test?
The answers to these questions are found on this link
Click here more practice tests.
6 Expert Tips for Inductive Reasoning Test Success
1) Look at one aspect of a shape at a time
Do not be overwhelmed with this test by looking at the patterns holistically. Decode the pattern first. Look at one element at a time. Look at the orientation or the size, or the location of the shape. Remember patterns are created to look complicated. Hence, it is wise to study the pattern one element at a time.
2) If you are stuck, try starting at the END of the pattern
One way to breakdown a sequence is by starting at the end of the pattern. In other words, try to do it in reverse. By doing this, you will get a different new angle and perspective and get the correct answer.
Download a worksheet with practice inductive reasoning questions here.
3) Stay calm
Losing focus could cause you the test itself. This type of test has a time limit and this could bring a lot of pressure. Try to stay calm and confident in taking the test.
Here are two articles we highly recommend. It could help you immensely!
How to Prepare for An Interview or Assessment Centre: The Ultimate Guide
How to Deal with Nerves & Anxiety at Your Interview or Assessment Centre.
4) Practice as much as possible before your real test
Practice makes you more confident in answering the real test. Familiarize the style of the test and for sure your ability to perform well in the test will improve which of course will provide you higher chance in acing the test.
Tip: click here to check and practice the inductive reasoning tests that are often used by employers. These practice tests are not for free. However, if you are serious about getting the job, getting these practice tests are absolutely wise.
You could also buy some good inductive reasoning books from Amazon here.
Listen to our podcast here
5) Manage your time carefully
Inductive reasoning tests are often timed and could last up to 40 minutes. It is important that you manage your time carefully. Scan ahead and check how many remaining questions are left. Plan how many minutes you would allocate for each question.
Tip: If you are stuck at a difficult question, skip it and do not waste your time. You could answer and gain more points on other questions than waste precious minutes on one question only.
Download your Inductive reasoning cheatsheet- 4 Step inductive cheatsheet here.
6) Boost your spatial awareness beforehand!
It is difficult to improve passive skills but it is not impossible. You could try to improve it by spending time in practicing. Here is a video which will show you shape movements which you could expect on your inductive reasoning test.
Two free inductive reasoning practice tests:
– Free practice inductive reasoning test – from PracticeAptitudeTests
– Free practice inductive reasoning test– from Institute of Psychometric Coaching.
Final recommended resource
Book by Mike Bryon would definitely help you get up to speed.
Articles to read that will help you…
- – Will you be taking a numerical reasoning test or verbal reasoning test? If yes, we suggest that you check out our aptitude tests section.
- – You could find practice tests and get free advice on other types of reasoning tests like numerical, logical, verbal, abstract, inductive, Watson- Glaser, spatial, diagrammatic, mechanical comprehension and UKCAT
- – Are you worried about your assessment day or performing a presentation or preparing for an interview or group/in-tray exercise?
- – Would you like to get some guidance on how to deal with nerves and anxiety at your interview?
- – Check our tools and resources page.
- – Listen to our podcast on verbal reasoning here.