1. Introduction

Not sure if you should practice for your logical reasoning test? According to research, 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude test results. It is proven that practice increases your chances of getting hired.

1. Prepare for Logical Reasoning Tests

Research Logical Reasoning Tests to understand:

• What they measure.
• The different formats of logical reasoning tests.
• How and why do companies use them?

2. Practice Logical Reasoning Tests with GF

2. What are Logical Reasoning Tests?

Logical reasoning tests are assessments designed to evaluate your ability to think logically and solve problems. They are commonly used by employers to assess problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and the ability to understand and analyse complex information.

Watch our short video below to understand logical reasoning tests more.

Logical Reasoning Tests – Key Facts

• The main purpose of logical reasoning tests is to assess your logical reasoning ability, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking.
• Logical reasoning tests assess other skills such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, pattern recognition, and deductive reasoning.
• Employers use logical thinking tests earlier in the recruitment processes to evaluate your cognitive abilities.
• Logical reasoning assessments are often used in various industries, including finance, consulting, engineering, banking, consultancy, and technology.
• Logical reasoning tests are particularly used to assess candidates for roles where analysing data and thinking logically is required, such as data management roles, IT roles, managerial roles, etc.
• Logical reasoning assessments are commonly used by employers alongside other assessments such as numerical reasoning tests, verbal reasoning tests, and personality tests.
• Logical reasoning test questions are typically multiple-choice and time-limited, requiring quick and accurate responses.
• Logical reasoning test scores are usually calculated based on the number of correct answers. Some tests may penalise for incorrect answers, so understanding the specific scoring method is crucial.

Various organisations develop, publish, administer, and provide logical reasoning tests. Find out who the most common logical assessment providers are below.

Most Common Logical Reasoning Test Publishers

Recruiters use logical reasoning tests from various test publishers, who customise logical assessments for different needs. Here are some of the most popular logical test publishers used by employers today:

Let’s find out which employers use logical reasoning tests in their recruitment process.

What Employers Use Logical Reasoning Tests?

Different employers and big companies use logical reasoning assessments to assess you for specific cognitive abilities for various roles. Some big employers names that use logical tests include:

Employers use logical reasoning tests for a few important reasons, which we will highlight in the next section.

Why do Employers Use Logical Reasoning Tests?

Employers commonly use logical reasoning tests in their recruitment processes for quite a few reasons. Below are some of these various reasons.

1. Objective Assessment: Logical reasoning assessments provide an unbiased measure of candidates’ cognitive abilities. They help to minimise personal biases in the selection process.
2. Predict Job Performance: Logical tests assess skills crucial for job success, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and logical analysis. They help employers to identify candidates who can effectively handle job tasks.
3. Compare Candidates: Logical tests offer employers a standardised way to compare the capabilities of different applicants ensuring a fair comparison based on specific competencies.
4. Identify Potential: It helps employers recognise candidates with strong analytical skills and the ability to learn and adapt quickly. Employers are able to find individuals who may excel in training and development programs.
5. Efficient Screening: Logical assessments quickly filter out unsuitable candidates, saving time and resources for employers in the hiring process. It focuses on candidates who meet the cognitive requirements of the job.
6. Reduce Turnover: Logical tests help employers select candidates who are a better fit for the role and the company, potentially reducing employee turnover.
7. Enhanced Decision Making: Logical reasoning tests make it possible for employers to make better hiring decisions by providing additional data points on candidates’ abilities.

With this in mind, let’s dive into the key job roles that often require logical reasoning to succeed.

So What Jobs Require Logical Reasoning Tests in Recruitment?

Some jobs where you are likely to come across logical reasoning tests as part of the recruitment process or assessment stage of a company may include some of the following below.

Keep reading to find out the various types of logical aptitude tests you could come across. This will help you know what to expect in the assessments, for instance, talegent logical reasoning test.

3. What are the Types of Logical Reasoning Tests?

Logical reasoning tests come in various forms and types. While the assessments remain logical tests at their core, they differ in format and question types. Below are the main types of logical reasoning exercises:

• Abstract Reasoning Tests
• Diagrammatic Reasoning Tests
• Inductive Reasoning Tests
• Deductive Reasoning Tests
• Critical Reasoning Tests

Looking to kickstart your logical reasoning practice?

Let’s dive into the different types of logical reasoning aptitude tests to understand what they measure and assess.

Abstract Reasoning Tests

What are abstract reasoning tests?

Abstract reasoning tests are logic tests that assess your ability to recognise patterns and identify logical rule applications. This logical thinking test involves questions with shapes, patterns, or sequences.

Our short video below will help you understand abstract reasoning tests better.

Another common type of logical reasoning assessment is the diagrammatic reasoning test which we explain below.

Diagrammatic Reasoning Tests

What are diagrammatic reasoning tests?

Diagrammatic reasoning tests are logical tests that assess your ability to understand processes and analyse relationships. It usually involves questions with diagrams, shapes, sequences of diagrams, or flowcharts.

Check our short video below for more details on what you’ll need to know about diagrammatic reasoning tests.

Your logical reasoning test may also be called an inductive reasoning test. Whilst similar, we outline the key differences of this test below.

Inductive Reasoning Tests

What are inductive reasoning tests?

Inductive reasoning tests will require you to identify patterns or relationships between a sequence of shapes to determine the next in the sequence. This logical thinking test evaluates your ability to problem-solve, recognise patterns, and draw inferences.

Below is an example inductive reasoning test question from a top test publisher AON.

AON Inductive Reasoning Example

Source: YouTube

Similarly, you may receive a type of logical test called a deductive reasoning test. Read on to discover the key details of this assessment.

Deductive Reasoning Tests

What are deductive reasoning tests?

Deductive reasoning tests require you to engage with the information provided to determine what would make the most sense logically. This logical test has questions that involve applying general rules to specific scenarios to draw logical conclusions.

Below is an example of a deductive reasoning test from a top test publisher, SHL.

SHL Deductive Reasoning Test Example

Source: Lancaster University

And finally, another key commonly used style of logical test is the Critical reasoning test. Let’s find out more below.

Critical Reasoning Tests

What are critical reasoning tests?

Critical reasoning tests are a type of logical reasoning assessment that are similar to verbal reasoning tests. This test assesses your ability to understand, analyse, and evaluate arguments and information while measuring your comprehension, evaluation, and inference drawing abilities.

Critical reasoning tests give short passages and ask you to determine if 4-5 conclusions ‘Follow’ or ‘Do not follow’ the passage. Ensure to base your answers only on the provided information unless stated otherwise.

Now that we’ve covered the different types of logical reasoning test questions, let’s move onto our top tips to pass your logical reasoning tests.

4. How to Pass Logical Reasoning Tests

Below, we have curated and provided you with the best preparation and practice tips that you can use during your logical reasoning test practice to help you ace your upcoming logical assessment.

1. Practice logical reasoning tests. Familiarise yourself with different types of logical reasoning questions through practice tests and sample questions.
2. Practice working within time limits to improve your speed and efficiency in answering questions as most logical tests are time-bound.
3. Understand the instructions. Carefully read the instructions for each question to ensure you understand what is being asked before attempting to answer.
4. Develop a strategy. Work on strategies for different types of questions, such as identifying patterns in abstract reasoning or working through and analysing data methodically.
5. One rule at a time. When attempting a logical test question, focus on one rule or shape in the sequence at a time and eliminate the options that don’t follow these rules.
6. Understand how you got each answer. Before you move on to the next question in a logic test practice, make sure that you fully understand how to reach the correct answer.
7. Take the test at a convenient time and in a quiet environment to help maximise your focus and performance during the logical reasoning test.
8. Maintain a calm mind during the test to ensure you can think clearly and logically. Several logic test practice sessions will help reduce anxiety and nervousness.
9. Use the recommended device by the specific psychometric test publisher. Some logical tests are not mobile-friendly. Make sure to use the device that is recommended by the employer.

Watch our short video below for more tips you can use to pass your upcoming logical reasoning aptitude tests.

Using the tips we have provided above and in our short video, take the chance to practice an example logical ability test question below!

5. Free Logical Reasoning Test Question with Answer

Test your logical reasoning ability with a free logical reasoning practice question provided by our experts below. See the worked solution and how we reach the answer further below too.

Worked Solution

• Step 1: We may first notice that the arrow moves clockwise in every box of the sequence, rotating each time. The correct answer must therefore have an arrow at the top above the figure, leaving B, C, and E as potentially correct answers.
• Step 2: The shapes in the centre of each box in the sequence change from a triangle, to a circle and then a square before repeating. Therefore we can determine that the right figure must have a square as it follows on from a circle, leaving only C and E as the potential correct boxes.
• Step 3: We may then notice that the line in the middle of the box moves from horizontal to vertical in every diagram in the sequence. As the line in the previous box was horizontal, we can determine that the correct box must have a vertical line, leaving only C as the correct answer.

Answer: C

Looking for more logical reasoning practice tests?

And with this, you’re up to speed with everything you need to know about logical thinking tests.

Before you go, don’t miss even more answers to key frequently asked questions about logical reasoning assessments below!

6. Logical Reasoning Test FAQs