SHL Inductive Reasoning Test: Format, Requirements & Preparation Tips

Your guide to maximising your performance on SHL inductive reasoning tests.

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SHL inductive reasoning tests

SHL is a leading global talent measurement company that offers a range of assessment tools and solutions to help organizations identify and develop top talent. The SHL inductive reasoning test is a widely used psychometric test that measures a candidate's ability to identify patterns and draw logical conclusions from them. The test is commonly used by employers during the recruitment process to evaluate a candidate's problem-solving ability, critical thinking skills, and analytical reasoning.

Format of the SHL inductive reasoning test

The SHL inductive reasoning test consists of a series of multiple-choice questions that are designed to assess a candidate's ability to identify patterns and relationships between abstract shapes, figures, and symbols. The test is typically timed and candidates are given a limited amount of time to complete each question. The number of questions and the time limit for the test can vary depending on the employer and the position being applied for, but generally it is 24 questions in 25 minutes.

To give you an idea of a type of question, here is a screenshot from one of our inductive reasoning tests:

screenshot of inductive reasoning test 2

How to prepare for SHL inductive tests

Passing an SHL inductive reasoning test requires a combination of knowledge, practice, and strategy. Here are some tips that can help you improve your chances of success:

  • Understand the Test: Before taking the test, it's important to understand the format and the types of questions that are included. This will help you prepare effectively and make the most of your time.
  • Analyse the Patterns: When taking the test, take your time to analyse the patterns in the shapes and symbols presented to you. Try to identify the commonalities between the shapes and symbols and look for recurring patterns. For example, look for patterns in the direction of lines, the number of shapes, the size of shapes, the position of shapes, and so on. This can help you recognize the underlying rules and relationships that are used to generate the shapes and symbols.
  • Use Visualization Techniques: Visualising the shapes and symbols in your mind can help you identify the relationships between them. Try to imagine how the shapes and symbols are changing and evolving over time, and how they are related to each other. This can help you identify the underlying patterns and generate the correct answer.
  • Eliminate Incorrect Answers: If you are unsure of the correct answer, try to eliminate the answers that are obviously incorrect. This can increase your chances of guessing the correct answer and can also help you to avoid common traps and distractions that are designed to confuse you.
  • Practise: The best way to improve your performance on the SHL inductive reasoning test is to practise. Our practise tests can help you familiarise yourself with the types of questions that are included on the test and develop your ability to recognise patterns and relationships between abstract shapes and symbols.
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Key takeaways

Passing an SHL inductive reasoning test requires preparation, practice, and strategy. By understanding the test format and question types, practicing with sample questions, analyzing patterns, using visualization techniques, taking your time, eliminating incorrect answers, and managing your time effectively, you can improve your chances of success and achieve a high score on the test.

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Are SHL inductive reasoning tests hard?

The difficulty of SHL's verbal reasoning test can vary depending on an individual's skill level and experience with this type of assessment. Some people may find SHL verbal reasoning tests to be challenging, while others may find them to be relatively easy.

To perform well on a SHL verbal reasoning test, it is important to have strong reading comprehension skills, a good understanding of vocabulary, and the ability to reason logically. Practicing with sample tests and familiarizing yourself with the types of questions that are typically asked can also be helpful in preparing for the test.

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Did You Know

Practising mock tests can increase your test performance by over 50%

Free practice inductive reasoning test

Free Inductive Reasoning Test
Free

This free shortened inductive reasoning test contains 11 questions and has a time limit of 11 minutes.

Inductive Reasoning Test 1
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  • 30 questions
  • 25 mins
Inductive Reasoning Test 2
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Inductive Reasoning Test 3
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Inductive Reasoning Test 4
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