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Diagrammatic Reasoning Test Guide (Explained by an Expert): 3 Example Questions, 5 Top Tips and 1 Practice Test

Diagrammatic Reasoning Test Guide (Explained by an Expert): 3 Example Questions, 5 Top Tips and 1 Practice Test
Diagrammatic Reasoning Test Guide (Explained by an Expert): 3 Example Questions, 5 Top Tips and 1 Practice Test

Diagrammatic Reasoning Tests are a type of psychometric test which assess your logical reasoning skills.

They are can also be known as abstract reasoning tests or inductive reasoning tests.

Diagrammatic Reasoning tests evaluate your ability to synthesise data and solve problems logically.

Questions often ask you to look at a sequence of shapes, patterns or numbers and assess if you can identify the rules that apply to the sequence.

What Are Diagrammatic Reasoning Tests?

Diagrammatic Reasoning tests consist of diagrams, such as a series of images, with very few words or numerical data.

Created to challenge candidates, a test will determine your capacity to:

  • Assess a situation
  • Identify logical sequences
  • Apply them in a given scenario to solve a problem

These types of test are often used to assess candidates for technical jobs, such as engineering, IT or Management.

How to Answer Diagrammatic Questions

Typically diagrammatic reasoning tests will give you a set of problems with possible answers.

It is your task to review the information that you have available (usually diagrams, symbols or numbers) and reach the most logical conclusion.

You can see an example below.

Example Questions and Answers (with Solutions)

Example Question

Which option began the following operation: A, B, C, D or E?

Diagrammatic Questions

Are Diagrammatic Reasoning Tests Hard?

The honest answer is yes, they can be, but no two tests are the same.

Each diagrammatical reasoning test will be specifically tailored to the requirements of the job you are applying for, so there is potential for significant variation from test to test.

Nevertheless it is possible to prepare substantially beforehand, so that when you begin the test the questions are not too daunting.

How to Prepare for a Diagrammatic Reasoning Test

You should be aware that there are a number of factors which can impact upon performance in these tests including your own working memory, your age, ability and your capacity for processing and retaining information.

This often makes it even more important to prepare as much as you can before attempting the real test at interview stage.

Practice helps you mentally prepare yourself if you’re applying to an organisation that frequently uses psychometric testing as part of the recruitment process.

Taking a Diagrammatic Reasoning Test (A Full Explanation)

If you are asked to complete a diagrammatic reasoning test the format is usually the same regardless of the organisation you are applying to.

At the start of the test you will be presented with some visual information based on diagrams and flowcharts.

This information then needs to be carefully analysed before reaching a conclusion to determine the rules that the diagram follows.

The final step is to apply these rules that you have identified to answer the diagrammatic reasoning test questions.

How to Pass a Diagrammatic Reasoning Test (Our Guide)

Practice is the key to tackling psychometric tests, particularly when it comes to the more difficult variants like diagrammatic reasoning.

Although it is more difficult to prepare for this assessment than some other types of psychometric test, it is recommended that you at least try practice tests before your actual assessment.

Not only will you be able to familiarise yourself with the structure of these tests, you will become accustomed to working quickly and accurately while remaining calm and collected.

A relaxed state of mind is crucial to succeeding at these assessments.

It is important to be conscious of the level you are hoping to join the organisation at, so that you can select the most appropriate reasoning test; they vary in complexity according to individual roles and seniority.

Top 5 Diagrammatic Reasoning Test Tips

Top 5 Diagrammatic Reasoning Test Tips
Top 5 Diagrammatic Reasoning Test Tips

Tip #1: Find Out the Name of the Test Organisation

What makes diagrammatic reasoning tests difficult is that the content is so diverse; no two tests are the same.

If you can find out the name of the organisation who have prepared the test you can look for online psychometric tests from this supplier.

Tip #2: Take Your Time and Finish Logically

It can be tempting to race through the diagrammatic reasoning test so you finish on time.

It is strongly advised that you take your time and approach the test logically.

Rushing through too quickly may result in misinterpreting the question or unintentionally providing the wrong answer.

Diagrammatic reasoning tests are perhaps one of the most difficult kinds of assessment, so it is crucial that you approach them with confidence.

Review the diagrams carefully and read the question thoroughly so that you know what is being asked of you.

Tip #3: Take Notes

Taking notes can help significantly during these tests. In particular take note of processes or functions which may be connected.

Write down your thoughts as you progress through and refer back to them further in the test.

You have to strike a balance between writing notes and answering questions; you don’t want to spend so much time writing and checking notes that you run out of time to complete the remaining questions.

Tip #4: Time Management Is Crucial

As with all psychometric tests, effective time management is really important.

Being able to recognise when you can’t just reach an answer on a question and having the foresight to move on is a skill that you need to learn through practice.

You will only be able to identify which questions you may struggle with by completing diagrammatic reasoning practice tests.

Try not to spend too long on one question; you can always come back to it if you have time at the end.

Tip #5: Practice

Those who succeed in the diagrammatic reasoning tests will take time to prepare and practice.

Look for tests that are relevant to the job and level you’re applying for.

Not only will you be able to progress through the questions at an increased pace, it won’t be as much of a challenge if you’re asked to complete a diagrammatic reasoning test during the recruitment process.

Further Reading

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our guide to diagrammatic reasoning tests, and that our 5 tops tips have put your mind at ease.

For those looking for more information, be sure to check out the Diagrammatic Reasoning Test Tips video from Assessment Centre HQ below.

In it, they run through a series of example questions that, making sure you have a better idea of what to expect.

Need more practice? Try practice tests from JobTestPrep.


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