Mastering the SHL Inductive Reasoning Test: Strategies & Tips
The SHL test is one of the most popular aptitude tests used by a range of employers throughout the UK. Depending on the job you are applying for, you may be required to take a combination of tests. The aim of these SHL tests is to see how well you can work under time constraints.
SHL tests are designed for job seekers or new graduates applying for jobs in big companies listed in the Forbes 500. They give applicants an opportunity to show off their abilities and differentiate themselves from candidates.
If you are applying for a job that requires you to take a psychometric test in the recruitment process, it is very likely that the tests are from SHL.
But passing an SHL inductive reasoning test is no walk in the park. Proper preparation is key to passing your test and getting good SHL test results.
In this article, we cover everything you need to know about the SHL inductive reasoning test, from preparation tips to the types of questions you will encounter on the test.
Table of Contents
What Is an Inductive Reasoning Test?
Unlike the more general OPQ test, inductive reasoning tests are designed to assess a candidate’s logical abilities and problem-solving skills by asking non-verbal and non-numerical questions.
Inductive reasoning tests are common for job positions that require analytical or technical skills like finance or engineering. These tests are used for hiring, development, and the selection process at all levels.
Inductive reasoning tests require candidates to draw conclusions based on the evidence provided. Job candidates will need to use logic to identify patterns in a sequence of figures. They then have to choose from multiple choices which diagram fits to make the correct sequence.
Inductive reasoning tests are taken under tight time constraints, and candidates need to work fast and efficiently to pass.
Different SHL Test Types
SHL offers a variety of verified aptitude tests as part of their service. These tests refer to the SHL online aptitude testing system for graduate recruitment.
The testing system has two stages. The first stage is the Verify Ability Test, which candidates will receive via email. This is an online, unsupervised test. The second stage is the verification test, which is optional. It is a short, supervised test.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common SHL Verify tests.
SHL Inductive Reasoning Test
The SHL inductive reasoning assessment is also known as the SHL Logical Reasoning test. The aim of this test is for employers to see how candidates can manage new information and solve problems.
Candidates will be presented with a pattern and asked to fill in the missing graphic. This type of inductive reasoning question is known as the “next in series”.
Each question will have a series of different graphics made up of shapes. You will need to spot the pattern behind the series and select the graphic that will come next to make the correct sequence for the series.
SHL has two different versions of this test: SHL Verify G+ Inductive Reasoning Test (interactive) and SHL Verify G+ Inductive Reasoning Test (non-interactive). These SHL inductive reasoning tests differ in terms of their question types, difficulty levels, and time limits.
Like with other test types, there is a good chance that there will be a verification test at the assessment centre. This will help confirm that the original test was completed honestly. During this follow-up test, candidates will be required to answer seven questions in seven minutes.
SHL Verify G+ Inductive Reasoning Test (Interactive)
In this SHL inductive reasoning test, applicants need to fully engage. They will be required to do different things such as drag lines to complete sequences, tap to fill in the next picture in the sequence, memorize button behaviour, and much more.
This makes the assessment much more complex because you need time to understand what is required as well as how to solve it.
The test contains 15 questions that need to be answered in 18 minutes. This means that you have around 70 seconds to answer each question.
SHL Verify G+ Inductive Reasoning Test (Non-interactive)
This SHL inductive reasoning test is a straightforward multiple-choice question test. It is very similar to the previous version of the CEB SHL Logical Inductive Test. It includes a series of figures and patterns that you need to complete.
The test contains 18 questions and has a 24-minute time limit.
Do not be surprised if, during your application process, you will be required to take more than a few SHL tests. Here are some other aptitude tests that you need to prepare for.
SHL Deductive Reasoning Test
Deductive reasoning tests are used to assess a candidate’s ability to draw conclusions based on the information provided. It is used to measure your logical thinking skills.
The test contains questions including finding the strengths and weaknesses of arguments, analysing scenarios, and drawing conclusions from the information.
SHL has different versions of this test. An interactive one and non-interactive multiple-choice version. Each test differs in its question type, difficulty level, and time limits.
SHL Verbal Reasoning Test
The verbal reasoning test aims to assess a candidate’s verbal ability, comprehension skills, and logical skills.
Candidates will be presented with a paragraph or text and a set of statements. You will need to select whether each statement is true, false, or cannot say.
The paragraphs are often about work-related scenarios. The answers are based on certain assumptions that can be interpreted from the information provided.
The verbal reasoning test consists of 30 questions, and candidates have a 19-minute time limit.
Candidates who pass this test and are invited for an interview or to the assessment centre are required to take a shorter, supervised version of this test. This is called the SHL Verify Verification Test, which vouches for the integrity of their results. Candidates need to answer 18 questions in 11 minutes.
SHL Numerical Reasoning Test
The numerical reasoning test is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to work with numerical data and apply basic math skills. Applicants will be presented with word problems, numerical calculations, charts, and graphs.
The test comes in different versions: Verify G+ Non-Interactive and Verify G+ Interactive. The tests vary in terms of their question types, difficulty, and time limits.
The Verify Interactive Version is one of SHL’s new tests. Despite it being more engaging, it is also more difficult and requires more time to solve.
Calculators are generally not allowed on SHL Numerical tests. Test takers need to use their mental math skills and quick calculations on paper to find solutions. As such, doing practice tests to prepare for this SHL test is very important.
How to Prepare for the SHL Inductive Reasoning Test
Encountering inductive reasoning questions for the first time can be very overwhelming.
This is because you are not usually taught how to solve these things in high school. Some questions even look like there is no logic behind them. It can also be a bit stressful to have to answer them under such tight time constraints.
This is why preparing for these tests is the key to success.
Below are some helpful preparation tips to get you ready for these tests.
If You Don’t Know, Take a Guess
SHL inductive reasoning tests are timed, so make sure you complete as many of the questions as possible. If you don’t know the answer to a question, take a guess and move on to the next question.
Stay Calm and Concentrate
When taking practice tests, make sure you time yourself. This will show you how you react under pressure during an inductive reasoning test.
If you can’t answer a question, do not panic: stay calm and remember that there are other questions to complete. Remaining calm and focused on the task ahead helps your natural problem-solving ability shine through.
Be Aware of the Rules
In an inductive reasoning test, information can be presented in more than one rule, pattern, or relationship.
Carefully read through the information, and do not make assumptions. Identify whether more than one rule has been used.
Identify the Pattern
Inductive reasoning tests contain abstract data, which can be challenging to deal with, especially if you find it difficult to visualise shapes.
To help you understand the information presented, try to find a pattern. This could be the arrangement of shapes or the sequence of colours.
Watch Out for Distractors
Inductive reasoning tests usually contain information that is not relevant to the question being asked. This irrelevant information is known as a distractor.
To help identify a distractor, look for one common aspect. This could be a shape, pattern, or sequence. Once you have found the distractor information, eliminate it and focus on the necessary information to answer the question.
SHL Inductive Reasoning Test Scores
Every candidate who completes the SHL Inductive Reasoning test receives a Candidate Assessment Report PDF file.
This report represents your results and general feedback. The scores are compared to a large number of applicants who took the same test in the past.
So, the report will state whether your inductive reasoning ability is high or low when compared to the comparison group.
Final Thoughts
Inductive reasoning is not something you can just study and learn. But you can perform better through constant practice.
JobTestPrep offers a variety of helpful resources, practice tests, and study guides that can assist you in successfully passing your SHL Inductive Reasoning test.
Equipped with the best practice tools, you can outshine your competition, impress potential employers, and secure your dream job.
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Sarah is an accomplished educator, researcher and author in the field of testing and assessment. She has worked with various educational institutions and organisations to develop innovative evaluation methods and enhance student learning. Sarah has published numerous articles and books on assessment and learning. Her passion for promoting equity and fairness in the education system fuels her commitment to sharing insights and best practices with educators and policymakers around the world.
