Top 10 Free Reasoning Tests for Job Applications
Reasoning tests are used by employers, graduate programmes and public institutions worldwide to assess logical thinking, data interpretation and decision-making under time pressure. Here are the 10 most common types — and how to practice each one free.
Why employers use reasoning tests
Reasoning tests give employers an objective way to compare candidates across different backgrounds. Unlike interviews, they measure raw problem-solving ability rather than communication style or presentation skills.
They are used in banking, consulting, technology, civil service, government institutions and EU career competitions such as EPSO. Most tests are timed and delivered online, often as the first stage of a recruitment process.
1. Abstract reasoning tests
Abstract reasoning tests measure your ability to identify patterns, relationships and logical rules between shapes, symbols and sequences — without using language or numbers. They are one of the purest measures of fluid intelligence.
Used by: EPSO, SHL, Korn Ferry, McKinsey, consulting firms, civil service fast streams.
Try free abstract reasoning test →2. Numerical reasoning tests
Numerical reasoning tests assess your ability to interpret data from tables, charts and graphs and perform calculations under time pressure. Questions typically involve percentages, ratios, currency conversions and data comparisons.
Used by: EPSO, investment banks, accounting firms, Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, graduate employers.
Try free numerical reasoning test →3. Verbal reasoning tests
Verbal reasoning tests measure reading comprehension and logical inference. You read a short passage and decide whether a statement is true, false or impossible to determine based only on the information given — not your general knowledge.
Used by: EPSO, law firms, consulting, public sector, NHS, civil service.
Try free verbal reasoning test →4. Logical reasoning tests
Logical reasoning tests present arguments, sequences or deductive problems and ask you to identify conclusions, assumptions or flaws. They are closely related to abstract reasoning but often use text-based scenarios instead of shapes.
Used by: law firms, management consulting, financial services, academic institutions.
5. Diagrammatic reasoning tests
Diagrammatic reasoning tests assess your ability to follow processes, inputs and outputs shown as flowcharts or diagrams. They are common in technology and engineering recruitment.
Used by: technology companies, engineering firms, IBM, Accenture.
6. Inductive reasoning tests
Inductive reasoning tests require you to identify patterns in a series of figures or data and predict the next item in the sequence. They are very similar to abstract reasoning tests and often used interchangeably.
Used by: SHL, Talent Q, Cubiks, management consulting.
7. Deductive reasoning tests
Deductive reasoning tests present premises or rules and ask you to draw valid conclusions. They test whether you can apply logical rules consistently without being influenced by prior beliefs.
Used by: legal sector, financial services, public sector recruitment.
8. Spatial reasoning tests
Spatial reasoning tests assess your ability to mentally rotate, fold or manipulate 2D and 3D shapes. They are common in engineering, architecture, military and technical roles.
Used by: armed forces, engineering firms, technical graduate programmes.
9. Data interpretation tests
Data interpretation tests focus specifically on reading and analysing statistical information from tables, bar charts, pie charts and line graphs. They are a subset of numerical reasoning with greater emphasis on data literacy.
Used by: financial analysts, data roles, public sector, consulting.
10. Situational judgement tests
Situational judgement tests present realistic workplace scenarios and ask you to choose the most effective response. They assess decision-making, prioritisation and professional judgement rather than logical reasoning directly.
Used by: NHS, civil service, EPSO, large graduate employers.
Preparing for EPSO reasoning tests
EPSO competitions — used to recruit staff for European Union institutions — rely heavily on abstract, numerical and verbal reasoning tests as the primary selection tool. The pass mark is competitive and the tests are strictly timed.
If you are preparing for an EPSO competition, practising tests 1, 2 and 3 from this list — abstract, numerical and verbal reasoning — is the most direct preparation you can do. Free practice tests are available with instant scoring and full answer explanations.
How to practice reasoning tests effectively
- Always practice under timed conditions — speed matters as much as accuracy.
- Review every wrong answer with a full explanation before moving on.
- Train each reasoning category separately before mixing them.
- Start with untimed practice to understand question types, then add the clock.
- Track your score across sessions to measure real improvement.
- Focus extra time on your weakest category, not your strongest.
Start with a free reasoning test
Practice abstract, numerical and verbal reasoning with timed EPSO-style tests, instant scoring and full answer explanations. No account required to start.
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