raven problem solving test

A Guide to the Raven's Progressive Matrices Test: Tips & Examples

What Are Raven's Progressive Matrices?

Example raven's advanced progressive matrices questions, rules for solving ravens assessment.

How to Prepare for the Raven's Progressive Matrices Test

Frequently Asked Questions

Final thoughts, a guide to the raven's progressive matrices test: tips & examples.

Updated November 20, 2023

Raven's Progressive Matrices is a pre-employment aptitude test measuring general and fluid intelligence.

There are three different versions; the one you will sit on depends on the role you have applied for and the skill set required.

As the results of this test determine whether or not you progress to the next stage of recruitment, preparing is essential.

This article will explain what the test is, the different versions available and how best to prepare yourself.

Raven's Progressive Matrices was developed by J.C. Raven in the 1930s in the UK and is currently licensed by Pearson PLC.

It was developed to assess how far a person's upbringing and genetics influenced their intelligence.

As the test is visual and, therefore, has no cultural and ethnic bias, it is considered a reliable tool for measuring general and fluid intelligence.

The Raven Intelligence Test was first used by the British Army during WWII. Today, it is more commonly used by employers during recruitment to measure non-verbal reasoning skills such as:

Abstract reasoning
Cognitive functioning
Spatial reasoning
Analogical ability
Problem-solving

The test requires candidates to identify the rule in a set of images and decide which comes next.

As it is part of the recruitment process, the Raven test is typically taken online in a place and time of your choosing.

Due to the complexity of the scoring system, scores are not shown as percentages or the number of correct answers.

Instead, the algorithm gives a percentile rank measured against a population group relevant to the role you applied for.

Take a Practice Raven's Test on JobTestPrep

The Three Forms of Ravens Matrices

Since its development, Ravens assessment has been adapted and updated.

The three versions used today include:

Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices

Raven's colored progressive matrices, raven's advanced progressive matrices.

Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices is the original version of the test published in 1938 and consists of five sets of 12 images.

The images are black and white, with each image in each set becoming progressively more difficult to solve.

There are 60 questions and a 40-minute time limit. At the end of the 40 minutes, the test is automatically scored.

The standard version is most commonly used for entry-level and lower management roles, as well as those positions where analytical skills are essential.

Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices uses the first two sets from the Standard version and an additional set designed for this assessment.

As the name suggests, the images are in color and primarily for:

Children aged five to 11
Elderly with reduced cognitive abilities
Those with physical or mental impairments

The final version is Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices.

This version is far more complex and consists of 36 questions with a 40-minute time limit.

All questions are presented in black and white.

The advanced test is often assigned to candidates applying for higher management positions.

Identify the right image for the empty slot '?'.

Identify the right image for the empty slot '?'

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While Ravens Matrices can appear random, there are certain rules that the questions follow. Learning and understanding these rules will help you solve them much quicker.

The most common are:

Row consistency – This is where the pattern remains the same along the row but changes down the column.

Quantitative progression – This is seen in Q3 above, where the sequence either increases or decreases. Depending on the image, the change could be in size, number or position.

Adding or subtracting – This is seen in Q2 above and is when an element from one column is added or removed in the next to create the final image.

Distribution of three values – This rule occurs when three elements appear in each row. Usually, you will have two sets of three elements. For example, each row will have a circle, square and rectangle. Layered on top of those shapes will be three different types of lines.

Distribution of two values – Follows the same process as three values, except only two of the elements matter. The difficult bit is deciding which one of the three elements is not part of the rule.

Other rules and patterns in the Ravens assessment might include:

Movements around a grid
Changes in size
Changes in shape
Mirror images or reflections

How to Prepare for the Raven's Progressive Matrices Test

For those unfamiliar with these types of questions, the Raven Matrices IQ Test can be extremely challenging. The only way to ensure you perform your best is to prepare using the following tips.

Step 1 . Learn About the Raven Test Format

Going into a test without knowing how the questions look, what you are being assessed on and how many you need to answer causes a lot of unnecessary stress and time wasting.

Online forums such as Quora and Reddit are great for finding out this type of information. Most of the people who contribute have either taken the test or are about to.

Step 2 . Take Practice Tests Online

As there are no specific subject areas to learn, completing a Raven's test practice online is the best way to prepare.

The more questions you complete, the more familiar you will become with the patterns and rules.

At the start of your preparation, work through 60 questions in your own time. As your confidence grows, begin adding time limits until you can answer all 60 questions within 40 minutes.

You can also complete any diagrammatic reasoning test , as the questions tend to follow the same rules.

Step 3 . Understand the Common Rules

There are only so many patterns a test can use.

When working through your practice questions, learn and understand as many rules as you can. This way, you can easily identify and solve them in the real test.

Step 4 . Explain Your Reasoning

During your Raven's Progressive Matrices Test practice, get in the habit of writing down your thoughts and how you came to the solution you did.

Doing this will help you see where you can improve your thought process and establish good habits for the real test.

During your assessment, you are allowed scrap paper to make notes. Having a system of abbreviations and symbols that you developed and are comfortable with will make your thinking process much quicker.

Step 5 . Learn to Keep Track of Time

If you practice using time limits, you should know how long you need for each question.

Getting into a steady rhythm at the start of the Raven test will keep you on schedule and help with the speed and accuracy element of your score.

Step 6 . Don't Get Stuck

If you find a question particularly challenging, quickly move on and come back to it if you have enough time.

Your score is based on more than the number of questions answered correctly. Don't let one question ruin your rhythm or confidence.

What is Raven's Progressive Matrices?

The Raven's Progressive Matrices is an aptitude test assessing a candidate's general and fluid intelligence. The test areas include spatial awareness, abstract reasoning and cognitive thinking.

The most common version of the test consists of 60 questions and is administered to entry-level and junior management roles. The advanced version has 36 questions and is used for senior management roles.

Is the Raven test hard to pass?

As the questions in the Raven's Progressive Matrices are not ones you might answer on a daily basis, it can be a challenging test to sit.

However, with the right preparation and confidence, you can achieve your best score.

How to practice for the Raven's Progressive Matrices test?

The best way to prepare for the Raven's Progressive Matrices is to complete as many practice questions as you can and learn the rules the patterns might follow.

What does Raven's Progressive Matrices measure?

The Raven's Progressive Matrices measures abstract reasoning, cognitive functioning, spatial reasoning, analogical ability and problem-solving skills.

As the test only uses images, it is a great tool for assessing fluid and general intelligence.

How to ace the Raven's Progressive Matrices?

If you want to ace the Raven's Progressive Matrices test, you will need to prepare by completing as many practice questions as you can and learning how to identify and solve the rules they use.

How accurate are Raven's Progressive Matrices?

The Raven's Progressive Matrices is a very accurate measure of fluid and general intelligence.

It only uses images which means there are no cultural and ethnic biases, there are no specific subjects to learn, and the questions get progressively harder meaning the candidate only has their abilities to depend on.

Where can I get sample questions for the Raven's Progressive Matrices test?

You can find sample questions for the Raven's Progressive Matrices test online on JobTestPrep .

How many questions are on Raven's Progressive Matrices test?

There are 60 questions on Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices test and 36 on the advanced version.

Is Raven's Progressive Matrices an IQ test?

Yes, Raven's Progressive Matrices is a test of your general and fluid intelligence.

What age is the Raven IQ test for?

There are three versions of the Raven IQ test. The Colored Progressive Matrices is for children, the elderly and those with mental and physical impairments.

The Standard Progressive Matrices is for a majority of the population. The Advanced Progressive Matrices is for those demonstrating advanced cognitive abilities.

Is the Raven's Progressive Matrices test important?

If you are taking the Raven's Progressive Matrices test as part of the recruitment process, then yes, the test is important.

Only those candidates with the best scores will make it through to the next stage.

Where can I get a complete guide for Raven's Progressive Matrices test?

Raven's Progressive Matrices is a test of your intelligence and is designed to be challenging.

However, if you prepare by learning the rules of the patterns, completing as many practice questions as possible and finding a steady test rhythm, you can achieve your best possible score.

You might also be interested in these other Psychometric Success articles:

Or explore the Aptitude Tests / Test Types sections.

Raven's Progressive Matrices Test - Questions and Answers for APM and SPM

The Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM) Test is a high-level, non-verbal assessment tool . This abstract reasoning test is regarded as a reliable estimate of fluid intelligence (You might even see it referred to as Raven's IQ Test).

This page features a free Raven's Matrices Practise Test, with different matrix questions, detailed explanations and solving tips. We will focus on the first two Raven's Progressive Matrices Tests, with an emphasis on APM. Let’s begin.

May , Raven's Matrices Expert at JobTestPrep Have a question? Contact me at:

Free Raven's Progressive Matrices Practise Test

Did You Know?

Raven's include three test types:

Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Test ( APM ) – More intricate, typically about 23 questions in 40 minutes.
Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Test ( SPM ) – More moderate, typically 43 questions in 47 minutes.
Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices Test ( CPM ) – Used for young children and the elderly.

Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Test (APM)

The questions in this Raven's assessment test include a 3X3 matrix. You must identify the pattern and select the missing element which completes the bottom right slot. We will start out with an easy example, and then move on to more challenging progressive matrices. The advanced progressive matrices will be interspersed with tips and insights on the Raven's progressive matrices test.

Sample Question #1 - Progression Rule

The correct answer is

The third image in the first two rows is the result of adding a diagonal line pattern to the top half of the first image in the first two rows. Thus, the third image of the bottom row must be the result of adding a diagonal line pattern to the top half of the first image in the bottom row.

In Progression rule questions the object changes, or rather progresses with every step throughout the row or the column (the direction may vary).

Sample Question #2 - Motion Rule

The second image in each row is the result of moving the three shapes in the first image in each row closer together, and the third image in the first two rows is the result of placing the shapes from the first image in each row inside each other. Thus, the third image in the bottom row must have the shapes from the first image in the bottom row inside each other.

In motion rule questions , the objects move (change their position) with each step. Usually, the motion is of one or more of the objects inside a frame. To identify the movement of the inner object, it is useful to compare the outer object or frames across either the rows or columns.

Sample Question #3 – Rotation Rule

The correct answer is

The first image in each row has a small black square on the left side of the bigger square, the second image in each row has the same small black square now in the middle of the bigger square, and the third image in the first two rows has the small black square on the right side of the bigger square. Thus, the third image in the bottom row must have the small black square on the right side of the bigger square.

In rotation rule questions, the figures in the matrix rotate in a determined pattern across either rows or columns.

Sample Question #4 - Construction Rule

The second image in each row looks like a second horizontal line has been added to the first image in each row, and the third image in the first two rows looks like a third horizontal line has been added to the second image in each row. Thus, the third image in the bottom row must look like a third horizontal line has been added to the second image in the bottom row.

In construction rule questions, two objects from the same row or column are combined to form the third object. In simple matrices, this combination might look just like a simple addition equation.

Prep Yourself with Raven's Matrices Practise

Recutting patterns are the most fundamental aspect of abstract reasoning tests , in particular Raven's Advanced Matrices.

For a price starting at £49, you can begin your practise today, including guides with valuable solving tips , and hundreds of matrices with a variety of patterns – both unique and recurring.

Sample Question #5

Observe the following progressive matrix and identify the pattern .

Which of the following is the missing piece?

The Correct Answer is:

The positioning of the small black square inside the large square corresponds with the position of the figure in the matrix: All the figures in the leftmost column have their black square on the left, the middle column in the middle, and the right column on the right. All the figures in the top row have their squares on top, the middle row in the middle, and the bottom row at the bottom. The bottom-right figure should, therefore, have its black square at the bottom-right corner.

Tip: How to Recognize Different Patterns?

When approaching spatial inductive questions – and especially progressive matrices, there is great importance in identifying different patterns quickly and accurately . Since time is short, and questions may become increasingly difficult – it is crucial not only to practise ahead but also to learn to recognize recurring patterns.

Recurring patterns may include figures (such as circles, triangles, and rectangles), moving clockwise/anti-clockwise, the direction of lines, and changing colours (mostly black or white). For Raven's Assessments, there will usually be one recurring pattern along the rows and another along the columns.

For example, the first Raven's Progressive Matrices question on this test consists of a basic, moving black square inside a large white square – which moves left-to-right along the rows, and up-and-down along the columns. The second example starts as a blank square (top left). As it descends down the rows, it adds diagonal lines for each step. It does the same as it moves left along the columns. Since the direction of the diagonal lines is opposite for rows and columns – you can quickly figure that the part of the square that includes lines from both rows or bottom will present a new, unique pattern, not yet seen.

Sample Question #6

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Sample Question #7

In this question, each image contains a circle with straight vertical lines inside the circle, and in some of the images, parts of the circle or lines are missing.

In every column, the first image is the “full” one. The second image loses the lower line of the + shape inside the circle, and the third image loses the right line of the + shape inside the circle.

In every row, the first image is the “full” one. The second image loses the right-upper quarter of the circle, and the third one loses the circle's left-upper quarter.

The missing image is the third in both the third row and column, so it will have the right and left upper quarters missing and the lower and right lines of the + shape missing.

Tip: Eliminating Answers

Given the time- constraint often imposed on cognitive assessments , there is no shame in using elimination as a shortcut to the right answer. The same is true for Raven's Progressive Matrices.

Use the observed patterns to eliminate unlikely options . If you notice that the number of shapes is increasing, then any option with fewer or the same number of shapes can probably be eliminated. Try to mentally place the remaining options into the empty slot . Does it complete both the row and the column patterns? If so, you may have found your answer.

For the previous example, you can immediately eliminate the entire bottom row – which includes figures that already appeared in the matrix. Since the matrix shows a pattern of reduction, it is not plausible that a figure would appear twice . The advantage of this method is that even when you are uncertain of the answer and have to take a guess – it becomes an educated guess, and the chances of answering correctly increase.

Practise for Raven's Test

JobTestPrep has had decades of experience in prepping test takers for their upcoming psychometric test .

For a price starting at £49, you can find many more useful solving tips and practise them on hundreds of different matrices.

Sample Question #8

The third image in the first two rows is the result of combining the horizontal and vertical lines that appear in both of the first two images with the diagonal lines that only appear in the first or second image, but not both. Thus, the third image in the bottom row must be the result of combining the horizontal and vertical lines that appear in both of the first two images with the diagonal lines that only appear in the first or second image, but not both.

Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Test comes in a long version ( 23 questions in 40 minutes ), or a shorter version ( 12 questions in 15 minutes ). Either way, the questions vary in difficulty - their become increasingly more challengin due to nearing time limit, difficulty, and fatigue as the test progresses.

Raven's progressive matrices test, and the advance progressive matrices in particular, are the basis for many abstract reasoning tests , like the Talent-Q Elements , which is a very popular test.

The best way to succeed in the test is practise . Seeing, analysing, and responding to many different matrices and patterns is essential to success. You can find many of Raven's APM practise tests and, study guides, and detailed explanation with solving tips in our All-Inclusive Raven Matrices PrepPack .

Let's look at a couple of examples of the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) Test, which vary in format and difficulty:

Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Test (SPM)

The questions in this aptitude test include either an image of different figures or patterns. You must identify what the missing figure is, in matrices of different sizes (i.e., 2X2). The Raven's SPM IQ Test is typically given to a younger population, and the SPM scores are accordingly evaluated against a norm group consisting of younger people. (Raven's coloured Progressive Matrices Test is intended for the youngest audience, children up to 11 years of age).

Let's take a look at three standard progressive matrices:

Sample Question #9

The missing piece should have black vertical lines that bend outwards and white horizontal lines that bend inwards.

Sample Question #10

The horizontal solid lines appear to be curving inward and outward while the vertical dashed lines appear to be curving inward only. Thus, the correct answer choice must contain horizontal solid lines that curve inward and then outward while the vertical dashed lines curve inward.

Sample Question #11

The first image in the bottom row is the result of mirroring the first image in the top row over the x-axis. Thus, the second image in the bottom row must be the result of mirroring the second image in the top row over the x-axis.

How is Raven's Progressive Matrices Test Scored?

Raven's scoring methodology is more complex than the typical calculation of a number of correct answers scores.

Each item has a level of difficulty and discrimination that is factored into the scoring. For example, suppose you answered properly the more difficult and discriminating questions in the test. In that case, you will obtain higher marks than a candidate who properly answered the easier and less discriminating ones.

To calculate your APM score, you'll first be given a theta score, which is the basic prediction of your capability. The theta scores range from -4.000 to +4.000. Scores at the bottom of the scale (-4.000) suggest someone with extremely low ability, while scores at the top (+4.000) suggest someone with extremely high ability.

In the second step, your theta score is transformed to percentiles for easier comprehension and comparison after it is calculated. This will be the score displayed in the profile reports.

Practise Raven's progressive matrices test

Through our practise, you will find hundreds of different practise questions for the Raven IQ Test, with different matrices of formats, styles, and difficulty levels. Practising both under the pressure of the test's real time limit, as well as having the opportunity to practise different matrices and inductive questions to improve your ability to completely analyze and complete patterns. Our PrepPack includes:

Full Raven's Matrices study guide
5 Full Raven's Matrices simulations
7 Matrices practise tests
Advanced and standard progressive matrices
11 Next in Series practise tests
Inductive video tutorial

Enhance your logical thinking, sharpen your cognitive ability, and learn to ace the Raven Test.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the raven progressive matrices test.

The Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM), sometimes known as Raven's Matrices, is a nonverbal exam designed to examine general human intelligence and abstract reasoning abilities. It is similar in nature to other abstract reasoning tests such as the Alva Labs Logic Test and Matrigma.

The test consists of 36 questions you’ll have to answer in 40 minutes. In each question, you’ll see a 3x3 matrix of geometric shapes with one piece missing. Your task is to select the correct tile from a collection of six options to complete the general pattern in the matrix.

What does the Raven's Progressive Matrices Test measure?

Raven's progressive matrices measure general fluid intelligence. A larger number of correct answers than average indicates above-average intelligence, and vice versa.

Due to a lack of cultural bias, Raven's Test is considered a very effective and accurate tool of assessing cognitive thinking and intellectual capacity.

How are Raven's Progressive Matrices Tests scored?

Past versions of the Raven Test were scored by simply counting the correct answers and awarding a point for each. New test versions, however, use a more complex system known as theta sores.

Theta scores range from +4 to -4 (indicating high and low ability, respectively), and take into account not only whether the answer was right or wrong but also the item difficulty and discrimination (difficulty being the portion of people who fail to answer it correctly, discrimination being its ability to differentiate between poor and high performers).

Thus, getting a difficult question right will affect your theta score more than getting an easy question right.

In any case, your theta scores are converted to a percentile rank, which indicates how well you did as compared with your peers. This is the score that will appear on your report. The highest achievable percentile score is 99, which means you are in the top 1% of your norm group.

Can you prepare for Raven's Progressive Matrices?

You can absolutely prepare yourself for the Raven’s APM, and we highly recommend practise before taking it. Many of the Raven questions appear to be difficult at first look, but there are standard rules that repeat throughout the test that you can learn in advance.

What is the Raven's Progressive Matrices test used for?

The Raven test is used as a pre-employment screening tool. Candidates applying for positions in senior management or roles that need a high degree of cognitive and analytical abilities are given the Advanced Progressive Matrices.

Its purpose is to assist your employer in evaluating your ability to work flexibly with novel knowledge as well as your problem-solving abilities. As a result, even though the test appears to be unrelated to your actual job, it is an important stage in the hiring process.

What are the other versions of Raven's Progressive Matrices?

Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices

The SPM raven test is used when screening entry-level candidates. It is commonly used for positions requiring lateral thinking, decision-making skills and analytical abilities. It has 60 questions that are needed to be completed within 40 minutes. The type of questions in this test is a bit easier than the APM Raven’s test.

Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices

These matrices were designed for people with general lower ability because of age - very old or young test-takers. It contains the two first sets from the Standard Matrices with an additional set of 12 items inserted in between the two. The questions are presented on a colored background to make them visually stimulating.

Short Advanced Progressive Matrices

The difference between Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices and the Short APM is the number of questions and the amount of time it takes to finish the test. This simplified version of Raven's intelligence test consists of only 12 questions and must be completed in under 15 minutes.

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