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.
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 correct answer is
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 correct answer is
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
Observe the following progressive matrix and identify the pattern.
Which of the following is the missing piece?
The Correct Answer is:
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.
Ace Your Job Search with a Custom Prep Kit
Job hunting doesn't have to be stressful.
Prepare smarter and ace your interviews faster with our Premium Membership.
50% OFF for a limited time!
Choose any 3 PrepPacks from over 100 top-rated options.
Flexible access for 1, 3, or 6 months.
Sample Question #7
Observe the following progressive matrix and identify the pattern.
Which of the following is the missing piece?
The Correct Answer is:
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
Observe the following progressive matrix and identify the pattern.
Which of the following is the missing piece?
The Correct Answer is:
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
Observe the following progressive matrix and identify the pattern.
Which of the following is the missing piece?
The Correct Answer is:
The missing piece should have black vertical lines that bend outwards and white horizontal lines that bend inwards.
Sample Question #10
Observe the following progressive matrix and identify the pattern.
Which of the following is the missing piece?
The Correct Answer is:
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
Observe the following progressive matrix and identify the pattern.
Which of the following is the missing piece?
The Correct Answer is:
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.