Abstract Reasoning Test
A free abstract / inductive reasoning practice test for the NATS aptitude assessment. Learn how the grid-rule (matrix) questions work, see the exact rule types that appear, and practise spotting the hidden pattern under realistic time pressure.
ATC Practice is an independent practice platform. Our questions are original and computer-generated. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by NATS or Aon; test names are used for identification only. Always confirm the current selection process on the official NATS careers website.
What is the abstract reasoning test?
Abstract reasoning — also called inductive or diagrammatic reasoning — measures how quickly you can work out a rule from examples and apply it, using only shapes and symbols. There are no words or numbers to lean on, which is exactly why employers like NATS use it: it strips away learned knowledge and tests raw pattern recognition, the same mental skill an air traffic controller uses to read a developing picture and act on it.
In the grid-rule (matrix) format, you are shown two reference grids that both obey one hidden rule. You then choose the option grids that follow the same rule. The trick is that everything except the rule is randomised on purpose — so learning to filter out the noise is half the battle.
A worked example
Below, both reference grids follow one rule: every shape in the grid is the same colour. The count, the shape types, the sizes and the positions all change — only the “single colour” rule stays constant. The two grids on the right that also use a single colour are the correct answers; the mixed-colour grid is a distractor.
Reference pair
Which follow the rule?
The rule types you’ll see
The full test escalates in difficulty. Early questions use these single-attribute rules — learning to check for each one, in order, turns a hard-looking puzzle into a quick checklist.
Shape count
Every grid holds the same number of shapes — the correct grids match that count exactly, the distractors don't.
One shape type
Every shape in the grid is the same type — all circles, all squares, or all triangles. Distractors mix types.
One colour
Every shape in the grid shares a single colour, while distractors use two or more colours.
One size
Every shape is the same size — all large or all small. Distractors mix large and small shapes.
Symmetry
The grid is a left-right mirror image across its centre column. Distractors break the symmetry.
Later questions bring in tougher relational, positional and combined rules — closer to the real assessment, where you also have to rule out tempting distractors that match a simpler pattern.
Rotational symmetry
Turn the grid 180° and it looks identical — a subtler symmetry than a simple mirror.
All three types
Every grid contains at least one circle, one square and one triangle; distractors are missing a type.
Colours match types
The number of different colours equals the number of different shape types — a relationship, not a single feature.
Equal split
Exactly two types in equal numbers (e.g. two circles and two squares). Watch for tempting unequal near-misses.
Two conditions at once
Every shape shares one type AND one colour — distractors match only one condition, so both must hold.
Single row
All the shapes sit in one row; distractors spread across the grid. A positional rule rather than an attribute.
How to pass: a five-step method
- 1
Read the two reference grids first
Both reference grids obey the same hidden rule. Before you look at the options, work out what that rule is — this is where the marks are won or lost.
- 2
Run a fixed checklist
Scan one property at a time: count the shapes, then check the types, the colours, the sizes, and finally symmetry. The rule is whichever property is identical across both reference grids.
- 3
Ignore the noise on purpose
Positions, sizes and extra colours are randomised specifically to distract you. If a feature changes between the two reference grids, it is not the rule.
- 4
Select and confirm
Pick the option grids that follow the rule you identified, then submit. If two options both fit, re-check your rule — a true rule separates the correct grids cleanly from the rest.
- 5
Practise against the clock
Speed is the real challenge. Once you know the rule types, drill them under a timer so you can spot the pattern in a few seconds rather than a minute.
Abstract reasoning test — FAQs
What is an abstract reasoning test?
An abstract reasoning test measures your ability to spot patterns and rules in shapes and symbols, without relying on words or numbers. In the grid-based (matrix) format used in the NATS aptitude assessment, you are shown reference grids that all follow one hidden rule, then asked to pick the further grids that follow the same rule. It is a pure test of inductive logic — working out a rule from examples and applying it correctly at speed.
Is abstract reasoning the same as inductive or logical reasoning?
They overlap heavily. 'Abstract reasoning', 'inductive reasoning' and 'diagrammatic reasoning' are used almost interchangeably for non-verbal tests that ask you to infer a rule from shapes and apply it. 'Logical reasoning' is sometimes used more broadly to include sequences and deductions. In practice, if a test shows you patterns of shapes and asks what comes next or which figure belongs, you are being assessed on the same core skill.
Is abstract reasoning part of the NATS test?
Non-verbal, inductive reasoning is one of the core mental skills the NATS Stage 1 aptitude battery screens for, alongside spatial, numerical and situational judgement tasks. The exact line-up and question styles are set by NATS and its assessment provider and can change between intakes, so always confirm the current format on the official NATS careers site. Practising the abstract reasoning format is valuable either way because the underlying skill — inferring and applying rules quickly — appears throughout the selection process.
How do the grid-rule (matrix) questions work?
You see two reference grids that both obey a single hidden rule — for example, every grid contains exactly five shapes, or every shape in a grid is the same colour, or the grid is left-right symmetrical. Everything else (positions, sizes, extra colours) is deliberately randomised to distract you. Your job is to identify that one consistent rule and then select the option grids that follow it. Only the intended rule is shared by every correct grid, so there is always one defensible answer.
How do I pass an abstract reasoning test?
Work systematically. Scan the reference grids for one property at a time — count the shapes, then check the types, then the colours, then the sizes, then look for symmetry — until you find the single feature that is identical across both. Ignore the obvious distractions; the test is designed so that positions and irrelevant attributes change. Above all, practise under a timer: these tests are demanding because of speed and accuracy, not because any single question is hard.
How many questions are in the practice test?
Our full timed abstract reasoning test contains 40 questions to be completed in eight minutes, which mirrors the fast pace of a real speeded aptitude test. Every question is generated fresh from randomised attributes, so no two attempts — and no two candidates — ever get the same set. The free demo gives you six untimed questions so you can learn the format before going against the clock.
What is the best way to practise abstract reasoning?
Short, regular, timed sessions beat occasional long ones. Start untimed to learn the rule types, then switch to timed practice to build pace. Review every question you get wrong and name the rule out loud — 'all one colour', 'exactly six shapes', 'symmetrical' — so your brain builds a checklist it can run automatically on the day. Most candidates practise across four to eight weeks before their assessment.
Practise the abstract reasoning test now
Start free with a six-question demo, or unlock the full 40-question timed test plus all ten ATC aptitude tests and the interview prep bank for a single £10 payment.
See also the NATS aptitude test guide and all free ATC practice test demos.