What Is Non-Verbal Reasoning?

Non-verbal reasoning is the ability to assess visual information and problem solve by applying logic and visual reasoning. This is a multi-disciplinary skill that can be individually tested to determine a participant’s innate ability to problem solve numerical and visual information.

If you are taking an all-encompassing non-verbal test, questions could range from finding the odd one out of a set of shapes to identifying a rule within data or demonstrating your aptitude for transforming 3D shapes into 2D diagrams.

Due to the non-verbal nature of these psychometric tests, they are highly popular for recruiting international placements, as the results are not impacted by comprehension of any given language. Naturally, these tests are also used as a recruitment tool for STEM and design job roles.

While this may sound complex, non-verbal reasoning skills can be improved with practice.

What is the difference between verbal and non-verbal reasoning?

Unlike non-verbal reasoning, verbal reasoning is the ability to comprehend words and letters as opposed to numbers and shapes.

Though verbal reasoning tests can sometimes consist of identifying sequences in letters and numbers, they are mostly centred around following written instructions and responding with a written answer.

This requires learnt abilities such as language which causes a barrier for some participants, non-verbal reasoning tests remove this obstacle. Using purely visual information allows the participants to demonstrate unfiltered problem-solving strengths as opposed to comprehension of a given language.

Why is non-verbal reasoning important?

When looking for a role that requires a high level of analytics, logic, leadership and problem solving, non-verbal reasoning is integral. The talent of finding solutions to problems with limited information, and potentially no instructions at all highlights individuals as self-starters and likely to progress quickly through high performance and taking initiative.

Non-verbal reasoning is used broadly in science, technology, engineering and mechanical (STEM) sectors as well as design such as architecture to conceptualise and deliver real-life solutions. More recently, the business and finance sectors lean on non-verbal reasoning tests to identify candidates with a strong numerical capability to drive their data analytics forward, enhancing their business performance.

Outside the workplace, non-verbal intelligence also comes in handy. From being able to estimate your energy usage for the year to completing that annual Christmas jigsaw puzzle and finding your way to a friend’s new house without a satnav - these are all examples of utilising varying styles of non-verbal reasoning.

When might you take a non-verbal reasoning test?

The varying forms of non-verbal reasoning are skills we begin to develop from birth, learning how different shapes or objects work together through play. This gives us a fundamental understanding of the physical world, and the tools to find tangible solutions when needed. More complex aspects of non-verbal reasoning develop as we move through childhood, being introduced to mathematics at home and school, we integrate this with everyday life.

As the world of work changes and becomes increasingly competitive, having an adeptness in non-verbal skills is guaranteed to help you succeed. A shop worker may use their abilities to place stock beautifully in a building that an architect has planned. Whereas an engineer may apply their skills to design a new piece of machinery, whilst a mechanic would use theirs to fit that new machinery.

Not all jobs would require a test to measure your non-verbal strengths. Aptitude tests are most likely to be administered to recruit STEM, design and business roles that require the ability to problem-solve by creating or using visual aids.

Professions include mechanics, business analysts, architects, financial planners, air traffic controllers, engineers, and graphic designers.

What does a non-verbal reasoning test consist of?

Psychometric aptitude tests are designed specifically to challenge you, so yes, you can expect them to be hard. Most tests are dynamic, so the more questions you get right, the more difficult the questions become. The upside of this is that your potential employer gets a true report of your strengths and weaknesses.

Non-verbal reasoning tests are usually timed, meaning you have approximately 60 seconds to complete each question, so working quickly and accurately is imperative. But don’t panic, you’ll always be given instructions before starting the test, so make sure you read these carefully.

Prepare yourself for a particular style of non-verbal reasoning test, you can ask the recruiter which type you’ll be taking. Here are the most common non-verbal aptitude test types:

Inductive reasoning - there is no absolute answer with inductive reasoning, you must apply logic to patterns and relationships to find the most probable solution.

Abstract reasoning - demonstrating an ability to understand inconsistencies in data and identify patterns, rules and relationships within numbers, shapes and data.

Diagrammatic reasoning - similar to abstract reasoning skills, you will have to identify rules used in data to solve a problem or complete a diagram such as a flow chart.

Spatial reasoning - the ability to understand objects in both two and three-dimensional terms and draw conclusions about them with limited information.

Can you improve non-verbal reasoning skills?

There are plenty of ways to develop your non-verbal reasoning skills to step into a recruitment test confidently. First and foremost, taking timed practice tests will familiarise you with specific question styles, highlighting the areas you need the most work in. But there are also dynamic, everyday ways to grow your non-verbal reasoning skills. You could:

• Play apps that require shape manipulation
• Learn how to make origami
• Complete jigsaws
• Assemble model kits or lego
• Make a journey without a map
• Complete sudoku puzzles

Incorporating these activities into your daily life not only breaks the monotony of traditional study but also enriches your problem-solving toolkit. Whether it’s through leisurely games or engaging in new hobbies, each experience builds upon your ability to interpret and analyze information without relying on words, preparing you for any non-verbal reasoning challenges that come your way.