What is Matrigma Test?
The Matrigma test is a highly challenging cognitive ability test that measures your general mental ability using abstract reasoning questions. To solve each question, you must identify a logical pattern and select one missing shape. On this page you will find free sample questions and solving tips that will provide a preliminary introduction to the Matrigma test.
To ensure you get the practice you need to reach a high score, our experts have created a full preparation pack based on extensive research and hundreds of customers’ feedback. It includes:
- Two Matrigma Test simulations that will help you improve your time-management skills and teach you about each variety of question and how to tackle it.
- Timed Matrigma practice tests with full step-by-step explanations that will provide extra practice for the different rules that appear in the test.
- A comprehensive study guide explaining how to solve the Matrigma test questions efficiently and effectively, while also providing important solving tips.
Matrigma Preparation Strategies
1. Learn how to examine the matrix by row, by column, and by diagonals
The matrices of Matrigma are always 3-by-3 matrices. People tend to examine them as a structure that includes 3 rows and 3 columns. This is true; however, it is not the complete truth. Each matrix has two additional dimensions—the diagonals of the matrix. Often, these are the more challenging dimensions to analyze. You should look for practice materials that do not overlook this observation and provide practice questions that will make you examine each matrix through all of its dimensions.
Rows: every number is increasing with 1 (e.g. 2 = 1+1 and 3= 2+1)
cloumns: every number increases with 3 (e.g: 4 = 1+3, 7= 4+3)
Diagonal from upper left to down right: every number increases with 4 (e.g: 5=1+4; 9=5+4, 6= 2+4, 8=4+4,
Diagonal from upper right to down left: every number increases with 2 (5=3+2, 7=5+2,4= 2+2, 8=6+2)
Learn about the most common features that change within the matrix
There are countless ways to describe changes in the matrix but you should set your mind to those changes that occur most often. A simple matrix is based on one or two pattern changes, but more complex matrices may combine 3-5 pattern changes and make it more difficult to recognize the overall pattern. The vast majority of the changes can be reduced to these pattern changes:
Color/fill changes
Objects and lines may change their color, pattern fill, or dash type. In this example, the outer part and the inner part of the circle change colors.
Logic that you can find here is:
Rows: element in the third column is overlapping of first column to second column with the following regels:
- black + white = black; black + black = black
- dash + white = white; dash + dash = dash
Quantity changes
The number of shapes or number of edges may change. In this matrix, horizontal lines are added by row and vertical lines are added by column.
Rotations and flips
The entire element or features of it may rotate or flip. In this matrix, the middle row is a 90° rotation of the top row anticlockwise; the bottom row is a vertical flip (turn over) of the middle row.
Structural changes
In this example, take any two elements, either by row or by column. Overlapping features disappear in the third element, and features that appear in only one of the elements appear in the third as well.
Spatial changes (place changes)
In this category, certain features may move in space, get longer or shorter, or have various other manifestations. In this example, from the top-left element and either to the right or to the bottom, the two shapes “move” to opposite directions.
3. Get to know patterns of changes within the matrix
The aforementioned (above mentioned) changes almost always happen in a certain pattern. These patterns determine the order in which the changes take place. Some examples of patterns are:
- Logic applies to columns only
- Logic applies to rows only
- Same changes by row and column
- Different changes by row and by column
You should find preparation materials that cover as many change patterns as possible so your thinking process will be flexible enough to recognize these patterns rather quickly. This will be very useful in reducing the time needed to solve each matrix, and will allow you to look for the correct answer within the options more effectively.
4. Acquire elimination techniques
In each Matrigma question, you will find six answers to choose from. Often, you will find that it is simpler to eliminate answers rather than to fully analyze the matrix in order to mentally come up with the correct answer. You should learn how to remove implausible answers as fast as possible so you will be left with fewer options to contemplate. This way, if you manage to eliminate all the answers but one, it has to be the correct answer, even if you haven’t completely deciphered the logic of the matrix. This is something that many of the detailed explanations on iPrep focus on.
5. Prepare twice with a break in the middle
It is very important to practice as much as possible for your test so you can take it with confidence. However, studying without a break can actually harm your test-taking success. You need the time in between to rest and get refreshed so you can process the information and give your brain a break. We recommend studying and then taking a long break, then studying again and taking a long break, and then taking the test.
However, you might also benefit from looking over some test questions right before the test to get conditioned and ready, like stretching before a race.
6. Try to simulate the real test conditions
It can be unnerving to sit down to take the real test when you have never practiced under those conditions. We recommend practicing a full-length test, at least once, so you know what to expect. Take a 40-minute, 35-question test with no interruptions and no distractions like your cellphone or other apps.
7. Get ready for the real test
Once you have taken a practice test or two under the real-life conditions you will encounter on test day, you can prepare yourself in other ways, too. Get a good night’s sleep and eat properly the day before and the morning of the test. Bring earplugs to reduce distractions. Use the bathroom before sitting down for the test and make sure you have a filled water bottle and a pillow for your back, if you think that will help you sit comfortably.
Test Features
Adaptive Matrigma Innovations
As technology advances, Assessio has published a new sophisticated version of their Classic Matrigma test—the Adaptive Matrigma. The old test has a rigid structure—35 questions with a 40-minute time limit. While the nature of the questions remains the same in the classic and adaptive tests, some aspects are significantly different:
- The Adaptive Matrigma lasts a maximum of 12 minutes and each question must be answered within 60 seconds.
- If you answer correctly, you will face a question of higher difficulty.
- If you do not answer correctly, you will get a question of lower or similar difficulty.
- The total number of questions is unlimited, yet most people will not answer more than 20-25 questions.
- The Adaptive Matrigma concludes whenever the system gains enough information to determine your overall score.
How can you know if you are about to take the Classic Matrigma or the Adaptive Matrigma? Well, you might get an invitation to take the test from your employer, which will also state the full name of the test. As of today, most employers still prefer using the classic version for their hiring process but the tide is changing toward the Adaptive Matrigma.
Supports Both Proctored & Unproctored Testing
Also known as Hogan Matrigma, the Matrigma Test has the flexibility to be administered with or without supervision. It is especially flexible because of its randomized question and response alternatives; two people will not get the same test.
Multi-Language Support
Plus, its non-verbal format makes it capable of being easily incorporated across different languages. Although it was first developed and published by Assessio in Sweden, it is now available in multiple countries and languages. Matrigma is largely used by a wide spectrum of industries around the world for recruiting employees.
A Strong Predictor of Cognitive Ability
Matrix problems are proved to be one of the most powerful tools for measuring cognitive abilities. The Matrigma Test is a reliable tool that accurately measures a person’s cognitive ability based on several years of research.
How to Solve Matrigma Test Questions? A Definitive Guide
If you want to ace the Matrigma test, you must be familiar with some common and known concepts that have been in use ever since figural matrices have become a tool to measure cognitive ability.
Below I bring you the complete list of concepts that were scientifically researched by psychologists for the past 90 years. These concepts will equip you with important insights when trying to solve the questions seen on the Matrigma test. They are ordered by level of difficulty.
Concept 1 – Color Change
Objects can change colors and fill patterns throughout the matrix.
Concept 2 – Number Change
Concept 3 – Rotation and Movement
Objects can rotate clockwise or anticlockwise, usually by 45° or 90°. They can rotate around themselves:
And they can also move within the cell in similar, 45° (half step) or 90° (whole step) intervals:
Concept 4 – Flipping/Mirroring
Vertical and horizontal flipping, or mirroring, are also very common concepts that are used in figural reasoning matrices.
Horizontal flip:
Vertical flip:
Concept 5 – Folding and Symmetry
Certain symmetrical shapes can be folded to create other shapes. Notice the light dashed line that indicates the folding plane. It was only added to emphasize the effect and will likely not show up in the test.
Tips for Solving Adaptive Matrgima Test Questions
The Matrigma Test, which is sometimes called a diagrammatic reasoning test, measures your cognitive abilitieswith the use of shapes and objects in a tricky sequence. It is called a matrix because the questions contain a three by three puzzle that the applicant must navigate given six different answer choices.
The sequences can be indicated by a change in direction, frequency, shape, or size among other factors. Usually, the Matrigma asks applicants to find the very last shape of the pattern which will be located at the bottom right of the table.
There are some common rules associated with the abstract reasoning tests that are helpful to keep in mind such as:
-
- Assembly
An assembly occurs when two or more shapes from one of the rows or columns are merged to form one singular object. This type of sequence can go from left to right or vice versa and they can even meet in the middle. Assemblies are fairly easy to identify but can get tricky as it progresses or adds more shapes.
Example 1:
Example 2:
- Mirroring
Mirroring happens when the shapes flip across the x or y-axis. They will rotate in variations of 90° around each frame. Keep in mind the differences between revolving and mirroring. If the object revolves it can face any direction, if it is mirrored, it will only be distinguished from the original image in 90° increments.
Example:
- Movement
The shapes will shift across each row and column during the movement rule. It may be apparent or slight, and typically includes the use of multiple shapes.
Example:
- Recurrence
The pattern might be unveiled through the number of times a shape appears in a sequence. The recurrence could be in the shapes appearance, position, or color.
Example:
- Progression
A progression indicates some sort of growth or construction of the object. This is usually more shapes added onto the object one by one as the sequence progresses. Imagine adding the points to a star one by one. This would follow the progression rule.
Example 1:
Example 2:
- Assembly
- Revolve
The revolve rule is when the shapes rotate either throughout the entire matrix or independently in a row or column. This could be depicted by revolving colors or shapes that create somewhat of a circular outline.
Example:
How Is the Matrigma Test Scored?
The Matrigma Test is scored using norm groups. The norm groups are dependent on the field and level of expertise you possess. Assessio International uses norm groups that can compare your score to over tens of thousands of previous scores.
The Matrigma Test places you into one of three groups based on your score: high, average, and low. These are rated on a scale of one to ten with ten being the highest possible score one can achieve. Below is what the scores tell a company about a candidate:
- High Score
A high score means you achieved seven to ten out of the possible points. A score like this is indicative of strong logical and abstract reasoning skills, the ability to work well and adapt to new information and environments as well as strong managerial and problem-solving capabilities. - Average Score
An average score will fall between three and six. This score will inform the employer that a candidate meets the standard of decision-making and reasoning skills. An average score in this area could also mean that an applicant has strong suits elsewhere that might end up being more important for a job. - Low Score
A low score is zero to two out of ten possible points. Depending on how significant problem-solving skills are for the job in question, this could mean that an applicant will be barred from further consideration. This is because a score such as this suggests a slow learner who might have problems meeting high demands.
Lastly, these scores will be placed on a normal distribution graph with a small bar in the middle depicting the average score for a particular norm group. This will show employers where you stand in comparison to likeminded individuals.
It’s important to note that you will not receive your exact score. You will only receive a notification detailing your score as high, low or average. Your potential employer is the only person who will see your score and norm group descriptions. If you are feeling anxious about taking the assessment or anxious about your score, keep in mind that the raw score for the general population averages at about 45%. Not being able to answer every question or finding difficulty with them is completely normal.
How Can I Prepare for the Matrigma Test?
Preparing for the Matrigma test may seem difficult, but a favorable score can be well within your reach with a little practice. It is recommended that, initially, you run through a handful of sample questions. This will familiarize you with the general idea of the content. The more you work through the problems the faster you will be able to recognize their rules and sequences.
Next, put your knowledge to the test and practice with a mock online assessment. These will not only provide you with the material but help you practice with the time limit as well. Many find this troubling, especially those taking the Adaptive Matrigma, and it ends up costing them points. Using the online practice tests will offer you the chance to find an effective pace and improve your previous scores.
Another helpful resource might be to watch a friend take the assessment or watch a video of someone solving questions similar to those on the Matrigma. Sometimes seeing other people’s thought process can help you expand your own. You can do this for rules that you are having trouble with. That way you can see the step by step for finding a solution.
Matrigma tests with answers
In the following I have bring some useful Matrigma tests that can help you to success the test.
Rule 1: Progression
In this kind of matrix, the object changes, or rather progresses with every step throughout the row or the column (the direction may vary
Rule 2: Rotation
In questions of this type, the figures in the matrix rotate in a determined pattern across either rows or columns.
Rule 3: Frequency
In questions of this type, the relationship between certain features of the figures in the matrix determines the frequency and/or order of their appearance. Let’s look at an example:
Rule 4: Construction
In this kind of matrix, 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. For example:
Rule 5: Motion
In motion matrices, 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.
Commun matrigma tests
Test 1
Test 2:
Test 3
Test 4
Test 5:
Test 6:
Test 10
Test 11
Test 12:
Test 13:
Test 14
Test 16
IQ Tests
In the following 20 questions select the missing shape (figure) in the mattis from the right side (A, B, C, or D)