Free Matrigma Test Practice: 2023 Prep Guide by iPREP

The Matrigma test (aka Hogan Matrigma) developed by Assessio International, is a classic assessment that measures your cognitive ability, much like an IQ test. What makes Matrigma a powerful tool to determine or predict your job performance is its unusual non-verbal format. This is why it is essential to familiarize yourself with the test format and practice as much as you can before taking the actual test. Doing so will help you gain an advantage over other candidates. Nowadays, when most candidates do prepare to some extent for their tests, not taking a single Matrigma practice test will position you at a disadvantage in comparison to other candidates.

Matrigma Test Types Explained

	Classic Matrigma Test	Adaptive Matrigma Test
Type of questions	Non-verbal; 3X3 matrix of geometric shapes and symbols related by some rule of logic. You must reveal the logic according to the eight visible elements and choose the correct missing element from the six answer options.	Same as the Classic Matrigma Test.
Time limit	40 minutes	12 minutes overall, 60-second maximum per question.
Number of questions	35	Unlimited, usually 15-20 questions.
Level of difficulty	Rising level of difficulty with some randomly easier/harder items mixed in	Difficulty changes according to your performance. Harder questions for better performers, easier questions for lower performers.

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.

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.

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; the bottom row is a horizontal flip 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

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 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.

Technical Facts

Fast Facts (tl;dr)

• Total of 35 (classic) or unlimited (adaptive) questions.
• The test is 40 minutes (classic) or 12 minutes (adaptive) long.
• Question type: 3×3 matrix questions using geometric shapes and symbols.

The Classic Matrigma Assessment comprises 35 items which you are supposed to complete within the duration of 40 minutes. Each question presents a 3×3 matrix of symbols and you need to select the missing symbol out of the six alternatives provided. Several studies have been conducted on the Hogan Matrigma, and it has been proven to be extremely reliable. In addition, the randomization of test questions allows supporting both proctored and unproctored testing. You can now find the Matrigma Assessment in more than 30 countries around the world and in more than 20 languages.

Results Scale and Interpretations

The Matrigma Test is a non-verbal test that measures your General Mental Ability or GMA in comparison to others. It measures your fundamental cognitive abilities like problem-solving skills, logical ability, and flair for spotting logical connections. The result of the Matrigma Assessment is always expressed by comparing it against the norm group or the total number of people who have taken the test.

The results are generated instantly upon completion. Your score report will place you in one of three levels of the Matrigma scale:

1. Low
2. Average
3. High

The employer’s score report will be more detailed and will provide a numerical score and graphical representation of the score percentile. It will also include the range for passing scores, which may be different for different employers. The Adaptive Matrigma test score report takes into account the number of correct answers as well as the level of difficulty of the questions and also provides a relative percentile score.

As can be seen in the image below, the low, average and high intervals comprise 16%, 68%, and 16% respectively of the norm group that achieved a similar result. For instance, if you get a high score, your result is higher than or as high as 16% of the members of the norm group.

1. Low Score

A low score lies between 0 and 3. If one achieves a low score, it means that he or she has difficulty in solving problems requiring logical ability. In general, he or she is a slow and below-average performer in all kinds of jobs but will do better in jobs that demand less logical ability.

2. Average Score

An average score lies between 4 and 6 and indicates an individual’s average logical deductive ability. If your score is within the average zone, it indicates that you are a normal performer in most kinds of jobs. You are able to fulfill logical demands at work at a normal level which is neither low nor high.

3. High Score

A high score lies between 7 and 10. If you received a high score, then you are someone who solves logical issues easily. You have no difficulty in getting familiar with and performing all kinds of jobs with excellence. With a high problem-solving ability, you are an efficient and above-average performer.

Things to Keep In Mind

Your GMA score is one of the major characteristics determining your work performance. Your Matrigma Test result is all about how many problems you were able to solve within the given time. There might be various factors that would affect an individual’s true Matrigma assessment test report such as environmental disturbances during the test, psychological condition/motivation towards solving the problems,or preparedness for the test. If you are affected by one or more of these factors while taking the inductive reasoning test, you might score higher or lower than your “cognitive peer group.”

Therefore, if you are to take the test at home, make sure to create a space that is free from all disturbances. Sleeping and eating well will also help you take the test at your peak. But above all, practicing in advance is the best way of gaining an advantage.

Matrigma FAQs

Matrigma Test Tips

1. Remember to use a stopwatch in order to make sure that you complete the test within the given time limit. 
2. Don’t spend too much time on any particular question. No question is worth that challenge. If you spend more than one minute and you have no clue regarding the underlying logic of the matrix, take an educated guess and move on to the next question. 
3. Practice accurate simulation tests. Before you take the Matrigma test, learn how the questions are framed and how long the assessment will take.
4. Skip difficult questions and scan for simple ones. Some questions will be more intuitive for you. Some will seem impossible. GO for the intuitive and simple ones and skip the very difficult ones to maximize the number of questions you can answer.
5. Practice Matrigma sample tests in other formats. If you struggle with the concept of abstract/inductive/figural reasoning questions, find free practice tests and get to know the basics, and then get back to Matrigma-style practice tests.
6. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so guess and skip if you have to. If you find yourself stuck on a question which you are not able to solve within the allocated time, move on to the next one. If you spend too much time on one question, it will negatively affect your entire test performance.

Administration

Matrigma Assessment is administered online and, therefore, you can access and take it at any time. It is suitable for both individuals and large groups. The Matrigma test is a convenient inductive reasoning test available online in more than 20 languages.

• Test location: The first attempt is often non-proctored and taken online at home. Candidates who successfully pass this online Matrigma test may be required to retake the test in a proctored environment by the hiring company, typically in their office.
• Test schedule: Matrigma tests are usually scheduled in the early recruitment stages, after your CV demonstrates that you are potentially qualified for the job. 
• Test format: Multiple choice on computer. Usually taken online.
• Test materials: Test taken on computer. 
• Cost: None for you. Cost is usually covered by the employer.
• Retake policy: Determined by each employer.

Test Provider

Matrigma Test or Hogan Matrigma was published by Assessio International in 2010. Assessio is a consulting organization as well as a major psychometric test publisher located in Sweden.

They have been developing such tests since 1954. The test is administered either through Assesio’s Ascend platform, which integrates various testing or by Hogan Assessment Systems. The Matrigma test was developed by Assessio for the purpose of assisting in the selection of the best candidates for organizations.

It can be used as a stand-alone tool at the beginning of the recruitment process or as one of a set of tests in the Ascend platform. It is especially popular and reliable because of its randomized questions and responses as well as its non-verbal format which enables it to be incorporated in multiple languages, and less affected by language barriers.

Svenska Kunder

Hej. Det är sant – den här hemsidan är skriven på engelska och övningsmaterialet är också skrivet på engelska. Vi vill däremot försäkra dig om att du är på rätt plats.

Om du letar efter Matrigma-övningsprov, är det här den plats där du hittar den mest exakta simuleringen av det riktiga Matrigma-provet från Assessio. Övningsproven kommer även med en enkel och insiktsfull guide över hur du bör gå tillväga för att göra provet. Dessutom följs varje fråga av en detaljerad förklaring som avslöjar matrixens underliggande logik med ett enkelt och intuitivt språk.

Vi erbjuder även en pengarna-tillbaka-garanti, utan att ifrågasätta. Så ta den här chansen att förbereda dig för och göra bra ifrån dig på Matrigma-provet på första försöket.

Du är välkommen att prova några av de kostnadsfria Matrigma-övningsproven på den här sidan.

Information Sources

• Assessio International
• Ascend

Disclaimer – All the information and prep materials on iPrep are genuine and were created for tutoring purposes. iPrep is not affiliated with Assessio International, which is the owner of Ascend and the Matrigma Test.