Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before sitting Matrigma, Raven's, SHL, Talent Q Elements, CCAT, or the PI Cognitive Assessment.
What is a matrix-reasoning test?
Matrix-reasoning tests — including Matrigma, Raven's Progressive Matrices, and the abstract-reasoning sections of SHL, Talent Q Elements, CCAT, and the PI Cognitive Assessment — are non-verbal cognitive ability tests employers use to assess abstract reasoning and problem-solving skills. Each question shows a grid of figures governed by hidden rules, with one cell missing — you pick the figure that completes the pattern from several options.
How long do these tests take?
It depends which one. Matrigma's classic version has 35 questions in 40 minutes; CCAT has 50 questions in 15 minutes; the PI Cognitive Assessment has 50 questions in 12 minutes. Raven's and SHL's timing varies by version and employer, and Talent Q Elements is adaptive with no fixed question count or time per item. Across all of them, expect well under two minutes per question — pace matters almost as much as accuracy.
What score do I need to pass?
There's no fixed "pass" score on any of these tests — results are usually reported as a percentile compared to a reference group, and employers set their own cutoff depending on the role. Aim to answer confidently and accurately rather than racing through every question.
Can I retake the real test?
That depends on the employer's policy — some allow a retake after a waiting period, others don't. Because you can't predict this, it's worth preparing thoroughly the first time.
Is there a penalty for guessing?
Most of these tests don't penalize wrong answers beyond not scoring them, so it's usually worth selecting your best guess rather than leaving a question blank — check your specific test's instructions to confirm, since policies can vary by employer.
How is this practice different from the real test?
Job Prepper generates fresh puzzles from the same rule families used in real matrix-reasoning tests — progression, rotation, frequency, construction, motion, and complex multi-rule questions — so you build pattern recognition rather than memorizing fixed answers. Depending on the test, we also mix in numerical and verbal questions to match the real battery. The real test may include additional item types depending on the employer's specific assessment package.
What's the best way to prepare in one day?
Skim the rule-family explanations so you recognise each pattern type on sight, then run a moderate-difficulty timed test to get used to the pace. Review every question afterwards, not just the ones you got wrong — understanding why a correct answer works sharpens pattern recognition fastest.
Which tests does Job Prepper cover?
Matrigma, Raven's Progressive Matrices, SHL, Talent Q Elements, CCAT, and the PI Cognitive Assessment. Several of those (Talent Q Elements, CCAT, PI, and SHL's bundled battery) mix in numerical and verbal questions alongside matrix puzzles, matching how the real assessment is structured. See the Tests page for what each one includes.
Is Job Prepper free?
Yes — Level 1 of every test, and the Easy difficulty in general practice, is free forever, no sign-up required, with unlimited freshly generated attempts. A paid 24-hour, 7-day, or 30-day pass unlocks every level, every difficulty, and adaptive mode.