About the NZDF Inductive Reasoning Test
Inductive reasoning is sometimes known as abstract or diagrammatic reasoning tests, and is an assessment of your ability to reach a logical conclusion with incomplete information.
The NZDF Inductive Reasoning Test is published by SHL. SHL is an international pre-employment screening test publisher that has created a wide range of assessments that are designed to help employers find the right candidates for roles based on their natural aptitudes, as well as specific skills.
In the NZDF Inductive Reasoning Test, you will work with unfamiliar information to find patterns and complete a sequence.
The Format of the NZDF Inductive Reasoning Test
The NZDF Inductive Reasoning Test is part of the first assessment that you will take, and it consists of 18 questions that need to be completed in 17-25 minutes, depending on the role you have applied for.
Each question will consist of a sequence of images, with one missing. There are several options below the question that could complete the sequence, and you will have to logically decide which one is the appropriate answer.
To do this, you need to be able to spot the pattern that governs the sequence, which will tell you logically which image will follow. The sequence might involve spatial awareness through movement, changing sizes or colours, or any relationship between the images.
How is the NZDF Inductive Reasoning Test Scored?
The NZDF Inductive Reasoning Test by SHL is positively scored, which means that you will not be penalised for a wrong answer. With this in mind, it is a great idea to try and answer all the questions you are presented with, even if it is an educated guess.
The raw score is the number of correct answers that you have. This raw score is then compared to a number of people who have taken the test and are in the same role that you have applied for - this is known as a norm group. This is presented as a percentile, and creates a grade for your results that is used by the recruiter to decide if you have the required standard of inductive reasoning aptitude.
As an example, if you score in the 56th percentile, you will have performed better than 55% of the test takers in the norm group, and might be graded as a C (average).
The passing score for the NZDF Inductive Reasoning Test is not published, so the best thing to do is to score as highly as possible because you need to beat the test - and other test takers.
How to Prepare for the NZDF Inductive Reasoning Test
The aptitude that is being tested by an inductive reasoning test is how well you can quickly spot patterns and work with unfamiliar information. This can be stressful if you have not done it before, so the best thing to do is to practice.
There are practice tests available on the SHL candidate site, which you can access at any time. These practice tests are really useful because not only can you get familiar with the type of questions that you will be asked, you can also see the layout and structure of the questions as well as the way you will need to answer.
Using these practice tests, you can make revision more effective by setting up a timer, and taking the assessment under proper test conditions. This realistic practice will help you to feel more comfortable when you are faced with the real thing - and will help you spot any areas where you might need improvement, like time management.
As you approach the test day, make sure you eat well, stay hydrated, and get enough rest so that you give your mind the best opportunity to perform.
Check out our full New Zealand Defence Force Aptitude Tests page here.
