Spatial Reasoning Tests

Spatial reasoning tests explore how well someone is able to mentally manipulate 2D and 3D shapes.

This might involve working with mirror images, rotations, or showcasing a solid understanding of how a shape changes from 2D to 3D (and vice versa). You might also be given limited information and asked to solve shape-based challenges using the information you have as well as your own problem-solving skills.

Spatial reasoning tests are commonly set as part of the hiring process for finance, architecture, engineering and tech roles — where a solid understanding of shapes and how they're made up can be really crucial for the day-to-day tasks you'd be expected to carry out.

Spatial reasoning tests can be challenging if you have not encountered them before, so it's vital to practice as many as you can before the one that really counts.

The most common type of question you're likely to face will involve the transition of shapes from their 2D to 3D form. You're also likely to see questions about reflection and rotation (in both 2D and 3D shapes) as well as transforming nets into shapes.

When working through these questions, it's important to use the identifying markers on the nets and shapes to help you mentally solve the problems.

It's also a good idea to brush up on your knowledge of 3D shapes, their properties and how they unfold into a 2D net. This can make a big difference on the day when you need to make quick mental calculations.

Practicing questions with a mirror can also help you to better understand rotations and reflections.

Spatial reasoning tests will vary depending on the provider, but most will present you with a series of different images and ask you to solve a problem by selecting the correct multiple choice answer.

Every test will be timed, so as well as ensuring accuracy, it's important to work through the test at a quick enough pace so you can complete every question.

If you're stuck on something, it's worth moving on as there may be questions you find easier further on in the test. If there's time at the end, you can always go back to anything you want to have another go at.

Spatial reasoning tests help employers to get a better understanding of how comfortable you are mentally manipulating and working with shapes in both their two and three-dimensional forms.

Spatial reasoning tests are also a good induction of how strong someone's problem solving, logical reasoning and timekeeping skills are, as well as their ability to keep calm under pressure.

They can really help employers to see whether a candidate is likely to be a quick learner, as well as if they have a solid understanding of 2D and 3D shapes.

These tests are most commonly set by employers in the finance, tech, architecture and engineering industries, where this type of skillset is really valuable.

Jobs in industries such as engineering, architecture, finance and technology use spatial reasoning tests in the hiring process to see which applicant(s) have the necessary spatial awareness skills to progress them to the next stage of the recruitment process.

It can be especially helpful to use an aptitude test such as this if employers are struggling to choose between candidates who appear similar on paper in terms of educational background and work experience.

1. Practice

It's the simplest way to get quicker, better and more confident.

To make your practice sessions as effective as possible, try and work in a quiet, well-lit room that's free from distractions.

Once you've completed a practice test, go back over your answers and note down anything you got wrong or found hard. These are the areas you need to focus your revision on.

2. Think outside the box

To make practicing more fun, try and think of new ways to learn and improve your skills.

You could get a mirror out to work on reflections or find a computer game that involves mentally manipulating shapes.

There are lots of ways to learn that don't just involve reading and working through tests.

3. Use a pen and paper

Find out if you're allowed to take a pen and paper into your test.

Being able to jot down notes or draw changes in a shape can really help you to work out the correct answer faster.

4. Don't panic

It's easier said than done, but it's important to try not to panic. If feelings of doubt start to creep in, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you can do it.

If you don't know the answer to something or you're struggling with a particular area of the test, it's ok to make an educated guess and move on.

5. Keep track of time

It can be easy to lose track of time and spend too long on a question at the expense of questions you may find easier further on in the test.

To stop this from happening, try to roughly work out how long you can spend on each question and stick to it. If there's time at the end, you can always revisit anything you weren't sure about.