How the EPSO abstract reasoning test works
Each question shows a series of figures and asks "From the options available, please choose which diagram would come next in the series". The series is reported as five images with five options, and typical rules as figures rotating, shapes gaining sides and colours alternating.
It is 10 questions on one 10-minute clock, the tightest pace of the three reasoning tests. It has no pass mark of its own: EPSO adds it to numerical reasoning and needs at least 10 out of 20 across the two.
How to solve an abstract series
Use these steps on every series:
- Count the elements in each frame. A changing count is the quickest rule to spot.
- Follow one element through all five frames: where it sits, which way it points, whether it is filled.
- Once you have one rule, strike out every option that breaks it, then look for the next rule among what is left.
- If something flips every frame, the next frame matches the one two steps back.
- If a series has not given way in about 75 seconds, choose your best option, bookmark it and move on.
Worked example
Five frames. In the centre, an arrow points up, then up-right, right, down-right and down: it turns 45 degrees clockwise each time. In the corner there are 1, 2, 3, 4 and then 5 dots.
Frame six continues both rules: the arrow points down-left and there are 6 dots. Options with the arrow pointing down (not turned), left (turned 90 degrees), or with 5 dots each break one rule.
Tips for the real EPSO abstract reasoning test
- Train against the clock. One minute a question leaves no time to stare.
- Learn the common rule types so you check for them in a fixed order: count, position, rotation, shading, shape.
- Use answer elimination on TAO to cross out options as each rule rules them out.
- Answer every question before time runs out. Scores are a count of correct answers.
- Balance it with numerical. Only the combined score of the two has to reach 10 out of 20.
Practise EPSO abstract reasoning on CogniPrep
Our version is 10 series of five frames on one 10-minute clock, with five options each, at AD or AST level. The series are generated fresh each time, so a replay is a new paper, and every wrong option breaks exactly one rule. You can move between questions, bookmark and strike out options. Your mark is out of 10, with feedback on which rule types tripped you and what numerical would need for EPSO’s combined 10 out of 20.