How Logisch Cijfermatig Inzicht works
Each of the 26 items is a series of numbers ordered by a pattern. The series always continues by one number, and you select one answer per item. TMA says the change from number to number comes from adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing, and sometimes two or more of these at once.
The subtest has its own 20-minute clock, which is generous next to TMA’s other subtests: about 46 seconds a series. TMA links it to analytical, research and policy roles.
It is one of up to five subtests in the Capaciteitenanalyse, and an employer can send one or several. Each is scored on its own against a norm group at MBO or HBO/WO level, and TMA says capacity analyses should always be used with its Talentenanalyse and a feedback conversation.
How to find the next number
Because TMA limits itself to the four basic operations, a fixed order of checks works on almost every series:
- Write the differences between neighbouring numbers. If they are constant, add that difference.
- If the differences change, write the differences between them. They often rise by a fixed amount or double.
- If the numbers grow or shrink fast, divide each by the one before. A constant ratio means multiply or divide.
- If neither works, look for two operations taking turns, such as times 3 then minus 2.
- Check your rule on every step of the series before you select an answer.
Worked example
2, 6, 4, 12, 10, ? The differences go up and down (+4, −2, +8, −2), so look for two operations in turn. 2 × 3 = 6, 6 − 2 = 4, 4 × 3 = 12, 12 − 2 = 10. The next step is times 3, so the answer is 30.
Tips for the real subtest
- Keep pen and paper ready. TMA’s partners say you may use them during the capacity analyses.
- Do not carry this pace into Rekenvaardigheid. Here you have about 46 seconds an item; there you have about 12.
- Give every series an answer. No source mentions marks taken off for a wrong one.
- The numbers are the same in any language, so this is the TMA subtest where practising in English carries over best.
- Do it somewhere quiet and uninterrupted. The whole capacity sitting takes about an hour and a quarter.
Practise Logisch Cijfermatig Inzicht on CogniPrep
Our version uses TMA’s count and PRiMAN’s clock: 26 series in 20 minutes, with four options each, generated fresh each sitting and easiest first. It moves forward only, with a Skip, and scores the number right. At the end you get a 1 to 9 practice score with the Dutch label a TMA report uses, against people practising here rather than a TMA norm group.