Overview
The Core Logical Reasoning Assessment (CLRA) evaluates an individual's ability to solve novel problems, recognize patterns, and apply logical rules using non-verbal, visual puzzles. Inspired by Raven's Progressive Matrices, the assessment measures abstract reasoning while minimizing the influence of language, culture, and prior knowledge.
What the assessment measures
The assessment gauges a person’s logical thinking style through puzzles that contain missing information. It highlights how individuals approach problem-solving, adapt to new information, and identify patterns.
Key abilities measured include:
Inductive and deductive reasoning – Identifying logical rules, recognizing patterns, and solving unfamiliar problems
Visual-spatial reasoning – Interpreting abstract visual information and recognizing spatial relationships
Pattern recognition – Detecting relationships between visual elements
Problem-solving – Applying logical reasoning to reach accurate solutions
How the assessment works
The CLRA uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), meaning question difficulty adjusts based on previous responses. This allows the assessment to estimate reasoning ability efficiently while keeping the assessment relatively short.
Candidates typically complete the assessment in less than 15 minutes.
Interpreting the score
The score reflects an individual’s ability to think critically, solve problems, and process information. It serves as a benchmark by comparing results against the general population and validated measures of mental ability.
Percentile scores fall into three ranges:
Low (below the 33rd percentile) – Individuals may find inductive and deductive reasoning tasks, abstract pattern recognition, and visual-spatial reasoning more challenging. They often perform well in structured environments where expectations and processes are clearly defined.
Medium (34th to 66th percentile) – Indicates average to good reasoning ability. These individuals are comfortable with analysis, hypothesis testing, and logical thinking.
High (above the 66th percentile) – Reflects strong reasoning skills and advanced problem-solving. These individuals excel at complex analysis, strategic thinking, and creative problem-solving.
Important: Scores should always be interpreted within a broader context. High reasoning ability may be valuable in roles requiring complex decision-making, but other roles may prioritize strengths like creativity, communication, or technical expertise. External factors such as rest, emotional state, or workload can also influence scores.
The hint ratio
The hint ratio is visible only to administrators, not participants. It tracks how often hints are used during the assessment. Participants can access up to three hints throughout the assessment.
Hints do not affect the overall logical score: The number of hints used has no impact on the logical score. Hints are designed to reduce test anxiety and create a more comfortable experience. We do not penalize people for using hints.
Hints are included with the overall score: The number of hints used appears alongside the overall score. For example, you can see whether someone used 0, 1, 2, or 3 hints throughout the assessment.
Note: The hint ratio reflects more than difficulty—it also reveals problem-solving style. Frequent hint use may indicate thoroughness, while limited hint use may suggest comfort with challenge.
Why the assessment matters
By completing this assessment, individuals gain insight into how their reasoning skills connect to workplace demands.
Employers and organizations can use the results to:
Compare candidates objectively using a standardized assessment
Evaluate abstract reasoning and problem-solving ability
Identify individuals who can recognize patterns and adapt to novel challenges
Support employee development and succession planning
Better understand reasoning strengths across teams and the wider workforce
Fairness and accessibility
The CLRA was designed to minimize cultural and linguistic bias by using non-verbal items. Assessment items undergo fairness reviews and Differential Item Functioning (DIF) analyses, and are designed to support accessibility through screen-reader compatibility and clear visual presentation.
