Free Non-Verbal Reasoning Test for Children 2026: 11+ Practice with Standardised Score
Pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, and abstract thinking — language-independent
What is assessed
By age group
International benchmarks
Scores are mapped against the following frameworks:
- GL Assessment 11+
- Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4)
- ISEB Common Pre-Test
- Cognitive Abilities Test (NFER)
Read the full methodology on the Methodology page.
Sample questions
Click any question to reveal the answer.
Figure seriesA sequence shows a square containing 1 dot, then 2 dots, then 3 dots. What comes next?
- A) A square with 4 dots
- B) A circle with 3 dots
- C) A square with 5 dots
- D) An empty square
A — The pattern adds one dot per step, and the shape (square) stays constant.
Matrix reasoningA 3×3 grid shows large shapes in row 1, medium shapes in row 2, and small shapes in row 3. Columns show circle, triangle, square. The bottom-right cell is missing. What goes there?
- A) A large square
- B) A small triangle
- C) A small square
- D) A medium circle
C — Row 3 = small shapes. Column 3 = squares. Therefore: small square.
Spatial reasoningA flat cross-shaped net is folded into a cube. Which face will be opposite the top face?
- A) The face directly below it in the net
- B) The face directly above it in the net
- C) The face two positions below it
- D) Any face — it is random
C — On a standard cross net, the face opposite the top is found two positions below in the vertical column.
How scores work
Eduentry uses a standardised scale with a mean of 100 and standard deviation of 15 — the same scale used by Wechsler, NFER, and most UK standardised assessments.
| Score range | Classification | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 120+ | Exceptional | Top 9% |
| 110–119 | Above Average | 75th–91st |
| 95–109 | Average | 37th–63rd |
| 85–94 | Below Average | 16th–36th |
| <85 | Needs Support | Below 16th |
Other subjects
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Is the Non-Verbal Reasoning assessment free?
Yes, completely free for all families. The full adaptive test and standardised score report are included at no cost.
What is non-verbal reasoning and why does it matter?
Non-verbal reasoning tests pattern recognition and abstract thinking using shapes — no reading required. It is included in most 11+ exams, the CAT4, and gifted identification tests because it measures cognitive ability independently of language background, making it fair for multilingual children.
How long does the Non-Verbal Reasoning assessment take?
The Non-Verbal Reasoning section contains 15 adaptive questions with a 30-minute total section time limit. Most children complete it in 15–25 minutes.
Which exams test non-verbal reasoning?
Non-verbal reasoning appears in GL Assessment 11+ papers, the CEM 11+, CAT4, ISEB Common Pre-Test, and US gifted tests including the NNAT and CogAT Nonverbal battery. It is also a significant component of independent school entrance exams.
How to prepare
- 1
Non-verbal reasoning is highly practice-responsive — unlike verbal or maths, children often show rapid improvement after targeted practice because the question types are finite.
- 2
Bond Non-Verbal Reasoning Assessment Papers and CGP NVR books are the most widely used. Start with the 9–10 age bracket regardless of your child's actual age to build confidence.
- 3
Practise paper folding physically: take a piece of A4, fold it, and predict where holes will appear when unfolded. This builds the spatial intuition that matrix and rotation questions require.
- 4
For matrix questions: always check both the row pattern AND the column pattern. The correct answer must satisfy both simultaneously.
- 5
Timed practice is critical — aim for 45–50 seconds per question. Many children know the answer but run out of time because they are not accustomed to the pace.
Is your child on track to compete internationally?
MAP measures local national norms. Discover how your child ranks against top-tier international peers in English and Maths in under 45 minutes.
Try the free Non-Verbal Reasoning assessment
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