EPSO AD5 Abstract Reasoning: Examples and a Method to Practise
How abstract reasoning works in the EPSO AD5: series types, worked examples and a 4-step method. Practise with a free timed test.
Abstract reasoning is one of the three reasoning areas of EPSO AD5 Part 1 (verbal, numerical and abstract), with the tests expected between October and November 2026. It's often the most intimidating, because it isn't about words or numbers but about figures, shapes and patterns. The good news: it's also where practice pays off fastest, because the question types repeat.
What it actually measures
Abstract reasoning tests your ability to spot a logical rule in a series of figures and apply it to find the missing element. No general knowledge or vocabulary needed — just observe, form a hypothesis and check it quickly.
The most common patterns
- Rotation: a figure turns by a constant angle (90°, 45°…) at each step.
- Number progression: elements increase or decrease steadily.
- Colour/fill change: filled/empty alternating by a rule.
- Movement in space: an element shifts one position per box.
- Combined rules: two rules at once (e.g. rotation + number).
A worked example
Picture a series of squares with an arrow inside: it points up, then right, then down. The rule is a 90° clockwise rotation. The next one? An arrow pointing left. The trick: isolate one attribute at a time (here, direction) instead of scanning the whole figure at once.
A 4-step method
- Look at one attribute at a time (shape, number, colour, position, orientation).
- State the rule out loud: "rotate 90°", "add a dot"…
- Check the rule across all boxes, not just the first two.
- Eliminate options that break the rule, then choose.
Mistakes to avoid
- Looking for an overly complex rule: it's usually one simple transformation.
- Falling for your first guess without checking it on the whole series.
- Losing time: if you don't see the rule after ~40 seconds, flag it and move on.
Practise now
The most effective way is timed, realistic questions. Take our free timed test to gauge your level, then train every area with full access (500 questions with explained answers, 12 months).