Thomas GIA vs Raven’s Matrices: Which Logical Reasoning Test Is Harder?
Top Free Logical, Deductive, and Inductive Reasoning Questions
Looking to practice for job assessments or sharpen your problem-solving skills? Explore these top 10 free logical, deductive, and inductive reasoning questions with answers. These questions help you identify patterns, draw conclusions, and think critically—skills employers value in roles across tech, finance, law, and more. Start practicing now to boost your confidence and test performance.
Logical reasoning tests are essential tools in recruitment, especially for roles that demand quick thinking and problem-solving. Among the most popular assessments used by employers are the Thomas General Intelligence Assessment (GIA) and Raven’s Progressive Matrices. While both measure cognitive ability, they differ in structure, timing, and difficulty. So, which one is harder?
Let’s compare Thomas GIA vs. Raven’s to find out.
Overview of the Tests
| Feature | Thomas GIA | Raven’s Progressive Matrices |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Measures fluid intelligence and trainability | Assesses abstract reasoning and general intelligence |
| Number of Sections | 5 subtests (reasoning speed, number speed, etc.) | 1 test (pattern-based matrices) |
| Test Type | Timed, rapid-response, multiple formats | Untimed or moderately timed, visual puzzles |
| Format | Digital, adaptive | Paper-based or digital |
| Use Case | Recruitment, especially for fast learners | Academic, government, and psychometric assessments |
Thomas GIA: Fast-Paced Cognitive Profiling
The Thomas GIA is designed to test how quickly a candidate can learn and adapt. It includes five separate sections:
Reasoning
Perceptual Speed
Number Speed & Accuracy
Word Meaning
Spatial Visualization
Each section is time-limited and focuses on different aspects of logical and abstract thinking. The entire test is typically completed in under 20 minutes, requiring rapid decision-making under pressure.
Who It’s For: Roles requiring fast learners, quick processors, and mental agility (e.g., sales, tech, management).
Raven’s Progressive Matrices: Classic Abstract Thinking
The Raven’s Matrices test consists entirely of visual puzzles where the test-taker must complete patterns by identifying the missing piece from a set of options. It’s a pure abstract reasoning test—no language, math, or prior knowledge required.
It measures fluid intelligence, or the ability to solve novel problems without verbal cues. It’s commonly used in:
Academic assessments
Intelligence testing
Research studies
Who It’s For: Positions requiring strong pattern recognition, logical structure, or non-verbal reasoning (e.g., engineering, data analysis, research).
Which Test Is Harder?
Thomas GIA Is Harder If You Struggle With Time Pressure
The fast-paced nature of the GIA test is often stressful for those who don’t perform well under time constraints.
It tests multiple cognitive domains simultaneously.
Ideal for assessing how well candidates can think on their feet.
Raven’s Is Harder If You’re Not Visually-Oriented
Raven’s Matrices can be deceptively simple in appearance.
As questions progress, patterns become more complex and abstract.
Success requires a keen eye for spatial and logical detail.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Factor | Thomas GIA | Raven’s Matrices |
|---|---|---|
| Pacing | Very fast | Moderate or untimed |
| Complexity | Varies by section | Increases progressively |
| Number of Skills Tested | Multiple (5 subtests) | One skill (pattern recognition) |
| Scoring | Compared to job benchmarks | Scaled IQ-style score |
| Prep Strategy | Practice timed subtests | Practice visual puzzles and sequences |
Conclusion: Which One Should You Prepare For?
If you’re applying for a fast-paced role that values speed and adaptability, the Thomas GIA will likely feel more challenging. However, if your position focuses on visual problem-solving or non-verbal reasoning, Raven’s Matrices may present a tougher test.
Both are challenging in their own right—your background, strengths, and test conditions will determine which feels harder.
| Reasoning Type | Description | Common Test Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Logical / Abstract Reasoning | Identify patterns, rules, and logical sequences using shapes or symbols | Thomas GIA, Raven’s Progressive Matrices, Aon Logical Inductive |
| Deductive Reasoning | Apply general rules or logic to specific problems and reach conclusions | SHL Deductive Reasoning Test, Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Test |
| Inductive Reasoning | Detect trends, infer rules, and make generalizations from specific data | SHL Inductive Reasoning, Cubiks Logiks Abstract |
FAQ
Inductive tests require you to identify rules from patterns and make generalizations. Deductive tests give you rules, and you apply them to specific situations.
They can be challenging due to time pressure and unfamiliar question formats, but consistent practice can significantly improve performance.
Most inductive reasoning tests are 15 to 30 minutes long with 20 to 40 questions, depending on the provider.
Yes. Practicing with a variety of visual logic problems and reviewing explanations helps you recognize patterns more quickly.
Yes. These are trainable skills. The more patterns and logic puzzles you practice, the better your performance over time.
