Module overview
What the test trains
This module focuses on abstract pattern recognition and decomposing several simultaneous rules. It is designed to make the underlying process easier to recognise, repeat and review before you add more speed or workload.
Task profile
What the task looks like
What it involves
- Study a three-step sequence of a shape changing — rotating, moving, changing count, shape, fill or size.
- Identify every rule governing the change, since one to three rules can be active at once depending on difficulty.
- Apply all active rules together to work out the next step in the sequence.
- Choose the matching option from four choices.
Interface briefing
Controls and test flow
Controls
Study the shape sequence and select your answer from the on-screen multiple-choice options using the keyboard or a click.
How the Academy version works
Each exercise has its own questions, graphics, timing and scoring, generated fresh for every attempt. The instruction screen explains the current workload before you launch, so nothing about the task or its rules is a surprise once the timer starts.
Performance briefing
Difficulty and scoring
Difficulty and settings
The number of simultaneously active rules governing each sequence rises from 1 at Easy to 3 at Hard.
How scoring works
The result reflects performance in this Academy module. Accuracy is the main signal for decision tasks, while timing, missed targets, false responses or control error can also contribute where the task requires them. Assessment mode is more suitable for trend comparisons than adjustable practice runs.
Read how practice scores and estimates work →Training plan
Build a method that holds up under pressure
Why this becomes difficult
- Multiple rules changing at once are easy to only partially spot.
- Distractor options are often built from one correct rule and one incorrect one, so a partial read looks right.
- Rotation amounts can be difficult to judge precisely on certain shapes.
- Reasoning must generalise to an unfamiliar shape each time, since answers can’t be memorised.
Preparation tips
- Isolate one dimension of change at a time — rotation, then position, then count — rather than trying to see the whole pattern at once.
- Compare frame 1 to frame 2, then frame 2 to frame 3, to confirm the rule is consistent rather than assuming from one comparison.
- Use the marker dot on each shape to judge rotation precisely instead of estimating.
- Eliminate options that violate any single confirmed rule before comparing the rest.
Common mistakes
- Spotting one active rule and stopping, missing a second rule running alongside it.
- Picking an option that matches the pattern’s general “feel” without checking it against every rule.
- Misjudging a rotation angle on a shape without a clear visual anchor.
- Running out of time on harder three-rule items and guessing rather than finishing the decomposition.
Useful practice drills
- Practise one-rule sequences until spotting a single rule is close to instant.
- Move to two- and three-rule sequences only once single-rule items are reliable.
- After each practice answer, read the rule explanation even when correct, to confirm your reasoning matched the actual rule.
- Time yourself on mixed sets to build comfort finishing three-rule items within the available time.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as an official Abstract Reasoning test?
No. It trains related skills with an independently developed task. Rules, controls, timing, visuals and scoring can differ from an official assessment.
What's the most common mistake on this task?
Spotting one active rule and stopping, missing a second rule running alongside it.
What actually helps here?
Isolate one dimension of change at a time — rotation, then position, then count — rather than trying to see the whole pattern at once.
Transparency
Sources and information status
Task guidance on this page describes CBAT Academy’s own software. Broad aptitude context is checked against the public references in the source register.
This guide describes CBAT Academy’s independently developed practice modules. It is not an exact specification of ADAPT, COMPASS, Aon’s Aviation Suite (cut-e), PILAPT or any other provider’s proprietary assessment. Official content, timings, scoring and administration may differ.
Continue the briefing
Turn the method into repeatable performance.
Launch the interactive trainer, begin with accuracy and review the pattern behind each mistake before increasing pace.