Practice Free SHL Deductive Test Questions: What to Expect and How to Prepare
May 09, 2025
Deductive reasoning tests are pre-employment screening tools used by recruiters to identify candidates who possess the required skills for the positions they’re hiring for. These logic-based assessments are often used for roles requiring a high level of analytical or technical thinking, as well as leadership positions.
Thorough preparation for your SHL Deductive Reasoning assessment will help you to perform well on the day, and may improve your chance of progressing to the next stage of the recruitment process.
Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about the SHL Deductive Reasoning test, as well as tips and tricks for preparation and sample questions to help familiarize you with the test’s format.
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What Is the SHL Deductive Reasoning Test?
An increasing number of companies are now using assessments as part of their initial recruitment processes for new employees.
One of the commonly used tests within the engineering and manufacturing industries is the SHL Deductive Reasoning test. Deductive reasoning is the ability to apply general rules to specific situations. In the SHL Deductive Reasoning test, this is done through a series of timed, multiple-choice questions based on rule application and logic.
In most cases, employers will require candidates to complete assessments after their initial application has been screened. Success in the deductive reasoning test will determine whether or not in-person and virtual interviews are offered.
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Why Employers Use Deductive Reasoning Tests
As with all pre-employment assessments, employers use deductive reasoning tests to evaluate whether a potential employee has the skills required for the role they have applied for.
In the case of deductive reasoning, the ability to draw logical conclusions from rules and statements, as well as the ability to use those conclusions to find answers, is being assessed.
Deductive reasoning assessments have been developed to find individuals who possess strong analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. These skills are vital for roles in industries like law, finance, IT, and management.
Employers will often also use deductive reasoning tests as part of the screening process for graduate hiring schemes to ensure that the best possible candidates are selected.
SHL Deductive Test Format and Question Types
The SHL Deductive Reasoning assessment typically consists of between 18 and 20 questions displayed in a multiple choice format. You will have a strict time limit to answer as many questions as possible. This is normally between 20 and 25 minutes, but will vary depending on exactly which form of the test you’re given.
Some formats of the SHL Deductive Reasoning test are adaptive, which means that the questions will progressively get more difficult as a candidate answers correctly. If an incorrect answer is given, the next question will either be at the same level as the previous one, or easier.
Unlike SHL numeracy or verbal reasoning tests, there’s no need for prior knowledge when taking the SHL deductive assessment. Candidates are tested on their ability to think logically and form conclusions.
Questions will typically require candidates to apply rules to different situations, identify logical conclusions, and spot contradictions or flawed logic. For each question, candidates will have a variety of potential answers to choose from, and they must use deductive reasoning skills to select the correct option.
Results are calculated based on the number of correct answers given, before being shown as a percentile score against a standardized control group. Candidates who score highest will progress to the next stage of the recruitment process.
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Practice Free SHL Deductive Test Questions (With Answers)
Applying Rules to Scenarios
Q1. All employees must submit a monthly report. Only employees who submit reports can claim expenses.
James is an employee and has not submitted his report this month. What can be concluded?
a) James cannot claim expenses this month.
b) James has submitted his expenses.
c) James will be disciplined.
d) James is not a full-time employee.
The correct answer is: a) James cannot claim expenses this month.
The rule clearly states that submitting a report is a condition for claiming expenses. James hasn’t submitted one, so he can’t claim expenses.
Q2. If a product is defective, it will be returned. All returned products are logged.
A customer’s returned product was not logged. What can be concluded?
a) The product was not defective.
b) The product was not returned.
c) The logging system failed.
d) Nothing can be concluded.
The correct answer is: b) The product was not returned.
All returned products must be logged. If it wasn’t logged, it wasn’t returned.
Q3. All managers attend the weekly leadership meeting. Sarah does not attend the leadership meeting.
Which of the following must be true?
a) Sarah is on holiday.
b) Sarah is not a manager.
c) Sarah forgot the meeting.
d) Sarah leads a different team.
The correct answer is: b) Sarah is not a manager.
All managers must attend. If she does not attend, she cannot be a manager.
Q4. Only employees with level 2 clearance can access the secure files. Tom accessed the secure files.
What does this imply?
a) Tom is breaking company rules.
b) Tom is a manager.
c) Tom has level 2 clearance.
d) Tom was given permission by HR.
The correct answer is: c) Tom has level 2 clearance.
Only employees with level 2 clearance can access the files. Since Tom accessed them, he must have that clearance.
Identifying Logical Sequences or Patterns
Q1.
Statement 1: All accountants are good with numbers.
Statement 2: Jack is good with numbers.
What follows logically?
a) Jack is an accountant.
b) Jack may be an accountant.
c) Jack is not an accountant.
d) Jack is a manager.
The correct answer is: b) Jack may be an accountant.
Being good with numbers doesn’t prove Jack is an accountant—it’s a possible conclusion, not a certain one.
Q2.
Statement 1: No projects are approved without senior manager sign-off.
Statement 2: The new marketing campaign was approved.
What follows logically?
a) It had senior manager sign-off.
b) It was approved illegally.
c) It was signed off by HR.
d) It’s not a real project.
The correct answer is: a) It had senior manager sign-off.
Approval requires senior manager sign-off, so if it was approved, that must have occurred.
Q3.
Statement: If delivery is late, customers are given a discount. No customer received a discount this month.
What follows logically?
a) No deliveries were made.
b) All deliveries were on time.
c) Customers were not told about the policy.
d) No products were sold.
The correct answer is: b) All deliveries were on time.
Since no discount was given, and the rule says discounts are only given for late delivery, then no deliveries were late.
Q4.
Statement: If a server overheats, the system crashes.
Observation: The system has not crashed.
What can be concluded?
a) The server did not overheat.
b) The server was repaired.
c) The crash was prevented.
d) The system is being monitored.
The correct answer is: a) The server did not overheat.
If overheating causes crashes, and no crash happened, the server must not have overheated.
Spotting Flawed Logic or Contradictions
Q1.
Statement: All engineers must attend safety training.
Claim: Max is an engineer who hasn’t attended training.
Is the claim consistent with the statement?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Only if Max is new
d) Cannot determine
The correct answer is: b) No
The rule says all engineers must attend. If Max hasn't, the claim contradicts the rule.
Q2.
Statement: Employees may take annual leave only if their project deadlines are met.
Claim: Alice took leave while her deadlines were still pending.
Is this logical?
a) Yes, if she had permission
b) No, it contradicts the rule
c) Yes, if it was emergency leave
d) Not enough information
The correct answer is: b) No, it contradicts the rule
The statement gives a clear condition. Taking leave without meeting deadlines contradicts it.
Q3.
Statement: Every meeting must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
Claim: The emergency meeting was scheduled 3 hours in advance.
Is this valid under the rule?
a) Yes, emergencies are exempt
b) No, it violates the rule
c) Yes, if the manager approves
d) Cannot determine
The correct answer is: b) No, it violates the rule
The statement makes no exceptions. Any meeting, even emergency ones, must follow the rule.
Q4.
Statement: Only authorised personnel can access the research lab.
Claim: Maria accessed the research lab, but she is not authorised.
What does this imply?
a) Maria accessed the wrong room
b) There’s a flaw in the access system
c) The claim contradicts the rule
d) The rule is incorrect
The correct answer is: c) The claim contradicts the rule
If only authorised personnel can enter, then Maria accessing without authorisation contradicts the statement.
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Tips to Improve Your SHL Deductive Reasoning Score
Being thoroughly prepared and working to improve your deductive reasoning skills will mean that you’re able to achieve your best possible scores on test day and may improve your chances of being offered an interview.
There are several relatively simple things you can do to help improve your performance.
Practice Logical Puzzles and Brainteasers
Deductive reasoning tests are designed to assess logical thinking skills. Spending time working on logical thinking puzzles and brainteasers is an easy way to develop and strengthen these skills.
Read Each Question Carefully – Avoid Jumping to Conclusions
Not taking the time to read through questions carefully can lead to unnecessary mistakes. Practice reading through each question twice so that you fully understand what is being asked of you.
Learn to Spot Patterns in Logic Quickly
Your SHL Deductive Reasoning test will have a strict time limit, so it’s important to be able to assess information rapidly. Working through free practice SHL deductive test questions with time limits will help you to learn how to spot patterns more quickly.
Skip and Return to Tough Questions to Save Time
Your SHL Deductive Reasoning test will have a strict time limit and it’s vital to answer as many questions as possible to achieve your best results.
If you get stuck on a question, it’s better to skip it and go back, rather than losing time that could potentially be used to answer other questions.
Take Practice Tests and Answer Sample Questions
Practice tests are one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with the test format. There are plenty of free online resources as well as paid SHL Deductive Reasoning packages that will help you to understand what the test is looking for and how best to answer questions. You can find practice resources on websites such as JobTestPrep.
By taking the time to review incorrect answers, you will be able to identify any areas of weakness and focus your practice on strengthening your skills.
Rule Out Incorrect Answers
Some questions will have options that are obviously wrong. Using this process of elimination can help to narrow down your options for potentially correct answers even if you aren’t quite sure which one is right.
Practice Under Timed Conditions Regularly
To achieve your best possible result on the SHL Deductive Reasoning test, you’ll need to answer as many questions as possible within the time limit provided. Practicing sample questions under timed conditions will help you to improve on your response times and strengthen your ability to answer both quickly and accurately.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the SHL Deductive Reasoning Test?
It’s generally considered to be a challenging test because of the strict time limit and need for candidates to possess strong logical thinking skills. Thorough practice will help to make you more prepared for the test.
Can I practice SHL tests for free?
Yes, there are several websites offering free practice SHL deductive test questions, as well as options for full, comprehensive paid preparation packages. JobTestPrep is one example.
What score do I need to pass the SHL Deductive test?
There isn’t a specific pass mark for the SHL Deductive Reasoning test as this is decided by individual employers. For this reason, it’s important to score as highly as possible so that your application and results stand out in comparison to other applicants.
Is the SHL test adaptive (gets harder as you go)?
It can be. There are multiple versions of the SHL deductive assessment. Some of these will be formatted as adaptive tests.
Can I use a pen and paper during the test?
Yes, you will be sent an invitation to complete the SHL Deductive Reasoning test, and this will include a list of equipment you are allowed to use.
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Final Thoughts
For potential employees taking the SHL Deductive Reasoning test, a strong performance is essential. Scoring highly could mean the difference between progressing to the next stage of the recruitment process and having your application rejected.
Taking the time to work through practice tests and sample questions, and working on strengthening your logical thinking skills will mean that you’re as prepared as possible when it comes to test day.
There are plenty of free practice tools and paid test packages for you to choose from (such as those found on JobTestPrep), and by taking the time to evaluate your results, you can strengthen your skills and improve your performance.
