ADF Abstract Reasoning: How to Identify Patterns and Improve Your Score
What Is Abstract Reasoning in the ADF JOA?
Abstract reasoning is one of the three sections of the ADF Job Opportunities Assessment, alongside numerical and verbal reasoning. Each section contains 17 questions, all mixed throughout the 51-question assessment. Abstract reasoning questions present sequences of shapes or figures and ask you to identify the pattern, find the missing item, or select which option continues the sequence. No numbers or words are involved — these questions test pure logical thinking through visual patterns.
Why Abstract Reasoning Matters
Abstract reasoning most directly tests raw cognitive ability — the capacity to identify rules and relationships without relying on prior knowledge or language skills. It is deliberately designed so that candidates with strong reasoning ability can perform well regardless of educational background. This also means it is highly responsive to practice: candidates who learn common pattern types and practise recognising them quickly show significant improvement.
The Most Common Pattern Types
While the ADF does not publish a definitive list of question formats, the official JOA example questions document (available via adfcareers.gov.au) indicates several consistently appearing pattern types:
Rotation and Orientation
Shapes that rotate clockwise or anticlockwise by a consistent increment between each frame. The rule is usually a fixed number of degrees — 45, 90, or 180. Identifying the direction and amount of rotation between the first two frames and applying it forward is the core skill.
Number and Size Progression
The number of elements in each frame increases or decreases by a consistent amount, or the size of an element changes systematically. Count the elements in each frame carefully before attempting to identify the rule.
Alternating Elements
Two or more properties alternate between frames — for example, a shape alternates between filled and unfilled, or between two different shapes. Look for properties that switch on and off rather than change progressively.
Reflection and Symmetry
Shapes or arrangements reflected horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Check whether the reflection is consistent across the sequence and identify the axis of reflection.
The Right Approach: Process of Elimination First
On abstract reasoning questions, the fastest approach is process of elimination rather than trying to identify the full rule before looking at the options. Look at the answer options and immediately eliminate any that obviously violate what you can see. This narrows the field quickly and reduces the cognitive load of identifying the precise rule.
Building Speed Through Practice
The 23.5-second-per-question average on the JOA means that unfamiliar abstract reasoning questions will cost you disproportionate time. Candidates who have practised recognising common pattern types can often answer in 5 to 10 seconds, banking time for harder questions.
Practice abstract reasoning alongside verbal and numerical reasoning with full-length JOA practice tests below.
https://www.adftestprep.com/adf-job-opportunities-assessment-joa-practice-test-2026
DISCLAIMER: ADFtestprep.com is not connected to or associated with the Australian Defence Force in any capacity, and exists as a separate educational entity. All information is sourced from publicly available official ADF Careers guidance. Our resources are not a direct replication of ADF testing material and do not guarantee selection.
