Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) Test: Free Sample Questions

• Raven’s CPM Test Overview & Uses
• 7 Tips for Acing Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices Test
• Prepare for Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices Test with TestPrep-Online

Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices, or CPM, is an online test that, though untimed, usually takes no longer than 15-20 minutes to complete. Often used by clinical and research psychologists and teachers, this test is primarily designed to gauge problem-solving skills for children ages 5 through 11, the elderly, and mentally impaired individuals.

The test consists of 36 items, and is divided into three sets, including A, Ab, and B, with each set containing 12 items. As the name of the test suggests, unlike Raven’s other progressive matrix exams, the items of this test are presented primarily in colour in order to provide visual stimulus for the test-takers.

The very last few questions of the test, located in section B, are presented in black and white, in order to accommodate test-takers who demonstrate an exceptionally high ability. Test-takers who successfully manage to complete the black and white section of the test automatically continue to sections C, D, and E.

Tests such as the CPM, which require little verbal skill and plenty of problem-solving skill, can often be tricky to prepare for. However, there are a few tricks you can use to help your test-taker prepare for the exam as much as possible.

1. Practice with sample questions. If you’re on this page, congratulations! You’re already on the right track. Sample questions are the best way to get acquainted with any test as fully as possible. We recommend sitting next to your test-taker as they take the test. This will help you both better understand their thought process and cheer them on when they become frustrated.
2. Tune the brain for pattern spotting. Let’s face it: Tests such as these are no walk in the park to prepare for. Since there are neither formal criteria nor learning outcomes which the test is based on, the rest is left to abstract reasoning, which can be quite daunting. One way to prepare is by helping the brain become adjusted to pattern spotting. If you’re on the road, for example, you can do this by challenging your test-taker to spot as many patterns outside the window as possible. Whatever activity you choose, make sure to keep the pattern theme alive and well.
3. Play with pattern. Arts and crafts have never been more relevant for this sort of test prep! Try making shapes and cutting them into pieces, then ask your test-taker to complete the pattern you’ve started.
4. Keep a routine. Routine is vital for making sure your test-taker doesn’t become tired out. Try prepping for the test one hour per day with whatever method you see fit. Make sure to keep regular breaks as part of the routine.
5. Finish early, start early. Making sure your test-taker gets the appropriate amount of sleep every night is vital for information absorption and retention. Since such a large portion of preparing for the test requires your test-taker to change their way of thinking and evaluating, it’s important that they be given time to properly take in this new mindset.
6. Eat well, study well. Nutrition is vital for optimal mental performance. We recommend opting for fish high in omega-3, which has been shown to strengthen memory. For snacks, try a combination of fruits and nuts which makes for mental energy that is quick to come and slow to leave. In contrast, avoid processed food and sugary snacks, as these choices tend to lead to energy crashes and do not benefit the studying brain in the long run.
7. Be a motivator. Your test-taker may get frustrated here and there during the prepping process. This is to be expected. To help them feel at ease come test day, make sure to be their motivator as much as possible. By staying positive, you are helping your test-taker do the same, so bring on that inner cheerleader and start motivating!