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How Alva's Logic Test Work

In Alva’s logic test, you work with visual pattern-recognition tasks. This article explains how the test is structured, what you can expect during the tasks, and how to prepare so you can complete it under comfortable conditions.

Malcolm Burenstam Linder avatar
Written by Malcolm Burenstam Linder
Updated this week

What the Logic Test Measures

The logic test assesses your abstract reasoning and problem-solving ability. In other words, it looks at how efficiently you can detect patterns, draw logical conclusions, and work with new information.

No prior knowledge, maths formulas, or language skills beyond basic instructions are needed. All information you need is shown in each task.


Test Format at a Glance

  • You are presented with 20 tasks.

  • You answer one task at a time.

  • Each task has a time limit of 2 minutes.

  • Every task offers six answer options, with one – and only one – correct solution.

  • Before the real test begins, you’ll complete two practice tasks to familiarise yourself with the format, patterns, and interface. These do not affect your final score.

The tasks are selected to be challenging but not impossible for you, based on how you perform as you go along.

You cannot skip a task and return to it later.
Each task must be answered when it is presented. When the time runs out, you’ll be prompted to move on to the next one.


How Each Task Works

Each task shows a 3×3 matrix of figures. One square is empty and marked with a question mark. Your goal is to identify which of the six answer options completes the pattern.

The correct answer is based on a logical pattern that:

  • Runs from left to right across each row, and

  • Runs from top to bottom down each column.

Patterns are never diagonal. The correct answer must fit all rows and all columns.


Time Limits and the Countdown Indicator

You have 2 minutes to solve each task.

  • A time indicator above the answer options shows how much time is left.

  • A notification appears when 30 seconds remain.

  • When the 2 minutes end, the task automatically closes and you continue to the next one.

💡Note: If you're unsure, it’s better to select the option you think is most likely. An unanswered task is treated the same as an incorrect answer, so leaving a task blank does not offer any advantage.

You can pause the test if you need to step away. Just keep in mind that you shouldn’t leave the test too many times overall. If you’re getting close to the allowed limit, you’ll see a clear notification at the bottom of the screen letting you know that you need to continue in order to complete the test.

Accessibility and Fairness

The logic test gives every candidate the same amount of time - 2 minutes per task - to ensure a fair and consistent evaluation. This structure also helps candidates focus on one question at a time without feeling rushed.

Although most people complete all tasks in 15–20 minutes, the full test allows up to 40 minutes. This ensures you have more than enough time to move through the tasks comfortably.

The test’s design means that additional time cannot be added to individual tasks or the overall test. If you require accommodations, please discuss this with the organization you are applying to so they can determine the best approach for their process.


How to Prepare

To ensure your results reflect your best performance, try to:

  • Take the test in a quiet and undisturbed environment

  • Make sure you feel rested and alert

  • Set aside enough time to complete all tasks in one sitting

No studying or preparation is required beyond creating good test conditions.

💡Important: If you experience any technical issues during your test session, leave the test immediately and contact our support team for assistance. Do not continue or complete the test while the issue is ongoing. After leaving the test, you can reach us through the support chat in the bottom-right corner of the screen.


After the Test

Your logic test result will be visible to the organization you applied to.
You will also be able to view your own score immediately after completing the test.

After finishing the test, you’ll receive a score on a 10-point scale, showing how your performance compares to a population of working adults.
Your score reflects how you performed on this specific type of abstract problem-solving task - not your overall intelligence or potential.

If you want to keep a personal copy, you can download and save your logic test report to your device. For step-by-step instructions, see How to Download Your Test Results.


Any Questions?

Use the chat in the bottom right corner to connect with a member of our support team.

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