Hudson Abstract Reasoning Test (A-RAT 3R): Free Examples & Tips [2024]

The a-rat 3r includes 12 questions, with 90 seconds given to answer each one. You will be presented with a sequence of shapes known as original figures and final figures, with the original figures changing in up to 5 ways, depending on which operations they underwent.

Your job will be to identify which function key leads to which action, and then point to the final figure. Unlike other abstract reasoning tests you may have encountered in the past, the a-rat 3r will push your abstract thinking to the limit by asking you to follow numerous changes in different factors at the same time.

The function keys or F-keys control the operations which alter the original shape’s characteristics: color, size, position, direction, lines and more. They will appear as empty (no function) or filled (activated function) circles on a scale of five circles between the original and final figures and will be numbered according to their place (F-1 for the first in line etc.). This is what it will look like:

In this example, function keys 3 (third from left) and 5 (fifth from left) are activated, while the other unfilled function keys are not

The function keys are part of what makes the Hudson a-rat 3r so unique in comparison to other abstract reasoning tests, and understanding what they do will be the most challenging part of the questions. Therefore, getting acquainted with them through repeated practice can significantly impact your chances of passing the Hudson Abstract Reasoning Ability Test.

Get a better picture of what you will be facing with the sample questions below, followed by the kind of explanations and tips you can expect when purchasing the JobTestPrep PrepPack^TM - specifically and accurately designed to simulate the difficulty and pressure of the Hudson a-rat 3r as closely as possible.

Unlike other abstract reasoning tests which use more traditional types of questions such as “Next in Series” or matrices, the Hudson Abstract Reasoning Test requires you to identify and mentally process numerous parallel changes in multiple areas. Furthermore, there is a time limit for each question as opposed to the more common method of a general time limit for the whole test. Put together, these factors can be overwhelming and stressful, and without thorough and accurate preparation they could negatively affect your score.

Many people have found themselves confused and even overwhelmed by the questions they face in the Hudson a-rat 3r. Here are some useful tips you should remember when it is your turn to take this challenging test:

• Look at the question! This might sound obvious, but thoroughly examining the problem in front of you will help you avoid misleading answers frequently put in place to take you off track.
• Now check out the answers: once you are sure the question is clear to you, go over each answer to see if you can quickly eliminate some as a possibility.

• Use scrap paper: help yourself out by writing down what you have already understood about the question on a piece of paper. This will help you in two ways:

   1. Abstract reasoning tests include questions are packed with information designed to overload your brain and test your lateral thinking. Writing down the things you have already figured out on scrap paper will guarantee you don’t forget anything and allow you to move on to other parts of the question.
   2. Visualizing the many possible changes to the shapes can be tricky, so drawing them can be a huge help and reduce the load on your brain.

• Deal with one figure at a time: take your time to eliminate one option at a time – it is easy to get overwhelmed by all the possible answers.
• Do the bare minimum: you don’t need to understand every answer. Focus on what you know and move on – understanding every aspect of each image will bog you down and likely tire you.

Apart from abstract reasoning tests, Hudson also provides other tests. Check out our designated pages and practice tests for those:

• Hudson Numerical Reasoning Ability Test - Numerical reasoning tests are used by many top employers in their recruitment process, and Hudson's version is particularly challenging. In this aptitude test you are given numerical information in tables or graphs, and asked to select the correct answer.  
• Hudson Verbal Reasoning Test - In Hudson's verbal reasoning test you are required to read complex tests and answer challenging questions in only 90 seconds. You are also given a new text to read and understand for each question, further stretching your verbal reasoning ability. 

*Note that Hudson tests are sometimes administered along with a personality test.