Differential Aptitude Tests (DAT)

What is the Differential Aptitude Tests (DAT)?

The Differential Aptitude Tests (DAT) are a series of assessments designed to measure a person’s ability to learn and succeed in various types of work and education. They assess your reasoning, problem-solving, and learning potential across several areas such as verbal, numerical, spatial, and mechanical reasoning.

Originally developed in the 1940s, the classic DAT has been widely used for career guidance, educational placement, and pre-employment testing for decades. It helps identify your relative strengths and weaknesses and gives insight into what types of roles or training might suit you best.

What is the DAT Next Generation?

The DAT Next Generation is the modern, computer-based version of the classic Differential Aptitude Tests. It was developed by Pearson to update the long-standing DAT for today’s testing standards, with a focus on reliability, fairness, and digital delivery.

The new version maintains the same goal — to measure underlying aptitudes rather than learned knowledge — but uses interactive question types, modern visuals, and adaptive scoring methods to improve test precision. It is designed for use in both career assessment and recruitment, and is more efficient, engaging, and accessible than the original paper-based test.

Depending on who administers the test, you may take all or some of the following subtests.

Here we will cover what you need to know about the DAT Next Generation.

Test Format and Timing

• The DAT Next Generation is computer-based and untimed.

• Each subtest has 15 multiple-choice questions.

• Calculators are not allowed.

• The test is adaptive, meaning that the difficulty of the test items will adapt to your level.

What does the DAT Next Generation measure?

The DAT Next Generation includes the following five sub-tests:

1. Verbal Analogies

2. Numerical Calculations

3. Numerical Sequences

4. Abstract Reasoning

5. Space Relations

Read more about each sub-test below.

Verbal Analogies

Verbal analogies measure your ability to recognize relationships between pairs of words and apply that relationship to new word pairs. They test logical reasoning and vocabulary by asking you to identify how two words are related (e.g., hand : glove :: foot : sock).

Numerical Calculations

Numerical Calculations measure your ability to perform basic arithmetic operations accurately, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This subtest assesses your understanding of numerical relationships and your ability to work confidently with numbers in everyday and workplace contexts.

Numerical Sequences

Numerical Sequences measure your ability to recognize and extend patterns in sequences of numbers. You are asked to identify the rule that connects the numbers — such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, or a combination of these operations — and then apply it to find the missing number. This subtest evaluates logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and your ability to think systematically with numbers.logical reasoning as well.

Abstract Reasoning

Abstract Reasoning measures your ability to recognize patterns, relationships, and logical rules among shapes and figures rather than numbers or words. You are asked to identify how elements such as size, shading, position, or number of shapes change from one figure to the next, and then choose the option that completes the pattern. This subtest assesses your nonverbal reasoning and your ability to think conceptually and solve new problems using visual information.

Spatial Relations

Spatial Relations measure your ability to visualize and mentally manipulate objects in two and three dimensions. You may be asked to determine how a shape would look when rotated, folded, or viewed from a different angle. This subtest assesses your spatial visualization skills, which are important for technical, engineering, and design-related tasks.

We have included practice questions of every type in our Pearson/TalentLens Test Prep Package.

How to prepare for the DAT Next Generation

Preparation can make a significant difference in your results. Here’s how to get ready:

• Practice core skills – Review math basics (fractions, percentages, ratios, algebra) and English grammar.
• Work on pattern recognition – Try practice questions involving sequences and visual patterns.
• Improve spatial awareness – Use puzzles, building blocks, or 3D rotation exercises.
• Set up a simulated DAT Next Generation test using the same question types — ideally one that is adaptive, like the real exam. Practicing under realistic test conditions will help you become more comfortable and better prepared to face the actual test.

Tips for taking your DAT Next Generation

• Guess if you’re unsure. There’s no penalty for incorrect answers.
• Read each question carefully before you answer, remember that the test is not timed.
• Remember to read all answer options. Sometimes ruling out unreasonable answers can make it easier to identify the correct answer.
• Try not to linger too long on any single question. Although the test is not timed, mental fatigue can become a factor when you need to work through 75 questions in one sitting.
• Use scratch paper and a pen or pencil to assist you; it will help you keep track of your calculations.

 

We can help you prepare for the DAT Next Generation. With our Pearson/TalentLens Test Prep package, you get more than 400 DAT Next Generation practice questions with explained solutions, two fully adaptive full-length simulated DAT Next Generation tests, extra study tools, and guidance throughout your training. Get access now.

Try our free DAT Next Generation practice test, we’ve included each of the question types explained above.