Cappfinity-style drills
Cappfinity-style diagrammatic reasoning
Find the rules in a sequence of frames and choose the one that comes next or fills the gap
Used by HSBC (Reported), Deutsche Bank (Unverified)
The format
- Length2 practice + 4: 2 practice questions that show their answer, then 4 scored
- TaskFind the rules in a sequence of frames and choose the missing one
- AnswersChoose from 4 frames
- TimeNo limit, but your time on each question is recorded
- Have readyPen and paper to note the rules
2 practice questions that show their answer, then 4 scored, unverified
No limit, but the time you take on each question is recorded, as the format usually works
How to approach it
- Track one thing at a time: the token's place, its shape, its fill, the needle and the bars
- Count the steps between neighbouring frames and check the same step holds all the way along
- A wrong option can break just one rule, so check every rule before you choose
More optionsExtra time, going back, clock
- Go back within a sectionUntil you submit the section, or off to go forward only
- Show a clockTime on each question, while time is only recorded
Extra time applies to the limit on each question
Format notes
What this drill copies from the published format and how sure we are of each value, checked 22 September 2026
| Parameter | Value | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Task | Find the rule in a sequence of shapes and choose what comes next | OfficialSource for Task |
| Missing-frame itemsThe provider describes choosing what comes next, so gap items are our addition to practise the same rules | Some items ask for a frame missing from the middle instead | Unverified |
| QuestionsOne prep site reports 6 including 2 practice at HSBC and 6 at Deutsche Bank | 6, either with the first 2 as practice or all 6 scored | UnverifiedSource 1 for QuestionsSource 2 for QuestionsSource 3 for Questions |
| Where it's usedThree prep sites report it at HSBC, while HSBC's own guidance lists only numerical, verbal and critical reasoning | A pattern block reported alongside the other reasoning questions | ReportedSource 1 for Where it's usedSource 2 for Where it's usedSource 3 for Where it's used |
| OptionsNot published, so this is our choice | 4 frames, one of which fits every rule | Unverified |
| Wrong optionsA reported trap is that each wrong option breaks just one rule, but if every one did, the answer would simply be the option the others agree with most, so the drill mixes one and two | Each breaks one or two rules, so the options alone never point to the answer | Unverified |
| Frames shownNot published, so this is our choice | 5 | Unverified |
| Practice questionsOne prep site reports 2 unscored practice items at HSBC, and showing their answers is our choice | Show their answer once you choose, and don't count | UnverifiedSource for Practice questions |
| TimeA candidate said nothing was timed, and HSBC says its reasoning questions aren't time-limited | No time limit, but the time you take is recorded | ReportedSource 1 for TimeSource 2 for Time |
| Limit on each questionThe provider's FAQ allows a limit on the whole assessment or on each question, and Deloitte says some of its questions are timed | An option, because some assessments set a limit on each question instead | OfficialSource 1 for Limit on each questionSource 2 for Limit on each question |
| Limit valuesNot published, so this is our choice | 1 minute a question when limits are on | Unverified |
| ClockWhether a clock shows on a time-recorded screen isn't published, so this is our choice | Hidden while time is only recorded, unless you switch it on, and a countdown on each question when limits are on | Unverified |
| Going backOne prep site says HSBC lets you review answers within a section, while a candidate in another process was told not to go back | Allowed within a section until you submit it, and you can switch it off | UnverifiedSource 1 for Going backSource 2 for Going back |
| SubmitThe provider's platform rule | Only once every question is answered, and nothing can change afterwards | OfficialSource 1 for SubmitSource 2 for Submit |
| Fixed or adaptiveThe provider offers adaptive cognitive modules as an option, and whether any bank uses it is unknown, so the drill keeps to a fixed set | A fixed set | UnverifiedSource for Fixed or adaptive |
| ScoringHow speed is weighed against accuracy, and any pass mark, aren't published | Accuracy, plus your time where it's recorded | OfficialSource for Scoring |
Every question is original, and every firm and figure is fictional
Independent practice in the style of Cappfinity's published format. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Cappfinity