What it is
What is the Coloured Progressive Matrices?
The Coloured Progressive Matrices — also spelled Colored Progressive Matrices — is one of the three versions of Raven's Progressive Matrices. Like the others, it shows a pattern with one piece missing and asks you to choose the piece that completes it.
What makes it different is colour. The questions are printed on a coloured background to hold attention and make the task clear. It is the easiest version and is designed for people who would find the standard black-and-white test too hard or too abstract.
Who takes it
Who takes the CPM?
The CPM is used with children aged roughly 5 to 11, with older adults, and with people who have a learning difficulty or a language barrier. Because it uses no words, it works across languages and reading levels.
What to expect
What to expect
- Around 36 questions, arranged in three short sets that get gradually harder.
- Colourful patterns rather than plain black-and-white grids.
- Simple, clear rules at the start that build up step by step.
- Usually no strict time limit — the focus is on understanding, not speed.
How to prepare
How to prepare
- Start with easy pattern questions to build confidence with the format.
- Practise naming what changes across a row and down a column.
- Keep sessions short and calm — the CPM is designed to be approachable.
- Move on to the Standard version once these feel easy.