Below you will find a practice mechanical reasoning test sample for preparation for an aptitude test that features mechanical reasoning test questions. This practice test is free to take and can be taken an unlimited number of times.
Take a Sample Mechanical Reasoning Test
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What is a mechanical comprehension test?
Also known as a mechanical reasoning test, a mechanical comprehension test is a type of aptitude test that is commonly used by employers to assess the mechanical and technical knowledge of a job candidate. The test requires the use of mechanical principles and concepts to find the solutions to problems. Mechanical comprehension tests are often administered to applicants who are pursuing a role related to engineering, architecture, mechanics, technology, or some related field that requires a background in mechanical comprehension.
Occasionally, job applicants may be asked to take a mechanical reasoning test even if they are not pursuing a technical job role. This is often the case when an employer puts a high value on candidates with strong spatial recognition and awareness skills.
Mechanical Reasoning Test Questions
Questions found on mechanical reasoning aptitude tests measure your engineering and mechanical knowledge and your ability to apply that knowledge to real life situations.
Mechanical reasoning questions are generally only found on aptitude tests for mechanical, engineering, and other technical jobs. They types of questions will vary from test to test, but generally you may find questions relating to the following:
- Gears
- Pulleys
- Levers
- Hydraulics
- Pressure
- Friction
- Electromagnetism
- Aerodynamics
- Fluid mechanics
- Acceleration
- Torque
Mechanical reasoning tests do not necessarily measure your ability to learn or your critical thinking skills. They more so give a baseline of your current mechanical knowledge and if you would be a good fit for the job functions.
The following is a video that will walk you through some common types of questions found on a wide range of mechanical reasoning tests.
Types of mechanical reasoning tests
There are many standardized tests that use mechanical comprehension questions, however there are a few standardized tests and companies that have put together assessment tests that are primarily made up of questions relating to mechanical reasoning.
Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test
The Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test (BMCT) is one of the most frequently used mechanical reasoning tests used by companies and educational institutions around the world. The BMCT has been actively used for over 50 years, and is considered one of the most reliable mechanical reasoning tests available to professionals.
The test consists of 68 questions and you will have 30 minutes to complete the test. This means you will have a maximum of 26 seconds per question. Like most aptitude tests, the BMCT is used primarily to screen a large number of applicants in order to reduce the pool of applicants to a smaller and more manageable size. Most employers have a pass or fail threshold, and you will know fairly quickly after completing the test if you meet their standards.
Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude
The Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude, or WTMA, is organized by Criteria Corporation and it is also used around the world primarily by employers to assess potential job candidates. The test is designed to predict future performance of job candidates for roles relating to operating, servicing, and maintaining machinery, equipment, and tools.
The Wiesen test consists of 60 questions with a time limit of 30 minutes. The test administrators will be provided information on how many questions the candidate answered correctly as well as their test score’s percentile as it compares to other individuals who took the test.
Ramsay Mechanical Aptitude Test
The Ramsay Mechanical Aptitude Test is assembled by the Ramsay Corporation. Their tests assess a candidate’s ability to learn information relating to mechanical reasoning aptitude including electrical concepts, mechanical concepts, and multi-craft concepts.
The Ramsay Mechanical Aptitude Test can come in many different formats – some focus primarily on mechanical concepts or electrical concepts, while many focus on multiple areas of mechanical reasoning. The type of test you receive will likely depend on the industry that the company works in as well as the skill level of the position that you are applying for.
DAT Mechanical Reasoning Test
The Differential Aptitude Tests for Personnel and Career Assessment is more commonly known as the DAT mechanical reasoning exam. It is organized by Pearson Assessments and consists of 45 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 20 minutes.
The test is available in online computer formats as well as paper and pencil formats. Candidates who take the mechanical reasoning section of the DAT must also take other sections as well including tests containing abstract reasoning, language usage, numerical ability, space relations, and verbal reasoning questions. The mechanical reasoning section evaluates a candidate’s ability understanding of principles relating to mechanical elements and physical forces and their ability to install equipment, diagnose problems with equipment or machinery, make repairs, and be a reliable source for mechanical related knowledge.
Barron’s Test of Mechanical Aptitude
The Barron’s Test of Mechanical Aptitude has been traditionally used by the military for assessing a candidate’s mechanical reasoning skills. The test is not as widely used today as it once was, and it is typically not used outside of roles related to the military.
Stenquist Test of Mechanical Aptitude
The Stenquist Test of Mechanical Aptitude is similar in structure to the commonly used BMCT and WTMA, however the test relies heavily on the use of images to assess a candidate’s mechanical comprehension abilities. Pictures are given as a part of the question and the candidate is asked how the image relates to a set of other pictures.
ACER Mechanical Reasoning Test
The ACER Mechanical Reasoning test is designed by Psychometrics and is built for assessing candidates for trade and technical job roles. There are 32 questions that must be completed within 20 minutes (37.5 seconds per question) and questions can related to a wide range of mechanical topics including but not limited to shafts, levers, gears, wheels, clamps, sliding rods, weights, pivots, conveyor belts, and springs.
The test administrator recieves a report, which includes the test score, the percentile that the job candidate’s score falls into, and a general recommendation on whether the candidate is below average, average, or above average.
Mechanical Reasoning Test Tips
Before taking the test, there are a few things that you should find out and do in order to improve your chances of getting a good score.
Know what type of test you are taking
There are many different types of mechanical reasoning tests, and knowing which one you will be taking can give you an idea of what questions will and will not be on the test, the time limit and how long you have per question, and whether you will be taking the test on a computer or on paper. Knowing the types of questions that you will be asked will allow you time to brush up on certain rusty subject areas.
Most test questions come in a multiple choice format and will not allow for the use of a calculator, but you should try to confirm both of those factors before taking the test.
Be aware of the time limit
Most aptitude tests that feature mechanical reasoning questions are timed and feature many questions with a limited amount of time to answer them. You will likely need to answer questions quickly and not dwell too long on one particular question. Most mechanical reasoning tests have a very low completion percentage, sometimes as low as 1-5%, so know that you will likely need to answer questions both accurately and quickly in order to get a good score.
Again, be sure to do your research so you know exactly how much time you have per question for your given aptitude test. You can do this by looking up the type of test your potential employer uses, or by asking them.
Take practice tests
Take as many practice tests as you can, such as the one found at the top of this page. They will be able to cover subjects that will likely appear on the official test such as volumes, weight, pulleys, levers, pressure, gravity, gears, and many other topics.