Mechanical Reasoning Tests Practice

Mechanical Aptitude Test – What Do They Look Like and How Do You Prepare?

Mechanical and Technical job fields are a blossoming market with lots of fierce competition. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has determined that mechanical engineering and other technical positions will continue to grow through at least 2028.

These types of careers tend to pay well, offer room for advancement, and come with the benefits that employees like.

That might be why jobs that require mechanical reasoning and knowledge are sought after by so many people

So, when employers for these fields receive dozens, if not hundreds, of applications for their prized positions, they need a way of narrowing down their pool of potential employees early on. This is where mechanical aptitude tests come in handy. 

There are many types of mechanical aptitude tests, but they all help to keep employers from wasting hours upon hours in interviews with potential employees who turn out to have very little potential or prior knowledge that is necessary for these types of positions.

What Are Mechanical Aptitude Tests?

Mechanical aptitude tests come in a few varieties, but they all test for the same general thing – the test takers knowledge of mechanics, their grasp on mechanical and logical reasoning, and their potential for being able to learn new/ more advanced skills in their respective industry.

This type of evaluation shows examinees a series of questions with visual representation of mechanical and physics related problems. Depending on the test there will be anywhere from 15-30 questions and the test is often timed.

Once the test is complete the test taker is often graded on both the amount of questions they answered correctly as well as their score in direct comparison to other test takers for the same position.

This helps show employers a wide picture of the test taker’s current skill level, along with their potential for future learning.

Which Jobs Require a Mechanical Aptitude Test?

There is a wide variation in the types of jobs that require some level of mechanical aptitude testing. Machinists, engineers, electronic technicians, and so many other positions require a certain level of mechanical skills and problem solving.

Some entry level positions at companies like AT&T, NVIDIA, and even Google require some form of mechanical aptitude evaluation. However, even high-level positions at places like Boeing rely on these pre-employment evaluations to help narrow down their employee search.

Understanding the test, you are taking and the level of knowledge and skill you must have is important for preparing for these types of exams. One way to discover what it is you need to study is by knowing which aptitude test you will be required to take.

Examples of Mechanical Aptitude Test Questions:

1. If “A” is moving clockwise, which other gears are also moving clockwise?

Answer: C & E

2. Which weight requires the least amount of force to move?

Answer: B

What Are Some Common Mechanical Aptitude Tests?

There are dozens of tests that focus on mechanical comprehension and overall aptitude, and each one varies ever so slightly. However, there are four mechanical aptitude tests that are extremely common.

Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude (WTMA).

The first is the Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude (WTMA).

The WTMA is popular among employers because of the scoring system which focuses on current knowledge as well as the potential for knowledge growth and adaptability. This type of assessment compares the test taker’s score with other testers and is adjustable to different career types and employer needs.

Ramsay Mechanical Aptitude Test (Ramsay MAT).

The second most popular mechanical comprehension test is the Ramsay Mechanical Aptitude Test (Ramsay MAT).

The Ramsay MAT is one of a few tests offered by the Ramsay corporation specifically intended for mechanical and technical positions. Ramsay’s test selection includes tests that are appropriate for entry level employees all the way through experience journeyman. The entry level option, the Ramsay MAT, is a 20-minute test consisting of 36 multiple choice questions. The journeyman level tests are longer and generally more difficult to pass. 

Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test.

The third most frequently seen MAT is the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test.

Created by one of the most common testing companies around, Pearson, the Bennett test is required for a large amount of technical positions in the modern job market. The test helps to find those who have a pre-existing knowledge of mechanical functions and theories, but also helps find those with a natural ability to learn these functions further.

The last test to discuss is the Mechanical Comprehension Test by SHL Direct. SHL Direct is a prominent testing corporation. SHL tests focus on appropriate job knowledge as well as behaviours and abilities that make an employee right for a particular workplace. Their MAT is from their line of ability tests which are created so employers can see the degree to which a potential employee is capable of performing a job.

All these testing companies’ tests might be slightly different, but not so much so that studying well for one can easily help you to pass another. Especially since they all follow such similar testing formats.

Barron’s Test of Mechanical Aptitude

Certain jobs are going to require a higher degree of mechanical aptitude than others like positions in engineering, technology, or mechanics. In order to test for these skills before hiring and ensure candidates have the ability to do the job, employers use Barron’s Test of Mechanical Aptitude.

The questions on the test require a high level of mechanical knowledge and spatial reasoning. Even if you’re not applying for a high level technical job, employers who value this level of spatial reasoning might have every employee take the test.

Sections of the test focus on gears, pulleys, levers, and hydraulics among other mechanical aspects.

What Test Format do MATs Use?

Most mechanical aptitude tests use multiple choice questions with accompanying pictures. The tests are often timed and usually have between 15 and 30 questions.

The images that accompany the questions are often created with straightforward imagery to help test takers focus more on their comprehension of mechanics versus their understanding of complex illustrations.

The questions are based on a multitude of subjects ranging from electrical to fluid dynamics. The tests are often entry-level and focus as much on deductive reasoning as they do pre-existing knowledge. This makes pre-testing practice especially important.

Mechanical Aptitude Test Tips:

• Focus on accuracy but don’t compromise time: mechanical aptitude tests score  you on the answers you got correct, but they also account for time. While your goal should be to get the answer right, compromising too much time for one question can cause you to run out of time for other questions down the line.
  
  
• Avoid blind guesses: there may be times when you truly do not know the answer to a question, but don’t guess blindly. Look at the provided image and do you best to use context and inference to come up with a guess. Your ability to solve problems without prior information on the subject matter is one of the things employers are looking for.
  
  
• Show up prepared: never show up to your pre-employment assessment without being fully prepared on the subject matter, testing guidelines, and useful tips to help you pass. Being prepared for your exam puts you miles ahead of other candidates and can help you land the job.

How to Prepare for Mechanical Aptitude Tests

Mechanical aptitude tests might stand between you and your dream engineering job, so don’t let a lack of preparation ruin your goals.

The best way to prepare for these types of exams, no matter which company is providing the test, is to take the best practice tests available for the subject.

At JobAssessmentHelp we have curated an in-depth curriculum to help anyone pass a mechanical aptitude test. Whether it is for an entry-level or advanced journeyman position, our extensive study programme and selection of practice tests can help you get the job of your dreams.

Our MAT study bundle contains over 14 practice tests and over 140 unique questions. Additionally, the bundle comes with all of our study curriculum available to go over as many times as you need until you are as prepared for your test as possible.

Don’t let your fantasy career slip away, come practice with JobAssessmentHelp today.