SEPTA SJT, BMCT II, Aptitude Tests & Interview Process Online Preparation – 2025

What Is SEPTA?

SEPTA or the Southeast Pennsylvania Transit Authority operates public transportation services in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area as well as Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks, and Chester counties. The transportation services it provides include buses, light rail, rapid transit, and electric trolleys. 4 million people in the region benefit from the services SEPTA provides.

Opportunities for working at SEPTA are available to people from a number of fields. They need engineers, operators, conductors, and dispatchers, but that is not all. There are also positions for architects, accountants, attorneys, IT, graphic designers, and more. Employment with SEPTA includes these benefits:

• Health and Dental Coverage
• Retirement Plan
• Free Transportation
• Career advancement opportunities

What Is SEPTA’s Hiring Process?

Application

To apply with SEPTA, create a profile on their talent network, and upload your resume. From there you can search for positions that match your qualifications. You can save incomplete applications to submit at a later time. You are able to apply for more than one position, but you must complete separate applications for each job.

SEPTA’s Psychometric Tests

The variety of jobs available at SEPTA means that there will be variation in any pre-hire assessments that are given. Some positions may not require any testing, while others may have a variety of tests. Numerical reasoning tests that measure your skill with numbers are very common. Verbal reasoning tests for reading comprehension are another widely used test. Most positions will require a situational judgment test since problem-solving and decision-making are a part of most jobs.

If you are hoping for a position in engineering, vehicle operation, or mechanics, you will be asked to take a Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test, BMCT.

BMCT II

The BMCT is given to individuals who need to prove they have a firm understanding of mechanics. This test will focus on your understanding of simple machinery and how it works. You will also need to show your knowledge of basic physics concepts. The test is made up of pictures and diagrams. You will need to use these to answer the 55 multiple-choice questions. You will have to interpret the outcome of an action relating to the picture and determine how things work. There are 10 concepts that will be presented on the test. Fluid mechanics, velocity, force, electricity, wheels, gears, pulleys, thermodynamics, acoustics, and optics, are the areas that will be covered on the BMCT. The bulk of the test will revolve around velocity, force, and fluid mechanics You will have 25 minutes in which to finish as much of the test as you can.

SJT

A situational judgment test or SJT is given for most positions. How you respond to common workplace occurrences is a major factor in how well you would function as a SEPTA employee. For this test, you will be presented with everyday scenarios. You will be presented with several choices and must pick both the most effective and least effective responses.

Interviews

After a basic phone screen where your resume and background are discussed, you will be called for a face-to-face interview. This may be a panel interview, or it may be one on one, this depends on the job. Some positions require you to prepare a PowerPoint presentation to present during your panel interview. The questions can range from behavioral to competency-based.

How to Prepare for the BMCT Test?

Unlike some pre-hire tests, the BMCT is easy to prepare for because it is based on concepts that are easy to study. Study to refresh your knowledge on the basic physics principles that are tested. Practice working with diagrams of simple machinery so you can easily interpret what is happening in a picture. There are websites available that can help you strengthen your knowledge of physics and mechanics. Put together flashcards and quiz yourself on the information you think will be most important. Since the Bennett exam is timed, practice answering the questions while running a timer. Working under pressure is an important skill to strengthen, both for employment tests, and job performance.