Mechanical Aptitude Tests Online Preparation & Free Practice Questions – 2024
What Are Mechanical Aptitude Tests?
Mechanical aptitude tests assess your understanding of mechanical and electrical concepts and ability to apply that information to solve problems. Any job seekers looking to join technical fields such as auto mechanics, machine operators, or even firefighter school will likely have to take some mechanical reasoning test.
The exact form and content covered on these exams will vary based on the company or organization you are applying to; however, most mechanical exams will be multiple-choice, timed, and will not cost a fee. They will also likely cover a combination of four topics:
- Mechanical Knowledge
- Mechanical Comprehension
- Mechanical Tools
- Electronics Knowledge
After taking the exam, your score will be reported in two ways. The first will be a raw score. This is the number of questions you got correct out of the number of questions in total on the exam. The second will be a percentile score. This will be a comparison of your score to the other candidates. For example, a percentile score of 85 means your score exceeded 85% of the test takers.
Employers will likely look at percentile scores to ensure they are getting the top candidates in the pool. Therefore, you’ll want to get as high of a score as possible to give yourself the best chance to stand out from your peers and continue in the hiring process.
Mechanical Knowledge
Mechanical aptitude tests will include questions about your general mechanical knowledge. This will examine your understanding of fundamental physics and mechanical principles, such as the following subjects:
- Energy types
- Effort
- Gravity
- Acceleration and momentum
- Auto mechanics
- Friction
- Compression
These questions are common on apprenticeship admission tests, such as those for auto mechanics.
Mechanical Comprehension
Mechanical comprehension tests, or mechanical reasoning tests, are the most common pre-employment assessment types and will likely make up a large portion of your mechanical aptitude test.
These questions will also revolve around mechanical and physical concepts and principles, focusing on applying that knowledge to solve problems. You will receive a diagram, and instead of being asked questions about what is shown, you will be given a problem and will need to use the information in the diagram to answer the question.
These tests are standard in various professions, including mechanics, line workers, mechanics, and electricians.
Mechanical Tools
The mechanical tools questions will focus on the powered and hand tools you may use on the job. The questions will ask you to identify the tools, their purpose, and which professions use them. These questions will likely be geared toward apprenticeship applicants and entry-level professionals.
Electronics Knowledge
The electronics knowledge questions will focus on your understanding of electronic theory and circuits. Here are a few examples of the covered subjects:
- Series and parallel circuits
- Basic electronic components
- Batteries
- Resistance
- Current
- Voltage
- Ohm’s law
- Equipment
These exams are most common with those seeking a career as an electrician. However, most mechanical professionals need a basic understanding of electrical concepts.
Examples of Mechanical Aptitude Tests
Mechanical aptitude tests are not standardized since they vary by employer. However, there are several common mechanical aptitude tests that you may encounter. Here are a few examples:
Tips for Success
The mechanical aptitude tests can seem intimidating. Here are a few tips to help you succeed on the exam:
- Review common mechanical and electrical concepts before the test to ensure you understand the material.
- Apply your solution to the diagram to ensure it makes sense.
- If objects seem identical, it is safe to assume they are.
- If you are unsure of an answer, make an educated guess.
How to Prepare for the Mechanical Aptitude Assessment?
During your application process, the mechanical aptitude test will likely be one of the more difficult pre-employment exams you will take. Because they are using your score on this test to determine if you advance in the hiring process, getting a high score on the assessment is vital. Preparation for the assessment is the best way to ensure a high score.
The best way to study for the mechanical aptitude test is through online resources such as study guides and practice tests.
Study guides are beneficial for the mechanical aptitude tests because they will give an overview of relevant concepts and principles you must be aware of for the exam. These will also give you a better idea of what to expect and can help you tailor your studying by focusing on the topics you may need more help with.
Practice tests are also an excellent preparation resource because they will let you see how the questions will be asked and how you will need to apply the concepts to answer questions. They will also give answer solutions so you can see what you are doing correctly and where you may be struggling. These tips will also apply to future questions, so you can use that knowledge to improve on the exam.
Applicants who take the time to prepare for the mechanical aptitude tests adequately do significantly better than those who do not study. Be sure to give yourself enough time to prepare and to use all of the resources that are available to you.
