Free CAST Practice Test

Yedidya, Mechanical Testing Expert at JobTestPrep
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Note: Other than the CAST test there are many different versions of EEI exams the most common ones include: SOPD, SASS, CSR, POSS, TECH, MRAB, and MASS.

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Graphic Arithmetic Questions
Mathematical Usage Questions
Mechanical Concepts Questions
Reading Comprehension

The CAST Exam consists of four sections. The first, Graphic Arithmetic, assesses your ability to solve math problems using visual representations.

In the Graphic Arithmetic CAST Test, you'll be given a diagram with various measurements. Your task is to determine and fill in the missing measurements using the information in the questions.

Let's look at a few examples, taken from our online CAST Prep Course:

CAST Sample Question #1

Use the diagram below to answer the following 4 questions.

What is the total length (A) of the Foundation?

A. 39'

B. 235'

C. 282'

D. 289'

E. None of the above

View Explanation

Answer:

The correct answer is D.
The simplest way to calculate the length (A) of the Foundation – is to sum the length of the Crown Block, and the two lengths from the edges of the Crown Block to the corresponding edges of the Foundation:

CAST Sample Question #2

What is the total length (C) of the Platform?

A. 70'

B. 118'

C. 136'

D. 190'

E. None of the above

View Explanation

Answer:

The correct answer is C.

The simplest way to calculate the length (C) of the Platform – is to sum the length of the Crown Block, and the length from the right edge of the Crown Block to the corresponding edge of the Foundation, and then subtract the length from the right edge of the Platform to the corresponding edge of the Foundation:

118' + 45' – 27' = 136'

CAST Test Tip: Prioritize What You Know

Focus on answering questions you're confident about first. For the CAST exam, only the questions you answer correctly count toward your score. If unsure about a question, it's better to leave it blank than to guess, as unanswered questions don't negatively impact your score.

CAST Sample Question #3

What is the total height (D) of the Catwalk?

A. 14'

B. 22'

C. 24'

D. 32'

E. None of the above.

View Explanation

Answer:

The correct answer is A.

To calculate the height of the Catwalk – we will use the answer from question 2 (height B).
Calculate the sum of the height between the edges of the Catwalk and the corresponding top edges of the Foundation and the Crown Block. Subtract the sum from the total height between the top edges of the Foundation and the Crown Block:

226' + 54' = 280'
294' – 280' = 14'

CAST Sample Question #4

What is the height (B) from the top of the Foundation to the bottom of the Catwalk?

A. 195'

B. 226'

C. 279'

D. 294'

E. None of the above

View Explanation

Answer:

The correct answer is B.

The simplest way to calculate the height (A) from the top of the Foundation to the bottom of the Catwalk – is to sum the height of the Platform, and the two heights from the edges of the Platform to the corresponding edges of the Foundation and the Catwalk:

142' + 31' + 53' = 226'

Graphic Arithmetic Tip: When answering these questions in the test – it is essential to work methodically, look for the fastest ways to calculate the required measurements, and make sure that there is no overlapping.

It is recommended to write down the calculation and mark the answers to previous questions – as we will demonstrate how it can be useful for later questions in the test.

It is important to keep this in mind, since the object in the drawing may appear from more than one viewpoint in the real exam.

The drawing presented here represents a front view of the object, but in the real test, you may receive a top/bottom view as well, which makes the test far more challenging.

If you found this test useful, you can access our Full CAST Test Prep Course.

It contains 39 practice tests with over 850 questions, each with a thorough explanation.

It also contains video tutorials and PDF guides to help you:

Work methodically and use fast, accurate calculation methods.
Be prepared for multiple object viewpoints, not just the front view.
Practice real test-style questions with real test conditions to build confidence.

The next section of the test also includes mathematical skills – but this time instead of visual abilities you must be able to work with different measurements and conversions from a table. Let's continue!

CAST Sample Question #5

Use the data below to answer the following four questions:

Conversion table:
1 meter = 1,000 millimeters	1 carreau = 1.29 bunders
1 bee space = 6.5 millimeters	1 bovate = 6 bunders
1 league = 4,828 meters	1 gal = 1,000 milligals
1 bohr = 52,918 femtometers	1 gal = 10 millimeters / square second
1 bohr = 52.918 bicrons	1 foot / square second = 30,480 milligals
1 klick = 312.5 bamboos	1 foot / square second = 12 inches / square second
1 bamboo = 320 centimeters	1 yard = 36 inches
1 oxgang = 0.5 virgates	1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
1 cover = 1.349 jeribs	1 carreau = 12.9 dekares
1 acre = 160 square perches	1 acre = 4,840 square yards

3 klicks = ? bamboos

A. 312.5

B. 625

C. 937.5

D. 960

E. None of the above

View Explanation

Answer:

The correct answer is C.
The conversion needs to be done as follows:
According to the table
1 klick = 312.5 bamboos
3 klick is three times 312.5 bamboos (the amount of bamboos one klick equals to).
Therefore, multiply by 3:
3 klicks = 3*312.5= 937.5 bamboos

CAST Sample Question #6

18 bunders = ? bovates

A. 1

B. 3

C. 6

D. 38.7

E. None of the above

View Explanation

Answer:

The correct answer is B.
The conversion needs to be done as follows:
According to the table
1 carreau = 6 bovate.
18 bunders are three times 6 bunders (and therefore, three times 1 carreau).
Therefore, multiply by 3:
18 bunders = 3*1 = 3 bovate.

CAST Sample Question #7

6 inches / square second = ? milligals

A. 0.5

B. 2

C. 15,240

D. 60,960

E. None of the above

View Explanation

Answer:

The correct answer is C.
While there is no direct relationship between the two measurements, both can be converted by using foot / square second:
1 foot / square second = 30,480 milligals
1 foot / square second = 12 inches / square second
Start by dividing 6 inches / square second in 12 to achieve the required multiplication factor:
6/12 = 0.5
Therefore, 6 inches / square second = 0.5*1 = 0.5 foot / square second.
Next, substitute the result (0.5) in the first equation to find how many milligals are 0.5 foot / square second:
0.5 foot / square second = 0.5*30,480 = 15,240 milligals.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
6 inches / square second = 15,240 milligals.

CAST Sample Question #8

10 centimeters = ? inches

A. 2.11

B. 3.08

C. 3.93

D. 5.24

E. None of the above

View Explanation

Answer:

The correct answer is C.

The conversion needs to be done as follows:

According to the table
1 inch = 2.56 centimeters
Divide 10 centimeters by 2.56 to achieve the required multiplication factor:
10/2.56 = 3.93
Therefore, 10 centimeters = 3.93*1 = 3.93 inches.

Quick Math Tip: When performing calculations (especially without a calculator), calculating the precise number may be challenging and time-consuming. If the answers are distinctly different, try to round the numbers to perform faster and easier calculations to reach an answer closest to one of the distractors.

Performing calculations under pressure can be challenging and time-consuming, especially with only 23 seconds per question. To succeed, you need to master fast calculation techniques and adapt to strict time limits.

The CAST Preparation Pack includes:

3 Mathematical Usage practice tests to refine core skills.
4 additional math-focused tests to build problem-solving confidence.
Timed practice that mirrors real test conditions, helping you improve accuracy under pressure.
Solution reviews to teach you specific strategies for rapid calculations.

Starting at $79, this pack will help you sharpen your focus, increase your speed, and improve your test performance.

Let’s move on to the next section – Mechanical Concepts. Basic mechanical knowledge is measured through different question types – such as simple machines, thermodynamics, and electricity. Let’s proceed.

The following questions are designed to test your intuition about fundamental mechanical concepts. They contain complex subjects broken down into simple answers. Understanding the subject in full can help you avoid common pitfalls.

Let's look at a few examples:

CAST Sample Question #9

Observe the following electrical circuit

CAST Mechanical Concepts Sample Question

If the electrical switch is turned on, which light bulb will light up?

A. 1

B. 2

C. 3

View Explanation

Answer:

The correct answer is C.
When you turn on the electrical switch, it completes the circuit, causing bulb 3 to illuminate. However, bulb 2 is not functioning, which disrupts the circuit and prevents the electric current from reaching bulb 1. Consequently, bulb 1 will not light up.

CAST Sample Question #10

Two balloons are placed side by side. Balloon A is inflated fully, while Balloon B is only half-inflated.

Which balloon has more air pressure inside?

A. Balloon A

B. Balloon B

C. Both balloons have equal air pressure

View Explanation

Answer:

The question requires a comparison of the air pressure inside two balloons: one that is fully inflated (Balloon A) and another that is half-inflated (Balloon B). The air pressure inside a balloon is typically influenced by the amount of air it holds and the space it occupies. A fully inflated balloon, like Balloon A, is stretched more tightly, causing the air molecules inside to be compressed into a smaller space than in a half-inflated balloon. This compression leads to a higher air pressure. Therefore, in this case, Balloon A, being fully inflated, would generally have a higher air pressure than Balloon B, which is only half-inflated.

The correct answer is A.

CAST Test Tip: Practice Mechanical Concepts Daily

The Mechanical Concepts section assesses your understanding of fundamental mechanical principles. Regular practice with topics like levers, pulleys, and gears can significantly improve your performance. Utilize online CAST prep courses that offer targeted practice questions to strengthen these areas.

CAST Sample Question #11

Closely observe this belt-and-pully system.

If the system is activated in the direction of the light-blue arrow, which way will the wheel on the left spin?

A (clockwise)

B (anticlockwise)

View Explanation

Answer:

The two wheels on the left are linked by a band, causing the top wheel to rotate counter-clockwise. The two top wheels are connected by a rod, making them rotate in the same direction. The wheel in question is attached to the top right wheel by a band, and its rotation is influenced by the top right wheel.

The correct answer is B.

CAST Sample Question #12

Below is an image of an accelerating train car with a pendulum hanging from the ceiling.

In which direction is the train car acceleraing?

A (left)

B (right)

View Explanation

Answer:

The train car is accelerating to the right, in the direction labeled B. This can be determined by observing the behavior of the pendulum inside the car. When a vehicle accelerates, objects inside tend to resist that change in motion due to inertia. As a result, the pendulum swings in the opposite direction of the acceleration. In this case, the pendulum is angled to the left (direction A), which means it is lagging behind as the train car moves forward. Therefore, the direction of acceleration must be toward the right.

If the train car was decelerating, the opposite would be true.

The correct answer is B.

In the CAST Mechanical section, you have just 27 seconds per question. While the questions may seem straightforward, any unfamiliar concepts can slow you down and cost valuable time.

To improve your speed and accuracy:

Review the basics to ensure you fully understand the concepts.
Practice answering under time constraints to build confidence.
Get access to detailed CAST Mechanical Concepts questions in our online prep course.

The faster you adapt to the test's time limit, the higher your chances of s

The following skills and subjects are covered on our CAST Test Prep Course:

Units, algebra and word problems, electric circuits (basic, parallel, and serial), cogwheels, buoyancy, hydraulics, rotational motion, wheels & pulleys, flow & volume, gas pressure, force & moment, inertia and equilibrium, thermodynamics, acoustics, and optics.

Practicing these will have you covered for all fundamental mechanical concepts that may appear on the actual CAST Test.

For more basic mechanical and electrical questions with helpful tips, visit our free Mechanical Aptitude Test or check out our IBEW Test Prep.

Cast Mechanical questions require a specific set of skills and knowledge. The final section, Reading for Comprehension, may look trivial but requires verbal, grammatical, and logical abilities. Let’s continue.

The Reading Comprehension Test assesses your ability to understand verbal communication, make logical inferences, and focus on the main idea of a passage. It also tests your familiarity with core mechanical vocabulary and terminology. It is a critical part of the CAST Test.

Let's review some examples:

CAST Sample Question #13

Read the passage below and answer the following questions:

In a typical woodworking shop, various mechanical tools play crucial roles in achieving precision and efficiency. The table saw, for instance, is indispensable for making straight cuts in pieces of wood.

With a high-speed rotating blade, the table saw ensures that each cut is accurate down to the millimeter. Not only can it handle large sheets of wood, but it also comes with adjustable features such as blade angle and cutting depth, allowing for customized results.

The bandsaw, on the other hand, is ideal for making curved cuts. Unlike the table saw, the bandsaw uses a continuous loop of narrow blades that runs around two or more wheels. It can make intricate shapes and is often used for tasks like cutting out patterns or creating decorative elements.

For many woodworking professionals, the bandsaw is the go-to tool for any work that involves complex geometry.

In addition to these larger tools, hand tools like chisels and planes also have their place in a woodworking shop. A chisel is used for removing wood in a controlled manner, often to create joints or hollow-out areas.

Planes are used to smooth or level surfaces, making them ideal for finishing tasks. While they may not be as fast as their electric counterparts, hand tools offer greater control and are indispensable for fine detailing work.

Safety is paramount when working with mechanical tools. Proper attire, including eye protection and earplugs, is essential. Moreover, each tool comes with its own set of safety guidelines that should be strictly followed.

For example, one should never reach over a table saw while it's in operation, and it's crucial to keep hands away from the blade of a bandsaw. Failing to follow these safety measures could result in serious injury.

What table saw feature allows for customized wood-cutting results?

A. High-speed rotating blade

B. Adjustable features such as blade angle and cutting depth

C. Ability to handle large sheets of wood

D. Eye protection features

View Explanation

Answer:

The correct answer is B.

Answer A: This option is incorrect because the high-speed rotating blade is important for accurate cuts, but it doesn't allow customization.

Answer B: This is the correct answer. The text specifically mentions that these adjustable features allow for customized results.

Answer C: This feature is about the capacity of the table saw but doesn't relate to customized results.

Answer D: Safety features are essential but are not responsible for customized cutting.

CAST Sample Question #14

What is the primary function of a bandsaw in a woodworking shop?

A. Making straight cuts

B. Creating decorative elements

C. Smoothing or leveling surfaces

D. Making curved cuts

View Explanation

Answer:

The correct answer is D.

Answer A: The table saw is primarily used for this, not the bandsaw.

Answer B: While it is mentioned that the bandsaw can be used for decorative elements, its primary function is making curved cuts.

Answer C: This is the function of planes, not bandsaws.

Answer D: This is the correct answer. The text specifically states that the bandsaw is ideal for making curved cuts.

CAST Test Tip: Simulate Test Conditions

To build confidence and improve time management, take practice tests under timed conditions. This approach helps you get accustomed to the pace of the CAST exam and reduces anxiety on test day.

CAST Sample Question #15

Based on the text, which of the following is likely true about hand tools like chisels and planes in a woodworking shop?

A. They are outdated and rarely used

B. They are mainly used for speed and efficiency

C. They are better suited for tasks that require intricate detailing

D. They are typically used to replace larger mechanical tools

View Explanation

Answer:

The correct answer is C.

Answer A: This is incorrect. The text states that hand tools "also have their place in a woodworking shop," implying they are still relevant and used.

Answer B: This is also incorrect. The text mentions that they may not be as fast as their electric counterparts, implying that speed and efficiency are not their primary attributes.

Answer C: This is the correct inferred answer. The text says hand tools offer "greater control" and are "indispensable for fine detailing work," implying they are well-suited for intricate tasks.

Answer D: This is incorrect, as the text presents hand tools as complementary to larger mechanical tools rather than as replacements.

CAST Sample Question #16

What would be an appropriate title for this text?

A. The Importance of Safety in Woodworking

B. Mechanical Tools in a Woodworking Shop

C. Customized Cutting Techniques

D. The Art of Making Curved Cuts

View Explanation

Answer:

The correct answer is B.

Answer A: While the text mentions safety, it is not the article's main focus.

Answer B: This is the correct answer, as the text discusses various mechanical tools and their functions in a woodworking shop.

Answer C: The text does talk about customized features, but this is not the main focus.

Answer D: This would be too specific to the bandsaw, whereas the text covers multiple tools.

In the CAST Reading Comprehension section, you have just one minute per question—but passages are over 300 words long. If you don’t know how to quickly extract key information, you’ll fall behind.

The best approach? Go over the questions before reading the passage—this way, you’ll know exactly what to look for and save valuable time.

Our CAST Course helps you:

Develop efficient reading strategies
Practice with full-length reading comprehension tests
Learn how to find answers quickly using expert-guided solutions

Mastering these skills now will help you stay ahead on test day.

Cast Practice Test Answer Key

1	2	3	4
D	C	A	B
5	6	7	8
C	B	C	C
9	10	11	12
C	A	B	B
13	14	15	16
B	D	C	B

The CAST exam is a standardized assessment used by employers in the construction and skilled trades industries to evaluate candidates' aptitude. It consists of four sections: Graphic Arithmetic, Mathematical Usage, Mechanical Concepts, and Reading Comprehension. Each section is designed to assess specific skills relevant to skilled trade jobs.

Engaging with CAST practice tests is crucial for success. They familiarize you with the question formats and help identify areas where you need improvement. Many online CAST prep courses offer a variety of practice questions that mimic the actual exam, providing valuable feedback and boosting your readiness.

In addition to practicing, it's essential to understand the scoring system of the CAST exam. Each employer may set their own passing score, so it's beneficial to inquire about the required score for the specific position you're applying for. This knowledge allows you to tailor your study efforts effectively.

Access more CAST Practice tests and other valuable CAST prep materials so that you take the test while being as prepared as possible.

To enhance your performance on these tests, consider the JobTestPrep CAST Test Preparation. It offers:

Comprehensive preparation: The prep provides a separate section for each category in the test, including multiple practice tests and realistic questions to help you fully prepare for the main test.
Detailed solutions: The prep includes 402 practice test questions and several additional questions, each accompanied by an in-depth solution that shares the best strategies and tips for solving them on the test day.
Instant Access: Upon purchasing the course, you will have immediate access to the materials from your device, so you can start practicing right away.

The Construction and Skilled Trades Selection System (CAST) test is designed to help select candidates for various roles including the lineworker position.

This test evaluates essential skills and abilities needed for this job, including math problem-solving using information from prints and drawings, understanding mechanical principles, and reading comprehension. Additionally, a physical assessment test is required as part of the hiring process.

Yes, the CAST test is certainly challenging. Its difficulty stems from the need to perform complex calculations under strict time constraints. That's why practicing with CAST sample questions is essential! It will help you learn the most effective methods to quickly and accurately solve each problem.

The EEI CAST (Construction and Skilled Trades) test includes a total of 110 multiple-choice questions. These are divided into four sections: Graphic Arithmetic (16 questions), Mechanical Concepts (44 questions), Reading for Comprehension (32 questions), and Mathematical Usage (18 questions).

The passing score for the CAST (Construction and Skilled Trades) exam can vary depending on the employer and the specific job requirements.

Each company or utility that administers the test may set its own passing threshold based on the needs of the positions they are hiring for. Generally, the CAST exam is scored on a scale, and the required score to pass might be adjusted to suit the level of skill and competence deemed necessary for different roles

The California Science Test (CAST) is an online assessment that measures students' knowledge and skills in science based on the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS)

The CAST (Construction and Skilled Trades) Test: This test, offered by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), is specifically designed for screening candidates for construction and skilled trades positions within utilities and similar industries.

Free CAST Practice Test for Construction and Skilled Trades