Free CAST Practice Test for Construction and Skilled Trades
The Construction and Skilled Trades Selection test (Also known as the EEI CAST Test) is a 90-minute assessment which consists of 110 questions spread across four sections: Graphic Arithmetic, Mathematical Usage, Mechanical Concepts, and Reading Comprehension
Here, you'll find a free EEI CAST practice test organized by sections. The questions are selected from JobTestPrep's preparation materials and are similar to those on the real CAST exam.
Free CAST Practice Test Questions
The CAST Exam consists of four sections. The first, Graphic Arithmetic, assesses your ability to solve math problems using visual representations.
CAST Graphic Arithmetic Sample Questions
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:
Use the diagram below to answer the following 4 questions.
What is the total length (A) of the Foundation?
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:
What is the total length (C) of the Platform?
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'
What is the total height (D) of the Catwalk?
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'
What is the height (B) from the top of the Foundation to the bottom of the Catwalk?
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.
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.
More Practice Tests on Our CAST Test Prep Course
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:
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Work methodically and use fast, accurate calculation methods.
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Be prepared for multiple object viewpoints, not just the front view.
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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 Mathematical Usage Sample Questions
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.
Master Quick Math & Stay Ahead of the Clock!
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.
CAST Mechanical Concepts Sample Questions
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:
Observe the following electrical circuit
If the electrical switch is turned on, which light bulb will light up?
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?
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?
Below is an image of an accelerating train car with a pendulum hanging from the ceiling.
In which direction is the train car acceleraing?
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.
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:
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Review the basics to ensure you fully understand the concepts.
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Practice answering under time constraints to build confidence.
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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
Master The Mechanical Section of the CAST Test
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.
CAST Reading for Comprehension Sample Questions
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 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.
Master Reading Comprehension & Improve Your Speed!
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 Test - General Information
Understanding the CAST Exam
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.
The Importance of Practice Tests
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.
Tips for Effective Preparation
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.
Which Companies Use the CAST Pre-Employment Test?
Continue Practicing for the CAST Exam
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.
FAQ's
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.
