Get Accurate CAST Test Preparation with Full Explanations and Pass With a High Score

The CAST is a test that evaluates how well a candidate can quickly process information, solve complex math problems, and understand and draw conclusions from complicated written material, all under a strict time limit.

It is designed to predict candidates' probability of success for construction and skilled trade professional jobs such as lineworker(lineman), electrician, electrical technician,  transmission and distribution operators, etc.

The test scores are calculated based on how many questions are answered correctly. There is no penalty for incorrect answers or guesses. These scores from each component are then combined to form an index score, which ranges from 1 to 10.

Here is a table summarizing the main CAST sections that may appear in your exam:

The CAST's difficulty comes from the fact that you need to do complicated calculations, within a strict time limit. 

That's why it's crucial to practice with CAST sample questions! Doing so will help you learn the most effective ways to solve each problem.

But more on that later. Let's go over the 4 CAST sections in more detail:

In the CAST Graphic Arithmetic Test, you have 30 minutes to answer 16 questions. It measures your ability to solve arithmetic problems by using information from drawings. 

You'll see a top-down diagram of a building with many measurements and various rooms. Some measurements are missing, and your task is to calculate these numbers to answer the questions without using a calculator.

Let’s take a look at a CAST sample question. Try solving this one within two minutes- that's the average amount of time you'll get for each question during the test.

The mathematical usage test assesses your ability to solve basic math problems using provided information. You'll be given a table showing various relationships, like the number of grams in a tonne, and you'll need to use this table to answer questions.

The actual test has 18 questions with a 7-minute time limit. This is a short time limit and really requires a high level of attention. Getting a full score on this test is possible: You just need to learn how to really focus on what’s being asked and how to solve it.

Let’s take a look at a sample question. During the real test, you will have 23 seconds.

Click to visit our SOPD Test page, which also features a section on mathematical usage.

In this CAST section, you have to answer 32 questions within a 30-minute time frame.

There are four different answer options for each of the questions. Let’s take a look at an example question. You will have about a minute to answer this during the real test:

See the following page for more CAST practice questions.

In this section of the CAST assessment, you are tested on your understanding of mechanical concepts and principles. These principles include Centrifugal Force, Gears, Gravity, Levers, Pulleys, and Shapes.

For each question there are three possible answers and, as with all the other sections of the CAST assessment, you have to work fast in order to answer all the questions within the allotted time. 44 questions in only 20 minutes give you less than 30 seconds per question. This means that it’s not only knowing the principles, but it’s also answering the questions quickly enough to get through them all in the allotted time.

Let’s take a look at an example.

Check out this video explaining the basic mechanical concepts to get a better grip on the subject. 

You can further practice your skills with our Mechanical Aptitude Practice Test.

The CAST tests are not standardized tests: each company has its own standards and can choose any pass mark. Additionally, the passing score may vary based on the number and level of candidates. This means that to pass, you have to be better than the average test taker. But how much better?

The exact score needed to pass the CAST aptitude test can vary based on other test takers' performance. Therefore, aim as high as possible and practice thoroughly to excel beyond the competition.

While the CAST test has many uses, it's generally required for people seeking jobs in the following areas:

Here is a list of positions that require taking the EEI CAST test:

Exelon: Exelon provides electricity and natural gas to 7.8 million customers and is one of the largest energy generators in the US.

Duke Energy: The largest electric power holding company in the United States. Headquartered in North Carolina, Duke Energy provides service in the Carolinas, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Florida.

Southern California Edison: This is the largest subsidiary of Edison International, and provides electricity for much of Southern California. It delivers 15 million people with electricity across a service territory of approximately 50,000 square miles.

PSEG: The Public Service Enterprise Group is headquartered in Newark, New Jersey and was established in 1985 with a legacy dating back to 1903. The company's largest subsidiary is Public Service Electric and Gas Company.

Southern Company: Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama. The company is currently the second largest utility company in the U.S. in terms of customer base.

Dominion Energy: Dominion Energy operates in 16 states across the US and provides services to more than 7 million customers.

Xcel Energy: Xcel Energy Inc. is a utility holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, serving more than 3.7 million electric customers and 2.1 million natural gas customers in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico in 2019.

Georgia Power: Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation's largest generators of electricity.

Note: IBEW uses a very similar test to this one. Click here for our page on the IBEW Apprenticeship Test, or take a free IBEW practice test.