Ace Your Mechanical Aptitude Test with Accurate Practice

What is Mechanical Aptitude

Mechanical aptitude tests (also known as mechanical reasoning tests) assess your basic mechanical knowledge, i.e. your ability to understand basic mechanical concepts and apply them to various scenarios. 

The mechanical test questions will usually contain one or more images followed by multiple-choice questions with a time limit, covering topics such as gears, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and more. Before diving into the mechanical aptitude practice test we have prepared for you, check out our video that reviews the basics. 

 Understanding the Mechanical Aptitude Test - Video Tutorial

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Mechanical Aptitude Practice Test

Mechanical Aptitude Practice Test Question #1

Who will need to apply more force to lift the weight? (If equal, Mark C.)

A

B

C

Correct Answer

Incorrect Answer

The figure in B has a wheel to reel in the rope. However, this wheel does nothing to divide the force and only changes the pulling from a linear motion in A to a circular motion in B.

Remember the physical principle: In a pulley system, the wheels that reduce applied force are supporting wheels, not wheels that only change the motion’s direction.

The correct answer is C.

Mechanical Aptitude Practice Test Question  #2

Which ball will reach the floor first? (If equal, Mark C.)

A

B

C

Correct Answer

Incorrect Answer

Gravity is applied onto both balls equally, and the vertical distance they ought to pass is identical. The time needed for both balls to hit the ground is identical, regardless of the horizontal velocity component.

Therefore, it can be deduced that both balls will hit the ground at the same time.

Remember the physical principle: When an object falls under the influence of gravity, its vertical velocity does not depend on the horizontal velocity.

The correct answer is C.

Mechanical Aptitude Practice Test Question #3

Which granary can hold more wheat? (If equal, mark C.) 

A

B

C

Correct Answer

Incorrect Answer

This question can be solved in a straightforward calculation of the volume of the granaries, using the formula of a cylinder’s volume:

V = π x R2 x H

Where: π = 3.14, R is the cylinder’s radius, and H is the cylinder’s height.

Calculating:

Answer A: 4 x π x 52 x 10 = 4 x π x 25 x 10 = 3.14 x 100 x 10 = 3,140
Answer B: π x 52 x 40 = π x 25 x 40 = 3.14 x 1,000 = 3,140

However, there is no need for such lengthy calculations. As we can see, the height of the cylinder affects the volume of a cylinder linearly, meaning 4 cylinders with height H are equal in volume to one cylinder with height 4H:

V (4 short) =4 x {π x R2 x H} = 4 x π x R2 x H
V (1 tall) = π x R2 x 4H = 4 x π x R2 x H

Remember the physical principle: The volume of a cylinder is linearly dependent on its height.

Note: The same does NOT apply to the cylinder’s radius since the R in the formula is squared. In that case, the volume of one cylinder with a radius of 2R will be equal to the volume of four cylinders with a radius R. The volume of one cylinder with a radius of 4R will be equal to the volume of sixteen cylinders with a radius R.

The correct answer is C.

The variations of mechanical test questions are almost infinite, which is why understanding the broader mechanical concepts behind the questions can help enormously tp prepare you for your mechanical reasoning test.

Learn more about the different types of questions you could encounter in leading mechanical aptitude tests, such as the Ramsay MAT test , the EEI Tests , the Bennett Test, or the Wiesen test.

Mechanical Aptitude Practice Test Question #4

In which direction should the acrobat move his body to balance the seesaw? (If neither, Mark C.)

A

B

C

Correct Answer

Incorrect Answer

A seesaw is an example of a first-class lever, where the fulcrum is between the effort and load. For the seesaw to be balanced, the torque applied by the acrobat must increase. Since the weight of the acrobat is constant, the only way to increase the input torque is by increasing the distance from the fulcrum.
Moving in direction B will shift the acrobat’s center of gravity farther from the fulcrum, resulting in greater torque, thereby balancing it.

This mechanical aptitude question deals with force and torque, principles that will be presented to you via mechanisms like levers and structures, and everyday situations such as carrying a hammer or tightening a screw. 

Tip: The physical principle behind this question is the law of the lever, 2nd class. The farther the load is from the fulcrum, the more torque will be formed on that arm. 

Mechanical Aptitude Practice Test Question #5

Which of the three following diagrams is correct?

A

B

C

Correct Answer

Incorrect Answer

The bending of the partition is caused by a pressure difference on both sides. That pressure difference is determined by the level of water in each container.

The pressure is determined by the height of water on the container – the higher the water – the greater the pressure.
In A, the partition bends to the right, suggesting the pressure is greater on the left side. That is consistent with the higher water level on the left side.
In B, the partition is flat, suggesting there is no pressure difference between its two sides, despite the different water levels. Therefore, this answer is false.
In C, the partition bends to the left, suggesting the pressure is greater on the right side. That contradicts the higher water level on the left side. Therefore, this answer is also false.

This mechanical aptitude question is about fluid mechanics, a central element of mechanical knowledge. The principle behind the question is Higher water level – higher pressure at the bottom.

 Mechanical Comprehension Practice Test Question #6

In which way is the wagon accelerating? (If either, mark C.)

A

B

C

Correct Answer

Incorrect Answer

The correct answer is B.

A seesaw is an example of a first-class lever, where the fulcrum is between the effort and load. For the seesaw to be balanced, the torque applied by the acrobat must increase. Since the weight of the acrobat is constant, the only way to increase the input torque is by increasing the distance from the fulcrum.
Moving in direction B will shift the acrobat’s center of gravity farther from the fulcrum, resulting in greater torque, thereby balancing it.

The physical principle: The law of the lever, 2nd class. The farther the load is from the fulcrum, the more torque will be formed on that arm.

How To Pass Your Mechanical Reasoning Test

While solving a free mechanical aptitude test is a great way to learn about the question types and get your prep journey started, if you really want to sharpen your mechanical knowledge there is no substitute for thorough practice. 

Our all-inclusive mechanical reasoning preparation pack includes accurate mechanical aptitude practice tests, study guides, and full solutions for every element you will be tested for in the actual test. 

Mechanical Aptitude Practice Test Question #7

Which bird will find it easier to fly? (If equal, mark C.)

A

B

C

Correct Answer

Incorrect Answer

In picture A, the bird flies with her wings backward, minimizing the contact surface with the wind and creating less resistance. The bird in picture B flies with her wings in the wind direction, creating much more resistance. The same phenomenon makes a crumpled piece of paper fall faster than an open sheet of paper, which has more surface and more resistance.

Remember the physical principle: The larger the surface of contact with air/wind, the more resistance (force) is created.

The correct answer is A.

Mechanical Aptitude Practice Test Question #8

Which pendulum will swing faster? (If equal, mark C.)

 

A

B

C

Correct Answer

Incorrect Answer

Pendulum A has a shorter string; therefore, it will swing faster.
Intuitively, the shorter pendulum has less distance to travel in every cycle and, therefore, will move faster.

The bob's mass is irrelevant since the pendulum is affected by gravity, which applies the same acceleration on each body, regardless of its mass. Both bobs accelerate the same; therefore, their mass does not affect the pendulum’s movement.

Remember the physical principle: The only thing that determines how fast a pendulum will swing is its string length.

The correct answer is A.

Mechanical Aptitude Practice Test Question #9

In which direction does the grey wheel turn? (If neither, mark C.)

A

B

C

Correct Answer

Incorrect Answer

When contact is made between the rack (toothed belt) and the cogwheels, a conversion from a linear velocity to an angular velocity occurs. The location of the point of contact is critical.

The point of contact between the red cogwheel and the rack is in the lower part of the red cogwheel. The counterclockwise angular velocity induces a linear velocity to the right.

The point of contact between the grey cogwheel and the rack is in the grey cogwheel's upper part. The linear velocity to the right (determined by the rack) induces an angular velocity in a clockwise direction. The process can be exemplified by the blue arrows, which show where each part of the wheel is moving under the rotation conditions:

Remember the physical principle: When converting the linear velocity of a rack to the angular velocity, “translate” the rotation into arrows and follow the directions.

The correct answer is A.

Mechanical Aptitude Practice Test Question #10

• In which direction will the wheel spin? (If either, mark C.)

A

B

C

Correct Answer

Incorrect Answer

A band connects the two wheels on the left; therefore, the top wheel will spin counter-clockwise. The two wheels at the top are connected by a rod; thus, both rotate in the same direction. The wheel in question is connected by a band to the top right wheel and influenced by its rotation.

The correct answer is B.

Mechanical comprehension is a vital element of many aptitude tests used to select candidates for maintenance positions. Learn more some of the industry's top employers mechanical reasoning tests, such as the Amazon Maintenance Technician Test, USPS Maintenance Test, UPS, IBEW, or the Walmart Maintenance Technician test. 

How to Succeed in Mechanical Tests

Practicing for mechanical aptitude tests requires a different approach to other types of aptitude testing. Unlike numerical or verbal reasoning tests, mechanical tests do not assess your technique, knowledge or speed. They are geared more towards: "do you have a feeling for it?"

That's why 95% of the questions in mechanical aptitude tests require no calculations and can be solved by a well-practiced person in a matter of seconds.

So how do you become this well-practiced person?

Following are the 4 ground rules to practice correctly and score high on mechanical reasoning tests:

Ground Rule #1 - Learn Physical Principles

That is the number one thing when approaching mechanical tests. I cannot stress this enough.

Why is learning the principles so important?

You simply cannot prepare yourself for each and every possible mechanical question. The variations are infinite.

What you CAN do is to understand the couple of dozens of principles that stand at the heart of these tests. Learn them, practice them, memorize them and apply them to any question the test might throw at you.

 

★ Sample - Can You Spot the Physical Principle?

Which ball will hit the ground first?

 

Answer and Explanation

The answer to this question is that both balls will hit the floor at the same time.

Free falling does not depend on the mass of the element, and each object falls a given distance at the exact same time.

Now, before you ask whether a bowling ball falls down as fast as a feather, remember that this has to do with air resistance. Air resistance is considered a "real world minutiae" which you should ignore in mechanical reasoning tests. We'll talk a bit about that later.

Ground Rule #2 - Not All Subjects Were Created Equal

That one is a big one, too.

Remember that what eventually matters is your total score. So, it is crucial to practice first, and the hardest, on subjects that have the largest number of questions in the test.

If you know which test you're taking, we've made the work for you. But if not, it could be quite baffling.

To help you with that, we've analyzed and deconstructed hundreds of questions in the 4 most common mechanical tests used by U.S. employers – the Bennett, IBEW, Ramsay MAT and EEI Tests and made an average. This is not an exact science, but this is a good approximation of what you can expect:

Read further to understand what each topic means and view a sample question of each.

 

Generally, when taking a mechanical aptitude test, the bulk of the questions will deal with force and moment, fluids and velocity, covering around 62% of the test combined. It is therefore wise to focus initially on these subjects.

Important note: The data presented here is a general rule of thumb for you to practice if you don't know which test you are going to take. In case you do, it is ALWAYS better to practice the specific exam. For instance, the mechanical section of the EIAT (Elevator Industry Aptitude Test) is much more heavily focused on gears, wheels, and pulleys than the standard mechanical exam.

Which Test Will You Be Taking?

Mechanical aptitude tests are usually 20-25 minutes long. Therefore, time is an important issue in mechanical aptitude tests. Getting familiar with the format of the test in terms of appearance, the number of answer choices and exact topics coverage is what will give you that edge over the competition. For instance, if you are headed towards an apprenticeship, it will be wise to focus some more on topics such as simple machines, gears, pulleys, as these topics are usually more common in pre-apprenticeship tests.

However, if you do not know which test you will be taking, or if a practice pack for the specific test is unavailable, it is recommended to work your way through the general mechanical pack, learning the basic principles which are the key for success in any mechanical aptitude test.

At JobTestPrep we have developed highly accurate preparation packs for a variety of mechanical assessment tests, including mechanical aptitude practice test simulations and a study guide for every core subject. The most common mechanical assessment tests in the United States are:

BMCT (Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test)

The most common mechanical test today. Its current version II contains 55 questions to be solved in 25 minutes, although some employers still use the old pen-and-paper version I of 68 questions to be solved in 30 minutes.

The questions in the test will always have one or more pictures showing some physical scenario and a question about it, with 3 possible answers, A, B and C.

Learn more about the Bennett Test>>

WTMA (Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude)

This test is pretty similar to the BMCT. It deals with roughly the same topics as the Bennett test and holds the same format of multiple-choice questions with answers A,B and C. The two main differences from the Bennett Test are the number of questions – 60 questions to be solved in 30 minutes, and the drawings which are much more simplistic than in the BMCT.

Learn more about the Wiesen test>>

Ramsay MAT (Mechanical Aptitude Test)

The Ramsay MAT is a much shorter test than the previous two, with only 36 questions to be answered in 20 minutes. In addition, the scenarios on the Ramsay MAT are much more casual and deal with things like home appliances, cooking, working tools, etc. It DOES NOT, however, mean that they are by any way simpler. The drawings are also a pitfall in the Ramsay test since they are often crude and intentionally confusing.

Learn more about the Ramsay MAT test>>

Note: Although popular, the Ramsay Maintenance Tests are not considered mechanical aptitude tests. You can read more about various Ramsay tests here.

EEI

Last but not least, the EEI (Edison Electric Institute) tests. These tests are widely popular in the U.S and have a mechanical SECTION along with other subjects, rather than being strictly mechanical. EEI administers a wide variety of tests for positions like plant operators, technicians, meter checkers, and apprentices. Among these are the TECH, CAST, MASS, and POSS tests, each with its own composition of subjects.

Learn more about EEI Tests>>

 These tests also appear as sections in pre-apprenticeship tests such as the EIAT for elevator technicians and the Industrial Skills Test for various industrial professions. The very popular Electrical Aptitude Test for electrician apprentices is often regarded as a mechanical aptitude test. However, it does not contain mechanical aptitude questions, but math and verbal reasoning.

Summary

Mechanical aptitude tests are a special set of tests that measure your “sense” for mechanical issues. Therefore, practicing for these tests should be done wisely, while keeping in mind the more and less substantial subjects and the underlying physical principles behind the questions.

With hundreds of practice questions covering all the different topics in mechanical reasoning tests and detailed explanations addressing dozens of physical principles, JobTestPrep’s PrepPack gives you the best possible solution to get the score you want.