Mechanical Engineering Career Aptitude Test



How to prepare for Mechanical engineering career aptitude tests?

Before knowing how to prepare, first we need to find out what are mechanical aptitude tests? Mechanical aptitude tests are one of the most common aptitude tests, and they measure knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and physical concepts. Therefore, they are most common in electrical, energy, transportation, and manufacturing organizations. The profession of the test takers also varies – some are engineers, and other are mechanics, repairpersons, and maintenance personnel. Some of the biggest companies that conduct those tests are Delta airlines, AT&T, Dupont, and Amtrak. In addition, it is mandatory for every U.S. military to candidate to take the ASVAB - a mechanical aptitude test.

So, after we’ve realized how common they are, the next important question is who are the main test providers? The main four test providers are Bennett (BMCT test), Wiesen, the military ASVAB and Ramsay. Each test provider brings a different focus to the test. While the Bennett is the most reliable test for industrial and repair positions, the Wiesen test (WTMA test) is much more common in the operating, maintaining and repairing machinery industries, and deals more with day to day operations. As explained, the ASVAB is a test that all military recruits must take. The Ramsay test’s main purpose is to identify and sort potential candidates for trainee programs and apprenticeships.

And what about the test format? What should I expect? First of all, it is important to note that as each test has a different purpose, it also has a unique format. However, there are some issued that unite all the mechanical aptitude tests. Almost all of them consist of multiple choice questions that refer to an attached diagram. Other similarities include the fact that the questions are general and not profession-specific. The questions examine the candidate’s inclination, understanding and intuition. Most tests have two main type of questions – mechanic questions and electricity questions. The mechanic questions focus on energy, kinetic, potential energy, forces and motion. The electricity questions focus on voltage, circuits, and magnetism.

While most test providers work with private organizations, the ASVAB is the military mechanical aptitude test. So, what’s so unique about it? As mentions, all military recruits are required to take the test. There are four sections to the ASVAB – Verbal, math, science & technical and spatial. Those general sections consist of sub tests like word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, arithmetic reasoning, and mathematical knowledge. The technical section of the ASVAB includes questions about general science, electronics information, auto information, shop information and mechanical comprehension.

After gaining all the information about mechanical aptitude test, there is only one question remaining - how to be prepared, outperform the competition, and get hired? The first step is acknowledging that preparation is needed. One should sharpen his or her knowledge in specific fields, and be dedicated to test preparation. This will make the difference and would enable you to outperform the competition. The next step is to find out what type of mechanical aptitude test you’re about to take and use as many online resources to practice. While there are good free resources online they’re usually inadequate. Paying for appropriate professional preparation resources would help you get hired and a boost to your salary in your upcoming position!

Best of luck Maintenance and Mechanical Engineering students.

BMCT®, Ramsay Corporation and other trademarks are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of the trademark holders are affiliated with BIN or this website.