Mechanical Reasoning Tests

Mechanical reasoning tests are often used as pre-employment screening assessments for roles that need mechanical knowledge - jobs in engineering, maintenance and repair, for example.

The mechanical reasoning assessment is usually taken online as a multiple-choice assessment that is based on everyday mechanical and electrical items. To pass a mechanical reasoning test, you need to have a sound understanding of the physical and mechanical concepts that make things work - like force, gravity and electricity.

Although there are several different publishers that create mechanical reasoning assessments for industries like the armed forces, public services and private businesses, the format and content of the tests are broadly similar.

You can expect a question based on an image. For most tests, this image will be of something that you might encounter every day and is likely to be related to the role you have applied for. The image will form part of the question that you have to answer. You will have a number of potential options to choose from.

The mechanical reasoning assessment is slightly different from other reasoning assessments that might be used in pre-employment testing because you will need to have some mechanical knowledge to answer the questions. The content is based on the principles of physics and mechanics that you probably learned in school, including:

• Force
• Gravity
• Gears
• Pulleys
• Hydraulics
• Gravity
• Pressure
• Heat
• Acoustics and Optics
• Velocity

Often, they will have questions based on electrical principles too, like circuits, currents, resistance and voltage.

Each question will use an image or diagram that might need to be completed, for example, it might be a diagram of an incomplete electrical circuit that has different options to make it work.

Mechanical reasoning tests are used as part of the recruitment process to test a candidate on their ability and aptitude in understanding and applying mechanical concepts to real life situations. The assessment is a simple way for a recruitment team to get quantifiable and objective data on what each candidate is capable of achieving in the role; helping them decide which applicant has the skills and knowledge to be successful.

It can also be used as part of a development program for employees who are already in a role, to decide what they need in terms of training. This can sometimes be used to assess a staff member for advancement opportunities and promotions.

There are several different publishers that have created popular mechanical reasoning tests, in use around the world.

SHL Verify Mechanical Comprehension Test

SHL is one of the most well-known publishers of pre-employment assessments, and their mechanical comprehension test is a quick online assessment.

If you are taking the SHL test, you will have just ten minutes to answer 15 questions.

Bennett Test of Mechanical Comprehension (BMCT)

First published in 1940, the BMCT is one of the oldest mechanical reasoning assessments out there. Now there are two different versions of the assessment, the BMCT-I which is taken using a pencil and paper as well as the BMCT-II, which is an online test.

Usually, you will take the BMCT-II, where you will face 55 questions in just 25 minutes.

Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude

The Wiesen Test is most often used in pre-employment screening for mechanical roles that have a focus on maintenance and repair. This test is similar in concept and content to other assessments, but it is longer than most others - with 60 questions that must be answered in 30 minutes.

Ramsay Mechanical Aptitude Test

This test was first developed in 2004 and is now in its fourth iteration. It is used by a number of engineering-specific firms and high-level technology firms that are looking for the best mechanical minds. The Ramsay MAT-4 can be taken in person using pencil and paper, or online and remotely.

The Ramsey test consists of 36 questions to be answered in just 20 minutes, so it is one of the shorter tests available.

Barron's Test of Mechanical Aptitude

This test is most often used in armed service recruitment, and it used to be considered the best assessment for mechanical skills.

If you are applying to any of the armed forces recruitment programs for a role that might involve engineering or maintenance, then you can expect to face a mechanical reasoning assessment as part of the pre-employment testing battery.

There are roles in the Army, the Navy and the Royal Air Force that need mechanical knowledge, and whether you are applying directly for one of those roles or looking to start your career in another way, you might have to take a test like this to see if you are capable and will be successful.

Revise physics and mechanical principles

The content of the questions on a mechanical comprehension or mechanical reasoning test consist of basic physics principles that you will probably have learned about in school.

With this in mind, it is a good idea to brush up on your knowledge, especially if you haven't used these skills or applied the principles in real life recently.

Practice Tests

Whichever publisher produces the test you are facing, you will not have long to answer the questions - sometimes as little as ten minutes. This means that one of the most important things that you can do is practice tests.

You will find practice tests online from all the major publishers, and you should complete these under exam conditions - use a timer, turn off notifications and remove distractions while you complete them.

Use the practice tests to find where you might need to focus your revision and practice - usually where you might have got an answer wrong, or taken a bit too long to find the right option.

Take your time in the test

While the tests often have a tight time limit - usually about 30-40 seconds per question - the temptation to rush through could actually be hampering your chances of success.

Take your time to read the questions thoroughly and make use of any examples or practice questions that are provided so you know how you are expected to answer.

Answer all the questions

Most mechanical reasoning assessments are not negatively marked, which means that you can take a guess at a question if you are unsure. As they are multiple choice answers, you can use elimination to help or come back at the end if you have time.

Give yourself the best chance to answer all the questions so you can get a better score.