Every organization has specific requirements during its hiring process. Many professions require their candidates to complete a series of aptitude tests before moving on to the next step. One such test is the Mechanical Reasoning Test, designed to assess you on various technical skills. The Mechanical Reasoning Test assesses your understanding of mechanical concepts and how mechanical equipment and tools work.
Every organization has specific requirements during its hiring process. Many professions require their candidates to complete a series of aptitude tests before moving on to the next step. One such test is the Mechanical Reasoning Test, designed to assess you on various technical skills. The Mechanical Reasoning Test assesses your understanding of mechanical concepts and how mechanical equipment and tools work.
Most Mechanical Reasoning Tests are timed, ranging from 45 to 60 seconds per question, with 20 questions or more. Typically, calculators are not allowed, but you will be able to use a piece of paper and a pencil to calculate mathematical answers. Employers want to determine that you can keep calm under pressure and work quickly against the clock. Most workplaces administer Mechanical Reasoning Tests online, but some may have you visit a training center to take your test.
A Mechanical Reasoning Test is designed to assess mechanical and technical skills used in industries such as engineering, mechanical repairs, the armed forces, and emergency services. This test measures your ability to solve mechanical problems, including gears, pulleys, circuits, and energy. The test is typically designed with questions based on the industry for which you are applying and includes pictures and images with a mechanical question related to the image. The test also contains questions related to basic math, algebra, geometry, and other common formulas such as the Pythagorean Theorem.
Companies that administer Mechanical Reasoning Tests do so if technical and mechanical problem-solving are required for the position. This test not only measures your mechanical skills but shows the hiring manager how you follow directions and timelines and demonstrates your reading comprehension. Companies use a Mechanical Reasoning Test to narrow their candidate pool and find the most qualified person to hire. By requiring a Mechanical Reasoning Test for employment, companies can ensure that everyone they invite for an interview has the skills needed for a particular role in their company.
Jobs that might benefit from a Mechanical Reasoning Test include:
Here are a few examples of the types of questions you can encounter on a Mechanical Reasoning Test, with explanations for why the correct answer was chosen.
Directions: Choose the best answer to the following questions.
1.If Gear A makes 40 complete revolutions, how many revolutions will Gear B make? Hint: Use multiplication to find the correct answer.
a.10
b.20
c.80
d.40
Correct answer: c
Explanation: Gear B will make two revolutions for every revolution that Gear A makes. Multiply the number of revolutions that Gear A makes (40) by 2 (Gear B makes two times the revolutions that Gear A makes), and the answer is 80. 40 x 2 = 8
2.The Pythagorean Theorem states that a² + b² = c². If a = 7 and b = 11, what does c² equal? Hint: First, find the solution to a² and b². To find the square root of a number, multiply the number by itself.
a.170
b.18
c.156
d.32
Correct answer: a
Explanation: Using the formula, if a = 7, then a² = 49. If b = 11, then b² = 121. 49 + 121 = 170
3.A firefighter is asked to clear a firebreak perpendicular around a structure that is 40 feet long by 80 feet wide. How long will the perimeter of the firebreak be? Hint: Use the formula P = 2L + 2W to find the correct answer.
a.320 feet
b.240 feet
c.120 feet
d.160 feet
Correct answer: b
Explanation: Using the formula P = 2L + 2W to find the perimeter of the building, you will multiply 2 x 40 to find the length and 2 x 80 to find the width, then add the two numbers together.
2 x 40 = 80
2 x 80 = 160
80 + 160 = 240 feet
4.Jack needs to buy fuel for his tractor. If he has a cylinder with a base of 8" and a height of 18", how much fuel will the cylinder hold? Hint: Use the formula V = AH.
a.426 in3b.144 in3c.164 in3d.26 in3
Correct answer: b
Explanation: Using the formula V = AH, the A is the area of the base, which is 8", and the H is for the height of the cylinder, 18". Multiply the base (8) times the height (18) to find the correct answer of 144 in3.
8 x 18 =144 in3
5.Becky is looking at buying a home that is 26' long by 12' wide. How many square feet is the house? Hint: Use multiplication to find the correct answer.
a.38 square feet
b.312 square feet
c.480 square feet
d.262 square feet
Correct answer: b
Explanation: To calculate the square feet, you will multiply the length (26) times the width (12) of the building.26 x 12 = 312 square feet
Here are some common questions you might have about the Mechanical Reasoning Test:
How quickly do I receive the results of my test?
Every company is different. Some may notify you of your results within two to four weeks, and others may not inform you of your results. Some organizations will not give you your score but tell you that you passed if you receive an invitation for an interview.
At what stage in the hiring process is the Mechanical Reasoning Test given?
After submitting your application and resume, the hiring manager will schedule a Mechanical Reasoning Test. Upon successful completion of the test, you will be invited to a telephone or in-person interview.
What is a passing score on the Mechanical Reasoning Test?
With most companies, a minimum acceptable passing score is 70% to 80%. However, the higher score you receive will place you higher on the candidacy list, so you want to achieve as high a score as possible.
How do I prepare for the Mechanical Reasoning Test?
The first step is to take the Mock Questions Mechanical Reasoning practice tests. In addition to taking these tests, the best way to prepare is to fully understand the mechanics of tools, gears, pulleys, circuits, and energy.
Some companies will offer a testing packet with sample questions. If a company provides a testing packet, study the packet before taking the test. It is also recommended timing yourself while taking the practice exams to get an idea of how long it will take you to answer each question.
What do I do if I do not know the answer to a question?
If you do not know the answer to a question, skip over it and move on to the next question. Since the test is timed, you want to answer as many questions as possible. It is not recommended to leave any questions blank, so after you complete the test, go back to the unanswered questions and choose the answer you believe to be most accurate.
If the questions on the test are based on basic mechanical knowledge, do I need to study?
The questions are based on basic mechanical knowledge, but it is recommended that you study for the exam if you want to achieve a high score. Those who spend time familiarizing themselves with the content on the test and the imposed time limits tend to feel more confident on the day of the test and have a better chance of achieving the highest possible score.
In addition to studying the materials and taking Mock Questions practice tests, here is some more advice to candidates preparing for the Mechanical Reasoning Test:
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