Mechanical Aptitude Test Study Guide


Mechanical aptitude tests or mechanical reasoning tests are conducted to determine whether the candidate has the knowledge and experience that is required to perform the tasks related to physical concepts and mechanical models. Theses tests are administered for Delta airlines , AFQT, armed services, fire services. These tests typically come at no cost.

Certain industries conduct pre-employment assessments through mechanical aptitude tests to screen the candidates. These tests help evaluate the candidates who apply for technical positions to assess their ability while applying certain concepts related to engineering and problem-solving abilities. These tests assess the basic mechanical knowledge of the candidate and understand physical principles based on the various scenarios. They are utilized by a variety of industries, mostly related to manufacturing and energy industries.

Eligibility for Mechanical Aptitude Tests

There are different mechanical aptitude tests that are conducted at various levels in the industries. Therefore the eligibility criteria also differ depending upon the position. For example- Candidates applying for the managerial, technical, or professional position must be graduates in the relevant discipline from a recognized university. These tests are frequently administered by companies to select candidates for particular jobs which include auto mechanics, aircraft technicians, machine operators, firefighters, the military, and many more.

Syllabus for Mechanical Aptitude Tests

The test is divided into 4 sections- verbal, science and technical, mathematics, spatial. Mechanical aptitude tests contain questions from various core areas. Some of the important ones include-

  • Gears
  • It covers topics related to the mechanics of gears and racks.
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Deals with fluid-based questions either liquid or gas.
  • Pulleys
  • These typically cover the topics and concepts related to the pulley loads etc.
  • Thermodynamics/Heat transfers etc.
  • It covers topics related to heating, cooling, condensation, evaporation.
  • Force and torque
  • Deals with concepts related to force, torque, and equilibrium.
  • Velocity
  • It covers acceleration, gravity, and Newton’s law.
  • Electricity
  • It deals with fundamentals related to electricity, like the current, voltage, and electrical circuits.
  • Wheels
  • It deals with concepts related to the relationship between wheel size, speed, rotational vs linear velocity, etc.
  • Acoustics
  • Basic principles of sound are addressed in acoustics.
  • Optics
  • The topics related to optics address the basic concepts of reflection, light, sight.

    Format for Mechanical Aptitude Tests

    • Each section of the test has 40 questions that are MCQ-based.
    • The test is offered both as a paper-based test and can also be taken on a computer.
    • These are the time-based assessment tests that generally have 20 to 30 minutes to respond to 20-30 questions.

    Scores for Mechanical Aptitude tests

    The scoring in the exam is typically based on the number of questions that the candidate responds correctly to. In most cases, it is then compared to the “normative group” to understand and evaluate how the candidate has performed in context with other candidates.

    How to Apply for Mechanical Aptitude Tests?

    These are the highly specialized assessment tests for positions that require knowledge of mechanics, electronics, and skills. Most of the time, it includes engineering, technical positions, emergency services, and roles in the military.

    • When applying for an industrial position, it is important to check for the selected parameters and application procedures. This is because most industries use this as a parameter during their assessment process.
    • When applying for the military positions or Government position candidates are advised to check the website and understand all the important criteria before applying.

    Certifications where the Mechanical Aptitude Tests are utilized

    Most of the mechanical exams are structured as per the format shared above. It is important to note that a single test is not reliable to assess and evaluate the overall knowledge of the candidates as per the different industries and norms. Certain industries also alter the format of the test to make it relevant as per the specific job profile.

    Mechanical aptitude tests appear as certain sections in Pre-apprenticeship tests as EIAT- Elevator Technicians and Industrial Skills tests, Electrical aptitude tests for electrician’s apprentices. In the US, the most common mechanical test is-

    • BMCT (Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test)- Contains 55 MCQ-based questions with an allotted time of 25 minutes.
    • WTMA (Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude)- Contains 60 MCQ-based questions with an allotted time of 30 minutes.
    • Ramsay MAT- It is a shorter test than the others and includes 36 questions with an allotted time of 20 minutes.

    The exam is also utilized by the US military for evaluating the candidate's mechanical knowledge during the recruitment process. These tests are taken by professionals like maintenance engineers, engineers, aircraft and vehicular mechanics, electricians, repair personnel, industrial technicians, operators, and other skilled maintenance workers.

    The mechanical comprehension subtest of ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)- is one of the most widely used mechanical aptitude tests in the world. The test consists of ten subject-specific tests that measure your knowledge of and ability to perform in different areas, and provides an indication of your level of academic ability.

    Tips for appearing in Mechanical Aptitude Tests

    • Focus on the concepts where you think you are weak and you need more practice.
    • Focus on speed while appealing for the exam. You should be able to finish the exam on time.

    Test-taking strategies for Mechanical Aptitude Tests

    For candidates to succeed in the mechanical aptitude tests, it is essential to practice them religiously while considering the following aspects-

    • Understanding the physical principles.
    • Focus on the important and relevant subjects as per the test requirements.
    • Understanding the techniques.

    Benefits of taking Mechanical Aptitude Tests

    These are the special tests that measure the technical and mechanical concepts of the candidates. These tests are helpful for candidates appearing for positions in industries that require technical and mechanical expertise. Taking the exam will help you achieve the desired position in the industry.

    It measures the aptitude to understand the concepts through diagrams, models, and the ability of the candidate to understand professionally. By concentrating on the principles, concepts, and mechanical skills, you can easily qualify for the exam. These exams should be prepared strategically and wisely in detail to understand the basic physical principles. Taking this exam will help you secure a highly competitive position in the industry and will open up more avenues for exciting opportunities for the future.


    Best Mechanical Aptitude Test


    Study Guide And Test Preparation For Mechanical Aptitude Test


    Mechanical Aptitude Test Study Guide

    A Complete Mechanical Aptitude Test Study Guide that includes sample questions, test tips and a complete study plan prepared by a team of expert and dedicated researchers. Cost-effective and qualified exam help from a committed exam preparation company.



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