How are mechanical reasoning tests scored?

You’ll be marked on all your correct answers. Your score is often measured against a normative group so you can be compared to your peers.

What are mechanical reasoning tests used for?

Employers want to see you can take your electronic and mechanical knowledge and apply it effectively. Although it’s not the most common aptitude test you'll be asked to take in the financial sector, many employers will use it if the skills are relevant to the specific role you’re applying for.

What do mechanical reasoning tests involve?

You’ll usually be presented with several pictures or diagrams with accompanying questions. Using your mechanical and electrical knowledge, you’ll answer a huge range of questions on anything from levers and circuits, to energy and pressure - typically with about 40 seconds to read and answer each question.

What do mechanical reasoning tests measure?

The tests measure your electrical and mechanical knowledge. Normally if you’re interviewing for a role where this test is set, you’ll have at least basic knowledge in the question area, however we always recommend you practice mechanical reasoning tests to ensure you reach your full potential.

Where can I practice mechanical reasoning tests?

Understanding the subject matter and question formatting really is crucial to achieving the highest possible score, so preparation is key. Use our website to try out lots of different mechanical reasoning tests and benefit from the extra tips and tricks you’ll find.

Which employers use mechanical reasoning tests?

The test is examining a specialised skillset, so you’ll only be required to take a mechanical engineering test for roles in which you’ll need electrical and mechanical knowledge - usually jobs in the armed forces or tech industry. However you will occasionally be required to take such a test for jobs in the financial sector.

Mechanical Reasoning Tests

Mechanical reasoning tests examine your ability to understand mechanical and electrical concepts in order to solve challenges.

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What are mechanical reasoning tests?
Mechanical reasoning tests (sometimes known as electrical aptitude tests) are used during the hiring process to examine your ability to understand mechanical principles and electrical concepts in order to solve challenges. As is normal with an aptitude test, you’ll sit the test under exam conditions and you’ll be timed. Common themes and mechanical concepts that you’ll be tested on include transformation, pressure, and kinetic energy.
We always recommend making sure you're as prepared as possible for sitting an aptitude test by practicing mechanical reasoning tests first. The more you prepare by doing practice tests, the more familiar you’ll become with the question content, the quicker you’ll get at answering and the more successful you will be in the recruitment process.
Why do employers use mechanical reasoning tests?
Employers use mechanical reasoning tests during the selection process to better understand how comfortable you are with mechanical and electrical challenges. For many roles, yes including those in the financial sector, mechanical reasoning skills are essential for your day-to-day work. As the world of work gets increasingly more competitive, employers look for new ways to differentiate between a pool of similar candidates - and aptitude tests like these really help them to tease out who has the skills they need.
What is the mechanical reasoning test format?
You’ll be asked to answer mechanical reasoning questions in different topics as diverse as pulleys, maps and electrical circuits. Mechanical aptitude questions can include gears, electrical circuits, or levers. Most of the questions will take the form of an image depicting an electrical or mechanical scenario, with a choice of answers relating to the question.
Your job is to put your knowledge into practice and showcase your skills by selecting the correct answer. Typically you’ll have about 40 seconds to answer each question - it’s not long, so preparation really is key.
As the mechanical aptitude test is not standardised and there are many different variations, there is no average score.
What skills does mechanical reasoning assessment test?
The main skill being tested is your ability to apply your electrical and mechanical knowledge to a series of situations you could encounter in the real world. The actual topics covered are anything and everything mechanical, from circuits and magnetism to energy, force, electrical principles, and voltage. The time pressure means you’ll have to work through the questions quickly, without compromising on accuracy.

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More Aptitude Tests

Sample Mechanical Reasoning Tests question Test your knowledge!

Score: /5

When a current-carrying wire is placed perpendicular to a magnetic field, what effect will it experience?

The wire will experience a force pushing it out of the magnetic field.
The wire will experience a twisting moment.
The wire will heat up but not move.
The wire will experience an increase in current.

What happens when a spring is compressed to half of its original length?

The potential energy in the spring is quadrupled.
The potential energy in the spring is halved.
The potential energy in the spring remains constant.
The potential energy in the spring is doubled.

In a basic lever system, where should a fulcrum be placed to make it easier to lift a heavy load?

Closer to the load.
At the midpoint between effort and load.
Closer to the effort.
At the end opposite to the load.

Which principle explains why it's easier to move a heavy rolling object once it's already in motion rather than starting the motion from rest?

The principle of inertia.
The principle of relativity.
The principle of leverage.
The principle of acceleration.

If the speed of a rotating gear is increased, what will happen to the torque produced by the gear?

The torque will decrease.
The torque will increase.
The torque will remain unchanged.
The torque will become erratic.

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