Mechanical Comprehension Test

Though our Mechanical Comprehension Test Guide, you will be able to get a hold of useful tips, practice tests, coaching videos and many more. This guide would be of great help in improving your performance and acing your Mechanical Comprehension test.

Useful starting-point resources

  1. Download practice mechanical comprehension tests here .
  2. Check our aptitude testing page here. In this page you will be able to access a lot of information that will help you prepare for your mechanical comprehension test.

Download our Ultimate Assessment Day & Interview Guide here. It comes with tricks, tips and insider-secrets.

Now, let us learn the basics…

What is a mechanical comprehension test?

Mechanical comprehension test is widely used by employers to assess a candidate’s abilities for technical or engineering job roles. There are also times when this test is given to non-engineering roles to assess the candidate’s spatial awareness and ability to think laterally.

What will I have to do in my mechanical comprehension test?

You will have to answer and solve problems according to and based on your mechanical skills/knowledge.

What does the test measure?

There are two things that a mechanical comprehension test measures and they are:

  1. Ability to understand mechanical concepts and principles
  2. Ability to make deductions and inferences based on mechanical concepts and principles.

Though it might sound complicated, it really is not. Generally, this test main goals are to focus on the two following simple questions:

  • Do you understand the concepts of diagram, model, principle?
  • What does the concept tell you? Could you use it to make a sound decision?

What type of questions will I have to answer?

This type of test is created to assess your knowledge on different areas on the following but not limited to gravity, friction, pressure, acceleration, energy transformation, moments, circuit diagrams, work and power, kinetic and potential energy, charge, pulleys, levers, screws, springs, gears and many more.

Here is an example question:

Through the picture above, 1) do you understand the concept? 2) What does it tell us?

Two important points

  • All mechanical comprehension tests are multiple choice
  • There will only be one correct answer

How long will I have for each question?

The time varies depending on the format of the test. However, as a general rule and recommendation, try to answer each question 20 to 30 seconds.

Do I have to sit the test at a computer?

Most mechanical comprehension tests are now computer based. However, unlike other types of aptitude tests, sometimes mechanical comprehension tests are still pen and paper type of test. If this is a bit unclear to you, you could ask your prospect employer’s HR.

The huge variety of mechanical comprehension tests

Mechanical comprehension tests have many different formats. Hence, if you have questions regarding pass rate and pass score, time limit, etc. you will have to ask your employer.

Do not be worried about asking these types of questions to your employer as it only shows them that you are giving effort in preparing and that you are serious about getting the job.

Will my mechanical comprehension test be relevant to my specific role?

There are times when the type of mechanical comprehension test could depend on the role you are applying for or the type of industry you are applying at. Though that is the case, most tests assess common principles. Hence, they tend to be fairly consistent.

Remember that in this type of test it is your knowledge on mechanical principles that will aid you in answering the test questions not the knowledge of the job role.

Is it possible to improve my ability before my test?

Of course! You could improve your chances of success through preparing and studying. As mentioned, the best way is to repeatedly do practice tests. This will greatly positively improve not only your competence but also your confidence.

We recommend these practice tests

These practice tests come with easy to understand explanations and through these practice tests, you will also be able to point out where you fall short and where you would need to improve.

Mechanical comprehension test- example questions

Here are some forms and types of question examples which will give you an idea what to expect:

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

For some specific tips and more resources check our top tips below:

Top 5 tips for Mechanical Comprehension Test Success

1) Design a study schedule

Try to set aside about 30 minutes to an hour a day before your testing date to study. This will enhance and increase your chance in succeeding and ace your test results. Use practice tests to identify the areas where you are weak and try to focus on them when you are studying.

Check these videos which could help you get started:

This video from Richard McMunn where he discusses about the basics of a mechanical comprehension test.

Fundamentals of mechanical engineering

This video is from Robert Snaith which provides more detailed information about mechanical comprehension test.

We also suggest that you take time and invest in reading. Here are some good recommended books:

2) Be quick, be accurate

In this test, you will need to answer quickly but of course accurate as well. This test comes with a time limit which means every second counts. To improve your limit, we suggest that you practice through numerous practice tests. Remember, try to answer each question within 20 to 30 seconds.

3) Do not panic

This test is designed that allows only about 5% population could answer all the questions within the specific given time frame. If you are the remaining 95 % you should work as quickly as you could, but remember not to sacrifice accuracy. In this test, you will need to balance accuracy and speed.

Here is an article on dealing with interview nerves. This will give you some tips which will make you stay calm.

Complex mechanical principles in motion

Here is a simple video that show complex principles in a simple way

4) Do not guess nor dwell

There are some tests that would deduct marks for incorrect answers to ensure that the candidates will not be entering just some guesses. Also, if you come across a hard question, move on and just get back to it later if it is still possible. Do not stay in one question for a very long time.

5) Practice

The top recommended way for you to be able to improve your performance and results of your mechanical comprehension test is to practice, practice, practice! These practice tests are highly recommended as they come with easy to understand explanations. Through these practice tests, you will also be able to learn and focus on your weak points.

Some questions for you:

  • Will you be taking a numerical reasoning test or verbal reasoning test? If yes, we suggest that you check out our aptitude tests section.
  • You could find practice tests and get free advice on other types of reasoning tests like numerical, logical, verbal, abstract, inductive, Watson- Glaser, spatial, diagrammatic, mechanical comprehension and UKCAT
  • Are you worried about your assessment day or performing a presentation or preparing for an interview or group/in-tray exercise?
  • Would you like to get some guidance on how to deal with nerves and anxiety at your interview?
  • Check our tools and resources page.