A technical aptitude test, officially known as the Technical Test Battery, is an exam designed not only to test your knowledge of basic mechanics but also to assess your spatial reasoning and visual acuity. Designed for anyone applying for any kind of technical role, the technical aptitude test will evaluate your ability to work deftly with your hands, manipulate three-dimensional space, and analyze reports.
Firefighters, engineers, plant workers, and mechanics are just a few of the careers that utilize technical aptitude testing as part of the pre-hiring process. The tasks on the technical aptitude exam will vary from company to company, but the essential material will remain the same.
Below, we’ve put together a general overview of technical aptitude tests so you know what to expect from each section and how you can best approach each question. We’ve also included several technical ability questions on our questions tab that you can use to start preparing immediately.
Technical tests are designed specifically for technical fields. A technical exam is a pre-employment assessment for graduates and experienced job seekers in a number of fields that require good spatial awareness, an ability to work with numbers, and a level of mechanical reasoning ability.
Research has shown that, while psychometric exams effectively measure general intelligence, they don’t necessarily evaluate technical ability. The skills required for a job in a technical field are, quite different from the skills needed for a corporate job.
During a technical assessment test you’ll be tested in three areas:
Depending on the test company, you might also be tested on verbal comprehension and numerical skills. It might not seem like it, but these are also technical ability questions. They want to know that you can perform calculations quickly and accurately and that you can analyze a written report and extract the relevant information.
While the verbal and mathematical components aren’t mechanical in nature, you won’t be tested on anything that isn’t directly related to the technical fields. That is to say that the texts you’ll be asked to read will contain technical jargon and discuss mechanical work. Likewise, the numerical portion will contain short problems designed to test whether you can interpret data, make measurements, and perform calculations you’ll need to do your job properly.
Technical assessment questions aren’t designed solely to test your knowledge of tools and simple machines. You will be asked to respond to questions about fluids, mechanics, optics, and electrical circuits, and you will need to have had experience with these systems. However, technical knowledge involves far more than just experience.
Technical ability assessments also evaluate your ability to visualize patterns and concentrate for long periods of time on intricate diagrams. In order to design, build, and repair machines, you’ll need to be able to conjure up complicated images in your head and focus on small pieces and detailed electronic circuitry for long periods of time.
In this section, you’ll be given a diagram of an electrical circuit, a set of gears, a simple machine, etc. followed by a set of questions. Not only will you need to understand how the machine operates, but you’ll also have to know the basic physical principles that allow it to function. Read more about mechanical reasoning tests.
In the spatial reasoning section, you’ll be given a wide range of geometric puzzles. For instance, you might be given several shapes and told to piece them together in a specific way without drawing the problem on paper. You might also encounter diagrammatic reasoning questions where you’ll need to analyze a set of unnamed functions in a fictive operation. They could also ask you to match two-dimensional drawings with the relevant three-dimensional figures.
If you’re repairing a machine or fixing a broken part, you’ll need to scan a complex web of wires and circuitry to identify the issue. That’s why this section of the test will ask you to complete a set of mazes. If you always thought of mazes as games for children, then guess again.
Not all tests have a verbal comprehension section; however, those that do won’t ask you to read an excerpt from a novel or a historical speech. They will ask you to read a report and answer true or false questions based on your understanding. You won’t have to know any advanced vocabulary or grammar, but you will need to understand relevant jargon and extract the important information.
Numerical reasoning is important to mechanics and technicians. You’ll need to measure precisely, order new parts, and keep track of inventory. You may not need to solve differential equations, but you will have to perform basic calculations. This section will test basic numeracy, and a calculator won’t be allowed.
You’ll need to make sure that you practice ahead of time. Even if you’ve been working with tools for years, you may not be ready for the spatial reasoning and visual acuity sections. These questions are unique, and while they’re not necessarily difficult, you probably won’t have encountered anything like them before. You don’t want to lose out on a job just because you weren’t prepared.
If you have recently completed a training program, trade school, or degree program you probably still have your training and educational materials. Even if you don’t have old tests or textbooks you can find material online to help you practice. Put together a practice test using old physics or mathematics exams. Even old-fashioned methods like flashcards can help you practice your recall. Be sure to focus your practice on the areas you are weakest.
Don’t go into testing blind. Familiarize yourself with the skills noted in the job listing. Use this as a guide for the most important areas to focus on. If a strong understanding of technical jargon is listed, then you know this is an important skill that you may be tested on.
A good study routine will help you feel confident on the day of the test. You will have no problem with any technical assessment questions as long as you take advantage of the time before your test date and use it to perfect your technical abilities.
So, take the time to answer some of our practice questions before you head out to the assessment center.
Looking for some practice? Check out our sample online technical test to practice your skills!
