A technical 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 Test Battery will evaluate your ability to work deftly with your hands, manipulate three-dimensional space, and analyse reports. The tasks on the aptitude assessment 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 test questions on our questions tab that you can use to start preparing immediately.
What Is a Technical Test?
Technical tests are designed specifically for technical fields. A technical exam is a pre-employment assessment for graduates who want to become engineers, mechanics, technicians, and machine operators.
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, in fact, quite different from the skills needed for a corporate job, for example.
On a Technical Test Battery, you’ll be tested in three fields: spatial reasoning, visual acuity, and mechanical ability. Depending on the test company, you might also be tested on verbal comprehension and numerical skills. They want to know that you can perform calculations quickly and accurately and that you can analyse a written report and extract the relevant information.
While the verbal and mathematical components aren’t mechanical 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.
What Is Technical Knowledge?
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.
The test will also evaluate your ability to visualise 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.
Mechanical Reasoning:
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.
Spatial Reasoning:
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 analyse 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.
Visual Acuity:
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.
Verbal Comprehension:
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:
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.
How to Prepare for a Technical Aptitude Test
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. So, take the time to answer some of our practice questions before you head out to the assessment centre.
Final Thoughts on Technical Assessment Tests:
Looking for some practice? Check out our sample online technical test to practice your skills!
