Having mechanical aptitude means that you understand and can predict outcomes around stationary and moving objects.
But it’s not as simple as cogs moving together. You have to take into consideration that the cogs may wear down due to friction, or that gravity may speed up the collapse of the structural integrity, etc.
Why you need to take the test…
There are a variety of reasons you may be taking a mechanical aptitude test. Some guidance counselors and colleges may recommend you take them before applying. Furthermore, a company may require you to take it before hiring you. And before in-house training, if you are not qualified in the field already.
The idea is to see if you have potential and ‘an aptitude’, before you or someone else commits time and money towards you pursuing it. Honestly, not everyone is cut out for this line of work.
A specific mindset is needed…
However, an aptitude for a specific skill is often a mindset, a way of perceiving things. We know that we can change our perspective or train our minds in a certain way if given the information ahead of time or practiced it. This is not to say that you will develop this aptitude, but it could maximize your chances of getting a good understanding of it.
With some effort, you can know How to Prepare For A Mechanical Aptitude Test and know what to look for.
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Which Careers Need This Test?
You may be surprised at how many careers require a mechanical aptitude. Emergency responders like police and firefighters need to be able to assess situations where people or objects are moving and to handle the situation safely.
Physical trade workers like plumbers, electricians, mechanics, and metal or construction workers all have a physical impact on whatever they are working; water may flow too quickly, a current of electricity could be too strong, a pulley system could fail, many things could go wrong if they don’t have their calculations right.
You may have a career in mind that depends on a mechanical aptitude, and you may not even have realized it yet.
Find An Expert To “Shadow”
First things first, find an expert to shadow! This step may be less useful if you are taking a test, say, tomorrow, but if you have some time before having to take the test, exploring it firsthand can be extremely helpful. Email or call up companies, organizations, or institutions that have experts in your chosen profession and ask to shadow them for a few hours after school or on weekends. And ask as many questions as possible!
Practice Practice Practice!
If you are still in high school, you have teachers at your disposal. Ask to meet up with your math/physics/engineering/workshop teachers. They may have some practice tests you can take.
If you have finished school already, try AssesmentDay.com for a free practice test. Also, whoever you may have shadowed in the previous step mentioned above, may also have some entry-level or training tests you could take.
If your practice test did not go too well…
If you did not ace it, speak to your teachers or get a tutor to help you with the areas you may need help with. Acing the test may only be a good explanation of “theory in practice” away.
There are also a variety of YouTube channels with people showing off their skills as well as explaining exactly how and what they are doing. A strong visual introduction may be exactly what you need to make it make sense.
Try Psychometric Testing To Find Your Skill Set
You may or may not be suited for this line of work at all. This could well depend on whether your other capabilities will make up for your lack of mechanical aptitude.
Guidance counselors, industrial psychologists, and the internet may offer you some psychometric tests. These are usually conducted to gain some knowledge of your skills, abilities, and overall aptitude for different fields in general.
Help find your direction…
It will not be focused specifically on mechanics, but it should contain some aspects thereof. This is helpful to provide you with an overall idea of a generalized direction. This could help to show that you have other qualities that will make you good at your chosen career.
Alternatively, it may just point out the reality that this line of work is not for you at all. On the bright side, it may point you towards a different path you may not have considered that you find very enjoyable and rewarding.
Study Guides And Practice Tests For You!
Let’s help you prepare, study and ace your tests! We’ll start with the Mechanical Aptitude (CS-15): Passbooks Study Guide, as well as the Mechanical Aptitude Test Secrets Study Guide: Practice Questions & Review, and the Mechanical Aptitude Test Secrets Study Guide – Exam Review and Practice Test for excellent study guides!
Next, for test practice and preparation, check out the Mechanical Aptitude and Spatial Relations Test, or Master The Mechanical Aptitude and Spatial Relations Test, the Mechanical Aptitude & Spatial Relations Practice, and the Arco Mechanical Aptitude and Spatial Relations Tests practice book.
Lastly, a few notebooks to help with your studies such as the Oxford Notebook, Wirebound, 11″ x 8.5″, Assorted Covers, the Cornell 416 Pages Universal Note Taking System, the Lined Leather Journal Notebook College Rule, and the Five Star Spiral Notebook + Free Study App, College Ruled Lined Paper all available online in 2023.
Final Thoughts
Albert Einstein once said, “If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.” That’s well worth remembering if you don’t do well on these tests. Also, remember this when you do well, and your friend does not.
This may be an aptitude that you develop over time as well. So if you are truly passionate about your chosen career, you can always keep practicing and try again before deciding to try something different.
Good luck with your tests and all the best!