Mechanical Comprehension Test

What is a Mechanical Comprehension test?

A mechanical comprehension test is an assessment tool designed to evaluate an individual’s understanding of basic mechanical concepts and principles.

The primary aim of a mechanical comprehension test is to measure an individual’s ability to apply mechanical principles to solve problems, rather than to test their theoretical knowledge. It assesses skills such as the ability to understand how different mechanical systems work, predict the movement of objects, and deduce how forces interact within a system.

What questions can I expect in a Mechanical Comprehension test?

The questions aim to test your grasp of fundamental physical principles and mechanical concepts. Typically presented in a multiple-choice format, these questions frequently incorporate diagrams or illustrations to clearly depict the mechanical scenarios in question. Covered topics can range widely, including, but not limited to:

  • Pulleys
  • Gears
  • Springs
  • Levers
  • Balancing Scales
  • Gravity
  • Acceleration
  • Hydraulics
  • Weights
  • Magnetism
  • Energy Types
  • Friction
  • Pressure

Our practice tests cover a wide range of mechanical comprehension questions, ensuring you are familiar with almost every type you might encounter.

Mechanical Comprehension example question:

How far from the fulcrum should the 10 lb. weight be placed on the left side?

Mechanical Comprehension example question





Explanation: Select your answer to display explanation.

To solve this problem, we use the principle of moments, which states that for a lever to be balanced, the moments (force times distance from the fulcrum) on either side of the fulcrum must be equal.

Using the principle of moments for a balanced lever:

Moment on the right side = 15 lb × 5 ft = 75 lb/ft
Moment on the left side = 10 lb × distance

To balance the lever, the moments on both sides must be equal:
10 lb × distance = 75 lb/ft

Therefore, the distance for the 10 lb. weight on the left side should be:
Distance = 7.5 feet

Where are Mechanical Comprehension tests used?

Mechanical comprehension tests are commonly used in job recruitment for technical and engineering fields, where understanding mechanical principles is essential. They’re also part of the selection process in military and emergency services to assess candidates’ aptitude for mechanical reasoning. In educational settings, particularly in vocational or technical courses, these tests help gauge students’ understanding of mechanical concepts. Additionally, they are used in professional certification to ensure individuals have the necessary mechanical knowledge for certain professions.

How to prepare for a Mechanical Comprehension test?

To prepare for a mechanical comprehension test, start by learning or reviewing basic mechanical principles such as forces, energy, levers, gears, and pulleys. Study guides and specialized books are great resources for understanding these concepts and practicing relevant questions. You can also revisit high school physics textbooks, focusing on the mechanics section. Watching educational videos can be helpful for visual learning of mechanical processes. It’s important to practice with sample tests to get familiar with the question format and to work on your time management, as these tests are often timed.

Enhance your test preparation journey with our Test Prep Account, granting you the opportunity to excel in your mechanical comprehension test. Dive into a comprehensive collection of 150 meticulously designed questions, with total access to over 280 mechanical aptitude questions for a thorough learning experience.

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This free practice test contains 6 test questions and has a time limit of 4 minutes.

Mechanical Comprehension Test

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