The pack includes practice materials for the following sections:
- Force and Moment
- Cogwheels, Wheels, Pulleys and Levers
- Fluids
- Velocity
- Quantitative
- Electricity
- Acoustics & Optics
- Thermodynamics
- Tools
Tests: 14 Questions: 142
Understanding the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test
Pre-employment assessments have become pretty mainstream in the last few decades. If you have applied for a new job in that time you have likely had to take tests questioning your personality and situational behavior. This growth in the use of pre-hiring evaluations has led to a large growth in companies creating these exams.
Still, there are no companies quite as well-known in the world of evaluations as Pearson.
Pearson Assessments is considered the leading creator of pre-employment tests, and their mechanical comprehension test is regarded just as highly.
Their test, the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test, has been used for decades by many prominent companies. Delta Airlines, Coca Cola, Valero, Tyson, DuPont, and Nestle are just a few of the companies that use the Bennett assessment for roles small and large.
What is the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test?
The Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test (BMCT) is a field-specific pre-employment assessment that helps employers gather an understanding of an examinee’s ability to understand mechanical issues as well as use critical thinking and mental adaptability to continue their learning during employment.
The test uses visual representations of problems and well-known, unbiased imagery to help improve hiring practices and avoid gender, social, race, and educational bias.
The BMCT focuses on mechanical aptitude, spatial visualization, the application of physics, and reasoning and deduction.
BMCT vs. BMCT-II?
As previously mentioned, the BMCT has been used for decades. The test is fantastic, but as times change, so do the needs of certain companies. This is why the updated exam – BMCT-II – was created.
Here are some differences between the two exams:
BMCT | BMCT-II |
68 test items split into 18 categories | 55 test items split into 12 categories |
68 questions | 55 questions |
3o-min time limit | 25-min time limit |
Pen and paper test | Online test |
Though some companies still use the original, pen and paper BMCT, most companies have transitioned in the BMCT-II which provides an online testing format and updated questions. For the rest of this guide, information will be based on the more current BMCT-II.
Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test: Free Practice Questions
The Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test is a multiple-choice test with illustrated questions. The illustrations are straightforward and cleanly explain the problems. While some mechanical comprehension tests use low-quality drawings and graphics, the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test uses higher quality images to ensure test-takers can clearly make out all pictures.
- Which man carries more weight
2. which wheels are turning counter clockwise
3. in the objects presented above are not in motion, which represents an unlikely situation
How is the Test Graded?
The modern Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test has an in-depth scoring system. When the test is taken, the examinee receives multiple types of scores.
- Raw Score: The raw score is based on the number of questions answered correctly. Most companies use this score in comparison to a testing sample group to see how the examinee compares to other candidates in their job-field.
- T-Score: The T-score is a standardized score used to compare test taker’s raw results.
- STANINE Score: Some companies use an alternate standardized score system based on a 9-point scale; this is called a STANINE score.
- STEN Score: Similar to the STANINE score, STEN is a variation of standardized scoring that is based on a 10-point scale.
These alternate scoring types are only used in certain scenarios where it is preferred by the test administrator. In the US, an examinee’s raw score and that score’s comparison to the control (norm) group determine their result.
For example, if you get 33 out of 55 questions correct on your exam, you have a raw score of 60%. However, this score only matters after comparison to the norm group. If the group of others performing the job have an average score of 58%, it means that you are actually performing above average for the position.
This scoring system allows employers to get a true understanding of a potential employee’s potential and also gives the test taker the ability to improve their chances through practice and preparation.
Tips for Passing the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test
Once you have applied for a job requiring pre-employment evaluations, you must pass them to move forward in the hiring process. That means that the BMCT may stand between you and your dream career.
You don’t want to let test anxiety or lack of preparation ruin your goals.
Here are some tips to pass the BMCT:
- Pay attention to the time-limit: Whether you are taking the original BMCT or the modern BMCT-II, there is a strict time limit that can make a huge difference in your score. Don’t get so caught up on one question that you lose precious time for other questions on the exam.
- Avoid wild guessing: You might come across a problem that involves theories of physics or mechanics you don’t understand. Don’t guess a random answer on these questions. The old theory that most answers are C is not something to hang your future career on! Employers want their employees to be able to deduce answers from the context of unfamiliar situations, so try comparing the question to familiar imagery or events in your life to help come up with an educated guess. Or better yet, never have to guess in the first place by studying for the test beforehand!
- Be rested and relaxed: Sure, stress can make it hard to sleep, but do your best to show up for your exam with a full night’s rest. Take a few breaths and relax before starting. Go in with the confidence of preparation and you’ll see how big of a difference being relaxed during an exam can make.
- Be Prepared: The best thing you can do for yourself before taking a mechanical comprehension test is prepare through studying and practice tests.
How to Prepare for the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test?
To have the best odds of passing your BMCT, you should use the best in mechanical aptitude practice exams and curriculum.
At JobAssessmentHelp, we have curated the best mechanical aptitude practice bundle available.
Our bundle has 14 tests and over 140 unique questions along with an extensive list of in-depth lesson plans and learning material. If you are ready to get prepared for your Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test – or any other pre-employment test – check out JobAssessmentHelp today.
Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test FAQs
What Types of Jobs Require the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test?
The BMCT is commonly used for roles that require strong mechanical reasoning and technical skills, such as engineering, aviation, manufacturing, automotive repair, and skilled trades like electricians, HVAC technicians, and machinists. It helps employers assess whether candidates have the necessary mechanical aptitude for these roles.
What Is the Best Strategy for Managing Time During the BMCT?
Time management is key during the BMCT. Since you have 25 minutes to answer 55 questions, it’s recommended to start with questions you find easier, leaving more challenging ones for later. Practicing under timed conditions can also help improve your speed and efficiency during the actual test.
Are the Questions on the BMCT Always the Same?
The BMCT utilizes a question bank of over 300 questions, with each test randomly selecting 55. This means that while the types of questions remain consistent, the specific questions will vary with each test administration, ensuring a unique experience for each candidate.
How Is the BMCT Scored?
The BMCT is scored using a combination of raw scores (total correct answers), scaled scores (adjusting for difficulty), and percentile ranks (comparing your performance to others). This comprehensive scoring approach provides employers with a detailed understanding of a candidate’s mechanical aptitude.
What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid on the BMCT?
Common mistakes include spending too much time on difficult questions, not practicing with visual representations, and neglecting to review fundamental mechanical principles. To avoid these pitfalls, ensure thorough preparation with practice tests and strengthen your understanding of key mechanical concepts.
Can I Retake the BMCT If Needed?
Retake policies for the BMCT depend on the specific employer or organization administering the test. Some may allow multiple attempts after a waiting period, while others may not permit retakes. It’s essential to verify the retake policy with the test administrator before scheduling a second attempt.
How Does the BMCT Evaluate Mechanical Principles?
The BMCT assesses your understanding of mechanical principles by presenting scenarios involving levers, gears, pulleys, and other mechanical systems. You’ll need to apply basic physics and mechanical knowledge to predict how these systems will behave under various conditions.
Is There a Penalty for Guessing on the BMCT?
No, there is no penalty for guessing on the BMCT. Since there are no negative marks for incorrect answers, it is advantageous to attempt every question, even if you are uncertain about the correct answer.