Get Accurate CAST Test Preparation with Full Explanations and Pass With a High Score

Shlomik, Mechanical Testing Expert at JobTestPrep.

Have a question? Contact me at: ask_the_team@jobtestprep.com

What is the CAST Aptitude Test?

The CAST is a test that evaluates how well a candidate can quickly process information, solve complex math problems, and understand and draw conclusions from complicated written material, all under a strict time limit.

It is designed to predict candidates' probability of success for construction and skilled trade professional jobs such as transmission and distribution, facilities and repair, other facilities (e.q., equipment operator), electrical repair, machining and vehicle repair, and meter service and repair.

The test scores are calculated based on how many questions are answered correctly. There is no penalty for incorrect answers or guesses. These scores from each component are then combined to form an index score, which ranges from 1 to 10.

Here is a table summarizing the main CAST sections that may appear in your exam:

CAST Test Practice Questions

The CAST's difficulty comes from the fact that you need to do complicated calculations, within a strict time limit. 

That's why it's crucial to practice with CAST sample questions! Doing so will help you learn the most effective ways to solve each problem.

But more on that later. Let's go over the 4 CAST sections in more detail:

Graphic Arithmetic 

In the CAST Graphic Arithmetic Test, you have 30 minutes to answer 16 questions. It measures your ability to solve arithmetic problems by using information from drawings. 

You'll see a top-down diagram of a building with many measurements and various rooms. Some measurements are missing, and your task is to calculate these numbers to answer the questions without using a calculator.

Let’s take a look at a CAST sample question. Try solving this one within two minutes- that's the average amount of time you'll get for each question during the test.

CAST Sample Question #1

The length (top to bottom) of the total property is ____ times larger than the length of the nurse's room.

A. 3

B. 3 1/2

C. 3 1/3

D. 3.6

Correct Answer

Incorrect Answer

The correct answer is C.

To find the ratio between these two values, divide the length of the total property (90') by the length of the nurse's room (27'). Note that both numbers can be divided by 9:

Mathematical Usage

The mathematical usage test assesses your ability to solve basic math problems using provided information. You'll be given a table showing various relationships, like the number of grams in a tonne, and you'll need to use this table to answer questions.

The actual test has 18 questions with a 7-minute time limit. This is a short time limit and really requires a high level of attention. Getting a full score on this test is possible: You just need to learn how to really focus on what’s being asked and how to solve it.

Let’s take a look at a sample question. During the real test, you will have 23 seconds.

Click to visit our SOPD Test page, which also features a section on mathematical usage.

Reading for Comprehension

In this CAST section, you have to answer 32 questions within a 30-minute time frame.

There are four different answer options for each of the questions. Let’s take a look at an example question. You will have about a minute to answer this during the real test:

See the following page for more CAST practice questions.

Mechanical Concepts

In this section of the CAST assessment, you are tested on your understanding of mechanical concepts and principles. These principles include Centrifugal Force, Gears, Gravity, Levers, Pulleys, and Shapes.

For each question there are three possible answers and, as with all the other sections of the CAST assessment, you have to work fast in order to answer all the questions within the allotted time. 44 questions in only 20 minutes give you less than 30 seconds per question. This means that it’s not only knowing the principles, but it’s also answering the questions quickly enough to get through them all in the allotted time.

Let’s take a look at an example.

CAST Sample Question #4

In which of the following positions would the tractor be less stable when taking a turn?

A. A

B. B

C. The same

Correct Answer

Incorrect Answer

The correct answer is B.

As you can see, the only difference between the two figures is the position of the tractor's shovel. In figure A the shovel is lowered, while in Figure B the shovel is raised. The raising of the shovel will also raise the point of the center of mass of the tractor. When the center of mass of the tractor is higher, the tractor loses some stability (A good example could be the difference between a semi-trailer and a sports car. The tall and narrow semi-trailer has a higher point of center of mass and is less stable than the low lying, flat and wide sports car which has a lower point of center of mass).

 

Since in Figure B the shovel is raised, it is less stable. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer.

Check out this video explaining the basic mechanical concepts to get a better grip on the subject. 

Video preview image

You can further practice your skills with our Mechanical Aptitude Practice Test.

CAST Test Scoring

The CAST tests are not standardized tests: each company has its own standards and can choose any pass mark. Additionally, the passing score may vary based on the number and level of candidates. This means that to pass, you have to be better than the average test taker. But how much better?

The exact score needed to pass the CAST aptitude test can vary based on other test takers' performance. Therefore, aim as high as possible and practice thoroughly to excel beyond the competition.

Who Needs to Take the CAST Test?

While the CAST test has many uses, it's generally required for people seeking jobs in the following areas:

Here is a list of positions that require taking the EEI CAST test: