How are mechanical reasoning tests scored?

You gain a mark for every right answer. Employers then usually compare your total with a reference group of earlier candidates to see where you rank.

What are mechanical reasoning tests used for?

Employers want to see you can take your electronic and mechanical knowledge and apply it effectively. Although it’s not the most common aptitude test you'll be asked to take in the financial sector, many employers will use it if the skills are relevant to the specific role you’re applying for.

What do mechanical reasoning tests involve?

You’ll usually be presented with several pictures or diagrams with accompanying questions. Using your mechanical and electrical knowledge, you’ll answer a huge range of questions on anything from levers and circuits, to energy and pressure - typically with about 40 seconds to read and answer each question.

What do mechanical reasoning tests measure?

The tests measure your electrical and mechanical knowledge. Normally if you’re interviewing for a role where this test is set, you’ll have at least basic knowledge in the question area, however we always recommend you practice mechanical reasoning tests to ensure you reach your full potential.

Where can I practice mechanical reasoning tests?

Knowing the subject matter and how questions are laid out makes a big difference to your score, so prepare properly. Fintest lets you practise a range of mechanical reasoning tests and pick up tips as you go.

Which employers use mechanical reasoning tests?

The test is examining a specialised skillset, so you’ll only be required to take a mechanical engineering test for roles in which you’ll need electrical and mechanical knowledge - usually jobs in the armed forces or tech industry. However you will occasionally be required to take such a test for jobs in the financial sector.

Mechanical Reasoning Tests

Mechanical reasoning tests examine your ability to understand mechanical and electrical concepts in order to solve challenges.

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Published 11 March 2021 · Updated 13 October 2026

What are mechanical reasoning tests?
Mechanical reasoning tests (sometimes called electrical aptitude tests) are a selection tool that tests your understanding of physical principles and basic electronics, and whether you can use them to work out practical problems. Like most aptitude tests, they are sat under exam conditions with a time limit. Typical subjects include pressure, energy, forces and simple transformations.
If a test is on its way, practise beforehand. Working through sample tests teaches you the question styles, speeds up your answers and gives you a better chance of getting through to the next stage.
Why do employers use mechanical reasoning tests?
Employers set mechanical reasoning tests when they need to know how confident you are with physical and electrical problems. In finance that is unusual, and it mainly applies to roles with a technical or operational side. Where a test is set, it gives recruiters an objective way to compare applicants who look alike on paper and to find those with the practical knowledge the job requires.
What is the mechanical reasoning test format?
Questions span topics such as pulleys, gears, levers and electrical circuits. Most items show a diagram of a mechanical or electrical setup and offer several possible answers.
You apply what you know to choose the right option. Time is short, typically under a minute for each item, so practice makes a real difference.
Because there are many versions of the test and no single standard, there is no average score that applies across them all.
What skills does mechanical reasoning assessment test?
The core skill is applying mechanical and electrical knowledge to situations you might meet in practice. Topics can include circuits, magnetism, energy, force, voltage and other electrical principles. With a timer running, you have to keep up a brisk pace without letting accuracy slip.

More Aptitude Tests

Sample practice question Test your knowledge!

Score: /5

When a current-carrying wire is placed perpendicular to a magnetic field, what effect will it experience?

The wire will experience a force pushing it out of the magnetic field.
The wire will experience a twisting moment.
The wire will heat up but not move.
The wire will experience an increase in current.

What happens when a spring is compressed to half of its original length?

The potential energy in the spring is quadrupled.
The potential energy in the spring is halved.
The potential energy in the spring remains constant.
The potential energy in the spring is doubled.

In a basic lever system, where should a fulcrum be placed to make it easier to lift a heavy load?

Closer to the load.
At the midpoint between effort and load.
Closer to the effort.
At the end opposite to the load.

Which principle explains why it's easier to move a heavy rolling object once it's already in motion rather than starting the motion from rest?

The principle of inertia.
The principle of relativity.
The principle of leverage.
The principle of acceleration.

If the speed of a rotating gear is increased, what will happen to the torque produced by the gear?

The torque will decrease.
The torque will increase.
The torque will remain unchanged.
The torque will become erratic.

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Sarah used Fintest to help pass her aptitude tests for the RAF.