01
Forces & motion
Explore candidates’ understanding.
Find out who understands how things work.
A timed mechanical reasoning test for hiring technicians, engineers and apprentices. Every candidate answers the same questions about forces, motion and mechanisms.
Try 3 sample questionsNo credit card required
AM
Alex MorganMechanical Reasoning results
CompletedMechanical Reasoning KNOWLEDGE
A clearer picture.
13 of 18 questions correct
72%
Forces & motion5 / 6
Mechanical systems4 / 6
Physical principles4 / 6
Knowledge you can see.
A conversation you can focus.
A conversation you can focus.
WHAT THE TEST EXPLORES
A clearer view of mechanical reasoning.
Focus on the areas that matter for the work your candidates will do.
18questions10minutesMultiple choicequestion format
02
Mechanical systems
Compare knowledge through consistent questions.
03
Physical principles
Identify an area to explore in the interview.
A RANGE OF DIFFICULTY
One test. Different abilities.
From straightforward questions to more challenging problems.
Our Mechanical Reasoning test combines questions of different difficulty, helping you compare candidates across a range of abilities.
The test is labelled intermediate; the questions span a range of difficulty. Use the results alongside interviews and relevant work samples.
TESTS IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES
English, plus 13 languages.
Assess candidates in the language they work in.
- English
- Chinese (simplified)
- Japanese
- Korean
- Thai
- Vietnamese
- Indonesian
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Portuguese
- Italian
- Dutch
- Arabic
Languages available across our test suite. Options vary by test and level.
TRY AN EXAMPLE QUESTION
Try a Mechanical Reasoning question.
Our Mechanical Reasoning questions explore candidates’ understanding through a consistent format. Try an example to see the kind of information they work with.
Mechanical ReasoningQuestion context
A PRACTICAL GUIDE
Using Mechanical Reasoning in recruitment.
What does the Mechanical Reasoning test assess?
Each question shows an everyday mechanical situation, such as gears, levers, pulleys, pressure or density, and asks what will happen or which option is correct. It measures understanding of physical principles rather than memorised formulas, so it works for candidates with hands-on experience as well as those with qualifications.
How can you use the Mechanical Reasoning results?
Use the result to decide who to bring in, then ask finalists to explain a fault or a mechanism from your own equipment. Combine mechanical reasoning with a spatial reasoning test for roles that read drawings, and with a basic maths or numerical reasoning test where measurements and calculations matter. Safety-critical roles still need practical assessment and references.
Where is mechanical reasoning useful?
- MaintenanceUnderstanding forces and mechanical relationships.
- Engineering supportApplying physical principles to unfamiliar examples.
- Technical operationsReasoning about motion and mechanical systems.
Choosing tests for your vacancy
Choose Mechanical Reasoning when understanding forces, motion and mechanical relationships matters for the vacancy. Add Spatial Reasoning if interpreting shapes and orientations is also relevant, or Problem Solving to explore workplace choices. These results do not certify practical trade competence.
HOW THIS TEST WAS BUILT
How Mechanical Reasoning was built.
Developed and validated by occupational psychologists and industry experts.
- Occupational psychologists
- Industry experts
- Validated
Group: Cognitive ability
Research for this kind of test: cognitive ability tests predict job performance at .31.
Read our methodologySEE THE RESULTS FOR YOURSELF
See the person behind the score.
Explore a complete sample report, from test results and candidate comparisons to focused interview questions.
BEFORE YOU START
Your Mechanical Reasoning questions, answered.
What does the Mechanical Reasoning test help me assess?
It explores forces & motion, mechanical systems, physical principles. Use the results to compare candidates on the same questions and identify topics to explore further.
Which Mechanical Reasoning topics should matter for my role?
Start with the work the person will do. This page covers forces & motion, mechanical systems, physical principles. Decide which of those areas matter for your role before reviewing results, and explore any specialist requirements separately.
Can I combine Mechanical Reasoning with other tests?
Yes. Add Mechanical Reasoning alongside other relevant tests in one assessment. Choose the combination for your role and review the total time before inviting candidates.
Can I assess real candidates for free?
Yes. Create your account, build an assessment and invite candidates. Your first 5 candidate results are free. No credit card is required.
What happens after my free results?
You pay per candidate result you unlock, rather than per test. There is no subscription or annual commitment. Check the pricing page for current rates.
How should I use the Mechanical Reasoning results?
Compare results against the knowledge or ability your role needs. Use them to focus interviews and practical tasks, alongside relevant experience. A test score should not decide who you hire on its own.