Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test: Practice Tests/Guide/Tips

What Is the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test?

The Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test (BMCT) is a pre-employment aptitude test that is often used in the early stages of recruitment for entry-level positions that require some technical ability and mechanical knowledge.

The BMCT is widely regarded to be an excellent indicator of future success in a role that needs specific aptitudes in mechanics, spatial reasoning and natural knowledge and understanding of basic physics principles.

The modern BMCT is an online test that takes 25 minutes and is used by some of the top engineering and industrial firms around the world.

Originally developed by Pearson Assessments, the first iteration of the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test is known as the BMCT-I, and it was introduced in 1940 and used in the US to assess candidates for mechanical roles in different industries.

The BMCT-I was taken on paper, with a pencil, and there were 68 questions that needed to be answered in 30 minutes.

The modern BMCT-II was introduced in 2014, taking the assessment online and including more modern mechanical objects as the basis for questions.

While there is a paper version of the BMCT-II available, almost all candidates will be invited to take the online assessment, which consists of 55 questions and a 25-minute time limit.

The BMCT-II is an effective and straightforward way for recruitment teams to judge how well a candidate can deal with mechanical issues, and to do well the candidate needs to be able to demonstrate that they understand basic principles of both physics and mechanics.

The candidate will be asked to answer questions based on mechanical drawings and blueprints, reaching logical conclusions based on their own understanding of the way mechanical objects around them work.

Topics Included in the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test

The BMCT is based on basic mechanical and physics principles that you will have learned in senior school. It is about your natural ability to make reasoned decisions based on the way things are meant to work and spatial visualization.

The questions are based on the following mechanical concepts and physical concepts, among others:

• Acoustics
• Doppler effect
• Hydraulics
• Inertia
• Levers
• Structures
• Gears
• Belt drives
• Pulleys
• Velocity and center of gravity
• Heat
• Electrical circuits
• Centrifugal force
• Shape and volume

In the assessment, most questions will be based on force and movement, fluid mechanics and velocity.

When Might the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test be Taken?

School leavers and those looking to start a new career in an industry where technical ability is necessary are likely to come across some sort of mechanical reasoning or spatial reasoning assessment as part of the recruitment process.

The BMCT is recognized as a leading assessment in this area, providing companies with easy-to-read data about the innate mechanical aptitude of each candidate.

In almost all cases, the BMCT is used as an assessment for junior positions, including entry-level and apprenticeships.

There is no need for a high level of education or previous knowledge to complete the test; the physical principles and mechanical principles being assessed are ones that you will have learned in school and many questions rely on hands-on common sense.

Some businesses might use the Bennett mechanical aptitude test as part of a developmental program for employees already in a role, using it to identify areas where more training might be needed, or to decide if the employee would fit in a more hands-on role than the one they are already in.

Candidates are invited to take the assessment via an email link, and the assessment should be completed in one sitting.

Some of the roles that BMCT test-takers might apply for include skilled trades such as:

• Automotive mechanics
• Carpenters
• Drivers
• Engineers
• Plumbers
• Electricians

The BMCT is relied on as an integral part of the recruitment process for many different companies across several industries, and the test is available in multiple languages too.

Some of the companies that use the BMCT include:

• Delta Airlines
• Union Gas
• Coca-Cola
• Nestlé

Some companies apply the BMCT to the development and training of current employees, either as part of a promotion program or to identify areas where a staff member might need some extra training – and it is also a useful benchmark for current staff to see how they are improving and growing in their development since being hired.

Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Practice Test Questions and Answers

Below you will find some free practice questions as well as Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test answers to help you prepare and give you an idea of what to expect in the actual test.

Question 1 – Hydraulics

How does the water level change in the pool?

a) Higher
b) Lower
c) No change

The correct answer is: b)

The water level will drop because the pipe that is taking water out of the pool is bigger and will remove a larger volume of water than is being poured in.

Question 2 – Gears

Cog C turns 10 revs per second. How many revolutions per second is A turning?

 a) 5
b) 10
c) 20
d) 30

The correct answer is: d) 30

Cog A has three times more teeth, which means that it will take three times longer to make a revolution.

In this case, if cog C can perform 10 revolutions per second, then cog A is capable of completing 30 rotations in that time.

Question 3 – Structures

Which is the most stable structure?

The correct answer is: b)

The triangle is known as the strongest shape. If pressure is applied to an unbraced square, it will eventually break or warp.

How to Prepare for the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test

Revise Physics/Mechanics Basics

The basic principles of mechanics are based on the physics principles that you will have learned in school, but if it has been a while since you left school then you might want to go back and brush up.

The questions will involve diagrams relating to common household items or other recognizable formats, so it shouldn’t be too strange when you are answering.

Bear in mind that out of the 55 questions, there are 12 different topics on the real test – but around 68% of them are regarding velocity, fluid mechanics and force.

Revision on these topics in particular will help, especially the principles around them.

You are not expected to have degree-level knowledge in any of these questions, as the Bennett Mechanical Reasoning Test is designed to look for natural aptitude rather than what you have learned, which makes it more appropriate for use in recruiting entry-level candidates.

Practice Timing

In the Bennett Mechanical Reasoning Test, you will have less than 30 seconds to answer each question – which means time is of the essence. Your performance will be affected if you are not able to work quickly and efficiently.

To achieve peak efficiency in answering questions, one of the best things that you can do is avoid distractions. You are most likely to take this assessment at home, and it might be busy – so make sure you are somewhere that you are not likely to be disturbed.

You will also want to make sure that you have switched off notifications, both on your smartphone and from apps on your PC or laptop – loss of focus can cost you precious seconds in the test and the distraction could take you out of ‘the zone’ of answering questions.

Get Some Practice Papers to Test Knowledge and Understanding

Practice papers have two great benefits when it comes to preparing to take the Bennett mechanical aptitude test.

First, you will have the opportunity to become familiar with the structure and layout of the test itself. Good practice tests (like those available at our partner JobTestPrep) are designed to closely resemble the real thing, including the way you need to answer the questions and the time limit. This is a great way to build familiarity and make you feel more comfortable.

The main reason to try test papers is to see how well you can do at the test and recognize where (if anywhere) there are holes in your knowledge. The results of a practice test will show you where you have performed well, and where you need some extra revision.

Take the test as realistically as possible, and take more than one test in your preparation so that you can see the evidence of the improvements you have made through revising the areas that you are less confident in.

Plenty of Self-Care

Something that few people consider when they are getting ready to take any aptitude test is self-care. Your body and brain need the best fuel to give maximum performance, and this means you really need to think about what you are doing to look after yourself.

In the days running up to the test, make sure that you try and get a decent amount of sleep – it is well documented that a lack of sleep has significant detrimental effects on cognitive function.

It’s not all about sleep though – you also need to feed your mind appropriately too, with healthy, balanced meals.

Don’t forget to hydrate – and think about having some water to hand when you are doing the test to help you deal with any nerves.

What Is Considered a Good Test Score for the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test?

The scoring for the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test is relatively simple – a mark is available for every correct answer, and there is no negative marking (which means that it is always worth taking an educated guess if you are unsure).

The raw score that this produces is not used as part of the recruitment process, however – it is the percentile score that counts.

With the percentile score, your performance is judged against the performance of your peers by percentile ranking. This might include a global norm group (everyone who has taken the test), a norm group based on the specific role that you have applied for, or just the candidates who have applied for the same job at the same time.

The passing score for the BMCT depends on the role that you have applied for and the requirements of the recruitment team.

As an example, if you have applied to be a high-level mechanic, working on aircraft, then you will need to achieve a higher score on the BMCT than if you were becoming a general auto mechanic.

A percentile score of 40 to 59 is considered to be a pass for many low-level roles, while others will be looking at a percentile score of 60 to 79. Aiming as high as possible is the best way to ensure that you make the grade – and if you can score in the 80th percentile or more, then you can almost guarantee a pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test?

The Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test (BMCT) is an aptitude assessment designed to test candidates on their ability to apply mechanical and physics principles to solve problems.

This Bennett mechanical test is an online test consisting of 55 multiple-choice questions that need to be answered in 25 minutes, and it is usually used in the recruitment process for entry-level positions that require technical and mechanical aptitude such as engineering.

Is the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test Hard to Pass?

The Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test is designed to assess candidates based on their natural ability and aptitude with mechanisms and physics principles, which are needed in hands-on roles such as engineering, mechanics and construction.

This Bennett aptitude test is based on simple, school-level physics principles, but with a tight time limit and exam conditions it can be difficult to pass.

Where Can I Prepare for the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test?

Preparation for the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test can be the difference between a fail and a pass, and there are different ways that you can get ready. Using a specific preparation site like JobTestPrep will give you all the resources you need.

This Bennett aptitude test study guide offers practice tests, revision materials, as well as tips and tricks.

Reviewing the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test answer key in sample questions will help you understand topics more fully.

How Many Questions Are on the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test?

The number of questions on the modern version of the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test (BMCT-II) is 55 questions that need to be answered in 25 minutes.

The BMCT-I (which has been discontinued) had 68 questions that needed to be answered in 30 minutes.

Is the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test Timed?

The Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test is timed, and you will have less than 30 seconds per question. There are 55 questions that you need to answer in just 25 minutes.

What Is a Passing Score for the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test?

The score you need to pass the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test (BMCT) will depend on the role that you are applying for and the requirements of the company – but you should aim to score as high as possible to give yourself the best chance.

The BMCT scores are presented as percentiles, and you should aim to score higher than the 40th percentile at the very least.

Where Can I Find More Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Practice Test Questions?

You can find more sample questions for the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test at our partner JobTestPrep, alongside full-length practice tests, prep packs, revision materials and other helpful resources to give you more information.

Reviewing the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test answers for the practice questions will increase your understanding and help you prepare more fully.

Can I Retake the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test if I Fail?

If you do not achieve the percentile score that is required for the role you have applied for, it means that in most cases your application will not be taken further.

However, in some cases, you might be able to retake the test if you are allowed to reapply for the role at a later date.

What Companies Require Taking the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test?

Many companies across several industries use the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test to find candidates who have the required aptitude in mechanical concepts, including:

• Coca-Cola
• Delta Airlines
• Nestlé
• Union Gas

What Kind of Questions Are on the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test?

The Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test is all about your understanding of basic physics principles as they relate to mechanical functions.

This means that the questions on the 55-question BMCT are based on the following topics among others:

• Acoustics
• Inertia
• Hydraulics
• Optics
• Electricity
• Gears
• Structures
• Heat
• Gravity
• Velocity

What Is the Next Step After Taking the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test?

After completing the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test (BMCT), the next step depends on the role you have applied for and the recruitment process of the company.

In some cases, there might be more aptitude tests that need to be completed, or you might be invited to an interview or an assessment center.

Where Can I Find a Complete Guide for the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test?

One of the best resources available online for the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test is from JobTestPrep.

This Bennett aptitude test study guide provides a range of different resources, from paid-for PrepPacks to free mechanical comprehension test practice, revision guides, learning resources and helpful hints that will make sure you get the most out of your preparation and your performance.

Final Thoughts

From the first iteration of the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test, the test results have been used to demonstrate which candidates have a natural ability and aptitude in mechanical and physics principles.

The modern BMCT-II is a simple assessment for a candidate to take, and it is usually taken online and at home. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate that you have a good understanding of basic mechanics and can apply that knowledge to solve problems.

The Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test has been in use for more than 80 years, and it remains one of the best tests for spatial reasoning and mechanical awareness.