The CAST Test: A Complete Guide

Working within the construction, utilities, and skilled trades industries can be challenging and demanding. Individuals are required to have specialist knowledge in a range of areas both to perform tasks associated with their jobs, and to ensure their safety and that of others while working. 

The CAST (Construction and Skilled Trades) Test – sometimes called the EEI CAST Test – is commonly used by employers and recruiters to evaluate skills and knowledge required for working in these industries. 

Within the guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about preparing for the CAST Test, as well as helpful tips for performing at your best on assessment day. You will also find CAST practice questions to aid you in your CAST Test preparation. 

What Is the CAST Test?

Created by the Edison Electrical Institute (EEI), the CAST Test is a 110-question, multiple choice exam used by employers within the construction industry and utilities sectors as part of their recruitment processes. Testing is organized by employers with potential candidates and will usually involve arranging a meeting to complete the assessment as it’s paper-based. 

The CAST Examination aims to assess knowledge and skills required for a wide range of construction and skills trades jobs including electrical repair, vehicle repair and meter services and repairs. Assessing abilities like math, mechanical concepts, and critical thinking, employers use information provided by the CAST Test to identify candidates with the skills required for specific roles. 

There isn’t a specific passing score for the CAST Test, as tests are administered by individual employers for a range of different roles. The score required will be set by employers as their benchmark for potential new employees.

Successful completion of the EEI CAST Test is often essential for moving to the next stage of the recruitment process or being offered employment by your preferred company.

Note that this is different to the CAST Test (California Science Test, sometimes called the CAST Science Test), which is given to students who attend school in California.

Key Sections of the CAST Test

The CAST Test is composed of four separate, timed test papers: graphic arithmetic, mathematical usage, mechanical concepts, and reading for comprehension. Each paper is designed to evaluate a different set of skills and areas of knowledge.

Each of the papers has a separate time limit, so it’s important to answer questions both quickly and accurately to achieve the highest score you can.

Graphic Arithmetic

This section contains 16 questions and has a 30-minute time limit. Questions are designed to assess an individual’s ability to read and interpret diagrams and blueprints. Candidates will also be asked a range of math-based questions which are relevant to construction and engineering fields.

Mathematical Usage

This section contains 18 questions and has a seven minute time limit. The questions in this section are designed to evaluate a candidate’s knowledge and use of basic mathematical principles including measurement, arithmetic, and algebra.

Mechanical Concepts

This section contains 44 questions and has a 20-minute time limit. With questions covering a range of core mechanical concepts and principles like forces, gears, gravity, and shapes, candidates are required to show understanding and knowledge. 

Reading for Comprehension

This section contains 32 questions and has a 30-minute time limit. Candidates will be asked to answer questions about a range of sample texts. 

The successful completion of this section shows potential employers that an individual would be able to read, interpret, and understand written instructions, safety guidelines and technical documentation.

CAST Exam Example Questions

Mathematics

Question 1:

If a construction worker has 150 feet of lumber and needs to cut it into pieces that are each 5 feet long, how many pieces can they cut?

a) 25
b) 30
c) 35
d) 40

The correct answer is: b) 30

Divide the total length of lumber by the length of each piece:

150 feet/5 feet = 30 pieces

Question 2:

A room measures 12 feet by 10 feet. What is the area of the room in square feet?

a) 120
b) 130
c) 140
d) 150

The correct answer is: a) 120

Area is calculated by multiplying length by width:

12 feet × 10 feet = 120 square feet

Reading Comprehension

Question 1:

Read the following passage and answer the question:

‘The blueprint for the new office building outlines the dimensions of each room, specifies the materials to be used, and indicates the locations of windows and doors. It is essential for ensuring that the construction process follows the planned design accurately.’

What is the main purpose of the blueprint described in the passage?

a) To provide a list of materials needed
b) To guide the construction process
c) To estimate the cost of the project
d) To advertise the new office building

The correct answer is: b) To guide the construction process.

The passage emphasizes that the blueprint is crucial for accurately following the planned design during construction.

Question 2:

"Construction sites can be high-risk environments, and following safety protocols is essential to ensure the well-being of all workers. These protocols include wearing protective gear, following proper equipment handling procedures, and keeping work areas clean and organized. By adhering to these guidelines, workers can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents, making the site safer for everyone involved. Safety protocols apply to all personnel on-site, regardless of their specific roles, as every worker contributes to maintaining a secure environment."

After reading this short article about safety protocols on a construction site, which statement is most accurate?

a) Safety protocols are optional and can be ignored if workers feel comfortable
b) Following safety protocols helps reduce the risk of accidents on site
c) Safety protocols only apply to heavy machinery operators
d) Accidents on construction sites are rare and do not require specific protocols

The correct answer is: b) Following safety protocols helps reduce the risk of accidents on site.

The article highlights the importance of safety protocols in minimizing accidents in construction environments.

Spatial Reasoning

Question 1:

If you rotate a rectangular piece of wood 90 degrees clockwise, which of the following describes the new orientation?

a) The length remains the same, and the width is doubled
b) The width becomes the length, and the length becomes the width
c) The dimensions do not change
d) The piece of wood turns into a square

The correct answer is: b) The width becomes the length, and the length becomes the width.

Rotating a rectangle 90 degrees changes the position of the length and width.

Question 2:

A construction worker needs to fit a rectangular window into a wall. The window measures 36 inches wide and 24 inches tall. 

If the wall is 48 inches wide and 36 inches tall, will the window fit?

a) Yes, it will fit horizontally only
b) Yes, it will fit vertically only
c) Yes, it will fit in both orientations
d) No, it will not fit

The correct answer is: c) Yes, it will fit in both orientations.

The window's dimensions are smaller than the wall dimensions, allowing it to fit either horizontally or vertically.

Mechanical Reasoning

Question 1:

Which of the following tools is used to measure the angle of a surface?

a) Level
b) Protractor
c) Ruler
d) Tape measure

The correct answer is: b) Protractor

A protractor is specifically designed to measure angles.

Question 2:

If a lever is used to lift a heavy object, what happens to the force applied if the distance from the fulcrum to where the force is applied is increased?

a) The force decreases
b) The force increases
c) The force remains the same
d) The object will not move

The correct answer is: a) The force decreases.

Increasing the distance from the fulcrum reduces the amount of force needed to lift the object.

How to Prepare for the CAST Exam

As with any test or assessment, effective preparation is key to ensuring you’re feeling confident and secure in your abilities on the day.

There are a number of simple steps you can take to prepare for your CAST Examination that will familiarize you with the test format and strengthen any areas of weakness you may have.

CAST Exam Practice Tests

The old adage “practice makes perfect” is never more true than in test situations. Making use of practice tests and study guides helps not only to familiarize you with the format of assessments, but can also highlight areas of strength and weakness.

If you score consistently low for a specific question type or on a specific paper, you can then put extra time into practicing these areas. Taking the time to complete multiple tests as part of your CAST Test preparation, and evaluating the results afterwards, will enable you to track improvement as you progress.

You’ll find a range of free CAST Exam practice tests and sample questions online as well as paid packages. TestHQ has a CAST practice test pack to aid in your study prep. 

Online Tutorials

If there are specific areas you need to brush up on, online tutorials can help. From study guides to quizzes and videos, there will be a resource able to reinforce core information and expand your knowledge. Many of these are free and designed to be easy to navigate. 

Brush Up on the Basics

A secure understanding of basic concepts is always a good starting point for any test. Make sure that you’re comfortable with mathematical concepts like algebra and measurement, as well as core mechanical principles like forces and pulleys.

This will mean that no matter what questions you’re asked, you will have strong core knowledge to help you answer.

Read a Range of Materials

The reading for comprehension section of the test will provide you with a range of texts to answer questions on.

Making sure that you’re reading a range of materials ahead of your test can help you to feel more comfortable and confident handling different types of texts.

Stress Management

Tests and exams can be stressful, which can impact your ability to recall information and answer questions.

If you find assessments anxiety-inducing, it might be a good idea to try out different mindfulness techniques and breathing exercises. These can help you to remain calm and maintain focus on the day. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific skills are tested in each section of the CAST Test?

Each section aims to assess core skills required for working within the construction and skilled trades industries. You will be tested on graphic arithmetic, mathematical usage, mechanical concepts and reading for comprehension. 

Is there a passing score requirement for the CAST Test?

No. The passing score is set by individual employers to identify the level of knowledge and expertise they want from new employees. This is why it’s important to do your best on the test and aim for the highest score possible. 

How long is the CAST Test, and is it timed?

There are 110 questions, split over four test papers. Each test has a separate time limit, with candidates having 87 minutes in total to complete all four sections. 

Are calculators allowed for the Mathematical Usage section?

No. Calculators are not allowed for any of the CAST Examination sections. 

How can I improve my understanding of mechanical concepts before the test?

There are study guides and online tutorials that can help. It’s also a good idea to use CAST practice tests as these will identify whether there are any specific areas to focus on. TestHQ has a CAST practice test pack to aid in your study prep. 

Final Thoughts

If you’re applying for positions within the construction and skilled trades industries, employers will want to be confident that you have the knowledge and skills required to undertake such work safely and efficiently. This is why the EEI CAST Test was developed. 

Taking the time to work through study guides and CAST practice questions will enable you to feel comfortable with the questions you might face and confident in your ability to answer them. 

Consistent practice and preparation ahead of your CAST Test is essential for a smooth performance on the day and securing the job of your dreams.