Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude (WTMA) – A Comprehensive Guide

The Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude (WTMA), also known as the Wiesen Technical Assessment, is a test used to measure mechanical reasoning ability. It is a challenging assessment that assesses how well a candidate can understand and apply mechanical concepts to solve problems.

The WTMA is used to screen candidates applying for job roles in industries such as manufacturing, utilities, and the emergency services.

The Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude (WTMA) is an important test as it can predict how well candidates will perform in technical roles. It is effective in measuring an applicant’s understanding of mechanical laws and principles.

In this article, you will learn more about the WTMA test, what’s on it, and how it’s administered and scored. You will also find preparation strategies and answers to frequently asked questions. 

 

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What Is the Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude?

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The Wiesen Test is a pre-employment assessment that determines a candidate's ability to operate, maintain, and repair equipment and machinery.

Employers administer this test as a simple and effective way of choosing the most suitable candidate for roles such as:

• Mechanic
• Electrician
• Maintenance technician
• Warehouse operative
• Machine operator
• Construction worker

 

The Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude (WTMA) features questions relating to the appearance and use of commonly used equipment.

No specific knowledge is required to take the test, but it can help to have an understanding of the properties of everyday objects.

 

History and Development of the Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude

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The Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude (WTMA) was developed by Dr Joseph S Wiesen and is considered to be an accurate way of measuring mechanical aptitude.

When applied to a real-world work setting, the results were found to be 97% accurate.

Its reliability means that the Wiesen Test is used in industries across the country.

 

What Is the Structure of the WTMA?

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The Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude (WTMA) consists of 60 questions to be answered within 30 minutes. This short time limit equates to just half a minute for each question. 

However, the questions are multiple choice so, if you are unsure, you can use reasoning to select the most logical response.

The format of this aptitude test is specially designed to highlight the brightest minds with the best grasp of mechanical concepts. It allows recruiters to hire the most promising candidates with confidence that they will excel.

To measure candidates’ mechanical aptitude, the test features questions on concepts including physics, machinery, tools, and spatial visualization.

 

Core Areas Assessed

The core areas assessed on the Wiesen technical assessment are:

1) Mechanical reasoning: These types of questions test a candidate's ability to use mechanical principles to solve problems. You may be asked to identify the correct way to operate gears, pulleys, or levers. You may also need to apply mechanical principles to determine the outcome of mechanical situations.

2) Physics principles: You will need to demonstrate understanding of basic physics concepts, such as force, gravity, motion, and friction.

3) Spatial visualization: Spatial visualization questions measure how well you can mentally manipulate objects in space. You may need to outline how separate parts can fit together, or how objects would appear from different perspectives.

4) Simple machines and tools: Questions in this area assess your knowledge of common equipment and tools, such as levers, pulleys, inclined planes, and screws.

 

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Example Questions for the WTMA Test

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Principles of Mechanics

A pulley system is used to lift a heavy load. If the load weighs 200 kg and the pulley system has a mechanical advantage of 4, what is the force needed to lift the load?

a) 50 kg
b) 100 kg
c) 150 kg
d) 200 kg

The correct answer is: a) 50 kg

The mechanical advantage (MA) of a pulley system reduces the amount of force needed to lift a load.

The formula for force is: $\text{Force} = \frac{\text{Load}}{\text{MA}}$

 $\text{Force} = \frac{200 \text{ kg}}{4} = 50 \text{ kg}$

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Spatial Relations

Which of the following shapes can be folded to form a cube?

The correct answer is: c)

To determine which shape can be folded into a cube, visualize each option in three dimensions. Option B is the correct answer because it represents a net of a cube.

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Tools and Equipment

Which tool is best suited for tightening a hexagonal bolt?

a) Screwdriver
b) Pliers
c) Wrench
d) Hammer

The correct answer is: c) Wrench

A wrench is specifically designed to fit around hexagonal bolts and apply the necessary torque to tighten or loosen them.

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Movement and Force

A ramp is used to move a box to a higher platform. If the ramp is 5 meters long and the platform is 1 meter high, what is the mechanical advantage of the ramp?

a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 5

The correct answer is: d) 5

The mechanical advantage (MA) of a ramp is calculated by dividing the length of the ramp by the height it rises:

$\text{MA} = \frac{\text{Length of Ramp}}{\text{Height}}$

$\text{MA} = \frac{5 \text{ meters}}{1 \text{ meter}} = 5$

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Gravity and Velocity

A ball is dropped from a height of 20 meters. Assuming no air resistance, how long will it take for the ball to hit the ground? (Use $g = 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2$)

a) 1 second
b) 2 seconds
c) 3 seconds
d) 4 seconds

The correct answer is: b) 2 seconds

The time $t$ it takes for an object to fall can be calculated using the formula: $h = \frac{1}{2}gt^2$

Solving for $t$:

$20 = \frac{1}{2} \times 9.8 \times t^2$

$20 = 4.9t^2$

$t^2 = \frac{20}{4.9} \approx 4.08$

$t \approx \sqrt{4.08} \approx 2 \text{ seconds}$

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Administration of the WTMA

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The Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude can be taken one of two ways: either under supervision or online. It is more common to take the test online where candidates are emailed a link and asked to complete the test within three days.

As the test is just 30 minutes long, it will not take too much time out of your day to complete.

 

Scoring and Interpretation of Your WTMA Results

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After taking the test, your results are sent to the recruiter in the form of a profile.

The WTMA is scored in two ways. You will receive a raw score and a percentile score:

• Raw score: This informs you how many of the 60 questions you answered correctly
• Percentile score: This score compares your performance to other WTMA test takers

 

The percentile score is generally seen as more important as it indicates how well you performed against the competition. Employers will be looking for candidates that scored in the higher percentiles.

Your raw score is also valuable as it highlights the topics you performed better in. This data can be used to match you to certain job roles best suited to your skills and knowledge.

 

Understanding WTMA Scores

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Score Components

When deciding on candidates to hire for mechanical and technical roles, employers will consider the range of percentile scores.

Also known as a comparison score, this data represents how well an individual has scored compared to the rest of the group. 

The passing score varies between each company. The majority of businesses require a score of 80% while some junior roles may accept 70%.

For the best chance of securing a mechanical role, you should aim to score in the eighth percentile, which is more than 80% of questions answered correctly.

 

Interpreting the Scores

Interpreting your own Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude scores will help you understand your mechanical aptitude.

You can use your percentile score, or comparison score, to recognize where you rank in a group of WTMA test takers.

If you are scoring less than 80%, you can work on your overall performance to try and boost your chances of success.

The Wiesen assessment raw scores are more specific than this. After completing the four core areas of the assessment, you will receive a total score. This will inform you how many of the 60 questions you answered correctly.

You can analyze your raw scores to determine which of the core areas you are most capable in and which you need to improve.

 

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How to Prepare for the WTMA

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Preparation Strategies

For the best chance of achieving a passing score on the Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude, you should focus on developing your mechanical aptitude.

This doesn’t mean learning lots of mechanical knowledge, but rather strengthening your ability to understand information and use reasoning.

One of the best ways to prepare is to use paid for or free Wiesen assessment practice tests. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the specialist content that appears on the WTMA. You can find a range of Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude study guide resources online, such as those at JobTestPrep.

As this test is measuring your mechanical aptitude, it can be a good idea to improve your understanding of mechanical principles. By allocating time in your study schedule to revise the laws of physics and motion, you can get used to applying concepts ahead of the test.

When taking practice assessments, aim to replicate the real test environment. The Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude is a high-pressured exam that forces you to combine speed with accuracy. By setting a 30-minute timer when practicing, you can assess whether you need to speed up to answer more questions or slow down to avoid making errors.

While preparation will make you feel more confident, it is entirely possible that some of the questions on the Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude will leave you feeling uncertain. 

The good news is that there is no penalty for incorrect Wiesen technical assessment answers and so if you really don’t know the answer, you can guess at one of the multiple-choice options. If you can use your reasoning skills to eliminate Wiesen technical assessment answers that cannot be true, you have a chance of scoring a point.

 

Practice Tests and Resources

Some of the best resources online can be found at JobTestPrep. It provides full Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude study guides. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude?

The Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude is a pre-employment test used to measure mechanical reasoning ability.

 

What companies require passing the Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude?

Passing the Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude is required by companies in the industries of engineering, construction, and manufacturing.

 

Where can I prepare for the Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude?

You can prepare for the test using study resources from Practice Aptitude Tests, JobTestPrep, Practice 4 Me, and Mechanical Aptitude Test. 

 

Is the Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude difficult to pass?

The test can be difficult to pass, and with just 60 questions there is not much room for error. For the best chance of passing, do lots of practice.

 

How many questions are on the WTMA?

The test consists of 60 questions.

 

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Final Thoughts

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If you are taking the Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude, it is important to remember that practice can help you achieve a higher score.

By taking example tests and improving your aptitude skills, you can get one step closer to the career of your dreams.