The Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test (BMCT) is an aptitude test relating to mechanics developed by Pearson.
Many employers and schools use it to indicate aptitude for understanding and solving fundamental mechanical problems.
It is considered one of the most popular mechanical aptitude tests and the most difficult to pass. You would not believe you have just 2 minutes to crack 55 questions bordering on physical concepts.
This article contains A-list tips on how to prepare for the BMCT test. Carefully read through.
Table of contents
What Is BMCT?
Wikijob defines the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test (BMCT) as an aptitude test relating to mechanics developed by Pearson. It is used by many employers and schools as an indicator of aptitude for understanding and cracking basic mechanical problems.
These are principles that are crucial in a variety of job choices, so a high score on this exam indicates that an individual might flourish in a career that requires mechanical ability.
The Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test consists of 55 questions divided into 12 categories. The test is available in two versions: Form S and Form T.
Also, these forms were created by upgrading previous versions and extending the range of question complexity.
Why Should I Take BMCT?
There are various reasons why you might need to take the BMCT, the most prevalent is that it serves as part of an assessment process for firms or organizations wishing to hire people for mechanically demanding jobs.
The test is used as a screening tool to weed out people who don’t have a natural aptitude for mechanics.
It can also be used to identify employee deficiencies so that training can be provided to help them improve their skills in specific areas.
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Is BMCT Test Hard?
The questions in the BMCT differ in difficulty, it usually starts from simple to very difficult. Typically, every candidate will get an equal share of difficulty to ensure the test is fair.
Given that no two questions in the same category can be the same difficulty level, the BMCT results do not contain details regarding correct answers.
So, if you walk into the test room without preparing, this test will most definitely be difficult – perhaps impossible.
Therefore, you must put in the hours of preparation and complete many practice papers, if you want to make the best out o the test.
How To Prepare For The BMCT Test
Preparing for the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test is essential if you intend to take it. If you want to finish with the highest possible score and go to the next screening level, here are a few preparation tips to follow.
1. Be mentally ready for the test
Mechanics is science, and all the answers can be calculated using the data provided. However, the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test does not require you to figure out the correct answer; you only need to comprehend the mechanical principle behind the question and provide an answer. Therefore, remember these rules of thumb for test day:
- Each BMCT question dwells on one mechanical principle—begin by identifying the it and then determine how it may affect the scenario.
- Environmental elements should be overlooked—don’t bother about the characteristics of the scenario unless they are the main element. For instance, do not consider friction unless the question focuses on that.
2. Revive Your Knowledge of Mechanical Concepts
According to iprep.online, your chances of success on the BMCT test rely not only on your logical thinking but also on your mechanical comprehension.
In contrast, you do not need to have any professional knowledge in mechanics or memorize mathematical formulas. All you need to do is, have an absolute grasp of some concepts.
You need to utilize a study guide that covers the following topic areas:
- Fundamental mechanical concepts such as gravity, velocity, friction, potential energy (e.g. springs), hydraulic pressure, and mechanical advantage
- Simple machines and the mechanical advantage they provide—lever, pulley, inclined plane, screw, wheel and axle (including gears), wedge
- Conceptual formulas of volume, pressure, acceleration, and force moment
3. Take BMCT Practice Tests
Even though you are familiar with many of the basic principles, it is beneficial to understand how the test works.
This will allow you to get through the questions more quickly, which is important because you only have half a minute per question.
Your goal is to find study materials that feature questions that follow the Bennett test’s format and difficulty level.
Your ideal BMCT practice test will have 55 questions, a time limit of 25 minutes, and questions from the same topics and difficulty level as the Bennett mechanical exam.
Do not settle for less because you may be caught off guard on exam day if your practice tests differ from the actual test. There’s no need to add to your test anxiety.
Practicing with exam-level materials is an essential part of the preparation process since it acclimates your mind to the test’s complexity and time limits relieves tension, and boosts self-confidence on test day.
4. Find a Good Online Preparation Course
In this digital age where preparation books or random PDF files are obsolete, you can take online courses that teach how to get along with the test.
When choosing an online course, ensure it includes practice materials that follow the BMCT’s specific format; otherwise, you may end up honing abilities you don’t need while neglecting ones you do.
Also, take a course that follows the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test-ii curriculum, not the prior BMCT test versions.
5. Do the extra work
Most questions on the BMCT Test are based on a single mechanical or physical basis.
While the variations between the solutions may be minor, you should take them to their logical conclusion and assess the circumstance accordingly.
This examination frequently reveals the underlying concept and makes the problem more solvable. It will also assist you in memorizing and internalizing the solution’s knowledge.
For instance, if a problem compares the power of one pulley to two pulleys, consider it one pulley versus many.
If someone tries to lift a weight by a lever and you see two lengths of the lever arms, imagine the shorter one to be shorter, and the longer one longer. I hope this helps.
What Does The BMCT Test Measure?
The BMCT measures an individual’s capabilities in the four crucial areas needed to be successful in a highly manual or technical job role:
- Mechanical reasoning
- Spatial perception (being able to visualize shapes in 3D)
- Knowledge of the basics of mechanics and physics (scientific laws/principles for each)
- Understanding the mechanics behind machinery
Also, check this: How Can I Pass Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test | Full Tips
What Is A Good Score For The BMCT?
When comparing test results within a norm group, percentile rankings are employed. For many employment roles, a percentile ranking score of above 40 is regarded to be in the ‘excellent’ range.
However, this depends on the profession you wish to work in, a decent Bennett test score varies.
So, at the end of the test, your results are supplied as a score report containing a competence (theta) and a percentage score. Your competency score is used to calculate your percentage score.
FAQs On BMCT Test
The Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test is a 55-question test that you must complete within 25 minutes.
It tests your knowledge on 12 categories of questions, including acoustics and optics, the center of gravity, electricity, gears and belt drives, gravity and velocity, heat, hydraulics, pulleys and levers, resolution of forces, centrifugal force, inertia, shape and volume, structures, planes, and slopes.
To ace the BMCT test, you must have at least a basic command of mechanical principles underlying each test category to be comfortable taking the exam. Practicing with iPrep will improve your scores and help you get ready for the test.
Take online courses covering the curriculum and provide simulated test experiences to ensure you are prepared on test day.
The Bennett test has 55 multiple-choice questions and takes up to 25 minutes to complete.
If you are unfamiliar with mechanical principles, you will need to spend a lot of time studying. For those who are familiar with the test, the short time frame is still a problem you would have to combat with speed and accuracy.
Conclusion
The BMCT Test is an established and recognized way employers assess and screen candidates for mechanical comprehension.
To give yourself the best possible chance of success, familiarize yourself as much as possible with the format of the test and the types of questions you will encounter.
References
- iprep.online – Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test II (BMCT) – Free Practice & More
- practiceaptitudetests.com – Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Tests
- wikijob.co.uk – Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Tests – Tips for 2022
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