Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test
Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test
Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test
Measure mechanical reasoning and spatial perception
Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test
What is the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test?
The Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test is a mechanical aptitude test developed by Pearson Assessments.
The Bennett Mechanical Comprehension test is the most popular mechanical reasoning test in the U.S and is used by major employers such as Delta Airlines, Keyence, and DuPont. The test is used as a prerequisite during the recruitment process for technical roles. This test covers 10 topics in total, 55 items to be completed in 25 minutes with 2 practice questions
untimed.
Understand why solving problems is a key skill required for any business >>
What does the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test measure?
Mechanical Reasoning Ability is one of the 4 specific abilities measured by recruiters.
It is required in a number of highly manual or technical roles, particularly in fields such as engineering, airlines, the emergency services and skilled trades.
The test was developed to measure the following abilities that are required for success in specific job roles or training courses:
- Mechanical comprehension
- Spatial Visualisation
- Knowledge of basic physical and mechanical laws
- Technical deduction of how machinery works
Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test-II is a proven predictor of performance in roles requiring knowledge of these abilities. In addition, those with higher BMCT-II scores are more likely to have greater spatial awareness.
What are Mechanical Reasoning Tests used for?
For more than 60 years the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test has been used as an objective and valid assessment to identify candidates with good spatial perception and mechanical reasoning abilities, as well as those with an aptitude for learning mechanical processes and tasks. It is used in three primary applications:
- Recruitment: The test is used to evaluate a candidate’s understanding of mechanical reasoning and spatial awareness. Therefore, the test is often employed by recruiters in filling job roles across a wide range of industry sectors, including electrical, engineering and mechanical roles.
- Training: the reasoning test can also be used to predict how well a candidate will learn key concepts in an educational training course related to mechanical reasoning. Pre- and post-tests may be given to gauge the trainee’s learning and the effectiveness of the training program.
- Risk Management: Hiring individuals with poor mechanical reasoning for roles that involve driving, using heavy machinery, repairing equipment, or similar tasks could result in workplace injuries and equipment damage. The technical comprehension and reasoning test can help screen candidates for their mechanical aptitude, reducing risk in the workplace.
What is the format of the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test?
The test is completed online and can be used in a remote location.
The online format and item-banked nature of the items allows for off-site, unproctored screening early in the hiring process with no two applicants receiving the same set of questions.
Test Format
- Time: 55 items to be completed in 25 minutes with 2 practice questions untimed.
- Unique tests: Presenting items from a large bank renders sharing of questions pointless as no two candidates will receive the same set of items. This stops over-exposure of items, thus protecting the integrity of the test.
- Online: Online for unsupervised and/or supervised completion.
- Large scale use: Online test link can be sent to any number of test-takers with one click.
- International use: The test is available in over six languages, allowing it to be used internationally.
- BMCT-I similarities: Has a very high equivalence to the BMCT-l at 0.81.
Sample question:
Bennett Mechanical Reasoning Test Case Study
John Becker, Director of Education:
"Those scoring higher in the BMCT have lower staff turnover AND greater revenue"
Read how the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test has a positive effect on predicting candidates’ job performance, improving revenue and lowering staff turnover at a Major Automotive Transport Company in the USA.
The Issue
Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test® (BMCT) is used to assist in the selection of Car Haulers who need to learn how to properly load and secure vehicles on their trucks and ensure the load is within legal height, weight, and length requirements. The efficiency and productivity of the drivers is directly related to how much revenue their truck produces for the company. The decision to trial BMCT was initially based on the car damage and associated claim frequency rates, but the measurements of revenue generated and turnover rates were used during the BMCT validation study, conducted after 12 months of use.
The Findings
The company has hired 216 drivers over the past 12 months and has been tracking their revenue and turnover (the number of haulers leaving the company since joining). The applicant pool contains both experienced and inexperienced haulers. All hires complete BMCT and attend an interview. The company’s data analysis looked at 3 BMCT cutoff points: the 20th, 40th, and 60th percentiles.
Results
After analysis of the data, John has concluded that “At each point those scoring higher in the BMCT have lower staff turnover AND greater revenue than those scoring below that percentile.”
Product Information
| Use | Electrical, engineering and mechanical roles, equipment operators in mining manufacturing and utilities companies |
| Format | 55 items, 25 mins timed, unsupervised |
| Languages | English |
| Price | Available on request |