Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test

Bennett's Mechanical Comprehension Test is a test published by Pearson TalentLens Company. Originally known as BMCT-I, the exam has since been improved and replaced by version BMCT-II (created in 2014), which is more adapted to the needs of current employers. It should be noted that the BMCT-I was officially withdrawn from sales in January 2017 and is no longer available.

The Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test is one of the multiple mechanical assessments given to candidates, such as the Ramsay MAT, the WTMA, WMATA, and more. You can find all the info about the different assessments on the main Mechanical Comprehension page.

On What Skills Are Candidates Tested?

The BMCT-II evaluates candidates according to:

• Mechanical reasoning ability
• Ability to learn from mechanical processes
• Spatial reasoning: visualization of shapes in three dimensions
• Understanding and application of physical concepts and basics of mechanics

Discovery of the BMCT-II

What Is the BMCT-II Like?

The BMCT-II lasts 25 minutes and includes 55 multiple-choice questions, generated from a database of more than 300 questions. Each candidate is confronted with a set of questions presented in a random order, thus making sure that no candidate can receive the same exercises during the examination.

Below is a list of the topics regarding which you will need to solve questions in the BMCT-II, as well as the number of exercises appearing for each topic.

In addition, the BMCT-II has been revisited with new colorful and detailed illustrations to meet the demand and criteria of new computer technologies.

Sample Questions #1

Look at the sample on this screen. It shows two men carrying a weighted object on a plank, and it asks, "Which man carries more weight?" Because of the object is closer to man "B" than to man "A" , man "B" is shouldering more weight; so you would select "B".

Which man carries more weight? (If equal, mark C.)

Sample Questions #2

Which spot is the least bumpy during the bus ride?

For Which Occupations Is the BMCT-II Relevant?

The standards in the test's latest version have been revised so as to include the following popular professions:

• Engineers: mechanical, electrical, civil, and aerospace engineers.
• General industrial workforce: workers, handlers, caretaker/ grounds maintenance manager.
• Technical-commercial fields: agriculture, builders, agri-food, various production lines. 
• Maintenance/installation: industrial maintenance technician, industrial installation technician, builders, air conditioning technician.
• Machinery: machinery operator, machinist.
• Skilled trades: elevator mechanic, welder, machinist, machine and tool inspector, metallurgy, maintenance mechanic, electromechanic, carpenter.
• Students in vocational training: students in automotive mechanics, mechanical engineering, metallurgy, mining and construction, transport.
• Mechanics: automotive, industrial, motorcycle, avionics, diesel mechanic and more.

What Is the BMCT-II Level of Difficulty?

In the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test II, each question is assigned a specific level of difficulty (from simple to very difficult). Each exam is comprised of a constant number of questions of each difficulty level, thus ensuring an equal level of complexity for each candidate. In addition, the exercises are divided into different subjects according to the main subjects of mechanical aptitude, which will also be divided equally for each test. It is important to note however, that the level of the test may differ slightly depending on the questions assigned, although this is not considered during the final verification.

How Are the Test Results Presented?

Each BMCT-II testee will receive a Profile Report containing an analysis of their results. Unlike other aptitude tests, this report does not contain the raw test results, i.e., the number of correct answers. This is because, as explained in the previous paragraph, the level of difficulty may vary slightly according to the questions and therefore has very little impact on the candidate's profile. The scoring system uses an algorithm that takes into account the exact level of difficulty of each question in order to calculate a capacity estimate - a "theta score" (competence score), which is then converted to a percentage and included in the profile report. This score is then automatically compared to the selected normative or reference group (these groups are detailed here).

A profile report example:

In Which Languages Is the BMCT Available?

Bennett's Mechanical Comprehension Test is currently available online in American English, U.S. Spanish, Spanish, French, French-Canadian, Castilian (European) Spanish and Dutch. Please note that a paper version is available in American English.

How Can I Prepare for the BMCT-II?

The best way to prepare is to take a specific prep course for this assessment. But don’t worry, we have exactly what you need. With our complete online preparation, you can practice on full BMCT practice tests, get mechanical and electrical study guides, lots of mechanical practice questions as well as explanations, solving tips and score reports. So, what are you waiting to register?

Which Companies Require Candidates to Pass the BMCT?