Engineering Psychometric Tests
In the engineering sector, many companies use tests as part of their recruitment process. They are usually administered online or undertaken in assessment centres.
There are 4 main types of psychometric tests for engineering roles:
Engineering aptitude tests
Aptitude tests are designed to assess general abilities and intelligence. These are the most common types of tests used for graduate engineering roles.
Select the type of test below to learn more and find out how to prepare:
These are mathematical tests that assess your numerical abilities. You will be asked to calculate ratios and percentages based on tables and graphs.
How to prepare for numerical reasoning tests
As a University of Portsmouth student or graduate, you have access to Team Focus - an online platform where you can practice hundreds of aptitude tests.
You can also find practice tests here:
There are three types of reasoning tests: inductive, abstract, and diagrammatic. In the assessment, you’ll be presented with shapes and images in groups and/or sequences. You'll need to work out particular patterns and rules to understand how to answer these types of questions correctly.
How to prepare for inductive, abstract and diagrammatic tests
As a University of Portsmouth student or graduate, you have access to Team Focus - an online platform where you can practice hundreds of aptitude tests.
You can also find practice tests here:
- JobTestPrep – logical reasoning questions prep
- Practice Reasoning Tests - Diagrammatic Reasoning Tests
These assessments test your comprehension abilities, verbal skills, and logical reasoning skills. During this test, you will receive a text that you will need to read carefully and determine what information can and cannot be understood.
Questions often ask whether a certain sentence can be considered "True", "False" or "Cannot Say".
How to prepare for verbal reasoning tests
As a University of Portsmouth student or graduate, you have access to Team Focus - an online platform where you can practice hundreds of aptitude tests.
You can also find practice tests here:
Spatial ability tests use images and shapes assess your spatial understanding and how well you perceive images in 3D.
You'll be required to visualise a number of 2D and 3D images in your head and work out how they appear when rotated in different ways.
How to prepare for spatial ability tests
You can find practice tests here:
You’ll likely need to complete a fault diagnosis test for a position as an electrical engineer or technician. To test your logical reasoning skills, you will be presented with diagrams containing switches and circuits, and required to find faults or errors in the electrical boards or systems.
How to prepare for fault diagnosis tests
You can find practice tests here:
Gamified or game-based assessments
A game-based assessment combines interactive tasks and game-like elements to assess your cognitive abilities and behavioural traits. These psychometric assessments can be played on a computer or mobile device.
Gamification helps to match candidates to the right job roles. Psychologists will develop a “fit” profile for different positions, taking into consideration the job goals, challenges and requirements. For this reason, no two games will be the same as there are different “fits” for different jobs. So remember, whilst you might be unsuccessful for one opportunity, you will be a perfect fit for another.
How to prepare for game-based tests
You can find further information about game-based assessments through:
- Arctic Shores - What are game-based assessments?
- Graduates First - Game-based and Gamified Assessments
- Targetjobs - The job-hunter’s guide to game-based assessment
Practice tests
To practice some game-based tests, visit:
Engineering technical or Mechanical ability tests
Many engineering employers use specialist tests to assess candidates' technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. These tests, sometimes called mechanical ability tests, evaluate your understanding of key engineering principles.
These tests may cover topics such as:
- Mechanics and forces
- Electrical circuits and systems
- Thermodynamics and materials
- Engineering mathematics
- Spatial reasoning and technical drawings
Employers use these assessments to gauge your practical knowledge and ability to apply engineering concepts in real-world situations.
How to prepare for engineering technical or mechanical ability tests
- Review core engineering principles relevant to your field.
- Practise sample questions to familiarise yourself with the format.
- Brush up on problem-solving techniques, as many tests assess logical thinking.
Practice tests
You can find practice tests here:
Engineer situational judgement and personality tests
Employers assess more than technical skills—they also evaluate how you respond to workplace situations and whether your personality fits the role.
Select the type of test below to learn more and find out how to prepare:
SJTs present workplace scenarios where you'll choose the best response from multiple options. These tests measure:
- Decision-making and problem-solving skills
- How you handle workplace challenges
- Alignment with company values
How to prepare for STJs
- Practise sample tests to understand the format
- Consider the employer’s values when selecting responses
- Think critically about the best approach
Practice tests
As a University of Portsmouth student or graduate, you have access to Team Focus - an online platform where you can practice hundreds of aptitude tests.
You can also find practice tests here:
Personality tests assess traits, behaviours, and work styles to determine job suitability. They help employers understand:
- Your working style and motivations
- How you fit within a team and company culture
How to prepare for personality tests
- Research the employer’s values to understand what they look for
- Reflect on your strengths—be honest and consistent
- Practise with sample tests to get familiar with different formats
Practice tests
As a University of Portsmouth student or graduate, you have access to Team Focus - an online platform where you can practice hundreds of aptitude tests.
You can also find practice tests here:
Further Help
Visit The Careers and Employability Service if you need further assistance with psychometric testing. You can access books, in-tray exercises and further sample tests to strengthen your psychometric testing ability as well as speak to a member of our team for advice and support.
Further example tests are also available at:
- SHL Direct - SHL provide sample questions and practice tests on verbal and numerical reasoning, inductive reasoning and mechanical ability.
- Assessment Day - Assessment Day help job seekers become familiar with the style and layout of different psychometric tests and provide a variety of practice tests
- Prospects - Provides a an overview of psychometric tests, including links out to external resources to support your practice and preparation
- Test Partnership - provides a Psychometric test guide, offering a helpful overview of why different tests are used throughout recruitment processes and limited free samples of assessments.
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