What is the BMCT®?

Bennett Mechanical Test (BMCT®)

For those in career paths that require mechanical knowledge, the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test, or BMCT, is often required. This aptitude test is used by employers and schools to determine if an applicant has a basic understanding of mechanics and how to solve mechanical problems. Because the ability to solve mechanical problems is needed in many career paths, a high score on the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test shows an aptitude for the types of skills needed in a chosen vocation. Here is a closer look at what is on this test and what Bennett Mechanical Test prep would be the most helpful. This test has been used for over 50 years and is considered a reliable and valid way to determine an individual’s aptitude in mechanical and technical work.
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What is on the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test?

The Bennett Mechanical Test includes a total of 68 questions. Test takers will take either Form S or Form T, and both of these include 68 questions covering 18 different categories. These test questions present frequently encountered mechanisms and situations, and require a basic working knowledge of mechanical operations and physical laws. In general, the test is not an academically intense test, but rather a basic overview of a person’s understanding of physical laws and the individual’s spatial perception and tool knowledge.

Whether an individual takes Form S or Form T does not change the content of the Bennett Mechanical Test. The test has 136 items split into 18 categories of mechanical principles, and each form gives the test taker half of these questions. The division is as follows:

Here is a closer look at what each of these sections will cover:

• Acoustics – The acoustics section looks at the study of sound and how sound travels.
• Belt Drive – Using images and scenarios, this section will look at how belt drives function in various environments.
• Center of Gravity – The questions in this section focus on practical applications for balancing weight based on the center of gravity of an object.
• Centrifugal Force – These questions look at the force applied to rotating
• Electricity – These questions require a basic understanding of electricity and electrical applications in practical settings.
• Gears – Using images and diagrams, the test taker will be asked to predict the way in which a series of gears will move.
• Gravity and Velocity – This section requires a basic knowledge of the force of gravity and how velocity affects moving objects, including falling objects and swinging pendulums.
• Heat – Test takers must be able to show a basic knowledge of heat energy and how it is transferred in practical applications.
• Hydraulics – This section focuses on the individual’s ability to understand the mechanical properties of liquids.
• Inertia – These questions require a basic knowledge of the law of inertia.
• Levers – Using diagrams and pictures, these questions will ask test takers about the movement of objects using levers.
• Optics – This section tests the individual’s knowledge of how light behaves.
• Planes and Slopes – Planes and slopes are critical mechanical concepts that test takers will need to fully understand.
• Pulley Systems – This section typically gives a diagram of a pulley system or two, then asks a question about what will happen when force is applied to the pulleys pictured.
• Resolution and Forces – This section tests the test taker’s understanding of how force applied to an object will make that object move.
• Shape and Volume – These questions require a basic knowledge of geometric shapes and how to find the volume of different shaped containers.
• Structures – Given various structures, an individual must be able to calculate sums.
• Miscellaneous – Additional test questions that do not fit into the above categories will be included in the miscellaneous section.

Though these sections sound complex, the test is designed to be fairly simple for those with a basic understanding of mechanics. Reviewing these basic concepts is an excellent way to prepare for this test. Test questions are considered to be at a junior high level.

How Is the Bennett Mechanical Test Taken?

An important part of Bennett mechanical test prep is understanding the format of the test. This test is a timed test that gives the test taker 30 minutes to answer 68 multiple choice questions. The goal of the test is to evaluate the test taker’s natural or instinctive mechanical thinking, rather than educational knowledge. The test is taken online, often as part of the job or school application process, and does not require a testing center. Most people who have to take the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test will do so at their place of potential employment or through the school they are applying to.

Who Takes the Bennett Mechanical Test?

The Bennett Mechanical Test is taken by those applying for schools or jobs that require basic mechanical knowledge, such as:

• Aeronautics
• Carpenters
• Auto mechanics
• Plumbers
• Engineers
• Equipment operators
• Electricians
• Truck drivers

Bennett Mechanical Test Prep Tips

If you are going to need to take the Bennett Mechanical Test, you will want to brush up on some basic science, math and physics concepts. Most of the questions on the test are not mathematically based, but rather ask you to come to a conclusion based on an image and your understanding of basic principles of physics. For instance, you may be shown a picture of two people carrying something heavy supported on a pole between them. One person is standing closer to the item than the other. You will be asked which one is carrying more weight based on their position.

The key to succeeding in this test is tackling some mechanical test practice before hand. Looking at Bennett mechanical test samples will give you a clear picture of the types of questions on the test, so you can answer them quickly and accurately. Since speed is so important for this test, preparation is also important, because it will give you confidence in your abilities as you start the test.