Having done more than a few mechanical tests on the internet today, I found this test has a more diverse set of question than the others.
SHL Style Mechanical Comprehension Tests
SHL’s mechanical comprehension test is used in the recruitment process to assess candidates’ knowledge of mechanics. It’s commonly encountered when applying for a technical position within an engineering firm, manufacturing company, or the armed forces.
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Free example SHL style mechanical questions
The three questions below serve as an example of the types of questions you’ll find on an SHL mechanical comprehension test. Have a go at working through the questions, then check your answers against the solutions underneath.
For more practice questions, see our free mechanical reasoning questions and answers. Each example question includes an answer explanation. For specific mechanical tests, check out our pages on Bennett mechanical tests and Ramsay mechanical tests.
What is the maximum weight that this lever could lift?
A) 100kg B) 200kg C) 300kg D) 400kg
Question 2
What force is required to lift the weight using the pulley?
A) 10kg B) 20kg C) 30kg D) 40kg
Question 3
If oil and water were added to a flask, which of the following would occur?
Solutions
1) The formula to calculate the force required to lift a weight using a lever is:
w x d1 = f x d2
w = weight
d1 = distance from fulcrum to weight
f = force needed to lift weight
d2 = distance from fulcrum to point where force is applied
If we plug what we can see from the diagram into the formula we are left with the following equation: ? x 40 = 400 x 40
? x 40 = 16,000
16,000 / 40 = 400
So the answer is D) 400kg
2) To calculate the force needed to lift the weight we need to identify how many of the sections of rope are load-bearing. Here there are 2 sections that are supporting the weight, meaning we divide the total weight by 2.
60/2 = 30
So the answer is C) 30kg
3) Oil is less dense than water so will sit on the surface.
So the answer is D).

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SHL Style Mechanical Comprehension Tests FAQs
Are SHL mechanical comprehension tests difficult?
The questions on the SHL mechanical comprehension test vary in difficulty: some will be straightforward and others very challenging. The difficulty of the test is increased by its timed nature and the rapid pace required to complete all the questions. Preparing using timed practice tests will ensure you are well equipped to pass your test.
How are SHL mechanical comprehension tests scored?
SHL test scores are comparative, which means that your raw score is compared to a comparison group (or to comparison standards) chosen by your prospective employer or your recruiter. You’ll receive a percentile score, which will reveal your position relative to the comparison group. If you receive a percentile score of 85, this means you’ve scored better than 85% of candidates in your comparison group, not that you’ve answered 85% of the questions on the test correctly.
How long is an SHL mechanical comprehension test?
The mechanical comprehension test is a relatively short test by SHL standards, lasting only 10 minutes. To pass, you’ll need to be able to work rapidly through the 15 questions in the test, without compromising your accuracy.
What knowledge of mechanical comprehension does an SHL test cover?
To succeed on your SHL test, you’ll need to feel confident identifying and applying key principles, such as force, movement, hydraulics, velocity, and simple electronics. Questions are likely to involve gears, levers, pulleys, belts, and circuits.
SHL Style Mechanical Comprehension Tests Tips
1Brush up on your mechanical knowledge
The SHL test will assess your understanding of technical mechanical elements such as levers, springs, pulleys, gears, and electrical circuits, as well as principles such as force, motion, and energy. It will require a good knowledge of tools and terminology, alongside awareness of how different mechanical components operate. This is a test that requires existing knowledge, so make sure yours is strong.
2Complete as many practice tests as possible
SHL has a practice mechanical comprehension test on its website, so be sure to try this. To achieve a high score on the test, you’ll need to hone your pace and freshen your skills by completing multiple online practice tests.
3Take the test in appropriate surroundings
To increase your chances of success, sit your mechanical comprehension test in a quiet environment, free from distractions. You’ll need to work at a fast pace, so you cannot afford any interruptions or diversions of your attention. Make sure you have everything you need, including a piece of paper for jotting down calculations.
4Check your equipment before the test
Before you begin the test, ensure your browser is updated and your internet connection is stable. The next question in the mechanical comprehension test loads once you’ve clicked submit on the one before, so you’ll want a good internet connection to ensure the questions load rapidly throughout the test.
5Read the questions carefully
Mechanical comprehension questions involve diagrams depicting different mechanical scenarios. Take the time to absorb the information that is being presented to you, so you can deduce its implications and perform the correct calculation. You need to work at a steady pace, but don’t rush, as this will lead you to overlook the details and make unnecessary mistakes.
Mechanical Reasoning Video Tutorials
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Mechanical Reasoning 01
20 Questions|20 Minutes
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Mechanical Reasoning 02
20 Questions|20 Minutes
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Mechanical Reasoning 03
20 Questions|20 Minutes
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Reviews of our Mechanical Reasoning tests
What our customers say about our Mechanical Reasoning tests
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Rocksalot
Pakistan
May 03, 2023
Good diversity in questions
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Michael Lockwood
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April 21, 2023
Interesting and challenging
I like the fact that it has a wide array of questions. It makes you think about what your answer might be, so you don't rush to an answer
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Joshua Burns
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April 13, 2023
I like the 'show solution' feature
I like how there is a solution with reasoning. It helps with understanding concepts that I'm not sure of.
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DMack
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March 24, 2023
Understanding polarity and revolutions per second concept
I liked that this test switch up the thinking method to find each answer. Each question made you think with a different logic.
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Valentin Nuñez
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March 22, 2023
Pay attention to detail
I like that it was simple, however it doesn’t have much detail on its questions forcing you to imagine and use as much logic as possible.
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Russell Clanton
United States of America
February 08, 2023
Easy to learn
I like how much they explain every answer to the question thoroughly to help understand the answer better
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Rick Granato
United States of America
January 18, 2023
The type of questions to expect
I like that I was given an idea on what to expect. I am going to need to take a test if I am offered a job that I signed up for.
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Chris Shannon
United States of America
December 29, 2022
thank you
i liked the test, it challenged me a lot, hopefully i do well on my real life test with this knowledge.
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Nate Pellerin
United States of America
December 09, 2022
Math
I thought it was pretty straightforward but maybe a couple questions could use a little more clarity
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Lopes Jorge Macuácua
Mozambique
November 08, 2022
The most important thing to know about machinery
I liked all things, the questions were easy and clear too, I'm so happy to be able to participate in these classes.