EEI Cast Test

Graphic arithmetic

You will have 30 minutes to complete 16 questions in your CAST Graphic Arithmetic test. The test is designed to understand how proficient you are in solving arithmetic problems such as multiplication and division in long sequences from the information presented in two drawings.

It’s never quite as simple as running through a sequence though we’re afraid, oftentimes the two images and information presented will be missing key numbers, and the question asks you to figure out what they are.

All 16 questions are multiple-choice, and later questions may ask for answers based on an earlier image or calculation. So be sure to pay attention and stay focussed throughout.

Mechanical concepts

This section of the test is shorter at 20 minutes but consists of 44 multi-choice questions. Meaning your attention to detail and ability to work under pressure will be put to the test, as well as your natural instinct for mechanical troubleshooting.

The mechanical concepts section is where you will be required to demonstrate how skilled you are in core mechanical principles including, but not limited to, gears, gravity, shapes, pulleys, centrifugal force and levers.

If you’re already a skilled mechanic or tradesperson, the chances are, you will be knowledgeable enough in all of these principles. But having less than 30 seconds to read and answer each question isn’t a lot of time. Practising CAST tests under timed conditions will help you prepare for the speed required and allow your skills to shine through.

Reading for comprehension

Whilst you might be applying for a hands-on technical job, having the ability to comprehend passages of written information is crucial, as often safety advice and equipment instructions will be delivered in this format.

In the reading for comprehension section of your CAST test, you will be presented with 4 long passages of text and expected to answer 8 questions for each of them. That’s 32 questions, and you have 30 minutes to complete this.

It’s recommended to take your time initially reading through each paragraph rather than skimming through. The 8 questions will be looking for detail, and without absorbing that on the initial reading, you may waste time having to go backwards, or even get the question wrong.

Mathematical usage

Mathematical usage is the shortest of the tests at only 7 minutes for 18 multiple-choice questions.

This CAST test section is looking to measure what level of basic mathematical skill you have and will ask you to answer questions based on relational information, for example, 1 kg = 1000g. Inviting you to scale these calculations based on decimals, fractions and percentages.

If given more time, the mathematics being tested may not seem too challenging, but the sharp focus required of a participant adds considerable pressure. We recommend not dwelling on any one question for too long. If you’ve brushed up on your mathematics and practised, simply trust your instincts.

How to prepare for the EEI CAST Test

The EEI CAST test will challenge you across several disciplines and you need to be able to continue adapting to succeed. The content and the structure are the fundamentals, and while the content, meaning the specific questions, will change, the structure and style of questions always remain the same.

Practising questions and tests will sharpen your ability to adapt throughout the real test and highlight gaps in your knowledge. You should try to spend time looking at your results and seeing where and why you got something wrong - you then know you need to revise or practise this further.

Lastly, don’t panic. If you have done all the revision, practise, research and familiarisation we’ve discussed there is nothing to panic about, and it will only slow you down or cloud your judgement. Stay calm, and succeed.