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SHL Mechanical Comprehension Test

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Curcelli

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Has anyone done this test for Network Rail? Wondering what o expect and best way to prepare?

Thanks
 
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Curcelli

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Yeah I have been but wondering if there is anywhere to study the principles behind the questions?
 

ComUtoR

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You make a rash assumption that a school education will teach you the required skills for the comprehension of a mechanical system. Last I checked such comprehension is not part of the curriculum.

First; note the question mark.

Second; it is not a rash assumption whatsoever. Having sat the test and looked at various online questions and youtube videos (where this stuff is readily available) It is very basic physics. I would 100% say that most of what is on the test IS part of the national curriculum.

Lets look at a basic question about a "mechanical system"

Cog A turns left. Which way will Cog B turn ?

I learned that with Lego !

The mechanics of a pulley is very much basic physics and you will get taught that in school.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/design/systemscontrol/mechanismsrev1.shtml

Check that link. It's BBC GCSE revision website. That entire section will help you through the mechanical comprehension test.

So yes. My answer is still school.

Oh and a youtube video for some sample questions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIDnzpE0hhA Note how basic it is and the reason why I still say school. There is some very simple maths there too (8mins). I'm pretty sure I learned "12 divided by 3 is 4" very much in primary school.
 
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SkinnyDave

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Issue being that it is usually 4.1 the TOCS used which was nothing like the "if cog A moves etc"
It was horrendous and in my limited experience as a driver nothing to do with traction training. The DFFT is more appropriate in my view.
Are any TOCS using it at all now?
 

ComUtoR

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Not sure if we are using it anymore.

When I took the test it was very much cog a Vs cog b and similar questions to what the youtube video is showing. Lots of pulley and applied maths questions (like the ladder one) on mine.

Whilst not directly relative to traction. I did understand that you needed those basics and did understand why it was part of the assessment. Personally I find the Mechanical Comprehension test a bit out of date. If you have GCSE in physics/maths/science you should have that knowledge stored already and have some degree of aptitude already. My traction course had me drawing diagrams of the air system and the power unit line etc. The basic foundations the test proved that I would have the potential aptitude.

With the mechanical comprehension I came out thinking I failed and the loudmouths giving it billy big balls were sent home. As always it is about accuracy and time rather than burning through the test not reading the questions properly.

I haven't seen the DFFT or sat it so I can't really comment on how it relates to my job.

They are both suitability and aptitude tests so whilst not specifically vocation related they do show you have a fundamental understanding and helps applicant selection without bias or prejudice. You pass or don't.

*edit*
http://www.aptitude-test.com/mechanical-comprehension1.html (quick online test of 6 questions)
http://www.psychometric-success.com/faq/faq-mechanical-comprehension-tests.htm (has some sample questions)

Mine were all like that.
 
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Curcelli

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Just did the actual test and found it quite hard to be honest, I have been getting 80-100% on every mock one i've done including the SHL one but the actual test didn't really have any questions i've done so was all new to a degree.

Fingers crossed.
 

ComUtoR

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It is supposed to feel hard. The way in which it is designed is to have a degree of pressure. Keeping a cool head, taking your time and ensuring you are accurate are factors which are being tested for. I too came out feeling like I failed.

I hope you understand now why I said "school"

Good luck with the result.
 

Curcelli

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I feel like i'm gonna fail it but we'l see.

What annoys me is the questions were completely different to anything i've seen on any mock test or read about.
 

High Dyke

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I feel like i'm gonna fail it but we'l see.

What annoys me is the questions were completely different to anything i've seen on any mock test or read about.
That's an SHL test for you...:|

I've had to do a couple so far. The numerical reasoning test is really fun... NOT! Like the OP the practice questions bore little resemblance to the actual test questions, added to that the pressure of working to a time limit.
 

Mik0

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Has anyone done this test for Network Rail? Wondering what o expect and best way to prepare?

Thanks

I feel like i'm gonna fail it but we'l see.

What annoys me is the questions were completely different to anything i've seen on any mock test or read about.

Hi Curcelli, I am just wondering what materials you suggest to prepare for the test? I have one coming in the next few days.

Cheers
 

nuts & bolts

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Yeah I have been but wondering if there is anywhere to study the principles behind the questions?

There is Mechanical Comprehension reference media/material such as 'Barron's' together with 'Peterson's'. have a look on amazon or even ebay for something economical.
 
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