CAST Practice Test

What is the CAST Test?

The CAST or California Science Test is used by employers to test applicants who want to work in trades that have to do with maintenance and repairs (such as electrical repair) or construction jobs. The test will show employers an applicant’s natural ability to take in new information and their learning ability. This will determine if an applicant has what it takes to succeed at a job.

The CAST has four different sections to complete. There are 110 multiple choice questions in total and it takes around 87 minutes to finish the test once it starts. Each section is done in paper and pencil. There are no calculators allowed and there are no online versions of the CAST test. You will take the test in person after you have finished studying for it.

What is the CAST Test Preparation?

CAST test preparation will help you prepare properly for the exam so you can achieve your ideal score for the job you are applying for. It will allow you to get that perfect trade or construction job you want.

The Topics You Need To Know:

Graphic Arithmetic

This portion of the CAST test contains 16 multiple choice questions that you will have to complete in 30 minutes. It will test your ability to understand how to interpret visual data such as missing dimensions and your ability to do arithmetic calculations. You should expect to see various pictures in this section.

Mathematical Usage

Consisting of 18 questions, the mathematical usage potion will challenge your ability to quickly work through high school level algebra, basic unit conversions (Ex: 1 quart = 2 pints), and basic arithmetic (multiplication, subtraction, addition, division) without the use of a calculator. You have 7 minutes to complete this part of the test.

Mechanical Concepts

The mechanical concepts portion has 44 multiple choice questions that you will have to finish in 20 minutes. It will test your understanding of mechanical principles. There will be a lot of mechanical terminology and concepts.

Reading Comprehension

The reading comprehension part has 32 questions that you have to complete in 30 minutes. This portion will test your ability to pull the most important information in a text and use it to answer specific questions.

What Is A Good Score On The CAST Test

After you finish the exam you will have to wait for your test to be scored. It will be scored cumulatively. You will not receive a specific score of how you did on each section. You will only get a score ranging from 1 to 10. The best possible score that you can get is a 10. The score you get will be relative to the job you have applied for. There is not one score that applies for every employer. Each employer will have their own minimum cutoff.

How To Do Well On The CAST Test?

Preparing with the right materials on the CAST test is the best way to do well on it. In order to make sure you make the cutoff you should utilize these points:

1. Find out what the cutoff score is for the job you want. Knowing the cutoff score you need will help you understand where you need to be when practicing for the exam.
2. Practice as much as possible. The more you practice for the test the more you will understand how the exam works. You will become more confident as you practice more which will boost your confidence.
3. Take a practice exam with no practice beforehand and score it to see how much preparation you will need.
4. Make a study plan

4. Decide on a date to take the CAST test so that you can create a realistic timeline for when you want to get all your preparation done.
5. Use a CAST test preparation to get to your goal.
6. Take a practice exam at the end of each week to see your improvement.
7. Remember to take breaks from studying. It is easy to get mentally burnt out from studying so much. Make sure you give yourself enough time to rest your mind throughout your studying sessions.

5. Don’t wait until the last minute. Cramming is stressful and hard to do. Learning everything you need to know for the CAST test will take time so try to make a plan to avoid cramming.
6. Ask for help if you need it. Finding help to figure out certain questions you get stuck on will make it easier to understand everything you will need to know.

Being as prepared as possible before taking the test will ensure you get the job you want. Sometimes employers will allow you to retake the exam but it is not something you should bet on. Getting your ideal score the first time around is the best way to go about taking the CAST test.

What is Test Day Like?

Test days for each company may be different. However, the procedures and what you need to bring will be the same everywhere you take the test:

• The proctor will get you prepared. Most likely check your I.D. and hand out pencils.
• You should try to arrive 15 minutes early so that you have enough time to get settled down if there are a lot of people or for any hiccups that may occur
• Do not bring any extra personal belongings except for maybe your car keys. You will only need your I.D. for the test.
• Calculators and dictionaries are not allowed to be used for the test. You are expected to know any terminology and to be able to do any necessary calculations by hand.
• Call an employer ahead if you have any questions that can only be answered by them such as if you need accommodations for a disability.

It is important to get good sleep the night before so you are well rested and sharp for the test. To avoid cramming you should try to be as prepared as possible the day before you are scheduled to take the exam.