Engineering Assessment Tests 2026. Practice Guide.

1. Introduction

Not sure if you should practice to prepare for engineering assessment tests? Research shows 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude test results. Research has shown that practice increases your chances of getting hired.

In a nutshell:

How to prepare for the engineering assessment process and get the job?

1. Complete Your Online Job Application

• Fill in your online job application for the engineering role.
• Align your application with standard engineering skills and competencies.
• Attach your CV and ensure it relates to the job description.

2. Practice for Engineering Assessment Tests

Companies in the engineering industry use different assessment tests to measure your cognitive abilities and behaviours during the engineering hiring process. These tests may include the following:

• Numerical Reasoning Tests
• Logical Reasoning Tests
• Situational Judgement Tests
• Personality Tests

These tests sift out 50-80% of candidates at this stage during the engineering application process. Some engineering companies may send a report on your performance and areas where you need to improve.

3. Record Mock Video Interviews of Yourself

Prepare for your engineering interviews by running mock interviews and answering typical company interview questions. For engineering interview practice, use the following:

• A smartphone to record yourself
• Zoom or
• Our reliable video interview platform

Use the STAR+R method for your answers and practice each answer several times. Review your responses and enhance your interview skills.

4. Prepare for the Engineering Assessment Centre Exercises

Organisations in the engineering industry typically use an assessment centre to measure your potential and compatibility with the company and the role. These exercises may include:

• Case Study Exercises
• Presentation Exercises
• Group Exercises
• E-tray Exercises
• In-tray Exercises
• Final Interviews

Before we break down the various engineering job tests, let’s find out more about the engineering industry!

What is the Engineering Industry?

The engineering industry is the sector of the economy involved in the design, development, manufacturing, construction, and maintenance of physical systems, structures, devices, and processes using scientific and mathematical principles.

The engineering industry consists of civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, chemical engineering, automotive engineering, etc.

What companies can you apply to in the engineering industry?

The engineering industry receives hundreds of thousands of applications yearly to organisations such as:

Jaguar Land Rover	Siemens	Rolls-Royce
Arup	BMW	Boeing
Microsoft	Toyota	BAE Systems

What skills do these engineering firms look for during the engineering application process? Keep reading to find out below!

2. What Does the Engineering Industry Look For?

The engineering industry looks for different skills and competencies to find the best candidates. Depending on the role, companies within the engineering industry will typically look for some of the following skills:

Companies in the engineering industry use assessment tests from well-known test providers to assess you for these various skills. 

Read on as we explore the top engineering aptitude test providers below.

What Test Providers are Used in the Engineering Industry?

Engineering companies around the world use some well-known test providers to hire during the engineering application process. These top test providers include the following:

SHL	AON	Cubiks
Kenexa	Pymetrics	Talent Q
Cappfinity	Talegent	Saville

Now let’s go ahead and cover the engineering online assessment tests that these test providers create for engineering companies to use below.

3. Engineering Assessment Tests

What are engineering assessment tests?

Engineering assessment tests are used by companies to evaluate you for various required skills for the job. The tests you will be required to complete will vary depending on the role, the level of the role, and the company’s specific hiring process.

What assessment tests are typically used in the engineering industry?

The engineering assessment tests you can most likely expect to take for many roles include the following:

1. Numerical Reasoning Test
2. Logical Reasoning Test
3. Situational Judgement Test
4. Personality Test

Practice with our assessments ahead of your engineering job tests today!

Let’s break down each of the engineering tests and find out how you can pass them, starting with the engineering numerical reasoning test.

Engineering Numerical Reasoning Test

What is an engineering numerical reasoning test?

An engineering numerical reasoning test is an assessment that assesses your ability to work with numbers, interpret financial data, and perform calculations using questions that involve charts, graphs, and data tables through multiple-choice questions.

What does an engineering numerical reasoning test measure?

A typical engineering numerical reasoning test aims to measure your ability to carry out basic arithmetic calculations and understand and interpret data.

Watch our short video below to understand more about this type of engineering online assessment!

Let’s check out our simple, actionable tips to help you pass this engineering aptitude test below!

How to Pass an Engineering Numerical Reasoning Test

1. Revise basic mathematical concepts like graphs, ratios, and percentages. Revising basic maths will prepare you well for the engineering numerical reasoning test.
2. Practice numerical reasoning test questions. Practising example questions will help you grow familiar with the format of this type of engineering aptitude test. 
3. Improve areas where necessary. After completing practice numerical test questions, note down questions or topics that weren’t easy for you and practice to develop these areas further.
4. Take the test at a good time and in a good space. Attempt your engineering assessment when your mind is clear and in a quiet environment that allows you to focus.
5. Read instructions carefully. Read all instructions carefully for proper guidance and don’t rush through the questions without understanding what you need to do.
6. Stay calm under time pressure and double-check your calculations. This helps you avoid making simple errors that can cost you time and accuracy.

Engineering Numerical Reasoning Test Example

Did you get the correct answer? Check the bottom of the page to find out.

Apply each of our tips above while practising our example numerical test question to see how they help you during this commonly used type of engineering test.

Looking for more practice questions to prepare you for your engineering assessment? Get access to more with us!

Another engineering aptitude test you may be required to complete for an engineering role is the engineering logical reasoning test.

Engineering Logical Reasoning Test

What is an engineering logical reasoning test?

An engineering logical reasoning test is an assessment that involves analysing shapes or symbols in a sequence to identify patterns and determine what comes next in the sequence. This engineering test may also come in a numerical or written format.

What does an engineering logical reasoning test measure?

An engineering logical reasoning test aims to measure your logical thinking, pattern recognition skills, and problem-solving ability.

Check out our short video below for key details on an engineering logical reasoning test.

Let’s go ahead and cover tips that will help you pass this engineering job test.

Top 8 Tips to Pass an Engineering Logical Reasoning Test

1. Practice with tests similar to this engineering online test. This helps you get familiar with the format, and regular practice can help develop your performance.
2. Practice identifying patterns before you take this engineering online assessment test. Look for changes in the shapes in terms of size, position, and rotation.
3. Learn common logical rules such as symmetry, repetition, and mirroring. This can help you determine the sequence easily and quickly while taking this engineering online test.
4. Take this engineering online assessment test in a distraction-free area, as it helps you focus on solving each problem step-by-step and maintain your focus.
5. Read each question carefully. Carefully assess the questions presented to you in this engineering test by studying them properly to get the right answer.
6. Pay close attention to all the changes between the shapes, as they will often hold the key to the correct answer in this engineering online assessment test.
7. Read statements in context if this engineering test is presented in a written format. This makes it easier for you to arrive at logical conclusions with minimal errors.
8. Use the elimination technique by removing incorrect answers first. This reduces the available options, allowing you to reach the correct answer more quickly.

Engineering Logical Reasoning Test Example

Did you get the correct answer? Check the bottom of the page to find out.

Try and apply each of the tips we gave above while practising our example logical test question to see how they help you during this engineering test.

Practice more logical reasoning test questions with us to improve your logical skills before you take this engineering job test.

Another engineering online test you may be required to take for many engineering jobs is the engineering situational judgement test.

Engineering Situational Judgement Test

What is an engineering situational judgement test?

An engineering situational judgement test is an assessment that involves you choosing the best and worst responses or actions to potential workplace scenarios, typically related to the engineering role you applied for.

What does an engineering situational judgement test measure?

An engineering situational judgement test measures your problem-solving, decision-making, and customer service skills. This engineering test also assesses whether you align with the work approach of the engineering company you applied to.

Watch our short video below to understand more about an engineering situational judgement test:

Read on for our helpful tips to help you pass the engineering situational judgement test.

How to Pass an Engineering Situational Judgement Test

1. Understand the engineering role. Read the job description thoroughly and focus on the listed requirements to identify the key competencies needed for the role.
2. Understand the core values of the company you are applying to. Consider which options best reflect these values for the situation at hand.
3. Practice situational judgement tests to become familiar with the format and questions of this company’s online test. This helps reduce your anxiety about the test.
4. Read all instructions carefully to ensure you understand what this engineering job test requires from you and how to properly approach it.
5. Prioritise customer satisfaction and ethical decisions. Engineering situational judgement tests often try to evaluate how you would interact with customers.
6. Be authentic and self-reflective. Answer the questions honestly by considering how you align with the engineering industry’s standards and acceptable practices.

Practice for this engineering online assessment using our practice situational judgement test questions!

Organisations in the engineering industry may also look to assess your personality using an engineering personality test.

Engineering Personality Test

What is an engineering personality test?

An engineering personality test is an online questionnaire featuring statement-based ratings, situational judgement scenarios, and forced-choice questions. This engineering test typically consists of a series of simplified questions, ranging from 50 to 200.

What does an engineering personality test measure?

An engineering personality test aims to measure your work preferences, working style, and workplace behaviours in line with the company’s values and culture. It evaluates how you align with the company, its values, and its approach.

Watch our short video below to further understand what the engineering personality test measures.

So, how do you pass an engineering personality test? Find out with our top tips below!

How to Pass an Engineering Personality Test

1. Read the job description carefully. Pay attention to the requirements of the engineering role, as this will help you determine the desired attributes for the role.
2. Research the company and the role you are applying for. This will help you determine what workplace behaviours the company would prefer for the role and the employee.
3. Understand the company’s values and desired competencies. This further helps you know what ethics and behaviours the company wants in its workforce and aligns with them.
4. Practice personality tests. Practice with personality questionnaires to familiarise yourself with the test format before taking this engineering test.
5. Be honest with your responses. Your answers should reflect who you truly are. If you’re not sure, go with your gut feeling on the answer that closely reflects you.
6. Consider your previous experiences and how your working style and personality apply to the engineering role you applied for.

Prepare for your engineering personality test by understanding your workplace preferences with our personality test.

After the online assessment stage, for most companies, you will be invited to complete some engineering interviews.

4. Engineering Interviews

What are engineering interviews?

Engineering interviews are typically conducted to get to know you better in terms of your experience, skills and abilities and to assess your technical knowledge and cultural fit with the company.

What are the types of engineering interviews?

Engineering interviews can come in different types. You can expect companies to use one or a few of the following types of interviews:

Prepare for your engineering interviews by practising some typical engineering interview questions with our video interview tool!

Below are our important tips to help you pass your engineering interviews.

Top Tips to Pass Engineering Interviews

1. Know the company. Research the company to understand its core values, strategic goals, and recent industry trends to tailor your responses effectively.
2. Practice mock interviews. Rehearse technical questions with friends or practice interview tools. Time yourself to ensure concise, well-structured responses.
3. Practice with common interview questions used in the engineering industry. This will prepare you to answer any common questions that may come up in the interview.
4. Practice technical skills. Review technical concepts or knowledge that is required for the role to help you handle technical questions with confidence.
5. Structure your answers. Apply the STAR+R method for competency questions to ensure clarity and a good logical structure that highlights your skills well.
6. Showcase strong communication skills. Speak clearly, confidently, and concisely. Ensure your answers flow and are easy to follow and understand.
7. Demonstrate professionalism and confidence. Maintain good body language, clear communication, and a composed demeanour. Show enthusiasm for the role and industry.

Let’s use the tips above to practice some common engineering interview questions.

Engineering Interview Questions and Answers

Some common engineering interview questions you can typically expect include:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Explain your approach to tackling complex engineering challenges.
• Describe your ongoing efforts to learn and improve your engineering skills.
• Explain why you are interested in the role and how it aligns with your career goals.
• Tell me about a time you worked on a team project. What was your role?
• Describe a situation where you faced a tight deadline. How did you manage it?
• Have you ever made a mistake in an engineering task? How did you handle it?
• Give an example of a time you had to explain a complex idea to someone without a technical background.

Read on as we give example answers to some of the engineering interview questions.

Question 1: Tell me about yourself.

Good Answer: 

Watch our short video below for tips on how to answer the common engineering interview question, ‘Tell me about yourself’: 

Question 2: Explain your approach to tackling complex engineering challenges.

Good Answer:

When I’m faced with a complex engineering challenge, I start by breaking the problem down into smaller components so I can understand the root causes and key constraints. I like to gather any available data, then consider which principles or formulas apply, and whether simulations or calculations can help predict outcomes.

If I’m unsure about a certain aspect, I look into technical documentation, similar case studies, or reach out to colleagues for input, as collaboration often reveals options I hadn’t considered. Once I have a potential solution, I try to test it through a small-scale prototype before applying it at full scale.

I’ve found that remaining systematic but open-minded helps me avoid tunnel vision. I always finish by checking if the solution is not only effective but also safe, cost-efficient, and practical to implement.

Question 3: Describe a situation where you faced a tight deadline. How did you manage it?

Good Answer:

Discover even more engineering interview questions to practice with for your next engineering interview using our Question Identifier Tool!

After the interview stage, many companies may invite you to an engineering assessment centre.

5.  Engineering Assessment Centre

What is an engineering assessment centre?

An engineering assessment centre is typically used by most companies as the last stage of their recruitment process. The engineering assessment centre involves participating in some exercises to measure your potential and skills.

What to expect in an engineering assessment centre?

A typical engineering assessment centre will require you to complete some exercises. The engineering assessment centre may be held online or in person at a specific location and may include one or several of the following exercises:

1. Case Study Exercise
2. Presentation Exercise
3. Group Exercise
4. E-tray Exercise
5. In-tray Exercise
6. Final Interview

Let’s go ahead and learn more about these exercises, starting with the engineering case study exercise.

Engineering Case Study Exercise

What is an engineering case study exercise?

An engineering case study exercise involves reviewing engineering designs or engineering data to analyse, identify problems or findings, and provide recommendations to resolve them.

What does an engineering case study exercise measure?

An engineering case study exercise measures your ability to apply engineering principles, analytical thinking, and practical judgment to a real-world problem.

Read on for tips we have curated to help you pass this engineering exercise.

5 Top Tips to Pass an Engineering Case Study Exercise

1. Understand the company’s values, mission, and approach to problem-solving. This helps you reflect on them in how you approach your analysis and solutions.
2. Structure your analysis logically. Use a clear framework to organise your response, ensuring clarity and good flow.
3. Use data to support your conclusions. Quantify your analysis with proper data, analysis or benchmarking to provide evidence-based recommendations.
4. Balance compliance with commercial impact. Show awareness of necessary regulations and business objectives, ensuring practical and ethical decision-making.
5. Manage your time well. Allocate time for reading, analysis, and structuring your response to avoid rushed conclusions or incomplete recommendations.

The next engineering assessment centre exercise you are likely to face is the engineering presentation exercise.

Engineering Presentation Exercise

What is an engineering presentation exercise?

An engineering presentation exercise typically involves you creating and delivering a presentation based on a given topic that will be assigned to you ahead of the assessment day or at the beginning of the exercise.

What does an engineering presentation exercise measure?

An engineering presentation exercise measures your ability to analyse information, structure key points, and communicate effectively under time constraints.

Below are 7 top tips to help you ace an engineering presentation exercise.

7 Top Tips to Pass an Engineering Presentation Exercise

1. Remember the company’s values. Endeavour to reflect these behaviours throughout your presentation, as you will be assessed against them. 
2. Read the presentation brief carefully so that you do not miss out on the important information provided in the brief and to ensure your presentation is accurate and informative.
3. Understand the topic. Prioritise the most relevant points under the topic and make them the cogent points of your presentation.
4. Structure your presentation. Begin with a clear introduction, divide the content into connected sections that flow seamlessly, and conclude with a good summary and recommendations.
5. Use visual aids in your slides if allowed. In engineering, make sure to use stats, data, and credible references for your presentation.
6. Practice your presentation. After structuring, you need to practice your presentation several times to improve your delivery. 
7. Practice with time constraints. Time yourself while you practice your presentation to ensure you are delivering within the time limit and adjust any aspect that may be time-consuming. 

The next activity you may face during the engineering assessment centre is the engineering group exercise.

Engineering Group Exercise

What is an engineering group exercise?

An engineering group exercise involves you getting paired with other candidates to analyse a given issue or scenario. This engineering assessment centre exercise puts you in a team and evaluates how the analysis is carried out.

What does an engineering group exercise measure?

An engineering group exercise measures your ability to collaborate, communicate, and work effectively in a team setting.

Watch our video below for a proper breakdown of what the engineering group exercise is about: 

Let’s check out our top tips that can help you pass your next engineering group exercise.

7 Top Tips to Pass an Engineering Group Exercise

1. Understand the company’s values and embody them during this exercise. This would help show that you would be a good fit for engineering and the role. 
2. Contribute actively to the discussion, as it is key that you show your communication skills during the exercise.
3. Maintain relaxed body language while speaking to your fellow team members. Speak clearly and in a calm tone to demonstrate your confidence and engagement.
4. Check the time to ensure the team completes the task within the given time limit. Take ownership of this and provide regular updates during the discussion.
5. Ask questions and request clarification from the recruiters in case something is not clear. This could also help gain further relevant information that your team can use.
6. Involve others and allow all inputs from candidates to be considered. Involve the quieter members of the group by asking about their thoughts.
7. Avoid speaking over others. Present your point politely by building on top of your team’s points and persuading others about your ideas. 

The next engineering assessment centre exercise you can anticipate is the engineering e-tray exercise.

Engineering E-tray Exercise

What is an engineering e-tray exercise?

An engineering e-tray exercise is a computer-based test that typically involves a simulated email inbox where you respond to emails, analyse data, and prioritise urgent tasks within a set time limit.

What does an engineering e-tray exercise measure?

An engineering e-tray exercise measures your ability to manage tasks, prioritise tasks, and make decisions under pressure.

Read on for our quick tips on how to pass an engineering e-tray exercise.

5 Top Tips to Pass an Engineering E-tray Exercise 

1. Read instructions carefully. Before starting, take a moment to understand the task requirements, email format, and response expectations. Misinterpreting instructions can lead to mistakes.
2. Prioritise tasks effectively. Identify the most urgent and important emails first. Focus on client requests, regulatory deadlines, and technical issues.
3. Pay attention to the details. Some emails may contain data, client requests, or policy updates. Carefully review the information before making decisions. Overlooking key details can be costly in engineering.
4. Use a logical approach to decision-making. When making recommendations, consider available data, company policies, and potential risks. Companies want to see structured, well-reasoned decisions.
5. Manage time wisely. You’ll have multiple emails to process within a time limit. Don’t spend too much time on one task, and ensure all key emails are addressed.

The next engineering assessment centre exercise you can anticipate is the engineering in-tray exercise.

Engineering In-tray Exercise

What is an engineering in-tray exercise?

An engineering in-tray exercise involves a work scenario and a list of tasks that you must complete within a time frame. These tasks could include replying to complaints, writing reports, evaluating engineering designs, or analysing.

What does an engineering in-tray exercise measure?

An engineering in-tray exercise measures your ability to manage workload, prioritise tasks, and make decisions under pressure.

Below are top tips for you to consider to help you pass the engineering in-tray exercise.

5 Top Tips to Pass an Engineering In-tray Exercise 

1. Familiarise yourself with the company’s values. Understanding this will help you showcase how you align with the company’s core values.
2. Practice decision-making skills, especially those taken under pressure. Go through mock scenarios and brush up on your decision-making. 
3. Brush up on your written communication skills. For example, writing emails, letters and memos will require strong written communication skills.
4. Keep calm. The engineering in-tray exercises often require deep focus. Taking deep breaths may help you keep your composure and concentration.
5. Make informed decisions by relying effectively on the support materials provided by your recruiters.

Practice the engineering assessment centre exercises with us to improve your skills and performance.

After the exercises, many companies conclude the assessment centre with a final interview.

Engineering Final Interview

What is an engineering final interview?

An engineering final interview is the last stage where you meet with department heads, senior managers, HR managers, or team leads. This engineering interview will typically look to understand more about your skills, experience, and motivations.

What does an engineering final interview measure?

An engineering final interview will typically measure your technical skills, industry knowledge, potential, and cultural fit with the company before making a hiring decision.

Read on for important tips to use for your engineering interview questions and answers to help pass your engineering final interview.

6 Top Tips to Pass a Final Engineering Interview

1. Familiarise yourself with the company. Take your time to research and understand the company’s culture and desired competencies in employees.
2. Remember the company’s values. Tailor your answers to the engineering interview questions to reflect how you embody the company’s values.
3. Practice beforehand. Always practice your answers to some example engineering interview questions. This will help ensure you are properly prepared.
4. Leverage your experience when giving your answers to the engineering interview questions. Use the STAR+R model to properly structure your answers.
5. Demonstrate good body language. Your attitude and responsiveness are also being taken into consideration during this engineering interview.
6. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer(s) about the role and engineering. This final interview is also a chance for you to ask any questions you may have.

What questions can I ask in the engineering final interview?

Prepare for your engineering interview questions with our engineering interview question and answer practice sets to improve your technique!

And with this, we have covered all you need to know about engineering assessment tests and the engineering recruitment process of many global companies.

But wait, before you go!

Keep reading below for common FAQs about engineering assessment tests.

6. Engineering Assessment Tests FAQs