2024 EDPT Test Study Guide (Practice Questions & Answers)

by Sarah Duncan

If you’re interested in a technology or computer-related job in the Air Force or Marine Corps, chances are you’ve already heard of the EDPT test.

The only problem? You may not have any clue what this test is or what it entails!

Take the EDPT Practice Test to improve your score.

This test is a crucial step in securing your dream job, so you’re going to want to do well.

A good score on your EDPT test is something that will open all kinds of doors for you further down the line.

Don’t panic – we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll be going over everything you need to know regarding the EDPT test, such as:

  • The structure of the EDPT test and what it comprises
  • How the EDPT test is scored
  • EDPT test instructions and process
  • Preparing and taking practice test.

Let’s get into it!

a person taking an exam

What is the EDPT Test and Why is it Important?

The EDPT, or Electronic Data Processing Test, is an exam that both the Air Force and Marine Corps use in order to determine who they will hire as a part of their technology or computer programming teams.

The results from the EDPT test help the recruiters gauge who has the necessary skills to be a helpful part of their workforce.

The information that is included in the EDPT test is relevant to the type of work that you will be required to carry out in the position that you are interested in applying for.

If you are looking for a job in this sector, then you will be required to take the EDPT test!

The test runs for 90 minutes and is multiple-choice. You will be awarded points for each correct answer. To get full marks on this test, you want to aim for 120 points.

This test is presented to potential technology and computer programming hires due to the style of content that is included within the test. The EDPT test will primarily measure your verbal and numerical skills, along with your capacity for logical reasoning.

Passing this test is extremely important to secure the job that you are aiming for. For this reason, there are countless EDPT study guides and EDPT practice tests out there. The importance of doing well on the EDPT test can’t be overstated!

To prepare for the EDPT test efficiently, it is important to know what kind of information you will need to know before sitting the test. The best way to do this is to consider the four primary sectors of the EDPT test.

These four primary sectors are:

  • Change Comparisons and Analogies
  • Numbers Logic
  • Algebra/Math Problems
  • Analogies.

Not only will studying these four concepts help you to prepare for the EDPT test, but it will also broaden your knowledge and improve your practical skills in technology and computer programming.

Key Components of the EDPT Test

The test assesses someone’s logical capabilities. There are 120 questions on the test, in four different areas:

Change Comparisons and Analogies:

You are shown three geometric shapes. You will then select a fourth shape that corresponds to the third in the same way the second shape speaks to the first. The fourth shape is selected from a list of multiple-choice options This is much like the object assembly portion of the ASVAB test but is supposedly more difficult.

What’s being tested in this section is one’s abstract reasoning using geometric analogies. Each test taker is asked to analyze visual information that can be reconfigured and formulated to have logical references and comparisons.

This section asks candidates to solve complex and unfamiliar problems which depend on prior knowledge and logical reasoning and assumptions.

Numbers Logic:

This portion of the test measures your ability to decode continuous patterns of numbers as well as other mental arithmetic skills. We can assume the EDPT test uses number sequencing patterns and problems because they are a great way to measure a candidate’s aptitude for pragmatism and solving problems accurately as well as quickly.

An example question may be: the following series of numbers: 1, 3, 5, 7, and ask what the next number is based on the previous number. Of course, such an easy example like this won’t be in the EDPT (the answer is 9, naturally).

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Algebra/Math Problems:

This section of the tests asks you to solve various algebra equations and word problems that make use of your understanding of algebra and your own logic.

The algebra problems in this section are reported to have very logical and neat solutions. However, there is very little information given on all aspects of the problem.

Some test takers say that they spent a lot of time on this section of the EDPT because it contains complex algebraic problems. Some of them wish that they moved on to the more easy or less time-consuming sections of the test. Again, the actual math of these problems is not the most complex but finding the most logical solution is the challenge and the real purpose of the assessment.

Analogies:

Here’s a sample analogy: “Hoof is to Horse as Paw is to (blank)” You will be given four possible answers (example: dog, octopus, zebra, alligator).

Just like the mathematical analogies, this section is assessing one’s ability to make logical and educated assumptions based on context, experience, and intuition.

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Understanding Your EDPT Score

Applicants are given 90 minutes to complete the entire test. However, most people don’t complete all the questions given within the time limit.

To get a qualifying score, you don’t need to complete every question. For the Air Force candidates the minimum score needed is between 60-71 and for the Marine Corps you need a score of at least 50.

However, some companies and positions require an average score (at least a score of 50) while others require you to score above 70 before you are even shortlisted for a position.

The test does not use negative markings, which means you won’t be penalized for incorrect answers. Instead, your score is entirely dependent on your correct answers. Because of this, it’s wise to skip the time-consuming questions in favor of quicker questions. Then you may return to those challenging questions later, if you have the time. This way you can guarantee all the easier points before hedging your bets on the more complicated answers (that may be incorrect, anyway).

Retaking the Test

Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) commanders may order an immediate retest if the original test session was done under adverse conditions (i.e., undue distractions present). This does not include illness excuses, since candidates are told not to take the test if they are sick. However, typically you can only retake after 6 months have passed.

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Navigating the EDPT Test Process

  1. You have only 90 minutes to complete the test. This means that you only have 45 seconds to answer each question.
  2. The test is done entirely on paper, with zero digital or computer options.
  3. You will be given two sheets of scratch paper and a pencil.
  4. You will not be allowed to use a calculator during the examination.
  5. The EDPT is a multiple-choice exam with 5 options for each question.
  6. If you are sick on the day of your EDPT test, you may reschedule. But if you fail and want to retake the test, you will need to wait 6 months before retesting.
  7. The required minimum test scores will depend on the position you’re being tested for. But, on average a 55-7o score is good enough.

Leveraging Practice Tests

Unfortunately, there aren’t any practice tests or study guides to take this test. There are, however, many places to practice the skills that this test assesses. Below are some links.

The best things to practice and prepare are your algebra and analytical skills. JobTestPrep offers several practice tests you might find useful.

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You should also get a good night’s sleep before the test. Remember, this is the toughest test given at MEPS and will require a lot of brainpower to complete.

Summary

The EDPT is a multiple-choice test that you need to answer in 90 minutes. The Marine Corps requires a minimum score of 50 and the Air Force requires a score of 60-71.

The test is designed to challenge and assess a person looking to work in data processing or computer programming. Because of this, most of the test will evaluate one’s basic ability to problem solve, observe, and predict numerical sequencing and use complicated algebra.

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the EDPT test?

The primary purpose of the EDPT test is to measure the verbal, numerical, and logical reasoning skills of potential technological or computer programming hires for the Air Force and Marine Corps.

This helps the recruiters determine who has the necessary skills and will be a good fit for their program.

What is the passing score for the EDPT?

While full marks for the EDPT test is 120 points, the score that you will need in order to pass EDPT depends on the position you are aiming for.

Generally, the Marine Corps requires a score of 50 or more, and the Air Force requires a score of 60-70 or more.

How often can I retake the EDPT?

If you do not pass the EDPT test on your first try, you will be able to retake the test after 6 months have passed.

The only exception to this is if the overseers of the test acknowledge that you took the test under adverse conditions, allowing you to retake the test immediately.

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