EDPT Test: Study Guide, Scores and Practice Tests
Last Updated on October 6, 2022
The Electronic Data Processing Test or EDPT is a grueling exam used by only two sectors of the US military services branches. The Air Force and the Marine Corps use the EDPT for their computer programming positions that require a high level of competency.
The test has multiple choice answers and 120 points. Each candidate is given 90 minutes to complete this challenging electronic data processing test and prove they have what their desired jobs require.
It’s important to remember: the test is not scored negatively so it’s important to answer every question regardless if you’re completely confident that it’s the correct answer. Like every teacher used to tell you, if you guess on every question in a multiple choice exam, probability says you should achieve 50%.
The EDPT Test Comprises Of:
The test is designed to assess someone’s “logic” is specific circumstances. There are 120 questions on the test, in four different areas:
Change Comparisons and Analogies:
Candidates are shown 3 geometric shapes and then are asked to select a 4th shape that corresponds to the 3rd in the same way the 2nd shape speaks to the 1st. The 4th 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 ‘logic’ 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).
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 but there is very little information given on all aspects of the problem. So test-takers have spent too much time solving for parts of the question and not the final solution.
EDPT test takers have said that they spent too much time on this section and it’s complex algebraic problems and wish they would have moved onto the more easy or less time-consuming sections of the test. Again, the actual math of these problems is not the most complex issue 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 off context, experience and intuition.
How Is the EDPT Scored?
Applicants are given 90 minutes to complete the entire test which is 120 points. But, most people don’t complete all 117 questions in the allotted time period.
To get a qualifying score you don’t need to complete every question. For the Air Force candidates the minimum scores needed is 60-71 and for the Marine Corps you need a score of 50.
However, some companies and positions require an average score (at least a score of 50) while others require you score above a 70 before you are even shortlisted for a position.
The test does not use negative-marking 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)
You Cannot Retest for the EDPT Until a Period of 6 Months Has Passed.
MEPS commanders may order an immediate retest if 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.
EDPT Test Instructions and Process
- There is only 90 minutes to complete the test, that means there is only 45 seconds to answer each of the 120 questions.
- The test is done entirely on paper, with zero digital or computer options
- You will be given two sheets of scratch paper and a pencil
- You will not be allowed to use a calculator during the examination
- There EDPT test is a multiple choice exam with 5 options in each question
- 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.
- The required minimum test scores will depend on the position you’re being tested for but on average a 55-80 score is passable. A good score is 70 onwards.
Preparing and Taking Practice Tests
Unfortunately there aren’t any practice tests or study guides as so few are asked 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.
Getting a great night’s sleep before the test will also be a good idea, since this is the toughest test given at MEPS and will require a lot of brainpower to complete.
Summary
The EDPT is multiple choice with 120 questions and 90 minutes to answer and complete it. 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 the 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.
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