Succeeding in the Machinist Apprentice Exam: Essential Strategies and Tips
If a machinist apprenticeship is the next step on your career path, then you will need to start preparing for the tests you will have to do.
Employers who hand out apprenticeships are anxious to take on the people who are best suited to the program and use pre-employment tests to whittle down the list of applicants to those they feel will perform the best in the position.
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What Is the Machinist Apprentice Test?
All pre-apprenticeship exams test candidates applying for on-the-job apprenticeship training. The machinist apprentice test assesses whether you have the educational standards and abilities to perform as an apprentice.
Given that the vast majority of apprenticeships train employees in technical skills, you can expect the exam to assess your machining knowledge and skills.
What Format Does the Test Follow?
There are two different types of tests in North America:
- The Canadian version
- The USA version
They follow different formats
If you are doing the test in Canada, you need to be prepared to do one hundred multiple choice questions in a three-hour test.
If taking the exam in America, the time limit and the number of questions asked can vary. Generally, you need to score 70% on the exam.
What Types of Questions Are Asked in the Test?
Canadian Test
In the Canadian version of the exam, you can expect to be assessed in three specific areas.
- Recalling info – Your ability to recall information you have gained on a training course. You must show that you understand definitions, facts, and principles.
- Applying knowledge – Your ability to apply your knowledge to a new situation
- Critical thinking – Here you will be tested on your ability to interpret data, solve problems and arrive at accurate conclusions.
The test assesses your ability to understand the National Occupational Analysis NOA relevant to your particular trade.
In the Canadian exam, you can expect to be assessed on:
- Math – Here you will do 33 questions on arithmetic, simple algebra, and applying formulas.
- Science – The science section requires you to answer 45 questions. You will find yourself applying conversion tables, which you will be given at the test center, and interpreting diagrams and charts.
- English reading and comprehension – This section of the test assesses your ability to work with written information. You will have to do 22 questions on grammar and spelling. You will also have to read short passages and answer questions showing that you can extract information from the passages.
Try this free sample verbal reasoning test.
The US Test
The US Machinist Apprenticeship test follows a different format. This is a basic skills test and you can expect to be assessed on:
- Math – Expect questions on subtraction, multiplication, and division. You may also get algebra, geometry, and perhaps even trigonometry questions.
Try your hand at this free sample numerical test. - Reading – You will be given a passage to read and questions to answer. The questions may ask you to draw information from the passage, make inferences from the information given and show you understand the text. You may also be asked to explain the meanings of words based on the context in which they are used.
- Writing – This section assesses your knowledge of the mechanics of writing. You will be given passages with errors and a list of possible corrections to the errors. You will show your grasp of written English by selecting the best correction of each error.
Can I Prepare for the Machinist Apprenticeship Test?
Given the above factors, solid preparation is essential. When preparing for pre-employment testing, we advise using a job test preparation service.
For this, we recommend using Job Test Prep. With over thirty years of experience in preparing applicants for pre-employment testing, you can rely on them to give you accurate information on the format of the tests and reliable preparation resources.
They will give you a test prep pack containing sample tests mirrored on the real tests, a system to monitor your progress as you do the tests, and helpful study guides. When the real test comes around, you will have the confidence of knowing you have prepared thoroughly. There will be no unpleasant surprises in the tests.
To get a feel for the tests they give you, try the following free sample apprenticeship test.
Is the Machinist Apprentice Test Hard?
The exam questions are not terribly difficult if you already have some experience in carrying out technical tasks. However, there are some factors to take into consideration:
- The number of people angling for a place on an apprenticeship. You will have to prove you are a better candidate than most of them.
- The fact of doing a test with restricted time limitations and sometimes with a form of questioning that may be new to you.
- The fact that this test can determine your future career progress. People who do apprenticeships end up in well-paying jobs, and this is an opportunity you do not want to lose out on.
Carrying Out Your Preparation
Take an organized approach to your preparation for the Machinist Apprenticeship Test:
- Begin preparing as soon as you can. This will help you avoid the last-minute scramble to get everything done.
- Work to a timetable, ensuring that every part of the exam gets equal attention. Be careful of areas you do not like working on. These are generally areas that present you with the most difficulty and may need even more attention than the others.
- Build in breaks to your study routine. Try taking a 10-minute break after every 50 or so minutes of study. This will ensure you are working more effectively and will help you remember the material more easily.
- Get adequate rest and nutrition. Your brain will thank you by working better as a result.
- You will have some new material to work on. However, don’t forget to review material studied in the past.
Use Your Sample Papers
By working on papers modeled on the real tests you will:
- Become familiar with the style of questioning
- Learn to adjust to the time allowed
- Be able to monitor your progress with the scoring system
- Identify areas that are proving difficult and be able to give them more time
Approach the Test
- Well-rested – A good night’s sleep is more effective than any last-minute cramming.
- Confident – You have done your best and deserve this.
Go in there and give it all you’ve got!
If the Machinist Apprentice test is on your to-do list, go here for all the resources you need to ace it.
Written by Elizabeth O Mahony
With 25+ years’ experience as a teacher and state examinations corrector, Elizabeth now writes for the education and careers industry. Her experience preparing students for examinations and running an academy for supplementary education give her invaluable insights into what it takes for job seekers and graduates to succeed in assessments.
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Sarah is an accomplished educator, researcher and author in the field of testing and assessment. She has worked with various educational institutions and organisations to develop innovative evaluation methods and enhance student learning. Sarah has published numerous articles and books on assessment and learning. Her passion for promoting equity and fairness in the education system fuels her commitment to sharing insights and best practices with educators and policymakers around the world.
