Learn how to Pass CAST Test and Get your Dream Job

The bar has never been set higher for skilled labourers.

Whether you’re someone that’s aiming to land a job at a construction company as a construction worker, repairman, electrician, or even carpenters, then it is very likely that you will first be invited to take and pass their pre-employment exam before your application can be given any actual consideration.

In addition, it is also more likely that this exam will be the Construction and Skilled Trades (CAST) System Examination.

It doesn’t matter if you’re already a skilled hand with a lot of notches to their belt and has mastered the craft or if you’re just starting out, if the company wants you to pass CAST test score expectations, then you must do so and even exceed them.

That’s right, you shouldn’t just meet their expectations. Instead, you should exceed them by going well above the minimum score that they have in mind for the available position.

The reason behind this? Well, since you’re applying for a job, this means that your CAST test score will be compared with that of other applicants.

You can already see where this is going: the one with the higher score will be given prioritization while the rest will either be tended to later in case the ‘best’ one didn’t pass the interview process or are completely ignored if they did well in the rest of the hiring process.

So, let’s take a look at a few things that can help improve your chances of passing the CAST test.

1. There will be a lot of calculations involved, so sharpen your math skills well

This is practically the main feature of the CAST exam.

As someone wanting a job in skilled trade, you must prove to your prospective employer that you can make the necessary measurements, calculations, adjustments, and estimations needed for the profession.

This can range from you needing to convert measurements from one system to another, what amount of force is needed to stop or move a particular object with a specific weight along with other variables such as surface friction and inclination, to even calculating how long something, such as paint or cement, may dry based on available information.

Remember: Even the slightest of errors can cost the company a lot of money if the mistake compromises the structure or quality of your work.

Other topics included in the CAST test are basic arithmetic and highschool-level algebra.

So, look up some online resources or even a CAST practice test so that you can sharpen your calculation skills.

You will also encounter questions that utilize a graphic of sorts like floor plans, designs, or blueprints so some understanding of them can improve your chances of getting a higher score.

It should be noted that you will not be allowed to bring a calculator with you during the actual exam so you will need to learn how to do the calculations in your head or with a scratch paper if one is provided to you by the company.

2. Read up on mechanical concepts well

Depending on what position you are applying for, your CAST test may include a number of questions revolving around mechanical concepts such as pulleys, levers, simple machines, and many others.

While most questions aim to know if you have sufficient knowledge on mechanical concepts such as how each of them works, it is not uncommon for them to be calculation-based as well.

In the case of the latter, this can range from you needing to count how many rotations a gear performed after a bike traveled a certain distance to you needing to figure out how large a lever should be for a particular situation along with other variables.

Gravity and centrifugal force will also be part of the possible topics that will be covered in this section.

3. Your reading comprehension will also be tested

As a skilled laborer, you will also need to prove in the CAST exam that you can understand written and spoken instructions well.

During a project or task, it is very likely that there will be special instructions from the project manager, foreman, for supervisor due to a problem with materials, location, or even just due to the pickiness of the client.

On the other hand, the CAST test also uses these questions to know if you can understand plans, procedures, or even the contract that you’re about to sign.

Fortunately, the questions will revolve around basic reading comprehension where you will need to read a passage then answer a question relating to its message or intent.

lead photo by Ivan Samkov from Pexels