Free CAST Practice Exam – Multiple Choice Questions and Answers

 

Exam Name	CAST Practice Exam (Construction and Skilled Trades – EEI)
Exam Provider	Edison Electric Institute (EEI)
Exam Type	Pre-Employment Aptitude Test (Utility & Skilled Trades Hiring Assessment)
Total Practice Questions	120+ Practice Questions (Mechanical + Reading + Graphic Arithmetic + Problem Solving) – Updated for 2026
Test Sections	• Graphic Arithmetic (Charts, Tables, Data Interpretation) • Reading for Comprehension (Technical Passages & Instructions) • Mechanical Concepts (Forces, Motion, Tools, Systems)
Questions in Real Exam	• Graphic Arithmetic: ~20–25 Questions • Reading Comprehension: ~15–20 Questions • Mechanical Concepts: ~40–50 Questions • Total varies by version (timed sections)
Exam Duration	• Total Time: ~90–120 Minutes • Strict time limits per section • Fast-paced testing format
Passing Score	• No universal passing score • Score is benchmarked against employer requirements • Higher scores improve hiring chances
Scoring System	Percentage-based scoring with emphasis on accuracy and speed under timed conditions
Coverage Topics	• Mechanical reasoning (gears, pulleys, levers, forces, energy) • Basic physics concepts applied to real-world tools • Reading and interpreting technical instructions • Charts, graphs, and data-based calculations • Rates, percentages, and unit conversions • Workplace problem-solving and logical reasoning
Question Format	• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) • Visual Data Interpretation (Charts & Diagrams) • Mechanical Scenario Questions • Reading & Instruction-Based Questions
Difficulty Level	Beginner to Intermediate (Speed + Accuracy Focused)
Skills Developed	• Mechanical reasoning and problem-solving • Data interpretation and quick calculations • Reading comprehension of technical material • Time management under pressure • Decision-making in real-world scenarios
Study Tips	• Practice timed questions to improve speed • Focus on basic mechanical principles (levers, gears, pulleys) • Strengthen percentage and rate calculations • Improve reading comprehension for technical passages • Review charts and graphs regularly • Avoid overthinking—focus on accuracy and efficiency
Best For	Job applicants applying for utility, construction, and skilled trades positions requiring EEI CAST assessment
Updated	2026 Latest Version

1. Mechanical Concepts

A gear with more teeth will rotate:
A. Faster
B. Slower
C. Same speed
D. Random

Answer: B
Rationale: A gear with more teeth has a larger circumference, so it takes longer to complete one full rotation. When meshed with a smaller gear, it rotates more slowly while providing increased torque.

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2. Mechanical Concepts

If a pulley system has two supporting ropes, the force required is:
A. Same
B. Half
C. Double
D. Zero

Answer: B
Rationale: A pulley system distributes the load across multiple supporting ropes. With two ropes, each supports half the load, reducing the force required by the operator.

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3. Graphic Arithmetic

If a tank holds 100 gallons and is 60% full, how many gallons are inside?
A. 40
B. 50
C. 60
D. 70

Answer: C
Rationale: 60% of 100 gallons equals 60 gallons. This type of calculation is common in CAST for interpreting charts and percentages.

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4. Reading Comprehension

Main idea questions focus on:
A. Details
B. Overall meaning
C. Grammar
D. Vocabulary

Answer: B
Rationale: Main idea questions require identifying the central theme or purpose of a passage rather than focusing on minor details.

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5. Mechanical Concepts

Increasing force on a lever increases:
A. Distance
B. Work done
C. Friction
D. Speed

Answer: B
Rationale: Work is the product of force and distance. Increasing force increases the total work performed.

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6. Mechanical Concepts

Friction acts to:
A. Increase motion
B. Oppose motion
C. Create energy
D. Reduce weight

Answer: B
Rationale: Friction resists movement between surfaces, converting kinetic energy into heat.

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7. Graphic Arithmetic

If a worker completes 20 tasks in 4 hours, what is the rate per hour?
A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 8

Answer: B
Rationale: 20 tasks divided by 4 hours equals 5 tasks per hour.

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8. Mechanical Concepts

A fixed pulley changes:
A. Force
B. Direction of force
C. Speed
D. Weight

Answer: B
Rationale: A fixed pulley redirects force but does not reduce effort required.

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9. Reading

Inference questions require:
A. Direct answers
B. Logical conclusions
C. Memorization
D. Calculation

Answer: B
Rationale: Inference involves understanding implied meanings beyond explicit text.

---

10. Mechanical Concepts

A heavier object requires:
A. Less force
B. More force
C. Same force
D. No force

Answer: B
Rationale: Greater mass requires more force to move, according to Newton’s laws.

---

11. Graphic Arithmetic

If voltage doubles and resistance stays constant, current:
A. Decreases
B. Doubles
C. Halves
D. Stays same

Answer: B
Rationale: According to Ohm’s Law, current is directly proportional to voltage when resistance is constant.

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12. Mechanical

Torque depends on:
A. Speed
B. Force and distance
C. Weight
D. Time

Answer: B
Rationale: Torque equals force multiplied by distance from pivot.

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13. Reading

Author’s tone refers to:
A. Topic
B. Attitude
C. Length
D. Grammar

Answer: B
Rationale: Tone reflects the author’s feelings toward the subject.

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14. Mechanical

Energy cannot be:
A. Created or destroyed
B. Used
C. Stored
D. Converted

Answer: A
Rationale: Law of conservation of energy states energy transforms but is not created or destroyed.

---

15. Graphic Arithmetic

If 25% of workers are absent in a team of 40, how many are present?
A. 10
B. 20
C. 30
D. 35

Answer: C
Rationale: 25% of 40 = 10 absent → 30 present.

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16. Mechanical

Hydraulic systems use:
A. Air
B. Liquid pressure
C. Heat
D. Electricity

Answer: B
Rationale: Liquids transmit force efficiently in hydraulic systems.

---

17. Mechanical

Increasing surface area reduces:
A. Pressure
B. Force
C. Work
D. Speed

Answer: A
Rationale: Pressure = Force/Area, so larger area lowers pressure.

---

18. Reading

Skimming helps to:
A. Understand details
B. Get general idea
C. Memorize
D. Analyze deeply

Answer: B
Rationale: Skimming quickly identifies main ideas.

---

19. Mechanical

A wedge is used to:
A. Lift
B. Split materials
C. Rotate
D. Pull

Answer: B
Rationale: Wedges convert force to split objects.

---

20. Graphic Arithmetic

If a machine runs 8 hours/day for 5 days, total hours =
A. 30
B. 35
C. 40
D. 45

Answer: C
Rationale: 8 × 5 = 40 hours.

---

21. Mechanical

Kinetic energy depends on:
A. Mass and velocity
B. Temperature
C. Pressure
D. Distance

Answer: A
Rationale: KE = ½ mv², depends on mass and velocity.

---

22. Mechanical

A screw converts:
A. Motion
B. Rotation to linear motion
C. Heat
D. Pressure

Answer: B
Rationale: Screws convert rotational motion into linear force.

---

23. Reading

Detail questions require:
A. Main idea
B. Specific information
C. Guessing
D. Inference

Answer: B
Rationale: These focus on exact details from passage.

---

24. Mechanical

Increasing speed increases kinetic energy:
A. Linearly
B. Quadratically
C. Not at all
D. Slightly

Answer: B
Rationale: KE depends on square of velocity.

---

25. Graphic Arithmetic

If 3 workers complete a task in 6 hours, 6 workers take:
A. 2 hours
B. 3 hours
C. 4 hours
D. 6 hours

Answer: B
Rationale: Doubling workers halves time.

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26. Mechanical

Center of gravity affects:
A. Stability
B. Speed
C. Heat
D. Pressure

Answer: A
Rationale: Lower center improves stability.

---

27. Mechanical

Potential energy increases with:
A. Height
B. Speed
C. Pressure
D. Time

Answer: A
Rationale: PE = mgh, increases with height.

---

28. Reading

Context clues help to:
A. Define words
B. Skip reading
C. Memorize
D. Calculate

Answer: A
Rationale: They help determine meaning of unfamiliar words.

---

29. Mechanical

A lever’s fulcrum is:
A. Force
B. Pivot point
C. Load
D. Effort

Answer: B
Rationale: Fulcrum is the pivot around which lever rotates.

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30. Professional Skill

Time management improves:
A. Errors
B. Efficiency
C. Risk
D. Cost

Answer: B
Rationale: Efficient time use improves performance and reduces mistakes.

31. Mechanical Concepts

If a small gear drives a larger gear, the larger gear will:
A. Spin faster
B. Spin slower
C. Spin at same speed
D. Stop

Answer: B
Rationale: A smaller driving gear rotates faster and transfers motion to a larger gear, which rotates slower but produces more torque. This principle is used in machinery where power amplification is needed.

---

32. Mechanical Concepts

Increasing the length of a lever arm will:
A. Decrease force required
B. Increase force required
C. Not change force
D. Stop motion

Answer: A
Rationale: A longer lever arm increases mechanical advantage, allowing the same load to be lifted with less effort by increasing the distance over which force is applied.

---

33. Graphic Arithmetic

A machine produces 120 units in 8 hours. What is production per hour?
A. 12
B. 15
C. 18
D. 20

Answer: B
Rationale: 120 ÷ 8 = 15 units per hour. Rate calculations are essential for productivity analysis.

---

34. Mechanical Concepts

Which device increases force at the expense of distance?
A. Pulley
B. Lever
C. Inclined plane
D. All of the above

Answer: D
Rationale: All simple machines trade distance for force, making work easier.

---

35. Reading

An author provides examples mainly to:
A. Entertain
B. Support ideas
C. Confuse readers
D. Shorten text

Answer: B
Rationale: Examples clarify and reinforce main points.

---

36. Mechanical Concepts

If resistance increases in a circuit, current will:
A. Increase
B. Decrease
C. Stay same
D. Double

Answer: B
Rationale: According to Ohm’s Law, increasing resistance reduces current.

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37. Graphic Arithmetic

If a tank is filled at 10 gallons/hour, how long to fill 80 gallons?
A. 6
B. 7
C. 8
D. 9

Answer: C
Rationale: 80 ÷ 10 = 8 hours.

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38. Mechanical Concepts

A block and tackle system increases:
A. Speed
B. Mechanical advantage
C. Weight
D. Energy

Answer: B
Rationale: Multiple pulleys distribute load, reducing required force.

---

39. Reading

The purpose of a passage is best determined by:
A. First sentence
B. Entire passage
C. Last word
D. Title only

Answer: B
Rationale: Understanding the full passage provides context.

---

40. Mechanical

Increasing mass increases:
A. Speed
B. Inertia
C. Friction
D. Pressure

Answer: B
Rationale: Heavier objects resist changes in motion more.

---

41. Graphic Arithmetic

If 40% of 200 = ?
A. 60
B. 70
C. 80
D. 90

Answer: C
Rationale: 0.4 × 200 = 80.

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42. Mechanical

A fixed pulley provides:
A. Mechanical advantage
B. Direction change only
C. Speed increase
D. Weight reduction

Answer: B
Rationale: It changes direction but not force.

---

43. Reading

Vocabulary in context means:
A. Dictionary use
B. Meaning based on surrounding text
C. Guessing
D. Memorizing

Answer: B
Rationale: Context helps determine meaning.

---

44. Mechanical

Work equals:
A. Force × distance
B. Speed × time
C. Mass × velocity
D. Pressure × area

Answer: A
Rationale: Basic physics formula.

---

45. Graphic Arithmetic

If a worker earns $15/hour for 8 hours, total pay =
A. 100
B. 110
C. 120
D. 130

Answer: C
Rationale: 15 × 8 = 120.

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46. Mechanical

Pressure increases when:
A. Area increases
B. Force increases
C. Distance increases
D. Speed increases

Answer: B
Rationale: Pressure depends on force.

---

47. Reading

A conclusion question asks:
A. Details
B. Final inference
C. Vocabulary
D. Grammar

Answer: B
Rationale: Requires logical interpretation.

---

48. Mechanical

Mechanical advantage is ratio of:
A. Output force to input force
B. Speed to time
C. Distance to force
D. Weight to height

Answer: A
Rationale: It shows efficiency of machine.

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49. Graphic Arithmetic

If 5 machines produce 100 units, each produces:
A. 10
B. 15
C. 20
D. 25

Answer: C
Rationale: 100 ÷ 5 = 20.

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50. Mechanical

Energy transfer occurs when:
A. Work is done
B. Speed increases
C. Force stops
D. Time passes

Answer: A
Rationale: Work transfers energy.

---

51. Reading

Scanning is used to:
A. Read deeply
B. Find specific info
C. Memorize
D. Analyze

Answer: B
Rationale: Quick info retrieval.

---

52. Mechanical

A longer inclined plane reduces:
A. Work
B. Force required
C. Distance
D. Energy

Answer: B
Rationale: Less force over longer distance.

---

53. Graphic Arithmetic

If a value increases from 50 to 75, % increase =
A. 25%
B. 40%
C. 50%
D. 60%

Answer: C
Rationale: (25/50)=50%.

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54. Mechanical

Acceleration occurs when:
A. Speed constant
B. Velocity changes
C. Force zero
D. Time stops

Answer: B
Rationale: Acceleration is change in velocity.

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55. Reading

Supporting details:
A. Main idea
B. Back up main idea
C. Replace idea
D. Ignore

Answer: B
Rationale: They reinforce argument.

---

56. Mechanical

A balanced system has:
A. Equal forces
B. Unequal forces
C. No motion
D. High speed

Answer: A
Rationale: Balanced forces result in equilibrium.

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57. Graphic Arithmetic

If 10% discount on $200, price =
A. 160
B. 170
C. 180
D. 190

Answer: C
Rationale: 200 – 20 = 180.

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58. Mechanical

Force equals:
A. Mass × acceleration
B. Speed × time
C. Work × distance
D. Pressure × area

Answer: A
Rationale: Newton’s second law.

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59. Reading

A summary should:
A. Include all details
B. Highlight key points
C. Add new ideas
D. Be long

Answer: B
Rationale: Summaries focus on essentials.

---

60. Professional Skill

Following instructions ensures:
A. Errors
B. Accuracy
C. Delay
D. Cost

Answer: B
Rationale: Accurate execution depends on correctly understanding and following instructions, which reduces mistakes and improves performance, especially in technical environments like utility operations.

61.

A worker uses a longer wrench to loosen a tight bolt. Why does it help?
A. Increases speed
B. Increases torque
C. Reduces friction
D. Changes weight

Answer: B
Rationale: Torque equals force multiplied by the distance from the pivot. A longer wrench increases that distance, allowing the same applied force to generate greater torque, making it easier to loosen tight bolts.

---

62.

A tank fills slowly despite full valve opening. What is most likely cause?
A. Increased pressure
B. Blockage in line
C. Larger pipe
D. Lower temperature

Answer: B
Rationale: Restricted flow typically results from obstructions such as debris or buildup inside pipes, limiting fluid movement even when valves are fully open.

---

63.

A pulley system requires less effort but moves slower. Why?
A. Energy loss
B. Mechanical advantage trade-off
C. Increased weight
D. Reduced friction

Answer: B
Rationale: Simple machines trade force for distance. While less force is required, the load must be moved a greater distance, resulting in slower movement.

---

64.

A worker misreads a chart and makes an error. What skill failed?
A. Mechanical
B. Graphic interpretation
C. Reading speed
D. Math

Answer: B
Rationale: CAST includes graphic arithmetic skills, which require accurate interpretation of charts, graphs, and data. Misreading visuals leads to incorrect decisions and calculations.

---

65.

A machine overheats during operation. Likely cause?
A. Low friction
B. Excess friction
C. High speed only
D. Low pressure

Answer: B
Rationale: Excess friction generates heat due to energy loss, often indicating poor lubrication or mechanical wear.

---

66.

A worker doubles the force applied to an object. What happens to work done (same distance)?
A. Same
B. Doubles
C. Halves
D. Zero

Answer: B
Rationale: Work = force × distance. Doubling the force while distance remains constant doubles the work done.

---

67.

A system shows uneven output among machines. What should be checked first?
A. Temperature
B. Calibration differences
C. Color
D. Size

Answer: B
Rationale: Uneven performance often indicates inconsistent calibration or maintenance issues between machines.

---

68.

A passage implies but does not state information. This requires:
A. Scanning
B. Inference
C. Skimming
D. Guessing

Answer: B
Rationale: Inference involves interpreting implied meanings based on context clues and logical reasoning.

---

69.

A worker uses incorrect formula for calculation. What is the issue?
A. Reading
B. Concept misunderstanding
C. Speed
D. Memory

Answer: B
Rationale: Using the wrong formula indicates a misunderstanding of underlying concepts rather than simple calculation error.

---

70.

A larger wheel requires more force to start moving. Why?
A. Less inertia
B. Greater inertia
C. Less friction
D. Less mass

Answer: B
Rationale: Larger objects often have more mass, increasing inertia, which resists motion changes.

---

71.

A graph shows rising output over time. What does slope indicate?
A. Time
B. Rate of change
C. Total output
D. Error

Answer: B
Rationale: The slope represents how quickly output changes over time.

---

72.

A worker reads instructions quickly but makes errors. Best improvement?
A. Read faster
B. Improve comprehension
C. Skip steps
D. Guess

Answer: B
Rationale: Accuracy depends on understanding instructions, not speed.

---

73.

A machine requires constant speed. What must remain stable?
A. Force input
B. Acceleration
C. Time
D. Distance

Answer: A
Rationale: Consistent force ensures stable operation.

---

74.

A chart shows declining performance. What action is needed?
A. Ignore
B. Investigate cause
C. Increase speed
D. Reduce data

Answer: B
Rationale: Declines indicate underlying issues requiring analysis.

---

75.

A system loses efficiency due to leaks. What is effect?
A. Increased output
B. Energy loss
C. Reduced friction
D. Faster speed

Answer: B
Rationale: Leaks waste energy and reduce performance.

---

76.

A worker estimates instead of calculating precisely. Risk?
A. Accuracy loss
B. Speed increase
C. Efficiency
D. None

Answer: A
Rationale: Estimation can lead to errors in technical tasks.

---

77.

A heavy load moves slowly despite high force. Likely cause?
A. Low friction
B. High friction
C. Low mass
D. High speed

Answer: B
Rationale: Friction opposes motion, reducing speed.

---

78.

A reading passage uses technical terms. Best strategy?
A. Skip
B. Use context clues
C. Guess
D. Ignore

Answer: B
Rationale: Context helps determine meaning without stopping.

---

79.

A worker divides workload equally among team. Benefit?
A. Inefficiency
B. Balanced productivity
C. Delay
D. Cost

Answer: B
Rationale: Equal distribution improves efficiency.

---

80.

A graph shows sudden drop. What does it indicate?
A. Stability
B. Sudden change/problem
C. Growth
D. Efficiency

Answer: B
Rationale: Sharp declines indicate issues requiring attention.

---

81.

A machine stops due to overload. What failed?
A. Control system
B. Safety limit
C. Design
D. Operator

Answer: B
Rationale: Overload protection systems prevent damage.

---

82.

A worker misinterprets instructions. Cause?
A. Poor reading comprehension
B. Math error
C. Speed
D. Tool

Answer: A
Rationale: Understanding instructions is critical.

---

83.

A pulley system lifts load easily but takes longer. Why?
A. Speed increase
B. Force-distance tradeoff
C. Weight increase
D. Friction

Answer: B
Rationale: Mechanical advantage reduces force but increases distance/time.

---

84.

A worker checks results after calculation. Benefit?
A. Delay
B. Error reduction
C. Cost
D. Speed

Answer: B
Rationale: Verification improves accuracy.

---

85.

A system shows consistent output. This indicates:
A. Error
B. Stability
C. Failure
D. Risk

Answer: B
Rationale: Consistency reflects proper functioning.

---

86.

A worker uses wrong chart scale. Result?
A. Accuracy
B. Misinterpretation
C. Efficiency
D. Speed

Answer: B
Rationale: Incorrect scaling leads to wrong conclusions.

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87.

A machine produces more output with same input. This is:
A. Inefficiency
B. Efficiency improvement
C. Error
D. Loss

Answer: B
Rationale: Efficiency increases when output improves without increasing input.

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88.

A worker solves problem step-by-step. Benefit?
A. Delay
B. Accuracy
C. Cost
D. Speed

Answer: B
Rationale: Structured problem-solving reduces errors.

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89.

A system shows random output variation. What is likely?
A. Stability
B. Inconsistency/problem
C. Efficiency
D. Growth

Answer: B
Rationale: Random variation indicates system instability.

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90.

A worker reviews instructions before starting task. Benefit?
A. Slower work
B. Better accuracy and efficiency
C. Increased cost
D. Risk

Answer: B
Rationale: Reviewing instructions ensures understanding of requirements, reduces errors, improves efficiency, and leads to better performance in technical and problem-solving tasks commonly tested in the CAST exam.