Cognitive Aptitude

Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude (WTMA)

Measures:

  • The ability to learn how to operate, maintain, install, and repair equipment and machinery.

Recommended for:

  • Machine Operators
  • Electricians
  • Construction Workers
  • Field Service Technicians
  • Mechanics
score report for wtma

Test Description

The Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude (WTMA) measures a subject's mechanical aptitude, or ability to learn to use and maintain equipment and machinery. It is a 30-minute, 60-item test that can predict performance for occupations involving the operation, maintenance, and servicing of tools, equipment, and machinery. Such occupations either require or are facilitated by mechanical aptitude. The WTMA was specifically developed to improve upon shortcomings of earlier mechanical aptitude tests. Reading level for the WTMA items is estimated to be at the sixth-grade level. 

Score Reports

Each individual is given a raw score and a percentile ranking. The raw score indicates how many questions (out of 60) the individual answered correctly, while the percentile ranking is a relative performance metric that indicates how the individual scored in relation to others who have taken the test. For example, a percentile ranking of 45 means that an individual scored better than 45% of the group on which the test was normed.

Sample WTMA Question:

Which pitcher of water will stay cold longer?

Two pitchers of ice water

  1. A
  2. B
  3. There is no difference

Answer: B

Validity Information

Construct Validity: Various studies have shown that the WTMA correlates highly (.70 to .80) with the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test (BMCT), the DAT Mechanical Reasoning Test, and other measures of mechanical aptitude and comprehension.

Criterion Related Validity: Research has shown that the WTMA has predictive validity for jobs which require the operation, maintenance, or repair of machinery or mechanical equipment. In a validity study of the WTMA involving 96 carpet manufacturing operators, the validity coefficient was .24 (p < .05), using supervisors' evaluations of productivity as the criterion. Productivity was evaluated using a 20-item performance rating instrument. 

*The WTMA is available for all geographies except Asia-Pacific.

Languages Offered:

  • English (US) - Default
  • Czech
  • English (UK)
  • French (Canadian)
  • French (France)
  • German
  • Italian
  • Polish
  • Portuguese (Brazilian)
  • Slovak
  • Spanish (Castilian)
  • Spanish (Latin American)

 

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