Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about OptiTest mechanical and electrical testing: what it measures, how it is scheduled, and what you receive.
About the tests
Mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting ability, electrical reasoning, electrical competencies and many other hard skills that technical positions need. Please contact is or book a demo to see all the different skills evaluate.
A written test asks questions. On our simulators, the candidate has to resolve real malfunctions during standardized and timed tests, in conditions that reflect the job.
Machine operators and adjusters, set-up and service technicians, maintenance mechanics, millwrights, apprentices, electro-mechanical technicians, electricians, engineers, and instrumentation, control and automation technicians. See all the roles we test.
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Scheduling and logistics
At your manufacturing facility, where our testing administrators bring the simulators, or at our office in Etobicoke (Toronto).
All our assessments are 90 minutes each. Assessments are administed one after another.
Dates and times are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis, so reserve as early as possible. If you can, book your assessments in advance. We can usually accommodate last-minute or rush requests.
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Assessments can be provided in both official languages, French and English
Please contact us or book a demo to undertstand the pricing of our assessments
Results
A detailed report for each candidate or employee, with recommendations for selecting the best technical candidates.
Assessments reports are provided to you on the same day whenever possible. Otherwise, assessments reports will be provided to you the following business day.
Yes. Employers use the tests to benchmark employees for machine assignments and future promotions, and to identify technical development needs.
An average productivity gain of $5,000 to $12,000 per year for each employee who passes our tests. See the results and the math.
Pre-employment testing
Skilled trades and manufacturing pre-employment testing at OptiTest are structured industrial skills assessments on simulators for hiring that help employers measure whether a candidate has the technical ability, mechanical aptitude, industrial tool comprehension, and problem-solving skills needed for a specific job. As a technical skills assessment for hiring, OptiTest’s mechanical and electrical aptitude tests add objective data to the hiring process before a final hiring decision is made.
Skills assessments are important because it helps employers evaluate whether a candidate has the skills needed to perform safely and successfully in an industrial environment. Industrial workforce skills testing improves candidate selection, benchmark employees for machine assignments and future promotions, supports workplace safety, and reduces employee turnover by helping employers identify the right fit for the role. It also allows employers to use a more reliable industrial recruitment assessment process when hiring for skilled trades and manufacturing positions.
Pre-hire testing for skilled trades improves the hiring process by giving employers a clearer and more objective way to measure ability before making a final decision. It tells employers whether or not a candidate is equipped to perform on the manufacturing floor. OptiTest improves the hiring process by giving employers a clearer way to measure ability before making a final decision. It can help review mechanical and electrical aptitude, soft skills, industrial tools abilities, and troubleshooting performance in a more consistent and job-related way.
Mechanical aptitude and electrical competencies matter because many skilled trades roles require candidates to work with machines, tools, electrical systems, and technical procedures in real job conditions. Employers need people who can identify issues, troubleshoot malfunctions, and apply practical knowledge on the job. For technical positions, OptiTest’s aptitude and competency tests measure manufacturing abilities, potential, and readiness to perform successfully. In automation and controls roles, a PLC electrical assessment test can also help employers evaluate job-specific troubleshooting and system knowledge.
OptiTest’s skilled trades assessments use standardized and timed simulator tests to evaluate mechanical and electrical troubleshooting performance. During the assessments, candidates are required to resolve malfunctions in a logical and efficient way, allowing employers to measure technical abilities in conditions that reflect the job. Detailed reports are then submitted to employers to support selection, reduce hiring costs, and help employers make more informed hiring decisions.
Mechanical aptitude tests
A mechanical aptitude test is designed to measure how well a candidate understands mechanical concepts, basic mechanical principles, and the kinds of physical principles used to solve problems in real work settings. At OptiTest, our hands-on mechanical aptitude test goes beyond theory by helping employers evaluate mechanical understanding, mechanical skills, and the ability to apply mechanical concepts in practical situations.
A mechanical aptitude test with OptiTest measures how well a candidate understands mechanical concepts, uses mechanical tools, and solves problems under a set time limit. Our simulator-based assessment focuses on troubleshooting, tool recognition, and real-world mechanical scenarios to give employers objective test scores they can use in the hiring process.
A Millwright Aptitude Test is a specialized pre-employment mechanical test for millwright and maintenance roles. Designed around helping employers evaluate practical mechanical skills, troubleshooting ability, and job readiness with confidence in results, it is a reliable option that helps manufacturers improve their hiring decisions and performance on the production floor.
Tests can be scheduled through OptiTest as part of the employer’s organization and hiring process. Assessments can be administered at your manufacturing facility or at our office in the GTA.
We recommend reserving your assessments as early as possible, as dates and times are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. If possible, we suggest booking 5 to 10 assessments in advance; however, we can usually accommodate last-minute or rush requests.
Timing and location may vary depending on the employer’s needs and organizational requirements. Manufacturers who need more information about scheduling, format, or test location are encouraged to contact OptiTest.
Manufacturers are highly advised to incorporate practical mechanical aptitude testing into their recruitment processes. These assessments measure a broad set of mechanical abilities that, when combined, reflect a candidate’s overall mechanical troubleshooting capability.
Unlike traditional written tests, hands-on evaluations capture real-world mechanical competencies that are otherwise difficult to assess accurately. The complexity of the assessments varies depending on the role being filled. For instance, testing for a Maintenance Mechanic role is generally more advanced than for a Machine Operator position.
Hands-on mechanical evaluations enable employers to distinguish the most proficient, adaptable, and high-potential candidates—whether they are external applicants or existing employees. Measuring and validating skills through practical mechanical testing remains one of the most reliable ways to drive strong, effective hiring outcomes in the manufacturing sector.
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