Why take the Construction and Skilled Trades test?

If you already work in construction or you want to obtain a career in the construction field, the Construction and Skilled Trades exam, or CAST, is the test for you. If you already work in the field of construction and you want to be promoted to a higher level role, then passing the CAST test will demonstrate to your employer that you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to adequately handle that extra responsibility.

If you are just entering the construction field, the CAST test will provide potential employers with a standardized means of measuring your skills, aptitudes, knowledge, and ability to do your desired job within the framework of existing laws. Some employers even require potential employees to pass the CAST test before hiring them. So, whether you are entering the field or advancing within it, the CAST test is your ticket to demonstrating your expertise in the field of construction and skilled trades.

CAST Exam Study Guide with Practice Questions


Ad for a Mometrix online course

Exam Content and Structure

The CAST test is a standardized exam similar to the American College Testing exam (ACT), or Standardized Admissions Test (SAT), but it also includes measures of field-specific knowledge related to mechanical concepts. The CAST test was designed to measure an individual’s aptitudes for construction and skilled trade professions.

Measuring aptitudes is important, as the field of construction requires hands-on skills and abilities in a number of crucial areas. For this reason, the CAST test was designed to be an accurate, standardized measure of your knowledge and skills in your chosen field of construction and skilled trades.

The CAST test is actually four multiple-choice tests in one. While this may sound daunting, the test only takes about two hours to complete. So, while the CAST exam may be similar to other aptitude tests, such as the SAT or ACT, the CAST test is relatively short and to the point. Because this test is used to measure aptitudes in the field of construction, employers want to know the likelihood of test-takers’ successful job performance.

For this reason, the test is scored using a combination of the scores from each section, creating an index score between 1 (the lowest) and 10 (the highest). The higher your score, the better you look to employers. The four sections, number of questions per section, and time given to complete each section are as follows:

  • The first section measures graphic arithmetic. This section contains 16 questions, and you are given 30 minutes of allotted time to complete them. The point of this section is to determine your ability to solve arithmetic problems, especially using drawings and prints.
  • The second section contains 44 questions and measures your understanding of mechanical concepts. You are allotted 20 minutes to complete this portion of the test. The questions asked will determine your ability to grasp the principles of mechanics.
  • The third section of the CAST test measures reading comprehension. This section contains 32 questions, and you are given 30 minutes of allotted time to complete them. This section was designed to measure your reading comprehension using a variety of written materials.
  • The final section of the test measures your usage of mathematics. This section is comprised of 18 questions, and you are given 7 minutes to complete them. Because you do not have much time to complete this section, budget your time accordingly and do not get stuck on any one question. This section measures your ability to solve basic math problems using the information given to you at the beginning of the test.

Test Preparation

Developing a solid understanding of the content and structure of the CAST exam is the first step toward entering the field of construction or advancing within it. Additionally, getting enough rest before the exam and taking care of yourself physically will help prepare you for success on exam day.

However, the most effective means of ensuring you do the best you can do on the CAST test is to prepare using the best test preparation materials you can find. Of course, you can search the internet and find bits and pieces of the CAST test on various websites. But, why search the web when you can find everything you need in one place?

Online CAST Prep Course

If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an online CAST Prep Course. The course is designed to provide you with any and every resource you might want while studying. The CAST Course includes:

  • Review Lessons Covering Every Topic
  • 350+ CAST Practice Questions
  • More than 50 Digital Flashcards
  • Over 20 Instructional Videos
  • Money-back Guarantee
  • Free Mobile Access
  • and More!

The CAST Prep Course is designed to help any learner get everything they need to prepare for their CAST exam. Click below to check it out!

CAST Math Practice Test

CAST Exam - CAST Math Practice Test

Mometrix Test Preparation offers a comprehensive CAST exam guide: CAST Exam Secrets. This guide is unlike any other in that you get real CAST exam questions that help you reach the highest scores you are capable of reaching. The CAST Exam Secrets guide was written by test experts who really understand how to successfully pass the CAST test.

Mometrix Test Preparation’s standardized test researchers have discovered the secrets of the CAST exam and are able to tell you precisely how to reduce your stress, slay the exam, and demonstrate to your employer or future employer your knowledge and aptitudes in the field of construction and skilled trades.

In addition to the CAST Exam Secrets study guide, Mometrix also provides test-takers like you the CAST Exam Flashcards and a comprehensive, free CAST Practice Test online. Earn the highest scores you can earn on the CAST exam by really preparing, studying, and testing yourself with actual CAST test content. Read the CAST Exam Secrets study guide, test your knowledge with the CAST Exam Flashcards and Practice Test, and demonstrate to your employer or future employer that you are deserving of recognition in the field of construction and skilled trades.