CONSTRUCTION AND
SKILLED TRADES
SELECTION SYSTEM –
REVISED
Test Brochure
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Construction and Skilled Trades Selection System – Revised (CAST-R)
CAST-R is a battery of aptitude and behavioral tests designed and validated to aid in the selection
of candidates across a wide variety of construction and skilled trades occupations. CAST-R is the
culmination of extensive research sponsored by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), including a
large-scale consortium project involving 34 investor-owned electric companies and thousands of
employees and supervisors. This research resulted in a comprehensive battery of tests designed
to predict candidates' probability of success in the following categories of construction and skilled
trade jobs:
1. Transmission and Distribution
2. Facilities and Repair
3. Other Facilities (e.g., Equipment Operator)
4. Electrical Repair
5. Machining and Vehicle Repair
6. Meter Service and Repair
CAST-R can be administered in approximately two hours. The tests comprising the CAST-R
battery include Graphic Arithmetic, Mechanical Concepts, Reading for Comprehension, and the
Work Preferences Inventory.
1
A description of the aptitude and behavioral tests comprising the CAST-R battery is provided
below:
Graphic Arithmetic. This test measures a candidate's ability to solve arithmetic problems by
using information from prints or drawings. The test contains two drawings, each followed by
several questions. The test has 16 questions and a 30-minute time limit. The use of a calculator
is permitted during this test.
Examples of the Graphic Arithmetic test are:
Use the drawing below to answer the two example questions. (Please note that the dimensions
shown on the drawing are not necessarily drawn exactly to scale.) Mark your answers to the
questions in the "Examples" box on your answer sheet.
1) What is the distance "A" between the centers of the two holes?
a) 6.0 "
b) 7.0 "
c) 8.0 "
d) 12.5 "
e) N
2) What was the surface area of the side shown in the drawing before the holes were
drilled?
a) 24.0 square inches
b) 79.0 square inches
c) 84.0 square inches
d) 109.0 square inches
e) N
2
Mechanical Concepts. This test measures the ability to understand mechanical principles. There
are 44 multiple-choice items. Each item contains a pictorial description of a mechanical situation,
a question, and three possible answers. This test has a 20-minute time limit.
Examples of the Mechanical Concepts Test are:
1) In the figure below, at which point should pressurized air enter the cylinder to lower the
piston? (If both, mark C.)
2) To keep the beam horizontal when lifted, at which point should you hook the cable?
3
Reading for Comprehension. This test measures a candidate's ability to read and understand
written materials. The test consists of four reading passages, each followed by several multiple-
choice questions about the passage. There are 32 items and a 30-minute time limit on this test.
Work Preferences Inventory. The Work Preferences Inventory assesses an individual’s
preferred work style, behavior, and environment by assessing the extent to which they agree with
various statements. The test has 105 multiple-choice items and a 30-minute time limit.
Examples of the types of items on the Work Preferences Inventory are:
1) I can focus on several work tasks at the same time.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neither Agree Nor Disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
2) I would prefer a job that does not involve a lot of customer interaction.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neither Agree Nor Disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Scoring
The CAST-R test components are scored based on the number of questions a person answers
successfully. There is no penalty for guessing or wrong answers. The component scores are then
combined into an index score ranging in value from 1 to 10. The index score provides a prediction
of overall effectiveness in a wide variety of construction and skilled trades occupations and is
used to determine the probability of success or failure in these occupations. As such, it can
differentiate between potentially effective candidates and those individuals less likely to succeed.