The Elevator Industry Aptitude Test (EIAT)

To start a career in the elevator industry, you’ll need to secure a place on a recognized apprenticeship scheme.

Every candidate applying for such a scheme will need to pass a pre-screening assessment known as the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test (EIAT).

This article will walk you through what the EIAT test is, what to expect on the day of your elevator mechanics exam and how best to prepare.

What Is the EIAT Test?

The EIAT test is administered by the International Union of Elevator Construction (IUEC) and the National Elevator Industry as a screening assessment for entry onto the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP).

The NEIEP takes applications from candidates wishing to join an elevator industry apprenticeship scheme, so if this is your chosen career path, you’ll be required to sit an EIATundefined test.

In addition, you’ll also need to sit a tools recognition exam and attend an interview, in which you will also be scored.

The EIATundefined test is the first stage of the recruitment process and must be passed before you can progress to interview.

What Is Being Assessed?

The EIATundefined test is designed to measure both your existing skills and knowledge and your ability to apply your understanding to a range of scenarios.

You’ll be tested on your numerical, reading and mechanical aptitude, with each ability addressed in its own section of the test.

Numerical Skills

This part of the test is referred to as the math (or arithmetic computation) section.

It is not a complex math exam but rather focuses on basic numeracy and general arithmetic, including subtraction, addition, division, multiplication, fractions and percentages.

This section shows potential employers that you have a good level of numerical ability and can perform basic calculations both accurately and at speed.

Reading Skills

These are tested in the reading comprehension section of the EIATundefined test.

Questions will measure your vocabulary and knowledge of definitions, synonyms and antonyms.

Again, this is not a complex exam, but gives employers a good indication of your grasp of the English language, and thus your ability to communicate to the required standard.

Mechanical Skills

In the mechanical comprehension section, you’ll be tested on your understanding of a range of mechanical concepts and physical principles.

It’s not just about what you know, but how you put your knowledge into practice.

Questions relating to things like gears, pulleys and force will show your ability to apply the correct concepts and principles to solve a given problem.

As these skills are central to your role as an elevator mechanic, this section of the EIATundefined test is used to predict your future performance as an employee.

Question Formats and Type

Within each section of the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test, you’ll encounter several different question types. However, all will be multiple-choice.

Below is an outline of what you can expect, with some example questions and answers.

Arithmetic Computation Section

In this section, you can expect to come across two main question types:

• Basic arithmetic
• Fractions, decimals and percentages

Basic Arithmetic

This will be a mix of straight-forward calculations and sums that require you to understand the order of operations.

Example question:

47,182 + 15,908 = ?

a) 63,090
b) 62,090
c) 63,280
d) 63,140

The correct answer would be easy to work out with a calculator or unlimited time. However, as you’re under time pressure (and no calculator is allowed), you may find it easier to break the equation down by splitting the second figure in two, one being a round number, so 15,000 and 908.

You can now complete the easier addition of 47,182 + 15,000 = 62,182, and then add the remaining 908 to get 63,090.

Therefore, the correct answer is: a)

Fractions, Decimals and Percentages

These questions are slightly more complex than those on basic arithmetic but are easily handled by learning a few key formulas.

Example question:

1/3 + 3/6 = ?

a) 4/6
b) 4/9
c) 5/6
d) 4/3

To add fractions together, you first need to establish a common denominator.

As our denominators here are different, we need to multiply the first denominator by 2 to get 6.

We then need to multiply the first numerator by 2 to keep the value of the fraction the same. We’re now left with 2/6 + 3/6.

Now add the two numerators together and place over the denominator of 6.

So, 2/6 + 3/6 = 5/6.

Therefore, the correct answer is: c)

Reading Comprehension

To test your language skills, you’ll be asked to answer sentence completion questions and questions on vocabulary.

Sentence Completion

Here, you’ll need to read a sentence and analyze its meaning to pick missing words from multiple-choice options.

Example question:

In order to ……….. to the interview stage of my elevator apprenticeship application, I must ………. a score of 70% or above on my EIAT test.

a) progress, achieved
b) skip, get
c) progress, achieve
d) move, achieve

There are three things we need to consider here:

• First, the opening of the sentence. We know we can’t ‘skip’ to the interview stage, as this implies missing out parts of the process, so we can eliminate option b).
• Second, though ‘move’ could be appropriate, ‘progress’ is the more relevant description, so we can also eliminate option d).
• Third, both words need to be of the same tense for the sentence to make sense, so we can eliminate option a).

In order to progress to the interview stage of my elevator apprenticeship application, I must achieve a score of 70% or above on my EIAT test.

Therefore, the correct answer is: c)

Vocabulary

These questions focus on your understanding of words in context.

Example question:

Sample questions for the EIAT test are valuable because they strengthen my knowledge.

Which of the following is a suitable replacement for the word ’valuable’?

a) beneficial
b) precious
c) profitable
d) interesting

When we think of the word ‘valuable’, we may relate it to monetary value, or a prized possession, so in some circumstances, both ‘precious’ and ‘profitable’ may suit.

However, in the context of this sentence, ‘valuable’ refers to something that is of benefit, therefore, ’beneficial’ is the most appropriate replacement.

Therefore, the correct answer is: a)

Mechanical Comprehension Section

This section is where you’ll apply your pre-existing knowledge of physical principles and concepts. Common questions revolve around gears, levers and pulleys.

Example question:

If cog A starts rotating, which of the cogs will have the fastest rotation speed?

a) Cog A
b) Cog B
c) Cog C
d) All of the cogs will rotate at the same speed

The correct answer is: b) Cog B. As this is the smallest of the cogs, this will have to rotate at a faster speed to keep up with the movement.

What to Expect When Taking the EIAT Test

To prepare yourself for the EIATundefined test, it’s important to know what to expect on the day. Here’s a breakdown of the key information:

• The EIATundefined test is a paper-based exam, On application to the NEIEP, you’ll be given a specific test date and time at a designated assessment center.
• It’s important to note that test dates cannot be changed, and you must take a valid form of photo ID with you on the day to prove your identity.
• All three sections of the exam are multiple-choice, and each consists of between 30 to 35 questions.
• The EIATundefined is a timed assessment. You’ll have 25 minutes per section, giving a total test time of 75 minutes.
• Calculators are not permitted in the examination room.

How Is the EIAT Test Scored?

The Elevator Industry Assessment Test is a pass/fail exam, for which the pass threshold sits at 70%. You must achieve above this threshold to be invited to the interview stage of your application.

Anyone achieving below the threshold will be required to start the recruitment process from scratch.

If you achieve a score of 70% or above on the EIATundefined test, you’ll sit your tools recognition exam and attend your scored interview.

The results from all three stages will be combined to give your overall performance score, which employers will use to assess your suitability. This score is valid for two years.

Overall performance scores are split into four tiers:

• 96 – 100 points = tier one
• 90 – 95 points = tier two
• 80 – 89 points = tier three
• 70 – 79 points = tier four

As competition for elevator industry apprenticeships is fierce, the higher you rank the better your chances are of securing a place. Performing well on your EIATundefined test will help you stand out from your fellow applicants.

Top Tips for the EIAT Test

Before your elevator mechanics exam, be sure to take plenty of practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and question types you’ll face on the day.

This is an important part of your career journey, so preparation is vital. Also, try these top tips to help you achieve the highest score possible on your EIATundefined test:

Brush Up on Basic Arithmetic

As calculators are not permitted in the exam, you need to be confident in performing basic calculations on paper.

Questions in the math section are not complex, and the skills you need can be easily mastered with practice.

The more you focus on your numerical ability the quicker you’ll become, which is important when taking a test under time constraints.

Take an Educated Guess

There is no negative marking on the EIATundefined test. That is to say, you won’t lose points for an incorrect answer.

With that in mind, it’s always better to take an educated guess on any questions you’re unsure of. Remember, this is a multiple-choice exam, so there’s always the chance you’ll pick the correct answer.

Understand the Context

This tip applies primarily to the reading comprehension section. Be sure to read each piece of text carefully, taking time to understand the question in context.

This will help you decipher which words to choose from your multiple-choice options. Points can easily be missed in this section if you simply skim-read the questions.

Think in Extremes

The mechanical comprehension section should come fairly naturally to anyone interested in this line of work, but exam stress and time pressure can often interfere.

If you’re struggling to picture the effects of a physical principle, exaggerate the process in your head. So, for example, instead of working with two items that only slightly differ in size or weight, imagine them as extreme opposites.

Practice the Day Before Your Test

In many scenarios, it is not advised to study the day before your exam, but in the case of the EIATundefined test, it’s all about remembering principles and processes. These can be easily forgotten, particularly under exam stress.

So, use the day before to run over your revision notes and remind yourself of everything you’ve learned.

Final Thoughts

The EIATundefined test is the first step towards a successful career in the elevator industry.

Success in this exam is paramount as most employers will start recruitment with those who rank in the top tier of the scoring system.

As mentioned, this is not an overly complex exam. Even if you’re not completely comfortable with the numerical and reading comprehension elements, some structured practice will go a long way in helping you achieve a high score.

Remember, the pass mark is 70%, but to rank in tier one overall you should aim above the minimum requirement. In doing so, you’ll open doors to a dynamic and financially rewarding career.