In today’s job market, employers look for people with the right mix of skills. The Industrial Skills Test (IST) is a tool to check if you’re a good fit for jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and construction. Practice with the free IST - Industrial Skills practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).
This test checks your mechanical thinking, spatial skills, and hands-on abilities. It helps employers find people who can do well in these demanding fields.
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions (Mechanical Principles) | 36 items[1] | Pacific Gas and Electric Company · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Number of questions (Reading Comprehension) | 25 items[1] | Pacific Gas and Electric Company · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Number of questions (Working with Numbers, Charts and Graphs) | 25 items[1] | Pacific Gas and Electric Company · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Time limit (Mechanical Principles) | 20 minutes[1] | Pacific Gas and Electric Company · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Time limit (Reading Comprehension) | 30 minutes[1] | Pacific Gas and Electric Company · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Time limit (Working with Numbers, Charts and Graphs) | 30 minutes[1] | Pacific Gas and Electric Company · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Retake policy | Retest after 90 calendar days[2] | Pacific Gas and Electric Company · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Delivery | Online by invitation; scratch paper and pencil/pen only[2] | Pacific Gas and Electric Company · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Eligibility | By PG&E invitation for physical-job applicants[1] | Pacific Gas and Electric Company · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Testing window | 5 calendar days upon receiving invitation email[2] | Pacific Gas and Electric Company · Oct 27, 2026 |
According to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, “This 36-item test measures the understanding of basic physical and mechanical concepts.”[1]
The content areas below are copied from the official IST content outline published by Pacific Gas and Electric Company. The right-hand column shows which of our practice sets covers it.
| Official content area | Practice on this site |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Principles[1] | IST Mechanical Aptitude Practise basic physical and mechanical ideas such as levers, pulleys, gears and forces until you can explain each answer, not just pick it. |
| Reading Comprehension[1] | IST Reading Comprehension Practise reading short workplace passages and choosing only the answer the text directly supports. |
| Working with Numbers, Charts and Graphs[1] | IST Applied Mathematics Practise reading table headings, axis labels and units before you calculate, then check that your answer fits the data shown. |
Prepare for the IST - Industrial Skills Test exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Question: The passage suggests that using safety gear in industrial settings is important because:
Answer: D. It reduces the risk of injury
Explanation:
D is correct. Safety gear such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves and steel-toed boots puts a barrier between the worker and a hazard. Its main purpose is to lower the chance and the severity of injury. A is wrong because better productivity may follow, but it is not why the gear is worn. B sounds plausible, but the question asks what the passage suggests, and a legal requirement only counts if the text says so. C describes how workers learn about the gear, not why it matters. Rule to remember: on reading items, choose the answer the passage supports most directly, not one that is merely true in general.
Question: Which property of a lubricant describes its resistance to flow?
Answer: B. Viscosity
Explanation:
B is correct. Viscosity is a lubricant's resistance to flow. A thick, high-viscosity oil flows slowly and a thin one flows easily, and viscosity is usually the first property checked when matching an oil to a machine. A is wrong because flash point is the temperature at which the oil gives off enough vapor to ignite briefly. C is wrong because pour point is the lowest temperature at which the oil will still pour. It is linked to flow in the cold, but it is a temperature, not a measure of resistance. D is wrong because specific gravity compares the oil's density with water's. Rule to remember: viscosity means thickness, which means resistance to flow.
Question: When is it appropriate to use a Type II hard hat?
Answer: B. When lateral impact protection is needed in addition to top protection
Explanation:
B is correct. A hard hat's Type rating describes which direction of impact it protects against. A Type II hat protects against blows to the side as well as the top. You choose it where side impacts are possible, such as near swinging loads or moving equipment. A is wrong because the Type rating does not describe heat resistance. C is wrong because electrical protection is covered by a separate Class rating, not by the Type. D is wrong because Type II is not limited to confined spaces. It applies wherever side impacts are a hazard. Rule to remember: Type describes the direction of impact protection, and Class describes electrical protection.
Start with PG&E's official IST preparation guide so you know what each test looks like. Then use our sets to build accuracy and speed on the same skills.
Interactive IST - Industrial Skills Test resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
The Industrial Skills Test (IST) is a detailed test that checks how well someone can do industrial and technical tasks. It looks at skills like mechanical reasoning, spatial visualization, and technical comprehension. Companies use the IST to find people who have the right skills and problem-solving abilities for industrial and technical jobs.
The IST Test is a well-known tool that checks if someone is good at industrial and technical work. It tests skills such as:
This test gives employers important information about a candidate’s skills and readiness for the job.
The IST Test is key in hiring for industrial and technical jobs. Companies use the test to see if a candidate has the right skills and abilities for the job.
This test gives a clear view of a candidate’s skills, helping employers make the best hiring choices. By using the IST Test, companies can build a skilled team ready for the challenges of the industrial and technical fields.
The industrial skills test (IST) is a detailed check-up. It looks at how well someone fits into industrial and technical jobs. It has several parts that together give employers a full view of a candidate’s skills.
The mechanical reasoning part is a big deal. It tests how well a candidate knows basic mechanical stuff. It also checks their skill in solving problems with their hands.
Then, there’s the spatial visualization test. This part sees if someone can picture objects in their mind. It’s key for jobs that need understanding technical drawings or complex systems.
The technical comprehension part tests how well a candidate gets science and engineering ideas. It looks at their skill in applying this knowledge to real situations. It also checks their problem-solving skills in tech areas.
Lastly, the IST has a hands-on practical skills evaluation. This part looks at how well someone can do specific tasks. It checks their use of tools and their hand skills. It shows if they’re ready for the physical parts of industrial jobs.
With these main parts, the industrial skills test (IST) gives employers a full view of a candidate’s skills. This helps in picking the right people for industrial and technical jobs.
| Key Components of the Industrial Skills Test (IST) | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Reasoning | Assess understanding of mechanical principles and ability to solve practical, hands-on problems |
| Spatial Visualization | Evaluate capacity to mentally manipulate and interpret two- and three-dimensional objects |
| Technical Comprehension | Measure understanding of scientific and engineering concepts, and ability to apply technical knowledge |
| Hands-on Practical Skills Evaluation | Assess manual dexterity, craftsmanship, and readiness for the physical demands of industrial roles |
Try these questions from our free IST - Industrial Skills Test practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
What does the acronym 'PPE' stand for in an industrial workplace?
Answer: A. Personal Protective Equipment
PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment, which includes items like gloves, helmets, and safety glasses.
What is the correct sequence for a basic problem-solving process in an industrial setting?
Answer: B. Identify → Analyze → Fix → Verify
The standard problem-solving sequence is: Identify the problem, Analyze root causes, Fix the issue, then Verify the fix worked.
What is the purpose of a control chart in industrial quality control?
Answer: B. To monitor process variation over time and detect trends
Control charts display process data over time, helping identify trends, shifts, or out-of-control conditions before defects occur.
According to the passage, what is the primary function of a conveyor belt in an industrial setting?
Answer: B. To transport materials from one location to another
Conveyor belts are fundamental components in industrial settings, designed specifically for the efficient and continuous movement of goods, products, or raw materials. Their primary role is to automate the transportation process, moving items along a fixed path within a facility. This function streamlines operations and reduces the need for manual carrying.
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