Has anyone done fault finding aptitude tests?

Fox Mulder

Hi,

I have to do an SHL fault finding test as apart of an upcoming interview. I have actually previously taken this test for the same position a year ago and failed. The image below is the exact style of question. You are given a number of colored lights as inputs that are altered as they go through switches. You are given a separate sheet that shows you how the switches change the input depending on whether they are working or not. The question is to analyse the input and output and determine which switch has a fault.



I was hoping some one might be able to tell me a strategy for solving these or know where I can find some practice questions? So far I have been practicing these questions which are the closest I can find.

http://www.psychometric-success.com/practice-papers/Psychometric%20Success%20Fault%20Diagnosis%20-%20Practice%20Test%201.pdf

The only way I have been able to solve these type of questions is through trial and error, checking each option to see which one doesn't work. When I last tried the test I failed because I was just too slow. If anyone has any suggestions I would really appreciate it.

Thanks

brightspark

I did a similar test about 5 years ago, without any real preparation I passed it (based on the fact I got the job in Limerick).

I simply followed the logic of the "circuits" to see what results should occur and deduce the "fault"

When you say you use "trial and error" do you mean you work your way across step by step?, or do you try to guess and then check if your guess is correct?

However I do have an aptitude for fault finding, so perhaps that is why I could do them quickly.
Not really sure how I do it, alot of the time it's almost subconscious. I think it's a combination of having always enjoyed puzzles like chess, sudoku, logic etc.......and of course experience.

I would recommend you find more test questions and just keep practicing and you will get faster.

Fox Mulder

I usually guess one of the switches is faulty and check to see if I'm right, if not I choose another switch and if that's not correct I can usually assume the last switch is at fault through process of elimination depending on the type of question. I think the correct way to do it is like you say just being able to subconsciously see the fault as you only have about thirty seconds per question.

When took the test last year the interviewer warned me that a lot of people fail the test and the best way to work is backward. I'm not quite sure how to do this as I haven't been able find questions where there are two inputs like in the lower examples as seen in the picture in the first post.

rambo raves

Hi,
I am hoping similar test on the fault finding aptitude tests traffic lights. Can you explain a bit more how the test is and what are the conditions(symbols netween the lights) explain in between the lights and how to handle them?