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The Applied Technology assessment measures the examinee's skill in solving problems of a technological nature. The content covers the basic principles of mechanics, electricity, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics as they apply to machines and equipment found in the workplace. Because the assessment is oriented toward reasoning rather than mathematics, any calculations required to solve a problem can be readily performed by hand. The emphasis is on identifying relevant aspects of problems, analyzing and ordering those aspects, and applying existing materials or methods to new situations.
The assessment contains questions at four levels of complexity, with Level 3 being the least complex and Level 6 the most complex. Although Level 3 is the least complex, it still assesses a level of applied technology skill well above no skill at all. The levels build on each other, each assuming the examinee's proficiency at the skills assessed at the preceding levels. Examinees are given 45 minutes to answer 32 multiple-choice questions.
Level 3
Questions at Level 3 are based on problems involving one uncomplicated system. In solving these problems, the examinee must apply elementary physical principles, such as the use of heat to expand and loosen a metal nut stuck to a bolt.
Questions at Level 3 require the examinee to understand the operation of basic tools, machine components, and uncomplicated systems, such as piping systems, simple electrical heaters, or other equipment found in the home, school, or workplace; apply elementary principles underlying the operation of physical systems, such as the workings of plumbing components or simple electrical circuits.
Level 4
Questions at Level 4 are based on problems involving a moderately complex system or more than one uncomplicated system. In solving these problems, the examinee must apply elementary physical principles, such as heat transfer or the flow of fluids through pipes.
In addition to the skills tested at the preceding level, questions at Level 4 require the examinee to understand the operation of moderately complex tools, machines, and systems, such as appliances, pulley-driven equipment, or piping systems that carry more than one fluid; apply elementary principles underlying the operation of physical systems, such as a block and tackle or cooling fins.
Level 5
Questions at Level 5 are based on problems involving one complex system, or one or more uncomplicated tool or system. In solving some of these problems, the examinee must apply difficult physical principles, such as phase change or pressure equilibrium in a system.
In addition to the skills tested at the preceding level, questions at Level 5 require the examinee to understand advanced principles of mechanics, electricity, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics; complex machines and systems, such as hydraulic jacks or electrical circuit protection (e.g., fuses).
Level 6
Problems at Level 6 do not contain all of the information needed to solve them, and that which is provided may be out of logical order. Extraneous information is generally included in problems at Level 6. These problems involve one or more tools or systems having a wide range of complexity. In solving some of these problems, examinees must apply difficult physical principles. Other problems require examinees to understand and correctly interpret the interaction of several complex systems.
In addition to the skills tested at the preceding level, questions at Level 6 require the examinee to understand advanced principles of mechanics, electricity, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics; multiple complex machines and systems, such as the operation of gasoline engines, complex appliances, or electrical systems in a building.
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