Electronic Data Processing Test (EDPT) Guide + Practice Tips
Updated November 20, 2023
- What Is the Electronic Data Processing Test?
- Is the Electronic Data Processing Test Hard?
- What Is Included on the Electronic Data Processing Test?
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- EDPT Practice Test Questions
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- How Is the Electronic Data Processing Test Scored?
- How to Prepare for the Electronic Data Processing Test in 2024
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
What Is the Electronic Data Processing Test?
The Electronic Data Processing Test (EDPT) is a screening test given to candidates who hope to move into roles that specialize in IT or computer programming within the Military Marine Corps or Air Force.
It is a challenging 90-minute, 120-question, multiple-choice test that covers five areas:
- Abstract reasoning
- Mental arithmetic
- Number sequences
- Math word problems
- Verbal analogies
The EDPT is widely regarded as a difficult test. Some of the questions are complex and candidates are often pressured for time, with only around 10% of test takers passing the test and qualifying.
Planning and preparation are key to success at the EDPT. The assessment seeks to find the most motivated individuals who can demonstrate skills in logical, critical and creative thinking, as well as those who can perform well under pressure.
You will usually be expected to take the test at a Military Entrance processing Station (MEPS).
Is the Electronic Data Processing Test Hard?
The EDPT is a notoriously difficult test, with only around 10% of candidates who take the test managing to pass and qualify.
Passing the test relies on giving as many correct answers as possible and satisfying at least the minimum requirements to pass.
Scores are also compared against other test takers, so it is vital to score as highly as you are able to.
The main issues candidates have with the test is the number of questions that need to be answered in the allocated 90 minutes.
The test is designed in this way to identify candidates who continue to think clearly and perform well under pressure or in stressful conditions.
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What Is Included on the Electronic Data Processing Test?
The five key areas that the test covers are:
- Abstract reasoning
- Mental arithmetic
- Number sequences
- Math word problems
- Verbal analogies
All questions on the Electronic Data Processing Test are in a multiple-choice format.
Abstract Reasoning
This section requires candidates to analyze non-verbal problems by looking at a series of icons or pictures and finding the missing one.
Abstract reasoning can be one of the most difficult skills to practice, as it is not something that is routinely encountered in the classroom or during day-to-day life.
These kinds of questions are commonly found on IQ tests. Scoring well at abstract reasoning is often associated with intelligence, specifically fluid intelligence or the ability to quickly find solutions to complex and unfamiliar problems that you lack prior experience and knowledge of.
To answer these kinds of questions, you need to decode non-verbal problems using lateral, logical and flexible thinking.
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Mental Arithmetic
This involves an ability to solve basic math problems without the use of a calculator, using common functions such as:
- Addition and subtraction
- Multiplication and division
- Fractions and percentages
You need to be able to think clearly and make accurate calculations as quickly as possible on this part of the test.
Number Sequences
Here, you need to be able to identify a pattern or how numbers relate to one another in a series to identify the missing number or predict the next one.
This requires you to be able to think quickly and logically, spot patterns and perform calculations all at once.
If you are able to quickly identify how the number pattern works, it should be easy to select the correct answer from the possibilities that you are given, as only one will logically fit.
Math Word Problems
These questions can be complex, as they require good reading comprehension, attention to detail and mathematical skill.
Based on a statement or series of sentences, candidates have to find the correct answer to a math question.
Verbal Analogies
In the verbal analogies section, candidates see two word pairs, but in the second word pair, one of the spaces is blank.
You will have to find which word from the options given best fits by working out how the words relate to one another.
Having a wide and varied vocabulary will help with this section, as you need to be clear on the meaning of all of the words to deduce how they relate and which one is missing.
Reading widely and learning about synonyms and antonyms can help you to prepare for this part of the EDP test.
EDPT Practice Test Questions
Abstract Reasoning
EDPT Practice Test Question – Mental Arithmetic
1. 82 * 183 + 105 – ? = 457
a) 14,454
b) 14,654
c) 12,308
d) 8,266
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2. ? * 8 / 2 = 116
a) 32
b) 16
c) 29
d) 37
1. 1, 4, 32, 384, ?
a) 6,144
b) 482
c) 7,288
d) 844
2. 4, 8, 2, 4, 1/6, ?
a) -6
b) 1/3
c) 6
d) 2/3
1. Randy wants to purchase a hot tub for his family. His budget is $4,500. The one he really wants is one fifth more expensive than his maximum budget. After shopping around, he decides to buy a second hand one that costs $1,225 less than the one he wanted that was out of his price range.
How much does Randy spend on the second hand hot tub?
a) $4,175
b) $3,770
c) $4,045
d) $3,940
2. Jorge goes to school Monday to Friday. He has 18 classes during the week. This week, he arrives late to ¼ of his classes and on Thursday he is marked absent as he doesn’t attend school at all. He usually has 2 classes on Thursdays.
What percentage of classes did Jorge arrive late to?
a) 22%
b) 15%
c) 25%
d) 30%
Cygnus A : Andromeda Aquila : ?
a) Nebula
b) Supernovae
c) Virgo A
d) Orion
Vestal : Immodest Capitulate : ?
a) Cede
b) Endure
c) Liberate
d) Relinquish
How Is the Electronic Data Processing Test Scored?
During the EDPT, you will have 90 minutes to answer 120 questions. This is a tight time limit for most test takers, which averages out at only 45 seconds per question.
The more questions that you are able to answer correctly, the more likely you are to pass the test; therefore, effective time management is essential.
You do not lose points for answering incorrectly on the test, so if you begin to run out of time, as it is a multiple choice test, you might want to try to guess the answers rather than miss questions out entirely.
Consistently selecting random answers is not a good strategy if you wish to pass the test. Most questions will have four possible options to choose from, giving you only a one in four chance of getting the right answer.
If you use this strategy throughout the test, on average you might only score 25%, which would be a low score, meaning you would have failed the test.
A passing score depends on the position you are applying for; for example, a candidate for:
- An Air Force Cyber Warfare (1B4X1) position needs to score at least 60 points.
- A Technical Applications Specialist (9S100) requires a score of at least 57.
A good score would usually be considered a score that exceeds the minimum requirements of the position that you are applying for.
Practice an EDPT Test with JobTestPrep
How to Prepare for the Electronic Data Processing Test in 2024
The EDP test is not the kind of exam that you can expect to walk into and perform well at simply using your prior knowledge or training.
The test covers multiple different skill areas and requires some complex comprehension and analytical abilities. It is also partly designed to make candidates feel pressured.
This is why EDPT test prep is so vital if you want to pass the test.
Step 1. Learn the Format
It is essential that test takers learn the style and format of each section of the test.
If you familiarize yourself with the EDP test in advance – for example, by using EDPT study guides – you will already know what to expect on test day. This will give you a better chance of performing well under pressure.
Step 2. Practice Time Management
Answering 120 questions within the 90-minute time limit is a challenge for most test takers. Although there are no negative marks, achieving a pass depends on your answering a sufficient number of questions correctly.
It is important that you answer as many questions as possible, but without rushing and making oversights. Learning to manage your time well will help you with this.
This is where doing lots of EDPT test prep will come in handy. Practice under timed conditions, and skip through challenging parts to return to later if you think this will help.
Step 3. Take EDPT Practice Tests
Practice questions similar to the ones you may encounter on the EDP test are available online. There are short, free EDPT practice tests available with answers and explanations. EDPT study guides are available online too.
You can also opt for paid content. Paying for content can unlock thousands of sample questions that can help you to train yourself for the EDPT.
Step 4. Stay Calm
If you are nervous or panicking, you are more likely to make mistakes and perform poorly on test day. Try your best to focus and remain as calm as possible during your EDPT.
Remember that the test, in part, is designed to make candidates nervous.
You could try using deep breathing techniques or other coping mechanisms to help you to maintain your composure during the test. Keep in mind that the more stressed you are, the worse you will perform.
If you have practiced some of the questions and taken some time to prepare for the test, this should help to prevent you from being too nervous on test day.
The test has a 90-minute limit. You should answer as many questions as possible to give yourself a better chance of passing.
The Electronic Data Processing Test has 120 questions that cover five sections.
In general, the Marine Core requires a score of more than 50 and the Air Force requires a score of 60 to 71.
However, passing scores are specific to the role in question, so it might be higher. Scores are also compared against other candidates, so the better you perform, the more chance you stand of qualifying.
Each correct answer is worth one point. This means that with 120 questions on the test, a score of 120 is the maximum possible (although this is very unlikely to be achieved). Marks are not deducted for getting an answer wrong.
The test is often given to candidates who want to work in a position that specializes in IT or computer programming within either the Marine Corps or Air Force.
Performing well on the test can take you to the next step of the application process, but it is not the sole decider in whether you are selected for an IT/programming based career in the Marine Corps or Air Force.
Final Thoughts
Dedication and preparation are key to performing well on the EDP test. It is a difficult assessment with a lot of work required in a short space of time. Very few candidates are able to pass the EDPT and qualify.
You need to stay motivated, remain calm and focus so that you can pass the test and take the next step towards your chosen computing career in either the Air Force or Marine Corps.
Familiarizing yourself with some test questions and learning the format of the test in advance will give you an advantage over other candidates.
If you dedicate some time to practicing and preparing for your Electronic Data Processing Test, you are giving yourself the best chance of success.
