TCC Technical Cadet Initial Test study plan

Convert fluently between fractions, decimals, percentages and ratios across 60 mixed items done without a calculator

Solve multi-step percentage problems (discount, tax, percentage change, reverse percentage) writing a one-line setup before each calculation

Compute with metric prefixes, scientific notation and significant figures, rounding every answer to a stated number of figures

Estimate each answer by rounding first, then flag any result that deviates more than 10% from the estimate

Rearrange linear and simple quadratic equations to isolate a named variable across 25 items

Transpose standard engineering formulas (v = u + at, P = VI, F = ma, density = mass/volume, stress = force/area) solving for every symbol in turn

Plot straight-line graphs from tabulated data and extract gradient and intercept with correct units attached

Solve right-triangle problems using Pythagoras and sine, cosine and tangent ratios, giving answers to three significant figures

Apply Newton's three laws and draw free-body diagrams for 15 static and dynamic problems

Compute work, power, efficiency and mechanical advantage for levers, pulley systems and inclined planes

Calculate bending moments, stress and strain while carrying units consistently through every step

Complete 40 mental rotation, folding and shape-completion items under a strict time limit

Solve mechanical reasoning items on gear trains, belts, cams and linkages by tracing motion step by step

Work out gear ratio, output speed and direction of rotation in two- and three-stage compound gear trains

Apply Ohm's law, series and parallel resistance rules, and the power formulas P = VI and P = I squared R to given circuits

Decode resistor colour codes and compute equivalent resistance for mixed series-parallel networks

Annotate technical passages to mark main idea, instruction sequence and cause-and-effect links

Follow a multi-step written procedure exactly as worded and resolve any ambiguity by re-reading for qualifying words

Name hand tools and state their correct use, and classify common materials as ferrous, non-ferrous or thermoplastic with one property each

Apply workshop safety rules covering PPE selection, isolation and lock-off, fire classes and hand-tool hazards

Solve number series, analogies, syllogisms and coding-style logic items using a written method for each type

Produce third-angle orthographic views (front, top, side) from an isometric sketch, applying hidden and centre lines correctly

Read circuit and mechanical schematics, recognising standard symbols for resistors, capacitors, switches, earth and motors, and trace signal or current paths

Re-attempt every item missed in Week 1 and lift that topic's accuracy to 85%

Sit two half-length mixed tests covering all eight domains and log every error by domain and by cause

Re-teach the two weakest domains identified in the error log, then re-test those topics the next day

Reconstruct a one-page formula sheet from memory and check it against source notes

Drill timed mental arithmetic in short daily blocks to cut per-question calculation time

Complete two full-length timed mock tests under exam conditions with no notes or pauses

Review every incorrect or guessed answer within 24 hours and write the correct reasoning in one sentence

Fix a question-order and time-budget plan, including a skip-and-return threshold for long items

Re-drill the three highest-frequency error types from the log until each is cleared twice in a row

Placeholder goal to be removed