Help | Contact Us
NukeWorker.com
NukeWorker Menu DOE Core Exam honeypot

Author Topic: DOE Core Exam  (Read 60260 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Biff

  • Guest
DOE Core Exam
« on: Aug 25, 2009, 02:08 »
I noticed there was a core exam on this site.  I have taken it a few times and done pretty good.  I am wondering how accurate that the exam is to the real exam I have to take to get the job.  Are you allowed calculators and provided Gas Amp curves and Isotope charts?  Anyone take the exam recently and have any advice?  Any help or information would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

Offline HenryBlack

  • Moderate User
  • ***
  • Posts: 113
  • Karma: 360
  • Gender: Male
  • Tell Recruiters to use NukeWorker.com
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #1 on: Aug 25, 2009, 03:01 »
They won't let you use your own calculator at SRS but I am not sure about the others. They do give you a book with the chart of the niclides in it and some other good information.  The test on Nukeworker is pretty close to the test there. All you really need to do to pass is read the Study guide a few times and then it will be fairly easy. Good luck!

Atomic_Punk

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #2 on: Aug 26, 2009, 12:31 »
The core practice exams on this site are NOTHING like the core test at Hanford for CH2MHILL (or Fluor).  The Hanford one is A LOT harder.  It's still based on the objectives, but, not the ones you think you'd be tested on.  You can use your own calculator (non graphing) and they give you a book on the chart of nuclides and a formula sheet to use.  I can't speak for the test that Eberline gives at Hanford....I've heard it's easier.  Now for the good part....your core card from another site is no good at Hanford.  You have to take their test.  I guess the training people need to justify their presence somehow.

Offline Rennhack

  • Forum Administrator
  • *
  • Posts: 8996
  • Karma: 4683
  • Gender: Male
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #3 on: Aug 27, 2009, 01:15 »

All of the training guides are available in our study center, just click on the study tab.
« Last Edit: Jan 22, 2015, 10:23 by Rennhack »

moondoggie

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #4 on: Aug 27, 2009, 07:08 »
In replying to Atomic punk, here @ Paducah, we also require the new hires to take the core exam, irregardless of if they have a current card from another DOE site. The reasoning behind it is the fact that some sites are not using the latest test bank version, and there is no way to verify this.

We give the candidates the chart book, a formula sheet, and they can use their own calculator, as long as the memory is cleared. We also have 1 question per objective on the exam.

Offline Mike_Koehler

  • Heavy User
  • ****
  • Posts: 261
  • Karma: 844
  • Gender: Male
  • I love nukeworker.com!!!!
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #5 on: Aug 28, 2009, 10:53 »
The good news is... if you know where to look in the Chart of Nuclides book, many questions are answered......and they let you have that for the test
"Calling an illegal alien an "undocumented
  immigrant" is like calling a drug
  dealer an "unlicensed Pharmacist."
unknown
"If you seal the borders and you stop giving federal benefits to people who are in the country illegally... many of them will simply go home."
Lou Barletta, Mayor of Hazelton, Pa.

Offline march2003

  • Very Lite User
  • *
  • Posts: 8
  • Karma: 7
  • Gender: Female
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #6 on: Oct 11, 2009, 03:21 »
The core practice exams on this site are NOTHING like the core test at Hanford for CH2MHILL (or Fluor).  The Hanford one is A LOT harder.  It's still based on the objectives, but, not the ones you think you'd be tested on.  You can use your own calculator (non graphing) and they give you a book on the chart of nuclides and a formula sheet to use.  I can't speak for the test that Eberline gives at Hanford....I've heard it's easier.  Now for the good part....your core card from another site is no good at Hanford.  You have to take their test.  I guess the training people need to justify their presence somehow.


I'd rather saw off my arm with a dull knife than do this one again. But.....
make every minute count

Offline johnnieslingshot

  • Moderate User
  • ***
  • Posts: 80
  • Karma: 70
  • Gender: Male
  • Let's go bowl-diving
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #7 on: Oct 12, 2009, 07:30 »
The DOE core exam, no matter where it is given, is just basic RADCON.  Quit your whining.  If you can't pass the exam on the first try then obviously you don't know your basic fundamentals and you should just get out of the business.  BASIC RADCON, 'Nuff said.

Offline HydroDave63

  • Retired
  • *
  • Posts: 6295
  • Karma: 6629
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #8 on: Oct 12, 2009, 09:13 »
The DOE core exam, no matter where it is given, is just basic RADCON.  Quit your whining.  If you can't pass the exam on the first try then obviously you don't know your basic fundamentals and you should just get out of the business.  BASIC RADCON, 'Nuff said.

+K to ya! This reminds me of a previous thread...  http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,10970.0.html#msg59343

Content1

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #9 on: Oct 12, 2009, 09:57 »
I think a computer company has a similar test, it is called the "Apple Core."   I think their headquarters is located in the capital city of Maryland.

BetaAnt

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #10 on: Oct 12, 2009, 02:18 »
USE THE FORCE, LUKE!

The DOE core test is all the basic stuff you were taught YEARS (for some of us, EONS) ago, but you forgot it (same principal of 'use it or lose it' for some, Alzheimer's for others,  :P.).

Best ways to take the test:
1. Don't be a stress puppy. If you don't know the answer bypass and another question may jog the answer loose. :-\
2. Relax the day before. This is not a license to party all night or drink to oblivion. Just relax and study lite and get some good sleep. See #1 above. :)
3. Nukeworker and DOE have some good reference/study material. Read it twice and review the night before the test. See #2 above. ;D
4. Read the question. Two of the four multiple choice answers are false. Throw out those two and concentrate on the other two. ???
5. Reread the question and answer the question. :-[
6. Reread the question, AGAIN and answer the question, AGAIN. If you come up with the same twice, you will be 80% right (80% is passing). :)
7. See #1 above, AGAIN. 8)
8. Don't argue with the test proctor/grader. Learn from your mistakes. Retake the test if necessary. Follow steps 1-7 above, you will have a 90% success rate.

Do not blow off the study material. Some sites word questions differently (SRS) and the question may read one way but asks a different question. If in doubt, ask the proctor. The proctor is there to help you pass, not give you the answer to the question.

Good Luck and Happy (Job)Hunting,

BA  8) 8) 8)

Chimera

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #11 on: Oct 13, 2009, 03:04 »
There are just so many questions in the exam bank.  However, in order to live up to procedural requirements for different versions of the same exam to be different from other versions, some of the questions leave a lot to be desired. 

I have noticed a disturbing tendency by the instructors at some sites (DoE and commercial) to "cherry pick" the exam bank for silly and/or little known questions.  Some tests seem fair and balanced using good, basic questions with the occasional "ace buster" while other tests seem to exist more to bring an evil grin to the instructor's face than test the basic knowledge level of the test taker.

Atomic_Punk

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #12 on: Oct 13, 2009, 11:13 »

How in the hell can anyone whine about a test that is based on well defined 'objectives'?  You know going in what the expectations are.  Study or fail.  It is your choice.

The DOE core exam, no matter where it is given, is just basic RADCON.  Quit your whining.  If you can't pass the exam on the first try then obviously you don't know your basic fundamentals and you should just get out of the business.  BASIC RADCON, 'Nuff said.

Not whining...just stating the facts.  Unless you've actually taken the test that we're talking about, perhaps you should refrain from comment.  "Nuff said.

In replying to Atomic punk, here @ Paducah, we also require the new hires to take the core exam, irregardless of if they have a current card from another DOE site. The reasoning behind it is the fact that some sites are not using the latest test bank version, and there is no way to verify this.

We give the candidates the chart book, a formula sheet, and they can use their own calculator, as long as the memory is cleared. We also have 1 question per objective on the exam.

Sorry.  BS answer.  So do you make a new person retake the test two weeks later if a new question bank comes out?

moondoggie

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #13 on: Oct 13, 2009, 12:40 »
Not even close to a BS answer. The logic is simple. If someone knows their stuff, they should have no problem taking the exam. Problem is, many of the previous versions have been handed out like candy. And, to an extent, if a new exam bank is issued, then yes, those questions are incorporated into the continuing training sessions the RCT's here attend. Maybe I can't see the forest for the trees, but I am not really sure if there is anything wrong with this system.

Offline let-it-ride

  • Moderate User
  • ***
  • Posts: 85
  • Karma: 275
  • I love NukeWorker.com!
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #14 on: Oct 13, 2009, 11:52 »
I disagree with the elitists that say the core test is basic rp stuff and if you can't pass it get another career. That type of person is usually a poor tech but can pass the test in 20 minutes. We all know people that would never be trusted but, hey scored 95% on a test that is meaningless. HP/RCT is dose rates, smears, and air samples. Of course job coverage requires that and more. It takes time and experience.  It also requires being a people person, manager to have the "craft people" to actually follow the rules and to tell them why.

It would be like to say if you want to be a taxi driver, you have to know how to take an engine apart and put it back together. Simplistic yes, but true.

Why not have a more practicable test such as going through a job coverage test.
Oh wait, that happens alot but, funny, it is just the house people going through the motions with all the returnees and then telling stories of what happened since the last outage, and then just signing the paper work. I had this done more times that I can't count.
You know this is true. How many of us had had our site specifics and JPM's signed off while we were all telling what happened at the last job.

I can also name many sites where we were given a study guide that was the test. I can also name sites when the test was given, the instructer went to lunch.
I can also name sites that when the test was graded, the instructer gave the test back and said you should look at number .... and then hand it in again.

So don't think that by trying to have a test that is made hard by people that make themselves look good by making others look bad and then saying if you can't do it, get out.

A question, why is the Core test not accepted nation wide? If it is all that, why can't the government trust other government sites?  Maybe it is people having to give up their empires and status.

A site specific test and site procedures exam is more valid to help the tech and site. Trying to show how smart you are by putting traps to the people that are putting themselves on the line to help "craft", should be changed.

Ok, I know I will be hammered for these views, but when in the last 20 years has ANYTHING been done to help the roadies???
 8)

Offline let-it-ride

  • Moderate User
  • ***
  • Posts: 85
  • Karma: 275
  • I love NukeWorker.com!
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #15 on: Oct 14, 2009, 12:07 »
OH, and to mutant.  You are obviously a house slug that sits in the break room while the contractors do the work for you. Having hand fed quals once a quarter and then equating it to walking to a job and hoping there are not people like you giving the test must make you get off.
So I suggest that before you tell others to get a new career, you should find one for yourself. You are a disgrace to HP/RCTs that spend months away from their families trying to have a career that is ruined by slugs like you.

moondoggie

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #16 on: Oct 14, 2009, 07:31 »
Lets see, where do I start. Thanks for making my argument for me, as to the way some sites conduct the core test. Your examples are exactly why I do not trust the certifications from other sites. My site also does site specific exams, as well as on the job performance measures prior to final certification.

Not going to get into the house/road tech discussion, except to state that it is a personal choice which way you work. There are slugs on both sides. Neither side has a monopoly on it.

Offline Smart People

  • Rad Engineer/Shipper
  • Very Heavy User
  • *****
  • Posts: 1268
  • Karma: 2492
  • Gender: Male
  • I like being around smart people
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #17 on: Oct 14, 2009, 10:46 »
Or maybe there could be a national test and a registry or something like that so you only have to take it once and nearly every site accepts it and you don't have to take a Core or NUF test as long as it's active. Wouldn't that be nice? 8)
Blessed is the man who can laugh at himself--he will never cease to be amused
Think twice and say nothing..Chiun
I'm as big a fool as anyone..And bigger than most.. Odd Thomas

Offline Smart People

  • Rad Engineer/Shipper
  • Very Heavy User
  • *****
  • Posts: 1268
  • Karma: 2492
  • Gender: Male
  • I like being around smart people
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #18 on: Oct 14, 2009, 11:01 »
I reckon,...I always look at the testing, prac facs, etc., as free money. Getting paid to do once again what I have been paid to do countless times in countless places, over and over and over,... 8)

i.e. paid insanity,....

(sic)

Darnit! I can't disagree with that logic!

Unfortunately I've already participated in that national test thingy :(
Blessed is the man who can laugh at himself--he will never cease to be amused
Think twice and say nothing..Chiun
I'm as big a fool as anyone..And bigger than most.. Odd Thomas

Offline retired nuke

  • Family Man
  • Very Heavy User
  • *****
  • Posts: 1508
  • Karma: 3538
  • Gender: Male
  • No longer a nuke
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #19 on: Oct 14, 2009, 11:06 »
Or maybe there could be a national test and a registry or something like that so you only have to take it once and nearly every site accepts it and you don't have to take a Core or NUF test as long as it's active. Wouldn't that be nice? 8)

NRRPT did that to some extent - got me out of a few tests. But some sites still made me take it... including RFETS.

ANd yeah, I always looked at it as a freebie, paid to verify what I already knew to be true.... ;)
Remember who you love. Remember what is sacred. Remember what is true.
Remember that you will die, and that this day is a gift. Remember how you wish to live, may the blessing of the Lord be with you

Offline pbooth

  • Light User
  • **
  • Posts: 43
  • Karma: 13
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #20 on: Oct 15, 2009, 08:19 »
I am a poor Rad Tech who has pretty much been on the road since the early 80's and have seen this beautiful country of ours from north to south, east to west and then some. The core test is no joke, but it is RP fundamental stuff we all learned back when we got into this business. Now the powers that sign our pay checks should come together and come up with one test for commercial and DOE. Then if you can't pass it, either study harder or take a course at a accredited school, then take it again. If anyone has to take the core test they should use the resources that are on nukeworker or the other sites. If you use these helpful resources, you will pass. Don't give up without giving it all you got don't give up with out a fight. PEACE!!! pbooth-old school road dog.

ashtray

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #21 on: Oct 16, 2009, 12:50 »
If you need to take the core exam in the Oak Ridge, TN area; contact Gary Johnson at
CG Services
(865) 300-8501
Except for areas that require you to take their exam (i.e. Savanna River), the exam covers all of the U.S.

Offline johnnieslingshot

  • Moderate User
  • ***
  • Posts: 80
  • Karma: 70
  • Gender: Male
  • Let's go bowl-diving
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #22 on: Oct 19, 2009, 12:28 »
Not whining...just stating the facts.  Unless you've actually taken the test that we're talking about, perhaps you should refrain from comment.  "Nuff said.

For your information.  I have taken the exam 5  times and have never made less than a 96 on it.  (4 times at SRS and once at Portsmouth Uranium Gaseous Diffusion Plant.  I have also taken the Department of the Navy NAVSHIPS 389-0288 Article 108 test 6 times ( Charleston Naval Shipyard) and never made less than a 90 on it.  I took the NEU/NUF back in 2005 cold (was not given a chance to study) and still made a 92 on it.   I think I am more than qualified to comment.

Chimera

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #23 on: Oct 20, 2009, 01:20 »
I agree, Marssim.  I wasn't commenting so much on the "ace buster" as I was about the tests that seem to be made almost entirely of this type of question.  I've been a trainer and I appreciate the statistical analysis that is/should be done each time the test is given.  My primary observation was about the exams that seem to be drawn primarily from the "trivia" instead of testing the fundamentals with the occasional challenging question thrown in.

As a side note, you should have seen (and perhaps you have) the original Northeast Utilities exam when it was the in-house exam at the Northeast Utilities plants back in the 70's.  The current itteration is actually quite easy to pass compared to what Jim Bennett used to throw at us at Millstone back then.  Trying to learn enough to pass one of those exams was how I started learning the theory and the fundamentals of my craft.  Who knew that "jelly" wasn't spelled with a "j" (laughing at myself)?

Michael

Offline RDTroja

  • Site Heretic
  • Gold Member
  • *
  • Posts: 4015
  • Karma: 4558
  • Gender: Male
  • I knew I got into IT for a reason!
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #24 on: Oct 20, 2009, 11:51 »
Back in 1978 when each plant made up its own tests and nobody could possibly imagine why they would want to share information with other utilities, there was a test at Indian Point 2 that had a question that went like this (the numbers have been changed due to a failing long-term memory):

You are walking through a room with a bag of trash over your shoulder when the bag breaks open and scatters its contents on the floor. The dose rate on the bag (prior to breaking) was 75 mR/hr @ 1 foot and it had a significant amount of loose dusty material in it. The room is 40' by 80' with a 12 foot ceiling.

What is the airborne concentration in the room? List all assumptions made.

Yikes.

I gave what was deemed a correct answer based on my assumptions. But the answer I really wanted to give was "I don't have time to do this calculation, I am on my way to get an air sampler and a whole buncha rope... and I can't think well while I am holding my breath."

When I asked why they had such a ridiculous question on their test, they told me that it was to test practical application of theory. I threw the BS flag and told them if they trusted people to derive survey data in this manner that they were doomed. The question was not on the next test. In hindsight, I think they should have kept it just to identify the true geeks in the crowd.
"I won't eat anything that has intelligent life, but I'd gladly eat a network executive or a politician."

                                  -Marty Feldman

"Politics is supposed to be the second-oldest profession. I have come to understand that it bears a very close resemblance to the first."
                                  -Ronald Reagan

I have never made but one prayer to God, a very short one: 'O Lord, make my enemies ridiculous.' And God granted it.

                                  - Voltaire

Chimera

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #25 on: Oct 20, 2009, 07:45 »
That was just Imbimbo's clever (or so he thought) rewrite of calculating the airborne concentration from a leaking drum.  IP had us (the NUMANCO crew) take the same test they gave their house techs (after they had been through a 6-week training course) back in 1977.  One of the questions listed the curie content of six drums and wanted to know at what distance the high rad boundary should be posted.  I had never heard of 6CEN back then so I said I would post where my meter read 100 mR/hr.  Imbimbo had to concede that, while it wasn't the answer he was looking for, it was technically correct for a field tech.  I scurried back to the plant and counted my blessings.

spade

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #26 on: Nov 12, 2009, 02:38 »
Hello Everyone,

I am very new to all of this Rad talk and am looking to change careers. I have talked with people in my area and they all tell me this is a great field to try and get into. I have checked with the local Tech. College but their program does not start for a 9 months and takes about 9 months for the class. Some have told me to just challenge the core test so I printed off the modules to start studying. A lot of info there but i think it can be done.
Does anyone have any great ways to help for the test and study guides? And am going about this the right way?

Ant and all input would be much appreciated!

Offline UncaBuffalo

  • Mostly Retired
  • Very Heavy User
  • *****
  • Posts: 1818
  • Karma: 4598
  • "How Many Things I Have No Need Of" - Socrates
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #27 on: Nov 12, 2009, 03:10 »
Hello Everyone,

I am very new to all of this Rad talk and am looking to change careers. I have talked with people in my area and they all tell me this is a great field to try and get into. I have checked with the local Tech. College but their program does not start for a 9 months and takes about 9 months for the class. Some have told me to just challenge the core test so I printed off the modules to start studying. A lot of info there but i think it can be done.
Does anyone have any great ways to help for the test and study guides? And am going about this the right way?

Ant and all input would be much appreciated!

Where are you?  Most DOE sites are only hiring people with experience &/or training...so you wouldn't get a chance to challenge the test if you are coming in off the street.  I know Idaho let a few deconners challenge the test a couple of years ago, but I had understood this wasn't possible anymore...?
We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner! I can’t think what anybody sees in them.      - B. Baggins

Offline Smart People

  • Rad Engineer/Shipper
  • Very Heavy User
  • *****
  • Posts: 1268
  • Karma: 2492
  • Gender: Male
  • I like being around smart people
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #28 on: Nov 12, 2009, 03:35 »
If you've never worked in the business, whether it be DOE or commercial, then getting a rad job starting out is pretty much impossible unless you know somebody who can give you a leg up.

Talk to Bartlett or Atlantic Group about upcoming junior decon work. Get a feel for the work and then try for a junior HP position.

there is tons of info in the "Getting In" part of the forum.

Welcome to Nukeworker.
« Last Edit: Nov 12, 2009, 03:35 by Smart People »
Blessed is the man who can laugh at himself--he will never cease to be amused
Think twice and say nothing..Chiun
I'm as big a fool as anyone..And bigger than most.. Odd Thomas

spade

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #29 on: Nov 13, 2009, 06:02 »
I am in Idaho. I have heard of people getting in with just the Core exam but I am sure they probably had an in. I will probably sign up for the Tech college class and see if i can possibly get in before that. If not I will have that to fall back on. I have downloaded the study manual and figured it would not hurt to study and take the test. Maybe get my HAZWOPER on line too.

I am excited to pursue this as a carer path. I have been self employed for about 18 yrs and am getting tired of all of the red tape and lack of benefit's.

Thanks for your suggestions!

Offline 105KW

  • Moderate User
  • ***
  • Posts: 89
  • Karma: 55
  • Tell Recruiters to use NukeWorker.com
DOE Core Exam
« Reply #30 on: Nov 17, 2009, 01:04 »
Where are you?  Most DOE sites are only hiring people with experience &/or training...so you wouldn't get a chance to challenge the test if you are coming in off the street.  I know Idaho let a few deconners challenge the test a couple of years ago, but I had understood this wasn't possible anymore...?


Just in Sept this year CH2M Hill gave a challenge test. Hired about 40 and the new techs are in  class now for 13 weeks ( site specific ) before showing up on site at Hanford

Offline Bingo

  • Rad Supervisor
  • Light User
  • **
  • Posts: 14
  • Karma: 49
  • Gender: Male
  • GO Cubs !!!
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #31 on: Nov 17, 2009, 01:43 »
I am in Idaho. I have heard of people getting in with just the Core exam but I am sure they probably had an in. I will probably sign up for the Tech college class and see if i can possibly get in before that. If not I will have that to fall back on. I have downloaded the study manual and figured it would not hurt to study and take the test. Maybe get my HAZWOPER on line too.

I am excited to pursue this as a carer path. I have been self employed for about 18 yrs and am getting tired of all of the red tape and lack of benefit's.

Thanks for your suggestions!


If you have your Core card and HAZWOPER, AMWTP(in Idaho) will hire you in as a junior tech.  Right now there are no openings, but get your core card and HAZWOPER and keep checking the postings.  The EITC program is good to have, but not necessary.  However, with the theory and mathmatics you learn in this program,  I will tell you that getting qualified as a RT will be sooooo much easier/quicker. $$$

Offline UncaBuffalo

  • Mostly Retired
  • Very Heavy User
  • *****
  • Posts: 1818
  • Karma: 4598
  • "How Many Things I Have No Need Of" - Socrates
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #32 on: Nov 18, 2009, 11:17 »

Just in Sept this year CH2M Hill gave a challenge test. Hired about 40 and the new techs are in  class now for 13 weeks ( site specific ) before showing up on site at Hanford


If you have your Core card and HAZWOPER, AMWTP(in Idaho) will hire you in as a junior tech.  Right now there are no openings, but get your core card and HAZWOPER and keep checking the postings.  The EITC program is good to have, but not necessary.  However, with the theory and mathmatics you learn in this program,  I will tell you that getting qualified as a RT will be sooooo much easier/quicker. $$$

Thanks!  Glad to hear it still is an option.
We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner! I can’t think what anybody sees in them.      - B. Baggins

spade

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #33 on: Nov 23, 2009, 04:01 »
Thank you all for your help! I will get studying.

lance1086

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #34 on: Nov 23, 2009, 09:27 »
Is there anyway I can take the core exam? I recently completed a health physics program but the core we took at the end of the year didn't count. Now when I apply for a job they want experience and the Core completed. Whats the best way to get started in the industry or does it just take a lucky break?

Offline DJ@Retired

  • Moderate User
  • ***
  • Posts: 189
  • Karma: 321
  • Gender: Male
  • Just Win Baby! Well Maybe Next Year!
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #35 on: Jan 17, 2010, 12:29 »
I don't understand the DOE Core test. I took it at Argonee but Hanford and SRS will not take it as credit. Why don't have a universal test like NEU Exam?
A good friend will bail you out of jail. A great friend will be sitting next to you saying "Dam, that was Fun"

Offline HenryBlack

  • Moderate User
  • ***
  • Posts: 113
  • Karma: 360
  • Gender: Male
  • Tell Recruiters to use NukeWorker.com
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #36 on: Jan 18, 2010, 03:22 »
SRS won't take anyone else's test score because of something that happened years ago. I don't want to get into it in this forum but IM me and I will reply with the reason why for you. Study hard because it is the hardest of the DOE tests.  Take care Henry

impactbob

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #37 on: Jan 22, 2010, 09:55 »
All employers, please be wary when hiring someone when they state and prove they passed the DOE Core test.  I have interviewed 5  people that carry that card and none of them new how to read a dose rate meter.  It wasn't simply not understanding the meter; these individuals could not tell me what the meter was reading on any scale. 

Offline USMCRADCON

  • Light User
  • **
  • Posts: 30
  • Karma: 52
  • Gender: Male
  • Will train for spare change
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #38 on: Jan 25, 2010, 08:42 »
All employers, please be wary when hiring someone when they state and prove they passed the DOE Core test.  I have interviewed 5  people that carry that card and none of them new how to read a dose rate meter.  It wasn't simply not understanding the meter; these individuals could not tell me what the meter was reading on any scale.

The DOE RCT Core Academics is an standardized academic examination.  It is based upon the 13 core modules.  In the DOE world, there is a second part of RCT training which is a 19 module which does include instrumention.  This part of the training should be provided by the Site at which the individual will be performing their duties.

RCT's are required to sucessfully complete the DOE RCT Core Academics, the Site Specifics portion, On the Job Training and Job Performance measures and at some facilities, a Comprehensive Examination and an Oral board.

So in a nutshell, individuals who are "Card Carrying Members" should recieve further training from the Employers so that they may effectively carry out their work.  If you need someone to provide this training, feel free to contact me so that I may assist you in your needs.
"Welcome to the show, you are now officially one of Jerry's Kids"

Offline Old HP

  • Moderate User
  • ***
  • Posts: 177
  • Karma: 275
  • Tell Recruiters to use NukeWorker.com
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #39 on: Jan 25, 2010, 10:28 »
The irony here is everybody is looking for experienced techs with ANSI 3.1, DOE core, Respirator quals, able to run a 4 minute mile and a few other unique requirements. Yet, for that 20 years of experience and maintaining physical conditioning and constantly taking tests over and over, the companies continue to offer very low wages and then they wonder why they cannot fill their positions.   
 After all it is not rocket science.......

Content1

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #40 on: Jan 25, 2010, 02:37 »
The irony here is everybody is looking for experienced techs with ANSI 3.1, DOE core, Respirator quals, able to run a 4 minute mile and a few other unique requirements. Yet, for that 20 years of experience and maintaining physical conditioning and constantly taking tests over and over, the companies continue to offer very low wages and then they wonder why they cannot fill their positions.   
 After all it is not rocket science.......

You left out that they also expect you are fully trained on all the possible procedures at that plant after one outage, and are ready to go home early if you work hard enough and fast enough to put yourself out of a job so the management can get a bonus.

HeatherB.

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #41 on: Jan 25, 2010, 03:36 »
Nice of "impactbob" to come onto the site, make his one & only post about how incompetent the new DOE Core "card carriers" are. Are you serious with that nonsense??? God Forbid, some of us paid dearly in time, MONEY, and effort to learn & pass that test. I carry my card & will gladly take any site exam to reaffirm my Newbie Knowledge.

But I will be the first to say, the Core Exam was academically based... textbook knowledge. Seeing a picture in a book of a meter  or learning the intricate/scientific workings of a meter is WAY different than using one. That's what I thought our OJTs were for. Not to mention, I was lucky enough to work with a BUNCH of Sr. Techs who worked WITH the Jr's, rather than against us.

I'm guessing Bob doesn't try to make much of an IMPACT where he works... just tries to undermine his coworkers. Nothing like leading by example...  ::)

mostlyharmless

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #42 on: Jan 25, 2010, 05:33 »
While the core test is a good test of fundamental theory knowledge that you may or may not care about and may or may not be good at ( but like all sites you have to do it to go to work and get paid ) it does not prepare you far the work you will be doing. After years on the road I was somewhat prepared. The test I expected; the behavior of Pu238 and very dry Pu239 I did not. If you are through smacking each other with wet mop heads get a DOE core study guide or use the excellent one here at nukeworker and study so you too can get to work. Save the mops for the slugg trails of old hp techs.  Mostly,not completely,but mostly.

HeatherB.

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #43 on: Jan 25, 2010, 07:38 »
MEOW... TTarbox.

LOL ~ defensive much? My 5 posts trump his one. The DOE Core math taught me that.
My point was more about the "Be wary..." tone of his post.

Wow. That contemptuous & scolding tone of yours is really effective.

Quote
Save the mops for the slugg trails of old hp techs.


I <3 it. And I can run a 4 minute mile... should I have put that on my resume???
 :P



moondoggie

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #44 on: Jan 26, 2010, 07:21 »
 Part 4 of the RCT training manual (core academics) is exactly that. It does give you the qualifications to continue to part 6 (site specific) and, if required by your site, part 8 (oral boards). At my site, I do not expect an RCT to be able to fall right in and perform duties without having gone through the site and JPM's, unless they are a returnee.

As far as running a 4 minute mile, that only comes in handy when the Crit alarm goes off.

mostlyharmless

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #45 on: Jan 26, 2010, 05:40 »
It is not my intention to insult or deride. I am, or am becoming,an old tech. And yes I now leave a trail. It used to be a trail of fire, but now a mop is required. I have worked with some very,very good older than me techs, some that really did pull the rods on the sun. A passing grade on a test does not a tech make. I have worked with excellent and poor techs in both the commercial and the doe worlds. Some of the Best and worst have come from the navy and worked there way up from deconers( I did). I have no doubt some folks take the core and are unable to read a meter. Some folks work for years at my site and cannot read a meter. When I came through both oak ridge and srs I had to be 3.1 qualled, pass the core ,an oral board,do site specifics,a million jpms, only to be treated like I had never put on pcs before. Called rent a drunk, transient etc. Now I am a house drunk I guess. My point is to stop snipping at each other. Recognise our shared experiences, and help each other out. If anyone needs help with the core ,nrrpt,or just my two cents worth you are welcome to it. Sounds like a good couple of discussions. Doe verses commercial vs navy. What makes a good tech?  MH

Offline dvlpbob

  • Very Lite User
  • *
  • Posts: 5
  • Karma: 2
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #46 on: Aug 15, 2013, 02:24 »
Bob Florence here been out of the field for a bit need to brush up on the exams how can you help me ? Oh and I will pass it on reach one teach one  hit me at dvlpbob@gmail.com

Offline Rennhack

  • Forum Administrator
  • *
  • Posts: 8996
  • Karma: 4683
  • Gender: Male
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #47 on: Aug 15, 2013, 08:35 »
Bob Florence here been out of the field for a bit need to brush up on the exams how can you help me ? Oh and I will pass it on reach one teach one  hit me at dvlpbob@gmail.com

???

Chimera

  • Guest
Re: DOE Core Exam
« Reply #48 on: Sep 25, 2013, 10:10 »
Anybody can duplicate the card in their computer.  Always check with their last work location to see if they really did pass the Core Exam.

 


NukeWorker ™ is a registered trademark of NukeWorker.com ™, LLC © 1996-2024 All rights reserved.
All material on this Web Site, including text, photographs, graphics, code and/or software, are protected by international copyright/trademark laws and treaties. Unauthorized use is not permitted. You may not modify, copy, reproduce, republish, upload, post, transmit or distribute, in any manner, the material on this web site or any portion of it. Doing so will result in severe civil and criminal penalties, and will be prosecuted to the maximum extent possible under the law.
Privacy Statement | Terms of Use | Code of Conduct | Spam Policy | Advertising Info | Contact Us | Forum Rules | Password Problem?