EEI CAST, POSS, MASS, TECH and SO/PD tests

[GLW]

............, it's my opinion that it takes a certain type or person to be an operator. Those who cannot perform well under pressure or are not sure and confident in their decisions don't need to be (and I feel, should not be) tasked with the responsibility of operating a nuclear plant. I'm all for students who study tirelessly and put forth effort and look for ways (tips) for learning things. But that doesn't mean much if the material cannot be internalized or when under pressure the correct answer cannot be produced.

never get these poeple started on innate versus learned,.....never,....

http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,26372.0.html

[cheme09]

never get these poeple started on innate versus learned,.....never,....

http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,26372.0.html

that thought crossed my mind before actually posting my response, but oh well. maybe my third week of outage nights is getting to me. maybe it's made me less sensitive to the repercussions of my actions or others' feelings. maybe i'm just becoming more cynical. maybe i'm going down a dark path towards becoming another broadzilla 

really what i was just trying to be pc about in my initial response is the fact that if you're struggling with the POSS or MASS or any of these tests needed for application, it's not going to be an easy road if you manage to get the job. moreover, if the type of subject matter on these tests doesn't come easy to you even after endless studying, then it REALLY isn't going to be an easy road.

...maybe i'm just an a-hole

[GLW]

that thought crossed my mind before actually posting my response, but oh well. maybe my third week of outage nights is getting to me. maybe it's made me less sensitive to the repercussions of my actions or others' feelings. maybe i'm just becoming more cynical. maybe i'm going down a dark path towards becoming another broadzilla 

really what i was just trying to be pc about in my initial response is the fact that if you're struggling with the POSS or MASS or any of these tests needed for application, it's not going to be an easy road if you manage to get the job. moreover, if the type of subject matter on these tests doesn't come easy to you even after endless studying, then it REALLY isn't going to be an easy road.

...maybe i'm just an a-hole

yup,.....third week of outage nights can do that to ya,...

[retired nuke]

maybe i'm going down a dark path towards becoming another broadzilla 

Nope, BZ would have just posted "Janitor"

I was gonna post "decon" but I've already been coached about that... 

The tests are a filter. Not everyone belongs in nuclear power. Somebody has to work at the gas station / subway down the road from the plant. 
I didn't take the POSS test, I took the Tech test (for RP). Didn't even know it was coming, but both of us that took it passed with no issues. 
You shouldn't have to study for an aptitude test... 

[UncaBuffalo]

You shouldn't have to study for an aptitude test... 

I get your point. 

But can we also agree that there is no reason NOT to do some practice tests if you have time...just to make sure your brain is in 'Test-Mode' when they hand you the paper?

[BigBear]

I'm am going to be taking my POSS/MASS EXAM In a few weeks and was wondering a few things. 1st - when taking the test do they grade the answer I could not complete ? Im only 22 and don't have a college degree but I know how to study .. Honestly is this test that challenging that older guys can't pass it ? I'm nervouse and looking for answer please help me out.

[jft3]

Going to be taking my poss exam in a few weeks, but I have to take an entry math exam and must get an 80%? Does anyone know what possible topics could be on this exam?

[CTRaider]

Hows it going? I am currently a Petroleum/Gasoline terminal operator. I have taken and failed the POSS/MASS test in the past. I just applied for an apprentice lineman job in my area's utility company. I have not recieved a test date yet but I know that it will be the CAST test. Does anyone have experience with the CAST as opposed to the POSS/MASS. From the practices it seems like it may be a little easier, but I want to be 100% prepared. Thanks in advance!

[Echonuc]

Hello everyone, I am new to this site and am a highly motivated wife seeking to support and assist my husband as much as possible in preparing for a POSS test and interview for an AO position at a Nuc (steam) plant. I will have several questions to help him along, but to start, I want to say that we have spent SEVERAL hours together on this site, reading and discussing every post pertaining to the POSS we can find. Yesterday while he was on call for work, I purchased him an ASVAB study book, an Algebra study book, and a POSS study book. He has also taken one POSS practice test and will be taking one a day until the actual test day. We understand the concept of accuracy and quality over speed and completion of the test, and also have a strategy understanding for how to work through the test (skip ones you cannot quickly complete to ensure you finish all the easy ones you can, then come back to the tough ones if you have time, do not guess as each wrong answer counts as 2 points against you). We both currently work full time, and his getting this job would afford me to stay home and take care of our son, have more children and finally have a better life...

So...background and sob story out of the way. Some starter questions....
•   Is the online practice test as realistic a practice test as a printed hard copy? (say the actual POSS they use at the plant he is applying for is printed)?
•   Will our credit score affect his eligibility for hiring? (I know they will do a background check and he will need government clearance –these will be no problem, but with them being so thorough in their scrutiny of potential candidates/employees...)
•   Can you recommend any way to study? (i.e. how long is needed, how many practice tests should be taken, is there any way I can help him?)
•   Flat out, will my husband be considered qualified? (He is currently a senior journeyman, low voltage electrician in charge of teams (similar to a foreman at a construction site) that are responsible for installing, monitoring, trouble shooting and fixing fire and security systems. He is responsible for final walkthrough and ensuring the new systems pass code for the Fire Chief and State fire safety guidelines. He graduated from an Arts College with honors for traditional animation, spent some years professionally animating cartoons that were on television, spent many following years doing computer coding/website design and building (better pay than animating). He has currently been a low voltage electrician for 5 years, has 2 certifications for low voltage electrical in 2 states (NICET), has CPR certification and was temporarily given government clearance to install systems on an Air Force Base.
We understand he has one shot at this test at this particular plant (which is our choice). And if he fails that's it.... I understand there is a great group of people here who have helped a number of individuals pass the POSS test... so I am doing my part to help. Thank you in advance for any help, and I am sure I will have more questions along the way...

[ddickey]

Why would he want to leave a journeyman job to become an apprentice?

[GLW]

Why would he want to leave a journeyman job to become an apprentice?

medical benefits, work locale predictability, opportunity to advance in Operations/etc., LTD/STD, schedule predictability, group life insurance, educational reimbursement, education equivalency credits, one income household, etcetera,...

to the OP, check your PMs,...

[Echonuc]

He is a low voltage electrician in a small company. Not a lineman, but still has an impressive resume. But yes, he has topped out in his company and would start out making 1/3 more than he does now as an AO in a nuc plant. After his 2 years training, he would be making triple, and I could quit my job because his income would more than cover it (I make $40,000 as a merchandise manager). He would get double paid vacation, outage pay, and we were offered the opportunity to live with a family member who would charge us next to nothing so we could save up a house payment and get on our feet (which would make relocation easier) and we would love to relocate to that state. In short, we have every reason to want this position and relocate. :-)

[Rerun]

Actually no one has an "in" with HR. HR doesnt hire and anyone who claims to have an in is flat out lying.

Next speed counts more than accuracy. If you dont get enough questions done you fail. If you get 19 out of 19 right but you needed to answer 20 questions the guy who gets 17 right wins.

Last I coach guys on how to pass this test and last I checked I am 23 for 23. I have a fool proof method that works. You need an ASVAB test book

[Echonuc]

How do you "coach" guys to pass this test? Also, I purchased two books which should be coming in Wednesday (Barron's Mechanical Aptitude and Spatial Relations Test, ASVAB practice test book) and bought Geometry for dummies, I picked up an ASVAB study guide from the local library. Any other coaching we can get we will gladly accept. 

[Rerun]

An ASVAB book should have a certain number of tests. Take test one at a normal pace. Then shave 3 minutes off and take test two. Then 3 to 5 minutes off and take test 3 and so on and so on. Also on the reading just go straight to the questions. Most can be answered without doing the reading and those that cant are direct lookuos ie the 4th question will be in the 4th sentence or paragraph

[Echonuc]

Rerun- Thank you for this valuable information. Can you expand on one thought? The direct lookups (I believe you meant), I am not following your example. Are you implying that there is a correlation between what number the question is and which sentence/paragraph its answer will be found in the question?

Thank you a ton! I picked him up 4 more books at another library yesterday. He spent his birthday night studying...

[GLW]

..... He spent his birthday night studying...

well, at least he was home, I spent 3 birthdays studying one thing or another under the Arctic Circle, in the wintertime,...


(yeah, yeah, I know I volunteered for it)

[Rerun]

Yes by direct lookup I mean exactly that. Question 1 will come directly from the first passage

[GLW]

Yes by direct lookup I mean exactly that. Question 1 will come directly from the first passage

[Stevenray2225]

So I took the eei mass test for Entergy today and I was wondering if anyone knew how it was scored. Has anyone else taken the test for this company, etc

[TVA]

Scored?

[Stevenray2225]

Yes, is there a certain amount of questions most plants want you to get correct? What is the target?

[TVA]

You have to answer enough questions to get it graded then get a certain amount correct

[Coolestower]

Someone I know took the test and thinks they only got 9-10 questions right on one of the 15 question test, and maybe 30 out of 40 on another, but 100 on the other 2, is there any reference that this will be a fail for the EEI tech test?

[TVA]

No