NukeWorker Forum

Career Path => Training, Tests & Education => EEI Tests => Topic started by: BMST on Jan 02, 2008, 05:05

Title: BMST (Basic Math and Science) Test
Post by: BMST on Jan 02, 2008, 05:05
Not only do I have to take the POSS test, but also the BMST.
I've seen lots of good advice/links for the POSS. Any of the same
for the Basic Math and Science Test???
Title: Re: BMST
Post by: JustinHEMI05 on Jan 11, 2008, 03:05
Hope its not too late... but figure out how to work trig tables, look at radians, quadratic equations, simultaneous linear equations, basic geometric shape calculations (areas, volumes), a car leaves going west at 10 mps, another car leaves 2 hours later at 20mph how long until it catches up type of questions, print reading, exponents, other trigonometry like right triangles and Pythagoreans theorem, etc. Practice you long division and multiplication. They are also going to ask basic definitions like WHAT DOES THE TERM REDUCTION MEAN IN REGARDS TO CHEMISTRY? A BETA HAS THE SAME MASS AS WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING? Etc etc etc. The best thing you can do to prepare is get in the mind set of not spending too much time on something you don't know. If you don't immediately know how to go for the solution, move on. You will more than likely use every second available since its all done by hand. It is pretty basic, but since they used a calculator/computer to make it, and you don't get to use one, working them out by hand take a good chunk of time. Time management is key on this exam.

Good luck!

Justin
Title: Re: BMST
Post by: xro on Mar 23, 2008, 10:18
Took this jewel of a test from Exelon recently, pm me if you need info.
Title: BMST/POSS
Post by: bheinz on Jun 29, 2008, 08:48
I'm going to be taking the BMST exam for Exelon next week, and I can't find a single practice test out there.  >:( I've read the others post on this site, and I have a general idea of the areas the exam covers, but can anyone else point me in the direction of study material or sites when I can do some review? Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Exelon BMST
Post by: Smooth Operator on Jun 29, 2008, 10:15
What job are you testing for?

Bone up on calculating radians/degrees of a circle and using trig tables.

http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,12937.0.html
Title: Re: Exelon BMST
Post by: bheinz on Jun 29, 2008, 12:22
It's an Equipment Operator. I am doing that same job just with a different company. Thanks for the info.
Title: Re: Exelon BMST
Post by: bheinz on Jun 29, 2008, 12:57
That's one of the post that I read, but it just seems too vague and open. It's telling me to pretty much relearn everything in High School, all the Navy training, and my current jobs training. I wish there was just a 90 question practice test out there that I could use to study from. I know there is for the POSS and GFEs, why not BMST?    :-\
Title: Re: Exelon BMST
Post by: Smooth Operator on Jun 29, 2008, 01:07
The BMST practice test should have been sent to you by your Exelon recruiter. I know the BMST is a privately owned exam developed by an HR services company, HST I think, so you more than likely won't find anything publically available.

I am an EO for Exelon.

PM me if you have any specific questions.
Title: Re: Exelon BMST
Post by: HydroDave63 on Jun 29, 2008, 01:39
It's telling me to pretty much relearn everything in High School, all the Navy training, and my current jobs training. I wish there was just a 90 question practice test out there that I could use to study from.    :-\

Honestly, wouldn't the test questions come from the training and education you just cited?
Title: Re: Exelon BMST
Post by: bheinz on Jun 29, 2008, 01:40
The practice test that they sent me was 8 questions long. Not very good seeing how it's a 90 question test. How long have you been with Exelon?
Title: Re: Exelon BMST
Post by: bheinz on Jun 29, 2008, 01:43
Thats 10 years of training and education. I'm just nervous that I'll mess up this test, and I really want to move to the Chicagoland Area. If that's the case, I need to get with Exelon, which means whatever help I can get on this test, I'm taking.
Title: Re: Exelon BMST
Post by: Smooth Operator on Jun 29, 2008, 03:57
Ahh yeah, the practice test did suck. I winged it instead and relied on my nukeness to pull it out.

Specific things I remember:

Solving simultaneous equations, volumetric calculations (Sphere, cylinder, etc), two trains..., coverting degrees to radians or something such, trig tables, sine, cosine, tan

I work at LGS.
Title: Re: Exelon BMST
Post by: bheinz on Jun 29, 2008, 04:02
Thanks. I'm really not looking forward to taking this test. Or studying for it as a matter of fact. I just don't know where to begin.   :(
Title: Exelon BMST Section Questions
Post by: Marenta on Nov 03, 2008, 03:42
I am going to take the BMST in 3 days, and I'm wondering what kind of questions there are in the different areas..

There are 5 different math areas and 4 different science areas, and they are:

Math:
Spacial Relations
Basic Numbers
Algebra
Geometry
Trigonometry

Science:
Chemistry
Physics
Nuclear Science
Electrical Science

There were some examples on the practice test they gave me, but it wasn't enough to really study off of, if anybody has anything more specific they could give me to study, or some web sites that I could go to, that'd really help.

Thanks! :)
Title: Re: Exelon BMST Section Questions
Post by: Nuclear NASCAR on Nov 03, 2008, 04:14
http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php?topic=12937.0

http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/board,250.0.html

These are the first two places I'd look.  You might also do a google search on Basic Math & Science test.  If you do a search on Spacial relations it will come up Spatial relations.

Best of luck with the test.

Tom
Title: Re: Exelon BMST Section Questions
Post by: JustinHEMI05 on Nov 03, 2008, 06:37
Look at gradients and long division... by hand. :)

Justin
Title: Re: Exelon BMST Section Questions
Post by: BoilerHP on Jan 06, 2009, 08:30
I am late to post here... but maybe for future searchers this will be helpful.
I took and passed the BMST with Exelon, I have a B.S. and know science material very well. The two topics I found difficult were circuitry symbols, and I couldn't for the life of me remember how to convert degrees to radians or radians to degrees (there were a number of these on the exam). The rest was pretty common science and math that I hadn't seen since high school (very basic chemistry and physics) The physics is more like the mechanical comprehension related questions in the POSS. Hope this helps someone. Feel freet to PM me if you want further details. On a side note, I did not even know there was a study guide or material for this exam... HR has been pretty bad with giving me the proper information regarding the exams and I have to retake the POSS (supposedly next week but I have yet to hear from HR).

How did your exam go and the rest of the testing? Best of luck and hope it went well
Title: Radians
Post by: StevenPeck on Jun 01, 2009, 06:26
2*Pi radians in a circle
360 degrees in a circle

If you're not asked to deal with minutes or seconds, best to use 57.29 as degrees per radian.  You should be able to run numbers quickly with this shortcut.

If they ask a question with minutes or seconds, remember that a minute of arc is 1/60 of a degree and a second of arc is 1/60 of a minute.  For those without Navy experience, just remember your clock is based on arcs.
Title: Re: Exelon BMST Section Questions
Post by: NewNuke11 on Jul 14, 2009, 01:01
Hi, I noticed some people had some recent posts on the BMST which were very helpful. I am scheduled to take it next week. Anyone that took it recently have any additional study advice to add?
Title: Re: Exelon BMST Section Questions
Post by: njgirl0514 on Jul 19, 2009, 10:32
Same here I am scheduled to take it on the 28th and I was very dissatisfied with the study materials provided for the BMST.  I have recently taken Physics 2 as well as Algebra 2 so I'm hoping that will help with the test.  Has anyone recently taken the test that can offer some insight into the BMST?
Title: Re: Exelon BMST Section Questions
Post by: Madcat647 on Dec 22, 2009, 02:58
I also took it last week, make sure to read the first page (instructions). For instance, it said that all the numeric progression problems involved the difference between the two numbers, which made it MUCH easier.  No geometric/ratio changes, no primes, etc.  The practice test did not say this, so seeing that instruction saved me alot of time during the test.

Madcat
Title: Re: Exelon BMST Section Questions
Post by: dboy on Jan 08, 2010, 07:22
I took the bmst this week after passing the poss. I thought the POSS was extremely easy, and I probably finished 2/3 of the bmst in under and hour, however-the rest of the test I skipped by and went back to took me forever. Does anyone know how they grade it? I get the feeling they weight this thing by all the additional questions they ask about your background, schooling, time line etc.... and the fact that they told us at the start that they would look at our mathwork we did in the test booklet itself to see if we were heading in the right direction.  I already interviewed and toured the plant, and the recruiter said everything they said was extremely positive. I am just not sure about the BMST. Any insight???
Title: BMST
Post by: dboy on Jan 12, 2010, 06:33
Hey all,

I took the POSS and BMST last week. I passed the POSS, but they have not let me know about the BMST. Does anyone have any clue how it is graded? The examiner made reference to multiple things like if you had a degree, what math courses you had taken in college and when, whether you were ex-navy nuke. They also said to perform all work in the test booklet because they look at the work to see if you were on the right path-even if you may have come up with the right answer. You have to pass the POSS, but score satisfactorily on the BMST. What is the difference? They did say they would let us know by phone how we did- whether we were recommended or not. I was already interviewed for the position (EO) and taken on a plant tour and introduced to the workers. The recruiter said all the feedback from the interviews was extremely positive. Do they let you take the BMST again if you don't score high enough? Just a side note- I am ex-nuke, but that was 15 years ago (MM/ELT). I am a journeyman pipefitter (UAW) and hold several other licenses. Any info might be helpful. I really suspect I didn't score high enough- I finished  probably 2/3 of the BMST in under an hour, but took the last 2 hours going back to look over those problems and work on the ones I passed the 1st time around.
Title: Exelon POSS/BMST Results?
Post by: stig217 on Jan 15, 2010, 08:36
Hi,

How long did it take you to get your results from the POSS/BMST?  If you pass both tests, what is the next step?  

Thanks

Edit:

I can answer my own question.

POSS: They will tell you after they are done processing the test (1 hour)

BMST:  They send it out to have the tests scored (3-5 days/Contact your recruiter for the results)

Interview: 1 or 2 weeks after passing both tests.  You will hear a decision after another 1 or 2 weeks (Contact your recruiter again)
Title: Re: Exelon POSS/BMST Results?
Post by: DJ@Retired on Jan 17, 2010, 12:24
Look Elseware
Title: Re: Exelon POSS/BMST Results?
Post by: Steve B on Jan 18, 2010, 07:19
It depends on how far away from the hiring date that you took the exam and did your interview. I would say that if you haven't received a job offer before the posting is taken off of the website or definitely before the class starts then you were not selected.

To answer your second question...the next step would be a telephone call or email from HR with information regarding the companies offer. You would then review the offer and contact HR to inform them that you accept, decline, or wish to negotiate.

Good luck to you.
Title: POSS twice in one week (and BMST)
Post by: thestellarinc on Jan 22, 2010, 03:04
Just wanted to add my two cents here:
I just happened to take the POSS twice this week, I interviewed for Duke and Exelon. I was suprised that the test was exactly the same both times, there are not different versions. I think the answers might have been mixed around so you cant memorize a-b-c-a...but the questions were the same. I am a recent graduate with a BS nuclear engineering degree, and I have to say the test was not difficult. The only section I couldnt finish was the table section, cause 60 questions in 5 minutes is insane. Thats 5 seconds a question and it takes me about 3 seconds to fill in the bubble. After reading through other posts, I really dont think its worth doing extensive studying for the test, its designed I think so you can either do it or not. The only studying I did was the short practice test to familiarize myself with the types of questions. I passed it both times. I feel I did very good on it but I wont know since we dont get a percentage grade back. At Exelon it was public that only 2 of us passed in a group of 6. At Duke there were total 4 people and I dont know who else passed. I was surprised not more people passed though because I was taking it with some mechanical and electrical engineers that failed.

Exelon also had me take the BMST which had a little more difficult questions but nothing too hard with my degree. There was only maybe 5 or 6 questions I had to absolutely guess on and those were either chemistry or electrical engineering questions. Time was not an issue for this test, it took me 2 hours about and I was given 3, I then spent another half hour going over it. Advice for this is to study basic chemistry, circuits, trig, and geometry. Also basic nuclear physics if you arent familiar with it. I wont find out until probably monday or tuesday if I passed it but Im sure I did.

I already had interviews with both companies so now I wait and hopefully will be an equipment/auxiliary operator!

If you have any questions regarding the test I will try to answer, but Im not going to give specifics since it was the same test twice. The layout of the test seems to pretty well covered in other posts too.
Title: Re: POSS twice in one week (and BMST)
Post by: Fermi2 on Jan 22, 2010, 03:50
Take ASVAB practice tests absolutely helps.

And yes it's possible to get the table questions done. I did it.
Title: Re: POSS twice in one week (and BMST)
Post by: thestellarinc on Jan 22, 2010, 06:18
Just heard back, I passed the BMST too! Or in their words I was recommended on the BMST.
Title: Exelon Basic Math and Science Test
Post by: ash0128 on Jan 27, 2010, 07:26
I am taking the BMST for Exelon next week.  Is there any free and good study guides for this test.
Title: Re: Exelon Basic Math and Science Test
Post by: Rennhack on Jan 28, 2010, 11:28
As someone who took the BMST last month, I was disappointed to see that multiple threads existed on this topic, all saying nearly the same thing (very little).  If those people had just used the search function, my time could have been better well spent.  Does this say something about your chances of getting into ILT class with me?  Maybe.  On a more serious note; you're probably doing the Exelon supervisory assessment, so good luck.  Oh and don't worry about the flight simulator, everyone struggles.... :P

A search of "BMST" provided these results....(Place the mouse cursor over the blue letters, depress the left mouse button.  A new window will appear with the chosen topic.  To see the next topic, simply lower the mouse cursor and repeat.)

http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,22636.0.html
http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,16332.0.html
http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,22658.0.html
http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,15921.0.html
http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,12937.0.html
http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,14625.0.html
http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,22958.0.html

In all reality, it would be nice if this thread were deleted and the others combined.  I'm just sayin...


Sounds like a candidate for a moderator job.
Title: Re: Exelon Basic Math and Science Test
Post by: Nuclear NASCAR on Jan 28, 2010, 12:03
Sounds like a candidate for a moderator job.

And here we could use one for this forum too.  Hmmmmmmm.
Title: Re: Exelon Basic Math and Science Test
Post by: HydroDave63 on Jan 30, 2010, 03:15
I know if I could vote I'd vote for Mell ! :)
Title: Re: BMST
Post by: tselby on Oct 27, 2010, 02:42
they will only give you the results if you are hired in otherwise no results will be forth coming.
Title: Re: Exelon BMST Section Questions
Post by: tselby on Oct 28, 2010, 10:30
A lot of helpful hints below

Another thing to remember is if you do not know the answer right away or how to solve the question skip it and move on, the test will take the whole 3 hours alloted because you can not use a calculator, eveything is by hand

I took the test on Oct 5,2010 and passed

also remember a question left blank (unanswered) is wrong and you must pass this test to be considered for employment, you fail you will not get hired
Title: Re: Exelon BMST Section Questions
Post by: Buffa98 on Nov 09, 2010, 08:44
A lot of helpful hints below

Another thing to remember is if you do not know the answer right away or how to solve the question skip it and move on, the test will take the whole 3 hours alloted because you can not use a calculator, eveything is by hand

I took the test on Oct 5,2010 and passed

also remember a question left blank (unanswered) is wrong and you must pass this test to be considered for employment, you fail you will not get hired
Well I took it today.........I feel I did OK on it.  Will have to wait and see.  The poss was a little more fast paced than I expected.  Will let everyone know if I made it to the interview phase.   
Title: Re: BMST
Post by: Derrick on Dec 28, 2010, 10:18
Hi,

My name is Derrick and i have an upcoming test with Exelon.I seen on a post couple years ago you said that if anyone needed any info on the test to message you.Well i am wondering if you could supply me with some info regarding the test.The POSS test i am familar with but the BMST i am not familar with it at all.Where did you get info on it and what can i expect to see on the test also what approach worked best for you.For example how many questions did you do out of 50..? the number ratio...I am a lil worried.I have been studying like crazy.Please could you help me
Title: Re: BMST
Post by: HockeyFan on Dec 29, 2010, 09:59
Don't compromise the test!  You have a study guide issued to you when the test is scheduled.  Don't ask for details about what is on the test.
Title: Re: BMST
Post by: stig217 on Dec 29, 2010, 08:46
I took the test about a year ago.  I think out of the fifty I probably wasn't so sure about 5 of the questions.  There were a couple of randomly thrown out chemistry questions which I had no idea about.  I definitely thought that this was the easier of the two tests, because there was actually time to think things though.  I am not sure of your background, but if you had any basic math you will be fine.  Personally, I would study the POSS more, because a lot of people underestimate it.  Remember you have to pass the POSS to take the BMST.  I was there testing with another engineer and others who did not pass the POSS.  I was recommended for both tests.
Title: Re: BMST
Post by: Derrick on Dec 31, 2010, 10:41
Thansk.Thats what i noticed too.Everyone seems to jump the gun and only talk about the BMST..I am fully concentrating on the POSS.I took it a year ago and got a 0%.But i believe that its because i didnt do enough.I played it safe on the whole thing.I thought i could just do all the easy ones and sit back and pass.But on the MOSS i passed.I did more than enough.So hopefully this time i can do well.I had a hard time with the conversions.I spent tooooo much time on them.Thanks for the info
Title: Re: BMST
Post by: cheme09 on Oct 09, 2011, 03:14
Didn't want to make a new thread so I'm just going to bump this one.


I have an interview and testing scheduled for the end of this week with Exelon.  After looking through the sample BMST questions they provided, I am thinking there is a mistake in their answer.  I just wanted to check with the rest of you to see if you arrive at the same answer I did.  If so, I'll just assume it's a minor typo in their materials.  The question is as follows:

Determine the next number in the series:
25   27   30   15   5   7   10   ____


UPDATE:  Almost immediately after posting this, I realized why I was getting a different answer.  I was including using division as part of my answer whereas their answer only used addition.  Interestingly enough we came up with the same magnitude of an answer just opposite signs.  I'll keep this posted just to include another example of a BMST question.
Title: Re: BMST
Post by: RDTroja on Oct 10, 2011, 09:33
Didn't want to make a new thread so I'm just going to bump this one.


I have an interview and testing scheduled for the end of this week with Exelon.  After looking through the sample BMST questions they provided, I am thinking there is a mistake in their answer.  I just wanted to check with the rest of you to see if you arrive at the same answer I did.  If so, I'll just assume it's a minor typo in their materials.  The question is as follows:

Determine the next number in the series:
25   27   30   15   5   7   10   ____


UPDATE:  Almost immediately after posting this, I realized why I was getting a different answer.  I was including using division as part of my answer whereas their answer only used addition.  Interestingly enough we came up with the same magnitude of an answer just opposite signs.  I'll keep this posted just to include another example of a BMST question.

If this is an actual question on the test, it is flawed (if it is a multiple choice, it may be OK.) There are at least two legitimate answers (5, -5) unless the rules specifically state that only addition and subtraction are allowed... or if they wanted the next two numbers and told you only integers were allowed.
Title: Re: BMST
Post by: cheme09 on Oct 10, 2011, 12:22
If this is an actual question on the test, it is flawed

That's exactly what I was thinking.  It was a multiple choice question, by the way.

When I first posted, I didn't provide the answer choices because I wanted to see if everyone else came up with what I got, 5.  The study guide said the answer was -5 but I soon realized how they came up with that answer.
Title: Re: BMST
Post by: cheme09 on Nov 14, 2011, 09:46
I know one member here is taking the BMST soon and found the following info useful.  For the benefit for others that may be taking the BMST at the same time or later in the future here's what I suggested he study. There has already been good info posted earlier in this thread by Justin so consider this just a supplement.

The material is really all high school level math, trig, physics, and chemistry.  The two exceptions I had on my test were:

There is a 3 hour time limit for 90 questions.  They should have sent you a BMST study guide.  A majority is math but there is also a break down of subject matter on the study guide as well as a sample question for each question type (not sure where that biology question would fit in).  The sample questions are very representative of the type AND difficulty of the questions on the test.

If you're unfamiliar with simple circuits, it would be good to review/learn how to compute the current, voltage, and resistance of a circuit.  You should definitely know how to handle resistors in series and in parallel.

Your basic physics should also be reviewed.  Similar to the mechanical concepts on the POSS.

In the math section, when determining the next number in the series, only use addition or subtraction, not multiplication or division; this isn't mentioned in the study guide, but will be included in the directions on the actual test. The trigonometry was kind of interesting.  Aside from converting back and forth between radians and degrees, you should also be comfortable taking the sin or cos of an angle without a calculator.  You will be given a trig table, so you could learn how to use that or you could get comfortable estimating.  They will give you problems like solve for x:  

x = 20cos(61.18°)

The answer choices will be given with 3 or 4 decimal places, but there is no reason for you to waste time calculating to that accuracy.  If you recall that cos 60 = 0.5 then you should know that x will be in the ballpark of 10, but less than 10.

Lastly, a quick review of nuclear science would be good.  A skim through the DOE Fundamental Handbook for Nuclear Physics and Reactor Theory (volume 1) would be good.  The handbook definitely provides more material than you need, but what you do need will be in there.  Some topics to look at are:

Depending on your level of familiarity with the above topics, it may seem like a lot to study, but check out the subject matter break down in the study guide and just prepare accordingly.  Make sure to answer all questions because unanswered questions are considered incorrect answers.  If you grab a good ASVAB book, the math, mechanical, science, and spatial relation sections on the ASVAB will help you prepare for the BMST.  The DOE Handbook will cover your nuclear science.  If you google "doe fundamentals handbook nuclear" it should be the first link.

The test is not really hard.  I finished the exam in about 1.5 hours.  I took the next 45 min going back over all my answers.  The only ones I guessed on were about PNP and NPN transistors bc I've never seen that stuff before in school and I didn't bother to study it in the ASVAB book I used.

*edited for clarity bc I'm anal with small details like that
Title: Exelon POSS/BMST Experience
Post by: SleepyNuke on Oct 24, 2013, 08:41
Hi everyone! First time poster here.I figured I would attempt to give an overview of the tests from my experience since I used this site like crazy when prepping for the tests.

The BMST (Basic Math and Science Test) was definitely the test I was most worried about because of the wide array of subjects to study. I am more of an algebra guy rather and not a geometry guy. There were quite a few geometry questions that I got hung up on. I would study the basic formulas diameter, area, and volume (rectangle, circle, cylinder). There were a couple physics questions regarding ratios such as a spring depresses 6 inches when 10lbs is placed on the spring how far will the spring depress if 8 lbs is on the spring (only an example not a real question). Also there was a question that threw me off regarding pulleys and RPMs (I haven't worked through one of those in a long time) It was basically pulley X has a diameter of (any number) spinning at 1200 RPMs if pulley Y has a circumference of 64in how fast will it spin. I would focus as much as you can on the algebra and physics questions. Everything from basic physics the whole way up to the problems that involve one car leaving 2 hours ahead of another car when will the cars be in the same location. The chemistry questions were a little oddball I had both reduction and oxidation questions as well as a question asking you to name the last element in sulfuric acid (sulfur was already named so it wasn't that easy). The spatial relation questions were easy but I kept coming out with the wrong answer until I counted each individual block, I was trying to multiply the sides and it just wasn't computing for some reason. The trig part of the test was pretty easy, I knew nothing about trig tables and have only ever used the calculator for trig. Apparently the tables only go to 90 and of course I got a question that was find the sine of something ridiculous like 165 degrees. I had no idea what it was so I just divided that number in half and used whatever the closest number I came up with on the table. Other than that the trig was fairly easy the table wasn't hard to use. Overall, I would say I probably skipped around 20-25 and finished the 90 questions within 1 1/2 hours. I then went back through and thought pretty hard on the ones I missed and worked through them. I guessed on maybe 5 or 6 and by that I mean I narrowed it down to two answers and picked the most logical one. The study guide that they give you (all 8 questions of it  ::) ) was helpful it just doesn't give you much of a broad spectrum to focus on. The POSS had the formulas you would use in the test but the BMST did not so KNOW YOUR FORMULAS!

The POSS, this will be pretty short. I think everyone knows that the first few tests (mechanical conc, reading comp, tables and graphs) are all pretty easy. I had no problems with any of them and I only looked at the practice test available at EEI's website. The only part of the POSS that I was focused on was the Math Usage section. Obviously doing 44 questions in 17 or 14 minutes whatever is pretty taxing. I took everyone's advice from this forum and did the first 4 or 5 conversions then moved right to the algebra part. After studying I fully understood how to handle algebra equations that have the variable in the denominator and numerator, as well as how to divide out decimals into decimals or in to real numbers. I finished all the algebra problems without any issues. The last section was the word problems. Again a nice thing about the POSS is they give you the formula, at least half (if not more) would tell you what formula to use in the word problem. I didn't have any issues with that part either. I then returned to the conversions and was able to complete all but 10. Overall the POSS was less difficult than I had anticipated and it seemed to be all about speed and being careful with your +/- signs.


I hope this helped everyone out, I am not trying to risk the integrity of the exam I just want to help anyone out who was in my shoes a few weeks ago so that they know what to study. Also one thing I used like CRAZY while studying was Khan Academy on youtube, I am a visual learner so I would suggest looking in to that website to walk you through things. I will not get my test results back until next week. I'll be sure to post a follow up and let everyone know if I was recommended or not.
Title: Re: Exelon POSS/BMST Experience
Post by: Fermi2 on Oct 25, 2013, 11:59
Whether you fail it or not this is a fantastic post. If you get time would you post how you prepared? I know there are tips all over this site, many of them by me. It might be beneficial to others especially if you pass. (Pulling for you!)
Title: Re: Exelon POSS/BMST Experience
Post by: SleepyNuke on Oct 29, 2013, 07:44
Thanks Broadzilla.

The results came in, I did not pass the BMST but did pass the POSS.

To prepare for the tests I had two weeks from when I was notified for my testing. I searched this forum like crazy (many of which broadzilla contributed too) I had purchased the POSS study guide off of amazon ($45) worth the money and the practice. I printed off all the POSS practice tests from EEI's site and signed up for a prep course through Bismarck State College ($120). The prep course was similar to the study guide in that it helped you work through problems. I made flash cards for the various physics problems which I though I would face on the tests.

My biggest downfall was not studying the basics (I know that's rule number one) when it came to the geometry stuff I was under the impression that the BMST would have the formulas for you like the POSS does. It doesn't. So some of the basic formulas such as area for a cylinder or parallelogram I was either unsure of or didn't know. I focused a lot of my time on practicing long division and I shouldn't have, for the most part I got myself to where I needed the long division then just plugged in one of the answers to see if I was close enough then adjusted from there. Khan academy on youtube was definitely one of my best study guides (and it was free!) as I said before. Focus on the questions in the study guide then expand on them. For physics I would go as far as the basics of Kinematics, for algebra do some crazy order of operation stuff, slope, quadratic equations, and Pythagorean theorm review.


If anyone needs any further clarification send me a PM or reply on here, hopefully I can help you out while it's still fresh in my mind.
 
Title: Re: Exelon POSS/BMST Experience
Post by: Nukette on Oct 29, 2013, 11:55
I am sorry to hear that, but now you know exactly what to expect.  Your above post will definitely help you when you are trying to remember for your next time.  Make sure you add "Passed POSS" to your resume when you apply to future positions.  Keep applying and good luck!  ;D
Title: Passed the BMST!
Post by: SleepyNuke on Mar 03, 2014, 06:13
Hey everyone, I posted on here before back in October about my unfortunate failure (or in Exelon's words not recommended) of the BMST. Fortunately I was able to retake the test recently at a different plant, I did not have any intention to transfer plants again (the drive is ridiculous) I just wanted to pass the test so that I can skip that process when the next opening at my plant comes up. This time I had some family issues looming over my head (very pregnant wife) so studying was very difficult. I will admit I probably only studied 2 days at best for a few hours each day. After my last attempt I made sure to write a review on here which I knew would pay off, it was very helpful looking at that and everyone else's reviews. I took the test on a Thursday and because I had already passed the POSS they only had to send in my BMST scores so they were able to notify me by the following Monday. Just so everyone knows that you are not notified of your actual score for the BMST. The test from my understanding is scored from each section then there is probably some formula they use to combine the scores and give you a pass or a fail. So with that being said you will not find a HR person that will tell you a pass percentage or give you a score when you get your results. I will give a quick review of anything I saw different from the first time.


As far as the test goes almost all the questions were either the same or very similar. I had one chemistry question that threw me off again it was asking what the last compound in silver nitrate and they gave you silver and nitrogen so I guessed on that. They had a question on heat forms (convection, conduction, radiant) which luckily I had a whole section of that in school so I knew that pretty well. They also had questions like what is the area of the flat washer, they gave you the inside and outside diameter of the washer. Then there was the typical trig questions such as the sun is hitting the flag pole at x degrees and the flagpole is x in height how long is the shadow. I still have no idea how to calculate Sin165 but I did my best to guess. Other than that my first review was spot on with things to look at and study. One thing I did this time in preparation of failing was as soon as I got to my car I turned my voice recorder app on and I just started recording specific questions that I got stuck on. Obviously I can't just give out specific test questions on here because that could put a lot of people in jeopardy (including myself) but I would highly recommend it if you're taking the test for the first time. If you were qualified for it once you should be qualified for it twice, the first time fail rate is above 50% so leave the test with confidence but just be prepared that you may have to take it again. Also as far as test prep goes, this is VERY important, make sure you use the bathroom 1 hour prior, 30 minutes prior, and 10 minutes prior. You might think you have a steel bladder however you CANNOT leave that once the 3 hour test has started. I squeezed every drop out before I started and by the time I hit the three hour mark I was able to go again. The only thing I drank was at 9 am and we took the test at 12. I don't know if that is part of the test but it wouldn't surprise me just to see how you do distracted. Lastly I just wanted to note that this time I took my time and completed each question as they came, I did not skip any this time. At the 1.5 hour mark I was at around question 55 (way ahead of schedule) at that point I did speed it up just little to make sure I would have ample time to double check every question. I finished the test with a little over 45 min left. I went back through and checked every question to make sure I wasn't rushing and I actually caught to questions that I had misread or had temporary dyslexia on. I turned the test in with around 15-20 minutes left to go because there was nothing else I felt I could do to for the questions that I was stuck on.

As always if you have any questions PM with them. The closer to the post date that you get a hold of me the better i'll be able to accurately respond.

Thanks,
SleepyNuke
Title: Re: BMST (Basic Math and Science) Test
Post by: SpaceJustice on Mar 04, 2014, 04:18
Congrats!
Title: Re: BMST (Basic Math and Science) Test
Post by: discofiend on Jul 24, 2015, 06:30
when you guys say trig tables what do you mean?  when i look them up on the interwebs i get some different examples.  i would think it would just be the degree vs the function with a value but i also see some tables that are fractional or basically unsimplified fractions with roots in them.  which is it?
Title: Re: BMST (Basic Math and Science) Test
Post by: duespo on Aug 28, 2015, 10:34
Active Duty Army here looking to reclass into the MOS 12P Prime Power Production Specialist.  Ok, I have tried to follow along with this thread but it has been a long time since I was semi-decent at math so things like radians are lost to me.  I am beginning to prepare for the BMST and I understand there are not really any study guides out there.  If I were just starting out, using self-study materials like "Basic Math and Pre-Algebra for Dummies, Chemistry Demystified, etc"  what courses should I focus on for just the BMST.  Marenta wrote a list a while back. Would you agree that these are the courses I need to get self-study books for?  I am looking at plenty of time to study since I will be going on a hardship tour without my family.

Math:
Spacial Relations
Basic Numbers
Algebra
Geometry
Trigonometry

Science:
Chemistry
Physics
Nuclear Science
Electrical Science
Title: Re: BMST (Basic Math and Science) Test
Post by: MMM on Sep 01, 2015, 05:33
You don't need to study nuclear science or electrical science. If you can find a BMST practice exam, take that, google the questions you didn't know how to answer, and study those topics. Sorry, but it's been a year and a half, so I don't remember many specifics, but I think math went through geometry (maybe a little into trig) and had basic chemistry and physics (I think it was stuff you'd learn in high school).
Title: Re: BMST
Post by: obee91 on Feb 01, 2016, 07:29
Took this jewel of a test from Exelon recently, pm me if you need info.

I need some more info about the BMST and POSS I have done plenty on POSS practice exams but haven't found any from the BMST do you have any advice or things to look at?