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The Plant Operator Selection System (AKA POSS Test) is an EEI aptitude test designed to evaluate the skills and abilities of candidates seeking employment as power plant operators in nuclear, hydroelectric, or fossil fuel power plants.
Given the test's high cutoff rate, developing an effective study strategy is crucial for improving hiring prospects.
Our 3-step EEI POSS Learning Plan:
Step 1: Take a Diagnostic Test – Complete the full diagnostic test to identify your strengths and weaknesses across the four sections.
Step 2: Practice by Priority – Focus first on your weakest section. Work through its practice tests, then move to the others based on your results.
Step 3: Review and Retest – Study the summary reports and explanations. Redo missed questions and finish with a full practice test to check improvement.
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Explore additional EEI PrepPacks, including the MASS test prep, on our dedicated Edison Electric Institute Tests page.
The Plant Operator Selection System (POSS) test is a pre-employment aptitude assessment created by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) to evaluate candidates for operator positions in nuclear, fossil fuel, and hydroelectric power plants.
This timed, two-hour multiple-choice exam measures the cognitive abilities necessary for safe and efficient plant operation.
Key components of the POSS test include:
Before the Test
Test Day
After the Test
The EEI POSS is scored using a standardized method designed to predict job performance in plant operations.
Your raw scores from the four sections are combined using a weighted formula to produce an overall Aptitude Index ranging from 0 to 15. A higher index reflects a stronger predicted likelihood of success in the role.
There is no universal passing score. Each utility company sets its own cutoff based on hiring needs, and most employers report results as pass or fail rather than sharing the exact score.
Tip: In most current versions, your score is based only on the number of correct answers, with no penalty for wrong or unanswered questions, so guessing is generally recommended if time runs out.
However, policies can vary, so it’s important to follow the instructions given on test day.
Here you'll find a free EEI POSS practice test organized into 4 sections: Reading Comprehension, Mechanical Concepts, Mathematical Usage, and Figural Reasoning.
Each section includes questions, answers, and helpful tips. The questions are sourced from JobTestPrep's preparation materials and are similar to those on the actual POSS exam.
In the long version of the mathematical usage section, you'll have 17 minutes to answer 46 questions. This test is made up of three parts, including formula conversion problems, algebra problems, and word problems.
X + 14.9 = 7.6, X =?
5
51
-6.5
-7.3
None of the above
Click to see the full solution to the question.
The correct answer is (D) -7.3.
This is a single-variable equation, meaning our goal is to isolate x.
To isolate a variable, move all numbers away from it by performing the same operation on both sides of the equation.
Here, subtract 14.9 from both sides: X + 14.9 - 14.9 = 7.6 - 14.9
This simplifies to: X = -7.3. So, the final value of X is -7.3.
5 miles/minute = ? feet/second
7.33
17.6
320
440
N
Click to see the full solution to the question.
The correct answer is (D) 440.
We are converting miles per minute to feet per second.
From the given information: 1 mile/minute = 88 feet/second
To find how many feet/second are in 5 miles/minute, use proportional reasoning:
1 mile/minute → 88 feet/second
5 miles/minute → x feet/second
Set up the proportion: x = (5 × 88) ÷ 1
x = 440. Therefore, 5 miles/minute = 440 feet/second.
A. N = 9
B. N = 6
C. N = 27/3
D. N =3
Click to see the full solution to the question.
The correct answer is (D) 3.
Start with the equation: 6n² + 6 = 60
Subtract 6 from both sides: 6n² = 54
Divide both sides by 6: n² = 9
Take the square root of both sides: n = 3
Therefore, the correct answer is 3.
G=RL
G=L/R
G=R/L
G=0.37
Click to see the full solution to the question.
The correct answer is (C).
Start with the formula: L = R / G
To isolate G, first eliminate the denominator by multiplying both sides by G:
LG = R
Now divide both sides by L to solve for G: G = R / L
Therefore, the correct answer is (C).
💡When solving Mathematical Usage problems it's important to divide complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts, it simplifies the problem, making it easier to tackle step-by-step, reducing the chance of errors.
Enhance your math skills and train yourself to solve problems quickly without a calculator with our POSS Mathematical Usage practice tests, available in both short and long versions.
"Outstanding studying material."
William C. On the POSS Test
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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"Excellent program, took my test and PASSED!! thanks."
John D. On the POSS Test
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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"..really impressed, wasnt sure what to think beforehand but using the site feels worth the money....The type of problems, length, subjects and time pressure were all slightly harder than the actual test. I was able to refresh on all of the concepts that I needed to and passed with no problem."
Christopher H. On the POSS Test
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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In this section of the POSS test, you'll have 20 minutes to answer 44 multiple-choice questions. There are many different mechanical concepts being tested here, including Centrifugal Force, Gears, Gravity, Levers, Pulleys, and Shapes.
In which of the following positions would the tractor be less stable when taking a turn?
A
B
The Same
Click to see the full solution to the question.
The correct answer is (B).
The only difference between the two figures is the position of the tractor’s shovel.
In Figure A, the shovel is lowered. In Figure B, the shovel is raised.
Raising the shovel increases the height of the tractor’s center of mass.
When the center of mass is higher, an object becomes less stable.
For example, a tall semi-trailer is less stable than a low sports car because its center of mass is higher.
Since Figure B has the shovel raised, it is less stable.
Therefore, the correct answer is (B).
If the left cogwheel rotates in the direction of the arrow, in which direction does the right wheel rotate?
1
2
3
Answer
Click to see the full solution to the question.
The correct answer is (A).
Cogwheels that touch each other rotate in opposite directions.
If the left wheel turns counterclockwise, the middle wheel must turn clockwise.
Since the right wheel touches the middle wheel, it will again rotate in the opposite direction, which is counterclockwise. Therefore, the answer is 1.
At which point does the ball have a greater velocity? (If equal, Mark C.)?
A
B
C
Click to see the full solution to the question.
The ball is under the influence of gravity, which causes a constant acceleration downward.
Acceleration means the ball’s speed increases as it moves.
Since the ball continues accelerating while falling, its velocity at point B is greater than at point A.
Remember: A freely falling object keeps speeding up as long as gravity is acting on it. Therefore, the correct answer is (B).
💡When solving mechanical reasoning problems visualize the problem by drawing diagrams or sketches of the mechanical setup the reason is that diagrams help you see the relationships between components, visualize forces, and identify possible solutions more clearly.
Enhance your grasp and practical application of fundamental mechanical and physical principles with our POSS Mechanical Skills practice tests.
"Outstanding studying material."
William C. On the POSS Test
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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"Excellent program, took my test and PASSED!! thanks."
John D. On the POSS Test
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
-
"..really impressed, wasnt sure what to think beforehand but using the site feels worth the money....The type of problems, length, subjects and time pressure were all slightly harder than the actual test. I was able to refresh on all of the concepts that I needed to and passed with no problem."
Christopher H. On the POSS Test
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
-
In this section of the POSS exam, you have 10 minutes to answer 20 figural reasoning questions, where you will need to identify patterns to solve problems. The test includes three types of questions: Picture Series, Picture Comparison, and Picture Progression. Here is an example of a Picture Series question.
X is to Y as Z is to ?
Answer
Click to see the full solution to the question.
From figure X to figure Y, two changes happen:
1) The inner shape rotates 180° and shifts upward inside the outer shape.
2) The shading reverses (dark becomes white, and white becomes dark).
We must apply the same two changes to figure Z.
Choices 2, 3, and 4 are eliminated because the inner trapezoid is not rotated 180°.
Choice 1 is eliminated because the shading does not switch correctly (and it changes the outer shape instead).
Choice 5 matches both requirements: the inner trapezoid is rotated 180° and the shading is inverted (dark ↔ white). Therefore, the correct answer is (E).
Identify the next figure in the series
Click to see the full solution to the question.
Down each column, the sun’s center color stays the same. Since the missing frame is in the right column where the centers are always white, the missing center must be white, so we can eliminate choice 3.
Across each row, the pattern connects the center and the rays. In the bottom row, the diagonal rays (pointing to the corners) match the center color. So the missing frame must have diagonal rays that match its white center, eliminating choices 4 and 5.
Finally, we do not repeat the same ray color combination within a row or column. Choice 2 repeats an existing blue-and-white ray combination, so it is eliminated.
The only option that fits all rules is choice 1.
Identify the next figure in the series
Answer
Click to see the full solution to the question.
Use the top row to find the pattern across the row.
Left → middle: the two side triangles flip inward toward the center (like folding flaps). Middle → right: the entire middle frame is rotated 180° (half-turn).
Apply the same pattern to the bottom row. The bottom-left already flips inward to make the bottom-middle, so the missing bottom-right must be a 180° rotation of the bottom-middle frame.
In the bottom-middle frame:
Left triangle: top yellow, bottom white
Right triangle: top blue, bottom yellow
After a 180° rotation, we should see:
Left triangle: top yellow, bottom blue
Right triangle: top white, bottom yellow
Only choice 3 matches this, so the answer is 3.
💡When solving figural reasoning questions pay attention to how figures move, rotate, or flip from one step to the next the reason is that many figural reasoning problems involve systematic changes in position or orientation. Understanding these changes can help you determine the next figure or identify the incorrect figure in a series.
Mastering JobTestPrep's POSS Figural Reasoning practice tests will significantly enhance your capability to discern patterns and consistencies among various objects or data sets.
"Outstanding studying material."
William C. On the POSS Test
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
-
"Excellent program, took my test and PASSED!! thanks."
John D. On the POSS Test
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
-
"..really impressed, wasnt sure what to think beforehand but using the site feels worth the money....The type of problems, length, subjects and time pressure were all slightly harder than the actual test. I was able to refresh on all of the concepts that I needed to and passed with no problem."
Christopher H. On the POSS Test
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
-
In this section of the test, you have 30 minutes to answer 36 multiple-choice questions. You are presented with five different passages, and for each passage, you have to answer a number of different questions.
These passages are generally excerpts from power plant operator training and safety manuals.
"Just as the sun’s rays can be focused by a magnifying glass to burn a piece of paper, high-intensity ultrasound waves can be concentrated to burn human tissue. The waves are harmless until they converge at the focal point, so a surgeon can operate deep inside the body without harming the surrounding tissue. HIFU requires no cuts to be made, and many operations don’t even need an anesthetic, so the patient can be in and out of the hospital within a day".
How can HIFU enable early release of patients from hospital?
Ultrasound waves can be very focused.
It allows for very deep penetration into the body.
It is harmless.
No cuts are required.
Click to see the full solution to the question.
Choices (A) and (B) are mentioned in the passage, but they are not given as the reason for early discharge.
Choice (C) is incorrect because the passage states that the waves are harmless until they converge at the focal point, meaning they are not always harmless.
The final sentence of the passage explains why HIFU allows early release:
“HIFU requires no cuts to be made, and many operations don’t even need an anaesthetic, so the patient can be in and out of hospital within a day.”
This directly supports choice (D).
The Invention of the Light Bulb
"The development of the light bulb is one of the most significant milestones in the history of electricity. Thomas Edison is often credited with the invention of the first practical incandescent light bulb, but the journey to this invention involved many inventors and years of experimentation.
In 1800, Alessandro Volta invented the first electrical battery, known as the voltaic pile, which could produce a steady current of electricity. This invention laid the groundwork for future electrical devices. Humphry Davy, in 1802, created the first electric lamp by connecting voltaic piles to charcoal electrodes, producing a bright arc of light. However, Davy's arc lamp was too intense and impractical for home use.
The next significant advancement came in 1841, when Frederick de Moleyns patented a bulb filled with a vacuum, containing platinum filaments that glowed when electric current passed through them. Despite this advancement, the platinum filaments were costly and inefficient.
Thomas Edison, through extensive experimentation, developed a carbon filament that could glow for hours when heated by an electric current, leading to the creation of a long-lasting and practical incandescent light bulb. On October 21, 1879, Edison's bulb burned for 13.5 hours, a significant improvement over previous designs.
Edison's success was due not only to the invention of the bulb but also to the development of a complete electrical distribution system, which made the widespread use of electric lighting feasible. This system included generators, wiring, and the first commercial power station.
Edison's work laid the foundation for modern electric lighting and power distribution, making it possible for homes and cities to be illuminated by electric light".
In the development of the light bulb, who invented the first electric lamp by connecting voltaic piles to charcoal electrodes?
A. Alessandro Volta
B. Humphry Davy
C. Frederick de Moleyns
D. Thomas Edison
Answer
Click to see the full solution to the question.
The passage states: “Humphry Davy, in 1802, created the first electric lamp by connecting voltaic piles to charcoal electrodes, producing a bright arc of light.”
This clearly shows that Humphry Davy invented the first electric lamp using this method.
The other individuals mentioned had different contributions:
• Alessandro Volta invented the first electrical battery.
• Frederick de Moleyns patented a bulb using platinum filaments.
• Thomas Edison developed the practical incandescent light bulb with a carbon filament.
Therefore, the correct answer is (B).
"A GHG tax can be levied at any point in the energy supply chain. Most proposals target upstream suppliers of coal, oil, and natural gas as opposed to midstream points (electric utilities or oil refineries) and downstream (energy-using industries, households). Measuring the carbon content of fuels is a straightforward task and there are relatively fewer fuel producers and importers. To be fully inclusive, a downstream tax would have to fall on millions of users, increasing the likelihood that the program's scope would be more limited with higher aggregate and administrative costs".
Why not tax downstream users?
Carbon content is immeasurable
It's administratively more complex
Taxing midstream points is easier
It is technically impossible
Click to see the full solution to the question.
The passage says a downstream tax has higher aggregate and administrative costs.
This matches choice (B).
💡When answering Reading Comprehension questions make notes in the margins, underline key points, and highlight important information as you read the reason is that annotation encourages active reading, helps keep you engaged, and makes it easier to find important information when reviewing the text.
The JobTestPrep POSS Test Reading Comprehension practice tests are designed to enhance your ability to read complex information with precision and speed, ensuring you can effortlessly extract the key details from the passage.
As there are a number of different tests that make up the POSS exam, your score on the different components of the exam is combined into an index score ranging from 0 to 15.
Whilst the POSS test is administered by multiple companies, they make their own rules about whether you can take the test again. For example, Duke Energy require a 90 day wait. Make sure you are ready for it with this PrepPack™
The Plant Operator Selection System (POSS) test is made up of four different tests. These are reading comprehension, mechanical concepts, mathematical usage, and figural reasoning.
As the test is marked by computer in theory they could give you your result straight away. However, as there is going to be a pool of candidates, the company usually waits until that pool has all taken their tests and only then give you an answer. In general though, you should be able to get your results within a week of taking the tests.
That’s a difficult question to answer. Made up of four different tests, most people don’t even complete the numerical one. The questions are not overly hard but completing everything within the time limit is taxing. That’s why it’s so important to practice for the tests.
In a word – practice tests under timed conditions. There is no shortcut here and the only way to do yourself justice is to get the pack, take some time and get down to work!
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