- Figural Reasoning: 3 Full simulations + 16 extra drills
- Mathematical Usage: Version 1 – 3 full simulations
- Mathematical Usage: Version 2- 3 full simulations
- Mechanical Concepts: 2 Full simulations + 21 extra drills
- Reading Comprehension: 2 Full simulations + 13 extra drills
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What are the POSS Test Sections?
As mentioned, there are four different sections. The table below details the different tests:
|
Test |
Time Limit |
Number of Questions |
What we Offer You |
|
30 minutes |
36 |
2 simulations + 13 drills |
|
|
20 minutes |
44 |
2 simulations + 21 drills |
|
|
7 minutes |
18 |
3 simulations |
|
|
17 minutes |
46 |
3 simulations |
|
|
10 minutes |
20 |
3 simulations + 16 drills |
POSS Test Questions
As mentioned, there are four different components of the POSS test. Let’s go through each of them:
Reading Comprehension
In this 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.
Let’s take a look at a practice question:
Static Electricity
Most of us remember a painful incident when sparks blasted our hands after touching metal objects. Do you remember the game we used to play as kids where we would rub a balloon against a wool sweater and then see if the balloon would stick to the wall? These are examples of "static electricity." Though static electricity is a common phenomenon, its cause is often misunderstood.
Static electricity can result from the friction of two objects rubbing against each other, like the sole of your shoes against the carpet. However, friction is not required for static electricity to occur. It is a common misconception that friction is required to create static electricity. It is true that friction can increase the likelihood of static electricity, but it is not the cause. The true cause is the separation of negative and positive charges.
Every object is composed of a collection of positive and negative electric charges. Usually, the number of positive charges and the number of negative charges is equal. Static electricity (more correctly called "net electric charge") occurs whenever the number of positive and negative electric charges is not perfectly equal.
Let's take the example of walking across a carpeted room. When we walk, the soles of our shoes absorb some negative charge found in the carpet. We leave behind electric positive footprints, and our bodies acquire some negative charges. This process goes on for some time until our body achieves a high level of negative electric charge. The next time that we touch someone or some object, we will get zapped as the imbalanced charge is shared between us and the other person or object. The spark is painful because it is extremely hot. It creates tiny burned areas on our skin that hurt for a couple of seconds.
There is a simple way to avoid shocks caused by static electricity. Before touching objects such as a doorknob or a car door, first touch the object with a car key. The static electric sparks will blast the key rather than your hand and will painlessly discharge from your body. After the static electricity has been discharged, you can safely touch metal objects. Of course, if you walk around on the carpet again, you will once again acquire static electricity.
According to the passage, how common is "static electricity"?
Since there are only five different passages, you can spend a little bit of time reading through each one. Taking in the main points slowly, in the beginning helps you overcome the rest of the questions more quickly.
The trick to succeeding in these questions is to practice and understand what you are up against. The more practice you get, the better you will be able to answer the questions. That's why in this PrepPack™, you will find a plethora of different POSS reading comprehension style questions as well as lots of drills to get you up to speed.
POSS Mechanical Concepts
In this section of the POSS test, you 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
- Shapes
Each question contains a mechanical situation, and it’s your task to select which force is being asked for.
Let’s take a look at a sample question:
In which of the following positions would the tractor be less stable when taking a turn?
Take a look at this video explaining the basic mechanical concepts to get a better grip on the subject.
POSS Test Mathematics
If you are applying for lower-level positions, such as a plant operator, you have to take the short version of the mathematical usage test.
Those applying for supervisory roles have to take the longer version.
Version 1 – Short Test
In the first version, the short version, you have seven minutes to answer 18 questions. This version of the POSS test is actually the same as the mathematical usage test used in the CAST test.
You are provided with a table with a number of different relationships. For example, the number of inches to cm. You have to use this table in order to answer questions based on this information.
Let’s take a look at a sample question:
POSS Math Sample Question Version 1:
1 fathom = 6 feet
1 mile = 5,280 feet
0.5 miles = ? fathoms
Unlike the CAST test, calculators are allowed in this test. However, that doesn’t change the fact that you have less than 30 seconds to answer each question. This is why it’s absolutely imperative to give yourself the practice and preparation that you need in order to succeed on the POSS test.
Version 2 – Long Test
In this version of the test, you have 17 minutes to answer 46 questions. This test is made up of three sections, including formula conversion problems, algebra problems, and word problems.
Let’s take a look at a sample POSS question:
POSS Math Sample Question Version 2:
X + 14.9 = 7.6
X =?
As you can see, answering these questions takes time. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared for the real thing. Even though you can use a calculator in the test, you only have about 20 seconds to complete each question.
And ensuring you finish the test without having to guess the last bunch of questions really gives you an edge over the other candidates.
Click here to learn more about other EEI Tests!
Figural Reasoning
There are 10 minutes in which to answer 20 questions for the figural reasoning section of the POSS test. In the test, you have to identify patterns in order to problem solve. There are three different question types in this test; Picture Series, Picture Comparison, and Picture Progression.
Series: You have to know how to complete the series and flow from one image to the next for the series questions.
Comparison: For the comparison ones, you need to compare and contrast two images and then determine what the relationship between them is.
Try to decide where this shape belongs to:
Progression: You are presented with a 3X3 matrix of pictures that form some sort of pattern. One of the nine pictures will be missing.
you are asked to find the correct picture that fit with the matrix pattern:
If you have never seen these questions before, then you will struggle to get the understanding and flow between the different question sets. Moreover, even if you are familiar and think you will have no trouble answering them, can you do so under extreme time pressure? Without practice, in our experience, it’s just impossible. Have a look at some example questions on our abstract and figural reasoning page.
That’s why in the PrepPack™, you will find full explanations giving you the information and style you need. As well as this, you take the questions under timed conditions. Once the clock hits zero, that’s it, you can’t go back, you can’t extend it, and that’s the end.
Our goal is to help you get the best test experience. This goes with the correct styling of the preparation questions along with the correct time limits. Start preparing today to ensure you are fully prepared for the real thing.
Check out our new test preparation system in order to give you the best preparation possible.
Learn how to improve your response time and improve your accuracy with JobTestPrep.
How Is the POSS Test Graded?
Each of the four different tests is graded separately. After this, they are combined to give you an index score that ranges from 0-15. As each company (and there are more than 70 that administer the test) has its own standards, we can’t give you an exact number of what you need to succeed.
However, in our experience, if you score more than 80%, you will be in the top tier.
The reason for this is that most people simply don’t finish the numerical section. It’s really important for you to give yourself the best chance, and if you give yourself enough practice time, you will definitely be able to pass the test.
Get POSS Test Preparation
With our preparation, we are sure you will improve your score as well as your understanding of the concepts you need to succeed. Each question in the PrepPack™ has a full explanation and gives you the understanding you need to conquer any question thrown at you.
POSS, POSS/MASS or MASS – What Test Do You Need to Take?
It’s important to know which test you need to take. Let’s just lay it out in general terms, though.
POSS: This is the Plant Operator Selection System test and is used for people applying for jobs operating in fossil, nuclear, or hydro power plants
MASS: This is the Power Plant Maintenance Positions Selection System. People applying for the following jobs will be asked to take this test: electrician, helper, instrument and control repairer, insulation worker, machinist, mechanic, painter, pipefitter, rigger, steelworker, and welder. For a complete rundown on that test, see our specialist page.
POSS/MASS: For entry level positions, in order to see where you are best going to progress. For example, if you are more suited to being a plant operator, you will be asked to take the POSS/MASS test. Read more about that particular test below:
What is the POSS/MASS Test?
The Combined POSS/MASS test is essentially two separate tests that are combined into one. What this means is that you are going to get two separate results. One for the POSS test and another for MASS.
There is an overlap between the two tests, and that’s why they are administered together. Here is a rundown of what overlaps and what is separate. Bear in mind that you have to take the whole lot in one long, three hour sitting:
| Test | POSS | MASS |
| Reading Comprehension | v | v |
| Mechanical Concepts | v | v |
| Mathematical Usage Version 1 | v | |
| Mathematical Usage Version 2 | v | |
| Figural Reasoning | v | v |
As there is such overlap between the two tests, in the PrepPack™ that we offer you, you will gain access to both POSS preparation and to a separate POSS/MASS preparation.
The reason we do so is to ensure that you get the best possible preparation. We don’t want you to run out of time or not understand the questions that you are being asked. Start preparing today with JobTestPrep.
John D. Verified Buyer ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆Excellent program, took my test and PASSED!! thanks
POSS Test Scoring
Although in the past there used to be negative scoring in the test, this is no longer the case. So if you are panicking that you don’t have any time left, you can guess the answers in order to complete the test. However, this isn’t something you should face if you use our test preparation well. You will gain the skills needed to pass the score you need to succeed.
When Do You Get Your POSS Test Results?
Of course it does depend on the company you are applying to. However, since they are all computerized, most companies will give you your results straight away. You shouldn’t need to wait longer than a few days though.
FAQs
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!
Other EEI Tests
| EEI CAST | EEI SOPD | EEI SASS |
| EEI MASS | EEI TECH | EEI MRAB |
