SOPD II Practice Test [2026]- System Operator & Power Dispatcher Prep

Updated: March, 2026

The SOPD II (System Operator/Power Dispatcher) test is a pre-employment cognitive assessment by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) to evaluate candidates for energy control center positions at U.S. investor-owned electric utilities, such as system operators and power dispatchers.

  • Includes: Mathematical Usage (16 questions, 17 minutes), Analytical Thinking (23 questions, 45 minutes), Reading Comprehension (26 questions, 22 minutes), and a Multitasking Simulation
  • Scoring is reported on a 1-10 EEI index scale. Preparation before your first attempt is essential, as most utilities enforce a 2-attempt annual limit with a mandatory waiting period between attempts.
  • Employers that use the EEI SOPD II include Entergy Corporation, Southern Company, Georgia Power, and other investor-owned electric utilities operating energy control centers across the United States.

* The EEI SOPD II is developed and owned by the Edison Electric Institute (est. 1933), the trade association representing all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. The test is administered directly by member utility employers or at approved third-party testing centers. It is not available online.

 

SOPD Test Practice
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1-Month Access

  • 6 SOPD II Mathematical Usage Tests
  • 2 Full-length SOPD II Reading Comprehension Tests with Video Tutorial
  • 15 SOPD II Analytical Thinking Tests with Video Tutorial
  • 9 Basic Addition and Memory Drills for the Multitasking Test

Note: this pack does not include multitasking practice tests

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SOPD II Practice Test Question

Below is an analytical thinking sample question (argument type), followed by the kind of in-depth answer and tips that you will receive when purchasing our prep pack. Since in the real SOPD Test you will need to answer 23 analytic thinking questions in 45 minutes, we propose you set a two-minute timer.

Reading Passage

Scientists believe that many ordinary painkillers actually cause, not relieve, headaches because of medication overuse.

They estimate that half of all chronic migraines, and up to 25 percent of all headaches, are actually "rebound" episodes triggered by the overuse of common pain medications.

Studies of the relation between painkillers and headaches have always involved administering to test animals doses of painkillers massive enough to affect animals' nerve cells in the brain, and then measuring their levels of pain.

To date, results of studies on the most common causes of headaches have led to an overestimation of the degree to which medication overdose contributed to headaches.

Which one of the following, if true, most strengthens the above argument?

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

For questions of the Strengthening the Argument type, we first identify the argument and then find the answer choice that would strengthen the argument, that is, provide additional evidence for the veracity of the argument.

The argument is in the last sentence (this is often the case):

"Results of studies on the most common causes of headaches until now have led to an overestimation of the degree to which medication overdose contributed to headaches".

Now unpack this: Studies overestimated the degree to which medication overdose contributed to headaches.

Before going to the answer choices, ask yourself:

What would cause such an overestimation in the studies?

Remember also that the studies were conducted on animals. Now, when you know exactly what you are looking for – an explanation of what would cause the overestimation in the studies – read the answer choices one by one.

The claim in answer choice C would strengthen the argument: Occasionally, test animals were administered doses of painkillers larger than the largest possible human exposure levels.
Therefore, the correct answer is C.

What is the SOPD Test?

The SOPD II, developed by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), is a pre-employment selection test for positions in energy control centers. It will examine your mathematical, verbal, and logical abilities under a strict time limit, adding extra pressure to this already challenging assessment.

Let’s have a look at how the EEI SOPD II is built:

What is Included in the Complete SOPD II Test Prep Course?

SOPD II Test FAQs

The SOPD II is widely considered one of the most demanding EEI assessments. Scores are reported on a 1-10 index scale, and passing thresholds vary by employer and role - most utilities set the bar high for energy control center positions given the safety-critical nature of the work. The Analytical Thinking section in particular - 23 questions across three question types in 45 minutes - is where many candidates struggle. Targeted practice before your first attempt is essential.


Employer-specific score thresholds aren't published publicly, so I kept that language appropriately hedged. Want to add a fourth on the multitasking section specifically - it's the most unusual part of the test and not explained in the FAQs at all.


Yes. Official Edison Electric Institute (EEI) administration procedures for the SOPD II typically permit the use of a basic on-screen calculator or a physical basic calculator provided by the testing center for the Mathematical Usage section.


The SOPD II is used by investor-owned electric utilities that operate energy control centers and hire system operators and power dispatchers. Confirmed users include Entergy Corporation, Southern Company, Georgia Power, and other regional utilities across the United States. If you have received a SOPD II testing invitation, your employer's HR or recruitment team can confirm the specific passing threshold required for your role.


Most utilities that use the SOPD II enforce a limit of two attempts per 12-month period, with a mandatory waiting period between attempts - Entergy, for example, requires 30 days between retakes. Because retake opportunities are limited, thorough preparation before your first attempt is strongly recommended.


After completing your payment, you will receive two emails: a payment receipt and a login link with your account details. Once you log in and reset your password, you will have instant, unlimited access to your PrepPack.

You can start practicing immediately with tailored questions and detailed explanations, tracking your performance along the way. Your progress is saved, allowing you to revisit previous attempts as many times as you like. If you need more time, you can extend your subscription by contacting c.serv@jobtestprep.com.


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