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.
* 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.
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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.
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
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.
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:
This section assesses your ability to solve and operate mathematical relationships.
You will be presented with 16 multiple-choice questions which you will need to complete in 17 minutes of three types:
This test is broken down into three sections – argument, problem solving, and logical reasoning.
This test assesses your ability to read complex texts effectively and efficiently, while collecting the relevant information from within.
You will be given four passages (usually science-related) followed by several questions, which you will need to answer under a stressful time limit.
The test includes 16 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 22 minutes.
This test assesses a candidate's ability to monitor various tasks in parallel.
In this section, candidates must concurrently complete four separate tasks each presented in different areas of the screen:
We've created a comprehensive EEI SOPD II test prep course designed to help you succeed. Our course closely mimics the actual test conditions and platform, allowing you to identify and improve your weaker areas. With this focused preparation, you'll be confident and ready to excel on test day.
Why preparation matters: Most utilities enforce a 30-day minimum waiting period between retake attempts and limit candidates to 2 attempts per 12-month period. There is no second chance to make a first impression - thorough preparation before your first attempt is not optional, it is essential.
JobTestPrep's EEI SOPD test prep has recently been upgraded based on expert research and user feedback in order to ensure that you receive the highest quality practice available. You can rely on our experience and expertise to provide you with the tools you need to get the high score you need.
At JobTestPrep, we've helped thousands of candidates pass competitive hiring assessments since 1992. Our materials are designed by psychometric experts and updated based on real candidate feedback to reflect the latest test formats.
Hi, I'm Yedidya Lixenberg. I hold a B.A. in Psychology and am currently pursuing an M.A. in Organizational Psychology with a focus on psychometric assessment and testing methodology. I've been with JobTestPrep since 2020, where I've developed deep expertise in energy industry pre-employment assessment preparation, helping thousands of candidates master EEI aptitude tests and secure skilled trades and technical roles at major U.S. electric utilities.
My specialized knowledge of mechanical and cognitive aptitude testing - particularly Graphic Arithmetic, Mathematical Usage, Mechanical Concepts, and Reading Comprehension as they apply to lineman, substation, and construction and skilled trades roles - directly informs the EEI preparation materials on this page. I've worked extensively with the cognitive frameworks underlying EEI's assessment design, studying how utilities like ComEd, Georgia Power, PECO, Ameren, PSEG, and AEP deploy the CAST test to evaluate candidate readiness for field and technical positions. This expertise allows me to create realistic practice materials that mirror the exact demands and question patterns of the official EEI assessment.
My approach combines psychometric rigor with practical knowledge of what utility employers are actually testing for - ensuring that every practice question teaches you not just the correct answer, but the mechanical reasoning and problem-solving logic you'll need on test day and in your future role.
Have a question? Contact me at:
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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