EEI Employment Test Batteries Exam

Unlocking Opportunities in Energy: Your Guide to the EEI Employment Test Batteries

For anyone eyeing a career in the dynamic and essential energy industry, the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Employment Test Batteries are a significant gateway. These pre-employment assessments are widely used by investor-owned electric companies and other energy sector employers to evaluate candidates for a broad range of roles, from power plant operators and maintenance technicians to customer service representatives and administrative staff.

Unlike a single, universal exam, EEI offers various “test batteries,” each designed and validated for specific job families. Understanding which test applies to your desired role, what it entails, and how to prepare effectively is crucial for success.

What are the EEI Employment Test Batteries?

The EEI tests are a collection of aptitude, skill, and knowledge assessments tailored to the specific demands of energy industry jobs. They aim to measure a candidate’s potential for success and safety in a given role. Some of the most common EEI test batteries include:

• Construction and Skilled Trades Selection System (CAST): For occupations in construction and skilled trades, covering graphic arithmetic, mathematical usage, reading comprehension, and mechanical concepts.
• Power Plant Maintenance Positions Selection System (MASS): For power plant maintenance roles (mechanics, electricians, welders, pipefitters), assessing assembling objects, mathematical usage, mechanical concepts, and reading comprehension.
• Plant Operator Selection System (POSS): For power plant operator jobs (power plant operator, control room operator, nuclear reactor operator), evaluating figural reasoning, mathematical usage, mechanical concepts, and reading comprehension.
• Technician Occupations Selection System (TECH): For technician jobs typically requiring an associate degree (laboratory, environmental, communications, drafting technicians), focusing on graphic problem-solving, interpreting diagrams, mechanical concepts, and reasoning from rules.
• System Operator/Power Dispatching Positions Selection System (SO/PDII): For jobs in energy control centers (system operator, power dispatcher), testing analytical thinking skills, reading comprehension, multitasking simulation, and mathematical usage.
• Customer Service Representative Test Battery (CSR): A simulation-based test for customer service and call center roles.
• Support and Administrative Selection System (SASS): For a wide range of administrative positions, including basic competency, keyboard skills, and advanced competency assessments.
• Meter Reader Aptitude Battery (MRAB): Specifically for meter reader positions.

Each test battery comprises different sections, and the specific content and time limits vary depending on the job family.

Eligibility for EEI Employment Tests

Unlike professional certifications with strict academic or experience prerequisites (like the PE or CQI exams), there are no universal, fixed eligibility criteria set by EEI for taking their employment tests.

Instead, eligibility for an EEI test is determined by the individual electric utility company or energy employer as part of their hiring process. If you apply for a position that requires an EEI test, the company will invite you to take the relevant assessment.

Key points regarding eligibility:

• Job-Specific: The specific EEI test battery you are asked to take will directly correspond to the job you are applying for. For instance, if you apply for a power plant operator position, you’ll likely take the POSS test.
• Application-Based: You typically won’t take an EEI test until you’ve applied for a specific job and your application has been shortlisted.
• Company Policies: Each company has its own policies regarding test re-takes, waiting periods between attempts, and how long test results are valid. It’s crucial to inquire about these policies directly with the recruiter or HR department of the company you’re applying to.
• No Direct Administration by EEI: EEI develops and validates the tests, but they do not administer the tests directly to applicants or provide individual test results. All test administration and communication of results are handled by the employing company.

Job Opportunities After Taking EEI Tests

Successfully passing an EEI Employment Test Battery significantly boosts your chances of securing a job within the energy sector. These tests are widely accepted as reliable indicators of a candidate’s potential to perform well in specific roles. The job opportunities are diverse and include:

• Power Generation:
  • Power Plant Operators (fossil, nuclear, hydroelectric)
  • Control Room Operators
  • Nuclear Reactor Operators
  • Maintenance Technicians (Mechanics, Electricians, Welders, Pipefitters)
• Transmission and Distribution:
  • Lineworkers (Apprentice, Journeyman)
  • Substation Electricians
  • Cable Splicers
  • Relay Technicians
  • System Operators/Power Dispatchers
• Field Services:
  • Meter Readers
  • Field Service Technicians
  • Utility Workers
• Technical and Support Roles:
  • Laboratory Technicians
  • Environmental Technicians
  • Chemistry Technicians
  • Communication/Telecommunications Technicians
  • Drafters
  • Estimators
  • Customer Service Representatives (Call Center and In-person)
  • Administrative Assistants
  • Clerks
  • Receptionists

A strong performance on an EEI test indicates to employers that you possess the foundational aptitudes and skills necessary to learn and excel in these critical energy sector roles.

How to Prepare for the EEI Employment Test Batteries

Preparation is key to succeeding on EEI tests. While you won’t know the exact test you’ll take until invited by an employer, general strategies apply, and specific preparation for common tests is advisable.

1. Identify the Relevant Test: The most important first step is to know which EEI test battery is required for the job you’re applying for. This information is usually provided in the job description or by the recruiter.
2. Utilize Official Practice Materials:
   • Many energy companies provide links to EEI practice tests and brochures on their career websites. These are often accessible with a general username and password (e.g., “AECCPractice” and “Test123!” for Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, or “Dominion” and “Test” for Dominion Energy). Always check the specific company’s career page.
   • These practice tests are designed to mimic the actual exam in content and structure, making them invaluable for familiarization.
3. Understand the Test Content:
   • Each EEI test battery focuses on specific aptitudes and knowledge. For instance:
     • Mechanical Concepts: Understanding levers, pulleys, gears, fluid dynamics, and basic physics.
     • Reading Comprehension: Ability to read and understand technical manuals, safety procedures, and work instructions.
     • Mathematical Usage/Graphic Arithmetic: Basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, unit conversions, and interpreting graphs/charts.
     • Reasoning from Rules/Interpreting Diagrams: Ability to follow complex instructions, apply logical rules, and interpret technical diagrams and schematics.
   • Focus your study on the specific content areas of the test battery you’ll be taking.
4. Practice Timed Sessions:
   • EEI tests are timed, and time management is crucial. Practice answering questions within the given time limits for each section. This will help you pace yourself during the actual test.
   • Many online prep resources offer full-length practice tests that simulate the real exam environment.
5. Brush up on Fundamentals:
   • Math: Review basic arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, proportions, and simple algebra. Many questions involve practical calculations.
   • Reading: Practice reading technical passages quickly and extracting key information.
   • Mechanical Aptitude: Review basic mechanical principles. There are many online resources and books dedicated to mechanical aptitude tests.
6. Consider Third-Party Preparation Resources:
   • Websites like JobTestPrep, Mometrix, and Prepterminal offer comprehensive study guides, practice questions, and full-length mock exams for various EEI test batteries. While these may involve a fee, they can provide structured and in-depth preparation.
7. Maintain Physical and Mental Well-being:
   • Get adequate rest before the test.
   • Eat a healthy meal.
   • Stay calm and focused during the exam. If you feel overwhelmed, take a brief moment to clear your mind.

By approaching the EEI Employment Test Batteries with targeted preparation and a clear understanding of what to expect, you can significantly enhance your chances of securing a fulfilling career in the vital energy industry.

Mometrix Study Guide Directory

Mometrix Flashcard Directory

Mometrix Online Course List