The Plant Operator Selection System (POSS) test is an exam designed by the Edison Energy Institute (EEI) to assess your aptitude and skills in relation to power plant operations positions, such as those in fossil, hydroelectric, or nuclear power plants.
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The POSS is a multiple-choice aptitude test containing between 118 and 146 questions, depending on which version you take. You will be given 67-77 minutes to complete the test, with times varying slightly across companies.
The POSS consists of four different test batteries:
This section consists of short reading passages based primarily on technical concepts, such as what you might read in utility training manuals. You will be given 30 minutes to demonstrate your comprehension of these passages.
This section consists of questions regarding the use of mechanical devices related to power plant operations. You will see line drawings of pulleys, levers, gears, ramps, and fulcrums, and be expected to demonstrate your understanding of motion, momentum, pressure, and related physics concepts within the 20-minute time limit.
This section consists of questions covering mathematical formulas and mathematical problem-solving skills. Typically, if you are applying for a plant operator position, you will take the short-form version of this test battery, which contains 18 questions and has a 7-minute time limit. If you are applying for a supervisory role, you will likely take the long-form version of this test battery, which contains 46 questions and has a time limit of 17 minutes.
This section consists of questions related primarily to pattern identification. You will see a selection of figures with various patterns, and you will be asked to select the answer choice that best completes or continues the pattern.
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Your score is determined by the number of questions you answer correctly. This means there is no penalty for answering a question incorrectly, so you should at least pencil in a guess if you aren’t sure of the correct answer.
Your scores for each section of the test are combined into an index score on a range of 0-15. The score needed to pass the exam will be different depending on the job you wish to pursue and at which company you wish to work.
If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an online POSS Prep Course. The course is designed to provide you with any and every resource you might want while studying. The POSS Course includes:
The POSS Prep Course is designed to help any learner get everything they need to prepare for their POSS exam. Click below to check it out!
Your success on POSS test day depends not only on how many hours you put into preparing but also on whether you prepared the right way. It’s good to check along the way to see whether your studying is paying off. One of the most effective ways to do this is by taking POSS practice tests to evaluate your progress. Practice tests are useful because they show exactly where you need to improve. Every time you take a free POSS exam practice test, pay special attention to these three groups of questions:
This will show you exactly what your weak areas are and where you need to devote more study time. Ask yourself why each of these questions gave you trouble. Was it because you didn’t understand the material? Was it because you didn’t remember the vocabulary? Do you need more repetitions on this type of question to build speed and confidence? Dig into those questions and figure out how you can strengthen your weak areas as you go back to review the material.
Additionally, many POSS practice tests have a section explaining the answer choices. It can be tempting to read the explanation and think that you now have a good understanding of the concept. However, an explanation likely only covers part of the question’s broader context. Even if the explanation makes sense, go back and investigate every concept related to the question until you’re positive you have a thorough understanding.
As you go along, keep in mind that the POSS practice test is just that: practice. Memorizing these questions and answers will not be very helpful on the actual test because it is unlikely to have any of the same exact questions. If you only know the right answers to the sample questions, you won’t be prepared for the real thing. Study the concepts until you understand them fully, and then you’ll be able to answer any question that shows up on the test.
When you’re ready to start taking practice tests, follow this strategy:
There are between 118 and 146 multiple-choice questions on the test, depending on which version you take.
The time limit for this test varies, but is generally between 67 and 77 minutes.
There is no set passing score for this test.
Peter Rench joined Mometrix in 2009 and serves as Vice President of Product Development, responsible for overseeing all new product development and quality improvements. Mr. Rench, a National Merit Scholar, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in mathematics from Texas A&M University.
by Mometrix Test Preparation | Last Updated: June 28, 2024
