If you need help studying for the Plant Operator Selection System (POSS) test or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free POSS practice test!
What’s on the Exam?
There are two slightly different versions of the test, and the organization you’re applying to will determine which one you take. The main difference between the two versions is the Mathematical Usage section, which has a short-form version and a long-form version, depending on what role you’re applying for.
Both versions are split into the following four sections:
READING COMPREHENSION
36 questions | 30 minutes
These questions are designed to assess your ability to extract pertinent information and understand complex written content. Essentially, they want to know if you can read and understand materials found in power plant training and safety manuals.
Here are some of the topics likely covered in this section:
- Safety protocols and procedures
- Technical instructions
- Equipment operation manuals
- Emergency response procedures
- Regulatory compliance guidelines
- Maintenance procedures
MECHANICAL COMPREHENSION
44 questions | 20 minutes
These questions are designed to assess your ability to interpret mechanical diagrams and understand how mechanical systems operate.
Here are some of the topics likely covered in this section:
- Principles of levers and pulleys
- Basic hydraulics
- Gear systems and ratios
- Simple machines
- Mechanical advantage
- Fluid dynamics and pressure
MATHEMATICAL USAGE (Version 1)
18 questions | 7 minutes
These questions are designed to assess your ability to work with basic mathematical formulas and solve straightforward mathematical problems.
Here are some of the topics likely covered in this section:
- Unit conversions
- Basic arithmetic operations
- Simple fractions and percentages
- Proportions and ratios
- Basic geometry
- Fundamental algebra
MATHEMATICAL USAGE (Version 2)
46 questions | 17 minutes
These questions are designed to assess a deeper level of mathematical proficiency, ensuring you can solve more complex problems involving more complex mathematics.
Here are some of the topics likely covered in this section:
- Complex algebraic equations
- Word problems involving real-world scenarios
- Advanced geometry and area calculations
- Formula derivation and manipulation
- Trigonometric relationships
- Statistical and probability problems
FIGURAL REASONING
46 questions | 17 minutes
For each picture series question, you’ll be given four images and asked what the fifth image should be in order to continue the pattern.
Picture Comparison
For each picture comparison question, you’ll be given two images with some relationship linking them, and a third image will appear below. Your job is to figure out what that relationship between the first two images is, then decide which answer choice creates the same relationship when paired with the third image.
Picture Progression
For each picture progression question, you’ll be given a grid of images with one image missing. The grid contains one pattern spanning the columns and a different pattern spanning the rows. Your job is to figure out those patterns and determine which answer choice fills in the missing image in the grid.
How to Register
The POSS exam is administered as part of the hiring/vetting process, so you don’t really register for it like a normal exam. Instead, assuming you’ve applied for a job at an EEI organization, the employer or hiring manager will reach out to you with information on taking the exam, once they’ve decided you’re a good candidate for the job.
Since this is really just a candidate evaluation tool, you shouldn’t have to pay any fees to take the exam!
Plant Operator Selection System Study Guide
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Exam Scores
Your final score is based entirely on how many questions you answered correctly, which means there is no penalty for guessing or answering a question incorrectly!
The exam is scored using an index scoring system. This means that your final score will land within a range of 0 to 15, with a higher score predicting a higher likelihood of success in plant operation jobs.
Every organization has its own passing score requirements, so there is no universal passing score.
Online POSS Prep Course
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:
- Review Lessons Covering Every Topic
- 750+ POSS Practice Questions
- Over 20 Instructional Videos
- Money-back Guarantee
- Free Mobile Access
- and More!
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!
FAQs
How many questions are on the POSS exam?
The short-form version of the exam contains 118 questions, while the long-form version contains 146 questions.
What is the time limit for the POSS exam?
The short-form version of the exam is timed at 67 minutes, while the long-form version is timed at 77 minutes.
What is the passing score for the POSS exam?
Each organization has its own passing score requirements, so there is no set passing score.
How much does the POSS exam cost?
Since the exam is used as an evaluation tool, it’s free!
