Whether you’re a recent graduate or simply looking for a new job, you’ll almost certainly be required to take the Construction and Skilled Trade Selection System Test (CAST). Many employers will require this test as part of a job application, and it will allow you to stand out from the crowd.
Although taking standardized tests can be nerve-racking, you can get that job with some practice and preparation. This article will teach you about the fundamentals of the EEI Cast Test, how to prepare, and the steps you must take to succeed. If you’ve been wondering how to pass the EEI cast test, this article is a great place to start.
What is EEI Cast Test?
The Construction and Skilled Trade Occupations Test, also known as the EEI CAST test, is a series of paper-based exams used by power companies in the construction and skilled trades fields. 34 EEI members developed collaboratively the CAST test.
It’s easy to understand the CAST test scoring metric. They add together the results of all four test sections to form a single score. A number between one and ten is the index. Because the test grade is an indicator of potential job performance, the higher the score, the better the chances of receiving a job offer.
The EEI tests assess a candidate’s skills and abilities to determine whether they would perform well in the role. After all, working with electricity entails a great deal of responsibility. The EEI aptitude tests look for a combination of pre-defined skills, such as technical knowledge, as well as problem-solving abilities in the industry.
What are the Different EEI Cast Tests?
Before delving into how to pass the EEI test, it’s a good idea to know which EEI test or tests an employer will require you to take. The EEI tests have nine categories. They include:
#1. Selection System for Power Plant Maintenance Positions (MASS)
If you are a power plant engineer or maintenance worker, your potential employer will ask you to take the Power Plant Maintenance Positions Selection System test, also known as MASS.
This is typically true if you work as a welder, electrician, painter, steelworker, or pipefitter in the nuclear, fossil fuel, or hydroelectric energy industries.
#2. Plant Operator Selection System (POSS)
If you are already a plant operator or are about to transition into one, you must pass the POSS test. There are five different test batteries in this test.
If you want to know how to pass the EEI test and get a job as a plant operator, you must be familiar with all five aspects, which include mechanical concepts, reading comprehension, mathematical usage, and figural reasoning.
#3. Construction and Skilled Trades (CAST) Examination
Knowing how to pass the EEI Construction and Skills Trades test (CAST) is essential if you work in the construction industry. It shows that you have the skills and abilities to work in the construction industry.
It shows that you understand mechanical concepts in particular. Although it may appear intimidating, the two-hour exam is divided into clear battery assessments and is very similar to other standardized tests.
Your overall test score is a summation of your scores from each test section to produce a total score ranging from 1 (lowest end) to 10 (highest end) (the highest possible score). The higher your score, the more attractive you’ll be as a candidate.
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#4. System Operator/Power Dispatching System Selection System (SO/PD)
The SO/PD test is a pre-employment aptitude EEI test for those seeking a new job as an energy-systems operator or power controller.
The test has been in use since the 1980s, though there are updates several times to account for new technologies. It comprises four battery assessments: analytical thinking skills, multitasking simulation, reading comprehension, and mathematical usage.
#5. System for Choosing Technical Occupations (TECH)
The TECH EEI test should evaluate the skills and suitability of technical graduates seeking a career in the energy sector. Graduates with majors in chemistry, mathematics, and mechanical engineering are the most likely to take the TECH test before landing a job at an energy company.
The test is much shorter than the others, lasting only an hour. Many of the questions are reminiscent of those found on final college exams.
#6. Meter Reading Aptitude Battery (MRAB)
If you want to work as a meter reader in the energy industry, you’ll need to know how to pass the MRAB test. The test is only 20 minutes long and has two assessments.
Using tables – You only have six minutes to answer 85 questions, so the speed is critical. Your scores will depend on your ability to recall numbers from a table quickly and accurately.
Coding – Once again, this is a timed test. You’ll have five minutes to answer four questions about 18 data sets.
#7. Support and Administrative Selection System (SASS)
The SASS EEI test is used to determine a candidate’s suitability for a variety of administrative-based jobs in the energy industry.
You may have to complete the SASS if you are applying for a position as a receptionist, secretary, admin manager, PA, or even a senior office role, such as a business performance analyst.
Additional competencies, such as word processing, spreadsheet work, and customer simulation fall into a measurement scale for results.
#8. Customer Service Representative Test Battery (CSR)
Energy companies use the CSR EEI test to select the best customer service representatives. If you want to work in a call center for an energy company, you’ll need to know how to pass this EEI test.
The CSR EEI test comprises two batteries that assess an applicant’s hard and soft skills.
#9. Career Assessment and Diagnostic Instrument (CADI)
The CADI is as grand as its name implies. Essentially, the test involves a 360-degree evaluation of an individual’s ability to hold a senior position within the company.
It is a comprehensive profiling test designed to dig deep into your ability to do the job at hand as well as lead and motivate others. If you want to know how to pass this EEI test, consider what employers want.
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What to Expect From the EEI Cast Test
It is helpful to know what you have to do on the day of your test in order to understand how to pass the EEI test.
The EEI cast test evaluates more than just your existing knowledge and skills. It also assesses your ability to respond to questions under duress within constrained time constraints.
You might not be used to doing this in your day-to-day job, so practice with some sample questions from the Edison Electric Institute website.
These questions will give you an idea of what to expect, but keep in mind that the time constraints of the actual EEI cast test will alter the assessment’s dynamics.
If you are applying for a job at a large energy company, you will most likely find practice tests on their websites.
Some EEI cast tests are fairly self-explanatory in terms of what to expect. However, it is beneficial to learn more about the core tests that are included in a few of the batteries.
What are EEI CAST Test Sections?
The CAST test lasts one hour and 27 minutes, but over a two-hour period at a designated assessment center, you get it. The four parts of the CAST exam are:
- Graphic Arithmetic – This test evaluates a candidate’s ability to solve arithmetic equations using graphs and drawings. The candidate sees two images and must answer 16 arithmetic questions about them. The candidate must complete this section in 30 minutes.
- Mechanical Concepts – This section is a 20-minute test that comprises 44 multiple-choice questions about a mechanical situation that is illustrated to the candidate. The test evaluates the candidate’s knowledge of mechanical principles and concepts.
- Reading Comprehension – The candidate has four passages and a series of 32 multiple-choice questions about them. The test assesses the candidate’s ability to read and comprehend written information. This section has a time limit of 30 minutes.
- Mathematical Usage – At 7 minutes, this is the shortest section of the test. The test assesses the ability of the candidate to solve basic mathematical problems. There are 18 multiple-choice questions on the exam.
How to Pass the CAST Test?
The higher your grade, the more likely you are to be hired. This shows how important this exam is and why you must not only pass but also ace it. Assume you’re in your last semester of college and about to take your final exam before graduating, but you need an A to keep your 4.0 GPA. It’s similar, but with a more tangible result.
That being said, the best place to begin your preparation process is to look for study guides and exam tips, both of which can be found easily online. These give you much-needed insight into the exam layout and the questions you might encounter.
It is best to take a CAST practice test to get a better feel for the questions. The test usually includes both questions and sample answers, which you can then compare to your own responses. Taking the practice test under exam conditions will undoubtedly help you assess how well you will perform on your exam.
EEI CAST Test Scoring
They add together the results to yield a single Index Score ranging from 1 to 10. There is no set “passing score” because each company can set their own minimum score.
A high CAST score shows the ability to learn and perform the job because of an understanding of mathematical relationships, strong analytical abilities, and attention to detail.
Because you will compete against other applicants and a high score does not guarantee employment, you will want to achieve the highest possible score.
Tips for Preparing for the CAST Test
The best tips for preparing for the EEI cast test are-
- Before arriving for the test, get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy meal.
- Before answering questions on the test, read each question carefully to ensure that you understand it completely.
- You must keep track of your time, so if you are having difficulty with a question, save it for later. If you don’t know the answer to a question, make an educated guess by eliminating the answers you know are wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
110. The CAST exam is made up of 110 multiple-choice questions divided into four sections. You have approximately 87 minutes to complete the exam.
The Edison Electric Institute CAST exam combines four tests into one. These are all multiple-choice tests. The exam takes about two hours to complete.
Bring no calculators, dictionaries, or other items to the exam. You will not be permitted to use them.
CAST is a battery of tests used to assess an applicant’s aptitude and ability to learn and process new information, which provides an indication of job success. CAST is made up of four paper-and-pencil tests that take about 2 hours to complete.
Yes. The CAST exams are difficult, especially without prior practice.
The CAST is an untimed test that should take about two hours to complete. Some students may need less time, while others may need more.
Conclusion
Construction and skilled trades offer a wide range of employment opportunities. Candidates for one of these positions will almost certainly be required to take the Construction and Skilled Trade Selection System exam (CAST).
Your exam success is determined by how well you prepare. Just stay focused and think of it as a do-or-die exam with a huge reward on the other end. Do whatever it takes to keep you motivated to succeed.
References
- mometrix.com– Cast Test
- psychometric-success.com– Aptitude test- Cast test
- jobtestprep.com– Cast Test
- testprepreview.com– Cast Test
- practice4me.com– EEI Cast Test
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