USIC Aptitude Test?!?

[painted_boots]

I am headed back to Oklahoma City to join forces with SM&P and was informed that I had to take an aptitude test to even get in the class.

I'm not real sure why they would have someone who has locating experience, especially from the same place i'm going, take the test to work for them again.

I worked for them for a little over a year ago and then moved out to vegas where I located for about 6 months and then supervised a crew of locators. Now I want to go back to work for them and they want to "test" me to see if i'm a good fit. Not only me but I guess that is how USIC is conducting business now. So If i fail the test, for whatever reason, i don't get hired. kind of a good way to miss out on some good locators that have a bad day on test day.

anyways the point of this post is to see if anyone has any insight or experience with this test and can give any pointers or suggestions.

[FiosKing]

well its STUPID to test EXP. LOCATORS... but you will pass it with no problem its simple questions

[Mke]

Answer all questions with a "F' You" then the examiner would certianly know that you were an experienced locator

mke

[RD_Wrangler]

Basic reading comprehension, math and reasoning test. Don't sweat it.

I honestly thought it was a good idea. Shows they might actually be attempting to hire people suited to the job, rather than just throwing warm bodies out in the field that cause more problems than they solve.

[beyond help]

See RD's avatar for statement # 1 for the test.

[yahoo]

dude ....only tell the truth and you have nothing to worry about!!! that's the same thing we use!!!

[USIC1]

Its easy... Use your fingers...

2+2=7


Reasoning- who was the best choice to keep the economy from sliding any further than it had...

[TheCableVine]

Is this a comprehension test, aptitude test, or psychological test?

Some companies require that you take one of those psych tests and then they get the results back to see if you are combative, agreeable, or whatever. They seem to be pretty accurate.

[FiosKing]

to be a locator? lol its not like we make $90 an hour

Is this a comprehension test, aptitude test, or psychological test?

Some companies require that you take one of those psych tests and then they get the results back to see if you are combative, agreeable, or whatever. They seem to be pretty accurate.

[OVUS1]

to be a locator? lol its not like we make $90 an hour

Maybe not, but you are in direct control of billions of dollars of utility infrastructure, can severely impact intra and interstate commerce, and have millions of people's lives in your hands every day.

We give a pre-employment skills test to determine what level of training an individual might need in order to be successful in their work. It's an insult to some, but why waste valuable training time going over what a technician already knows?

[underground quester]

Maybe not, but you are in direct control of billions of dollars of utility infrastructure, can severely impact intra and interstate commerce, and have millions of people's lives in your hands every day.

We give a pre-employment skills test to determine what level of training an individual might need in order to be successful in their work. It's an insult to some, but why waste valuable training time going over what a technician already knows?

Very smart!

I keep telling my employer that its important to know what a locator knows but its MORE important to know what an individual does NOT know. And, bring them up to speed.

Wow! someone out there actually gets it!!!

[Dave72]

Maybe not, but you are in direct control of billions of dollars of utility infrastructure, can severely impact intra and interstate commerce, and have millions of people's lives in your hands every day.

And hopefully these guys will make a bit more than a car stereo salesman.

[FiosKing]

agree... now we need all the companies to come together and pay the locators some real money i can dream lol

Maybe not, but you are in direct control of billions of dollars of utility infrastructure, can severely impact intra and interstate commerce, and have millions of people's lives in your hands every day.

We give a pre-employment skills test to determine what level of training an individual might need in order to be successful in their work. It's an insult to some, but why waste valuable training time going over what a technician already knows?

[OVUS1]

Hey, Edgar Cayce once said: "Expect a miracle - MAKE MIRACLES HAPPEN". We are working hard to get that respect (and pay) up to where it deserves to be.

The Grand Canyon took decades to appear like it is today, but I'll bet it started with a trickle of water......... Never give up, never give in.....

[Wingfoot]

I worked for them [in OKC] for a little over a year ago and then moved out to Vegas. I am headed back to Oklahoma City to join forces with SM&P and was informed that I had to take an aptitude test to even get in the class.

Does anyone have any insight or experience with this test and can give any pointers or suggestions.

Let's see........ You left this for Vegas:


Oklahoma City Urban Blight

Now your leaving this:


Las Vegas Night Skyline

for this:


More Oklahoma City Urban Blight



I must be missing something here.

I ditto FiosKing - You will pass the aptitude test with no problems. As far as pointers, the answer is "I will always let my supervisor know first."

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