Selection Testing for Operations and Maintenance Training

Candidates must pass a selection test to be considered for TVA’s operations and maintenance training programs. These aptitude tests predict performance in training and on the job. If you apply on a position that requires testing and you are selected to be tested, you will receive an invitation via email. It is imperative that you keep your contact information in your account up-to-date.

The Edison Electric Institute’s POSS (Plant Operator Selection System) and MASS (Power Plant Maintenance) tests are used for the following positions:

Student Generating Plant Operator
Instrument Mechanic Trainee
Electrical Technician Trainee
Mechanical Technician Trainee
Hydro Technician Trainee

The AIR test is used for the following positions:

Groundman Trainee
Lineman Apprentice
Electrician Apprentice

Test questions cover the following areas:

Algebra (EEI and AIR)
Reading comprehension (EEI and AIR)
Mathematical usage (EEI and AIR)
Spatial ability (EEI only)
Using tables and graphs (EEI only)

Preparing for the test may improve your performance on it. Note that calculators are not permitted during the test. Information, test-taking tips, and practice tests for the Plant Operator Selection System (POSS) and Power Plant Maintenance Positions Selection System (MASS) are available on the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) website at the following links:

http://www.eei.org/testingbrochures
http://www.eei.org/practicetests

When accessing these links use the following name and password:

Name: tva
Password: recruit

An EEI Test Preparation Course may be available at a community college near you. For more information, contact the schools listed below:

Chattanooga State Technical Community College, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Contact: Lulu Copeland (423)697-3100

Pellissippi State Technical Community College, Knoxville, Tennessee
Contact: Marcia Lawson (865)694-6665

Northwest Shoals Community College, Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Contact: Susan Sockwell (256)331-5286

There is no study guide on the market that specifically pertains to the AIR. However, the following resources may help you prepare for the exam:

“501 Reading Comprehension Questions,” by Learning Express
“1001 Math Problems,” by Learning Express
Macmillan’s “Mechanical Aptitude and Spatial Relations Test”
Barron’s “Arithmetic the Easy Way” and “English the Easy Way”
Barron’s “Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery” (ASVAB)
Arco’s “Everything You Need to Know to Score High on the ASVAB”
“ASVAB/ AFCT: Armed Services Vocation Aptitude Battery/ Armed Forces Classification Test,” by Douglas A. Prybylowski
“The Best Test Preparation for the ASVAB - Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery,” by M. Fogiel
“How to Do Your Best on Tests,” by Sarah Dulaney Gilbert
“Test Taking Strategies, Vol. 1,” by Judi Kesselman-Turke.

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