Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Tests – Practice Guide
Jul 31, 2024In the US, all investor-owned electric companies are represented by an association called the Edison Electric Institute (EEI). The Institute’s members provide electricity for 2.2 million Americans across 50 states.
The EEI was founded in 1933 and today represents over one million jobs. Members of the Edison Electric Institute supply electricity to over a third of the US population. It also has a presence in over 90 countries and is heavily involved in public policy.
Due to the important and high-profile work conducted by the Edison Electric Institute, its members’ employees are screened and assessed before joining. Part of the candidate selection process is EEI testing.
In this article, you will learn more about the EEI tests, how they are administered, how to prepare for them, and how to interpret the results. You will also get sample questions and answers to frequently asked questions.
What Are the EEI Tests?
Companies part of the Edison Electric Institute use EEI tests, also known as ‘battery assessments.’
Specially designed by industry experts, these tests measure the skills and capabilities of candidates to determine whether they are a good fit for technical and mechanical roles.
The EEI tests assess a potential employee’s skills and knowledge through questions on math, comprehension, mechanical aptitude, and problem solving.
Structure of the EEI Tests
If you are invited to take an EEI test, you will be given one of more of the following:
- CAST – Assesses skills for construction roles
- POSS – For candidates in plant operator roles
- MASS – Taken by power plant engineers and maintenance workers
- SASS – Finds the best administrators
- MRAB – For meter-reading roles
- SO/PD – For roles as an energy-systems operator or power controller
- CADI – Measures your ability to conduct a senior role
- CSR – Selects the best customer service representatives
- TECH – Assesses the skills of technical graduates
Subjects Covered in the EEI Tests
Some of the most common tests are CAST, MASS, POSS, and SASS. Below, you’ll find out more about what the tests are designed for and some example questions to help you practice.
Construction and Skilled Trades Selection System (EEI CAST test)
The EEI CAST test is an assessment that measures a candidate's suitability to roles in construction. It is designed to check whether a prospective hire understands the mechanical concepts needed for the role.
To prepare for this assessment, you can complete EEI CAST practice test papers online.
The EEI CAST test consists of four sections:
- Graphic arithmetic
- Reading comprehension
- Mechanical concepts
- Mathematics
Power Plant Maintenance Positions Selection System (MASS)
As the name suggests, the MASS test is given to power plant engineers and maintenance workers.
Some of the roles that are required to take the MASS test are electricians, painters, steelworkers, welders, and pipe fitters who work in the energy industry.
The test consists of four components:
- Assembling objects
- Reading comprehension
- Mechanical concepts
- Mathematical usage
Plant Operator Selection System (POSS)
The POSS test is for employees currently in, or moving into, operating roles.
The five sections of the POSS test are:
- Figural reasoning
- Reading comprehension
- Mechanical concepts
- Mathematical usage
System Operator/Power Dispatching (SASS)
Candidates who apply for administrative roles in the energy sector will be given the SASS test. Roles that require passing this test include receptionist, PA, or admin manager.
The SASS test consists of two sections:
- Basic Keyboard Skills Battery (BKSB) – The BKSB test assesses your ability to type quickly and accurately.
- Basic Competency Assessment Battery (BCAB) – When taking the BCAB test, you will be asked to spot spelling and grammar mistakes. There will also be questions on basic math.
EEI Test Example Questions
How the Tests Are Administered
As described above, the different EEI test types include several sections. Each test has its own content and time limit.
The most common assessments have the following format:
CAST
- Graphic Arithmetic – 16 questions in 30 minutes
- Mathematical Usage – 18 questions in 7 minutes
- Mechanical Concepts – 44 questions in 20 minutes
- Reading for Comprehension – 32 questions in 30 minutes
MASS
- Assembling Objects – 20 questions in 15 minutes
- Mathematical Usage – 18 questions in 7 minutes
- Mechanical Concepts – 44 questions in 20 minutes
- Reading for Comprehension – 36 questions in 30 minutes
POSS
- Figural Reasoning – 20 questions in 10 minutes
- Mathematical Usage – 46 questions in 17 minutes
- Mechanical Concepts – 44 questions in 20 minutes
- Reading for Comprehension – 36 questions in 30 minutes
SASS
- Filing and Sorting – Six questions in 10 minutes
- Basic Math – Five problems in 25 minutes
- Spelling and Grammar – 50 errors to identify in 25 minutes
- Classifying Information – 25 questions in 25 minutes
Testing Environment
As the Edison Electric Institute represents so many energy companies, it offers flexibility with how the EEI tests are taken.
Most of the test types have multiple options such as paper, computer, and testing center. If you are invited to take an EEI test, the recruiter will inform you of the arrangements.
How to Interpret the Results
After you take the EEI test, your results will be sent from the publisher to the energy company’s HR department.
The passing score varies between each company. One utility may have a higher or lower requirement than another. To increase your chances of reaching the pass threshold, you should aim to achieve as many correct answers as possible.
You will be notified whether you passed or failed, but you will not know how you scored on each section or individual questions.
This can be frustrating as you are unable to identify the areas you performed well in and the areas that need improvement.
For the best chance of passing the assessment, you should make use of the many EEI practice test papers available online. This will allow you to look at the topics that you struggled with so you can focus on them ahead of the real test.
Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses
When you take practice tests online, make a note of any questions you answered incorrectly. By incorporating these topics into your study, you can work on any weaknesses and improve your knowledge.
Make sure to also read the solutions and explanations for each question, as this will help you understand the logic behind reaching the correct answer.
How to Prepare for the EEI Tests
Scoring highly on the EEI tests will get you one step closer to a role in the US energy sector. If you are to pass the test, you will need to prepare.
One of the most important preparation strategies needed to pass the EEI test is to practice. When applying for roles in the energy sector, needing to take an EEI test to progress through the stages is practically guaranteed.
You can get an advance on preparing for this step by studying and taking EEI practice test papers before you begin your application.
Before you begin revising, you must understand which test you will be taking. As each EEI test is different, you will need to know which subjects to study.
Once you are clear on the test topics, you can find an array of practice exams and study materials online. There are some recommended resources listed in the section below.
As well as practicing and improving your knowledge, you should ensure you are prepared for the test by taking care of yourself. Remember to stay hydrated and eat a nutritious meal before the test.
Getting a good night’s sleep can also help you feel confident and ready to succeed.
Practice Tests and Resources
Whichever EEI test you will be taking, there are plenty of resources and practice tests available online, for example, those on JobTestPrep.
These providers offer example questions and practice tests, including EEI CAST practice tests, so you can familiarize yourself with the type of content you will find on the EEI test.
Whether you are taking the EEI CAST, MASS, POSS or SASS, or another of the nine EEI tests, try to take as many different practice assessments as possible. Using study materials from different providers will give you a diverse range of test questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the EEI Tests?
The EEI Tests are aptitude assessments used in the recruitment process for roles in the US energy sector.
How to pass the EEI Tests?
You can pass the EEI Tests by completing practice tests and revising the topics that appear on the test.
Where can I prepare for the EEI Tests?
You can prepare for the EEI Tests using websites like JobTestPrep.
What is the purpose of EEI Tests?
The purpose of EEI Tests is to measure the aptitude, skills, and knowledge of candidates applying for roles with US energy companies.
Can you retake the EEI Tests?
This differs between each utility company, with most having a waiting period before you can retake the test.
Are the EEI Tests timed?
The EEI Tests are timed, with the limit differing between each of the nine test types.
Can you take EEI Tests online?
The EEI tests can be taken online, on paper, or at a test center. The recruiter will inform you how to take the test.
What companies use EEI Tests?
Some of the companies that use EEI Tests are Duke, Southern Company, APS, Next Era, and Entergy.
Are the EEI Tests hard to pass?
EEI Tests can be challenging, especially without preparation, as they assess technical skills and cognitive abilities required for utility industry jobs.
What is a good score for EEI Tests?
A good score for EEI Tests varies by company, but generally scoring above the 50th percentile is considered competitive.
Where can you find sample questions for the EEI Tests?
Sample questions for EEI Tests can be found on test prep websites, educational platforms, and through company-provided resources.
Where can I get a complete guide for the EEI Tests?
Complete guides for the EEI Tests are available on test preparation websites, in specialized books, and from utility company resources.
Final Thoughts
As a part of the hiring process, passing the EEI test is mandatory if you are to secure a role with an investor-owned US electric company.
With practice and preparation, you can achieve a high score and start the career of your dreams.
