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Network Rail Signaller Assessment Centre

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142094

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A friend is through to the assessment centre for a Network Rail signaller vacancy. Looking for a bit more info on what sort of tests they do, and if it is better to practice anything in particular beforehand. Think they are still waiting for the booklet that they send.
 
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Mix107

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Hi 142094

I have previously done the assessment in 2007 and was a signaller for a year at Wembley Mainline SCC.

The Assessments I did were fault finding test, listening, reaction test on the pc, maths/thinking based one on mileage, structured interview (although a lot shorter than the train driver's one, as I've now done both). You'll also be tested for colour blindness and it took a whole Saturday in Birmingham when I did it.

Your friend will get a booklet beforehand to pratice on.

Good job a Signaller, really liked it during my time there. Only left due to a very long commute and having a new born at the time. Both my children a lot older now, hence my decision to get back on the railway. But this time as a driver.

Best

Mix107
 

142094

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Cheers for that Mix, I'll pass the info on. What format did the interview take, and what kind of questions were you asked?
 

Mix107

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If you google 'Structured Interview', it should give you a good idea. It is basically the same as that for train driver. You have to firstly answer a couple of questions with examples on paper to be interviewed on. Things such as, when have you worked aloan (not overly relevant in a powerbox or IECC when there are other signallers around, but if it's a one man box very relevant), when have you dealt with a emergency, followed rules and procedures, maintained concentration, etc.

Hope that helps!

Regards

Mix
 

SignalBox

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142094,
I have completed my Network Rail Tests on 21st June 2012, not sure if i'm too late posting however just found this site!

They will have an email sent from N/R atleast 7 days before their test date. It's in PDF format and you can print it off if needed however i just read it off the computer. They do give you examples which are VERY similiar.

Your results will be Fail/Level1/Level2/Level3.
Fail - Retake in 6 months
Level 1 - Grade 1. (Crossing Keeper)
Level 2 - Grades 2-5 and anything below. (Signaller)
Level 3 - Grades 5-11 and anything below. (Signaller and Management)

The tests are:
- Logical decision
- Attention skills
- Knowledge retention
- Learning ability

Extra info:
- Will last around 3 hours
- Around 7 tests
- All pen and paper
- LISTEN TO EVERY INSTRUCTION GIVEN

Good Luck!
 

142094

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Cheers for that SignalBox, I'll pass that on to my friend. They've received the test pdf file so will be looking at that before the assessment. Have Network Rail got back to you yet about your results or to arrange an interview?

Mix107 said:
If you google 'Structured Interview', it should give you a good idea. It is basically the same as that for train driver.

Sounds quite similar to a lot of interviews these days, so hopefully nothing too hard.
 

SignalBox

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Cheers for that SignalBox, I'll pass that on to my friend. They've received the test pdf file so will be looking at that before the assessment. Have Network Rail got back to you yet about your results or to arrange an interview?

I actually had a text message come through from the examiner 2 days after my exam. (Yes I was checking my emails and N/R login every hour for those 2 days)
I passed at Level 3. The next stage is an interview, which I guess is being arranged now as the status on my application form is "Application under consideration 2"
 
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mac

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what grade box did you apply for,i applied for a grade 2 and only got a phone call to go for interview.
 

Catta

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Hi guys,

I thought I'd post here and try to gather a few second opinions. I applied for a grade 1 signaller role some time ago and my application has been 'under consideration for assessment 2' for nearly two months. I'm wondering whether I should be getting in contact with the HR department to try to find out more information or if it's best to just hold on a while longer and avoid looking impatient.. Although would it appear impatient, or simply show I am genuinely interested in the job and how the application is going?

Any advice welcome,
thanks.
 

mac

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Catta two months is nothing for network rail give it abit longer.Where have you applied for?
 

Catta

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Re-assures me a little about my application if two months is not a long time-scale for NR, I had started to wonder if it had been forgotten about. It just seems like such a big gap after the first few stages, which progressed really quickly.

The job is in Knottingley; Crossing Keeper.
 

142094

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Quick update = person concerned passed the assessment and is waiting for an interview. From what I can tell they passed at a much higher level than the grade the vacancy is at, which sounds quite good.
 

mac

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Thats good to hear,hope it's not one of the jobs the other two have applied for
 

carriageline

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I applied for a job in Kent so long ago I forgot I applied for it! Went on Network Rails careers site and low and behold, pending invitation to assessment 2! Result!


I passed the assessment a few years ago at level 3, and the comms test to 96% (if my Maths is correct :p)
 

SignalBox

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Quick update = person concerned passed the assessment and is waiting for an interview. From what I can tell they passed at a much higher level than the grade the vacancy is at, which sounds quite good.

Congrats to them! I applied for Grade 2 job and only needed to pass at a level 2 but passed at a level 3! They've probably done the same, just means they can go as high a Grade 11 without having to ever sit that test again.
 

Seagulls01

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Chaps, I passed the initial assessment back in January. I passed at Level 3. The website is saying '2nd assessment pending'.
It's now mid-July!!!!
 

carriageline

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Chaps, I passed the initial assessment back in January. I passed at Level 3. The website is saying '2nd assessment pending'.
It's now mid-July!!!!

What role is that mate? PM me if you prefer.

They can take a while. I'm in exactly the same position.
 

mac

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Seagulls01 what was the initial assessment and when did it change to 2nd assessment pending.
 

142094

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1st assessment should be the telephone communication test. Normally that changes to 2nd assessment quite quickly.
 

Tomnick

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Not for me - "assessment" was the day in London and "assessment 2" was the interview. Not sure what the telephone test was indicated as though.

I'd give HR a call if you've been waiting six months for an interview - they seem a helpful bunch. It could well be that things are taking a long time for some reason, but it's worth checking.
 

mac

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That's what i was wondering how could he pass a phone test at level 3
 

carriageline

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Your getting mixed up.

IIRC:

Assessment 1 - assessments
Test - ( IIIRC it says "invited to test") comms test
Assessment 2 - interview
 

142094

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Yes that is indeed correct, although seems strange that the communications test is not an assessment, but the interview is.
 

Seagulls01

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What role is that mate? PM me if you prefer.

They can take a while. I'm in exactly the same position.

Do you mean location? It's a grade 3 job, if that helps.
If you want more info, I'll pm.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Seagulls01 what was the initial assessment and when did it change to 2nd assessment pending.

1st I had the telephone test. Just to see if you could be understood, I suppose.
The assessment was in London, and a general ummmm assessment.

On the website, it went to 'passed' almost immediately.
Then 'pending'
Then to ' Pending, waiting 2nd assessment', which I'm assuming will be the face to face interview.
 
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