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Psychometric Test

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African

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Joined
23 Mar 2021
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16
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Manchester
Hello guys, please I need your advise and input. I have a booked Psychometric Assessment in 4 days in Manchester, I paid privately for it as a Failed my 1st attempt on the TEA-OCC directory search test with audio. I was given 45sec to answer that particular question, failed it and passed the rest but I couldn't progress to the computer assessment. Furthermore, since I'm paying for it and not through TOC, I'm a little wary and nervous about the "multi modal interview", and the rest of the assessment especially what I failed last time. This will be my last shot and I don't wanna blow it. I currently work as a Train Despatcher. Your contribution will be highly appreciated as every little helps.

This site is goldmine and thank you to all who have offered there information and advice, it really does go a long way.

Now forgive me if this question sounds silly but my question is in referral to the advice given to focusing on the matching symbols which I read from another thread.

Do the matching symbols you are looking for have to pair up alongside one another? e.g. 374748/+** or anywhere for e.g. 374345*+^*.

I've probably gone and baffled everybody with that one on my debut ( way to announce yourself).

Also regarding most recent posts can someone briefly explain the whole ‘ lift going up and down ‘ reference and how it applies to the test?

Thanks in advance
 
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DriverEight

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18 Feb 2021
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191
Location
Sunderland
Hello guys, please I need your advise and input. I have a booked Psychometric Assessment in 4 days in Manchester, I paid privately for it as a Failed my 1st attempt on the directory search test with audio. I was given 45sec to answer that particular question, failed it and passed the rest but I couldn't progress to the computer assessment. Furthermore, since I'm paying for it and not through TOC, I'm a little wary and nervous about the "multi modal interview", and the rest of the assessment especially what I failed last time. This will be my last shot and I don't wanna blow it. I currently work as a Train Despatcher. Your contribution will be highly appreciated as every little helps.

Thanks in advance
This has been discussed before, and always polarised opinions. One half will say you're doing the right thing, no harm in having a practice go in a no pressure environment. Others will say you're mad, wasting your time and money, and you'll feel just as much pressure because if you blow it, that's it. Some will give you examples of how well it worked for them, others will say how bad it was.

By the time you've read all the answers you'll be no further forward because, of course, there is no right or wrong answer. It's a judgement call.

My view is, if I'd never done the test and had 2 strikes left, I'd go for it. Distance and cost would be a consideration though. If, like you, I'd failed once I'd rather save my second life for a go at the real thing with a TOC/FOC

Whichever way you choose, I wish you all the luck in the world
 

Spincity

Member
Joined
23 Nov 2019
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147
Location
London
This has been discussed before, and always polarised opinions. One half will say you're doing the right thing, no harm in having a practice go in a no pressure environment. Others will say you're mad, wasting your time and money, and you'll feel just as much pressure because if you blow it, that's it. Some will give you examples of how well it worked for them, others will say how bad it was.

By the time you've read all the answers you'll be no further forward because, of course, there is no right or wrong answer. It's a judgement call.

My view is, if I'd never done the test and had 2 strikes left, I'd go for it. Distance and cost would be a consideration though. If, like you, I'd failed once I'd rather save my second life for a go at the real thing with a TOC/FOC

Whichever way you choose, I wish you all the luck in the world
I’m not certain saying ‘having a practice go in no pressure environment’ is correct. This will be counted as a 2nd assessment so the pressure will still be there?.

Hello guys, please I need your advise and input. I have a booked Psychometric Assessment in 4 days in Manchester, I paid privately for it as a Failed my 1st attempt on the directory search test with audio. I was given 45sec to answer that particular question, failed it and passed the rest but I couldn't progress to the computer assessment. Furthermore, since I'm paying for it and not through TOC, I'm a little wary and nervous about the "multi modal interview", and the rest of the assessment especially what I failed last time. This will be my last shot and I don't wanna blow it. I currently work as a Train Despatcher. Your contribution will be highly appreciated as every little helps.

Thanks in advance
Good luck. Are you resitting the full process or just the part you failed. As long as you realise that if you are only sitting bits of it that will potential reduce the time left on you to get a job. Also if you have an particular TOC you want to work for do they required national or enhanced, if they require additional tests you may need to sit the process with that TOC unless this private assessment is using enhanced scores/tests? Good luck on which route you take but just make sure you’ve got all the information. It’s individual choice.
 
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DriverEight

Member
Joined
18 Feb 2021
Messages
191
Location
Sunderland
I’m not certain saying ‘having a practice go in no pressure environment’ is correct. This will be counted as a 2nd assessment so the pressure will still be there?.
Which is why I said some people will also say that "you'll feel just as much pressure, because if you blow it, that's it." Just trying to point out that there's going to be two opposite opinions.
 

African

Member
Joined
23 Mar 2021
Messages
16
Location
Manchester
This has been discussed before, and always polarised opinions. One half will say you're doing the right thing, no harm in having a practice go in a no pressure environment. Others will say you're mad, wasting your time and money, and you'll feel just as much pressure because if you blow it, that's it. Some will give you examples of how well it worked for them, others will say how bad it was.

By the time you've read all the answers you'll be no further forward because, of course, there is no right or wrong answer. It's a judgement call.

My view is, if I'd never done the test and had 2 strikes left, I'd go for it. Distance and cost would be a consideration though. If, like you, I'd failed once I'd rather save my second life for a go at the real thing with a TOC/FOC

Whichever way you choose, I wish you all the luck in the world
I'm immensely appreciated, Thank you so much. However, my first fail was with a TOC, and thinking if I pay for it with my own money then I won't hold back in putting all cylinder to be successful.

I’m not certain saying ‘having a practice go in no pressure environment’ is correct. This will be counted as a 2nd assessment so the pressure will still be there?.


Good luck. Are you resitting the full process or just the part you failed. As long as you realise that if you are only sitting bits of it that will potential reduce the time left on you to get a job. Also if you have an particular TOC you want to work for do they required national or enhanced, if they require additional tests you may need to sit the process with that TOC unless this private assessment is using enhanced scores/tests? Good luck on which route you take but just make sure you’ve got all the information. It’s individual choice.
I am grateful for your input and advice. The assessment is enhance and my previous failed assessment was with Northern. If I'm allowed to start from where I stop during my first attempt, meaning that I have less worries. Still, I'm very anxious. Thanks a million.
 
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Route187

New Member
Joined
23 Mar 2021
Messages
2
Location
Midlands
Regarding the 2 chances of the psychometric tests , does this apply for both the trainee train driver and conductor role or only applies for each different role , as I've applied for a trainee train driver position and also a conductors position , so if i did fail the trainee train drivers psychometric would I still be able to take the conductors psychometric with 6 months or will i have to wait after 6 months .
 

Spincity

Member
Joined
23 Nov 2019
Messages
147
Location
London
I'm immensely appreciated, Thank you so much. However, my first fail was with a TOC, and thinking if I pay for it with my own money then I won't hold back in putting all cylinder to be successful.


I am grateful for your input and advice. The assessment is enhance and my previous failed assessment was with Northern. If I'm allowed to start from where I stop during my first attempt, meaning that I have less worries. Still, I'm very anxious. Thanks a million.
good luck. I didn’t know you can sit private assessment to the enhanced standards, does that mean that this company will confirm which companies that use enhanced standards you’ve passed. Not certain what tests that Northern need you to do by I’ve seen a number use DFFT, can you sit that as well. When have you got the assessment, hopefully you’ll post an update on here how it went?

good luck. I didn’t know you can sit private assessment to the enhanced standards, does that mean that this company will confirm which companies that use enhanced standards you’ve passed. Not certain what tests that Northern need you to do by I’ve seen a number use DFFT, can you sit that as well. When have you got the assessment, hopefully you’ll post an update on here how it went?
From your post it sounds like you’re not certain what tests you are doing next week. Personally get on the phone and ask them. This is your last chance and they should have sent you practice materials but do you know which tests you are practicing. Why waste time on a test you are not needing to do or worst you’ve not practiced a test and you need to sit it and fail. I’d be interest to hear if the day was different to last time.
 
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RailLady

Member
Joined
23 Mar 2021
Messages
53
Location
Yorkshire
It’s entirely your choice to do the psychometric out of your own pocket.

it is worth noting that it’s 2 fails on any of the tests (be it one fail now and one fail in 6 months or two years) and your career aspirations of being able to operate a train as a train driver or maintainable driver, or freight line is over.

Also, different TOCS have different standards. Some tocs are at the national standard and some are enchanced. But the enhanced standard could be very different at each TOC.

yes doing it off your own accord means you can “take the pressure” off yourself. But at the end of the day, being a train driver means you are going to be in a “low stimulus, yet highly pressured job”.
 

African

Member
Joined
23 Mar 2021
Messages
16
Location
Manchester
good luck. I didn’t know you can sit private assessment to the enhanced standards, does that mean that this company will confirm which companies that use enhanced standards you’ve passed. Not certain what tests that Northern need you to do by I’ve seen a number use DFFT, can you sit that as well. When have you got the assessment, hopefully you’ll post an update on here how it went?


From your post it sounds like you’re not certain what tests you are doing next week. Personally get on the phone and ask them. This is your last chance and they should have sent you practice materials but do you know which tests you are practicing. Why waste time on a test you are not needing to do or worst you’ve not practiced a test and you need to sit it and fail. I’d be interest to hear if the day was different to last time.
Bang on....... I did ask on the phone if I have to resit the section that I previously passed, but that question and answer was left open. seems it's entirely up to myself to determine where to start. I'll call to confirm asap.
Thank you so much.
 

RailLady

Member
Joined
23 Mar 2021
Messages
53
Location
Yorkshire
Bang on....... I did ask on the phone if I have to resit the section that I previously passed, but that question and answer was left open. seems it's entirely up to myself to determine where to start. I'll call to confirm asap.
Thank you so much.

unless the toc makes you... the main reason to redo the test is if you fail or if the valid period is running out. :)
 

African

Member
Joined
23 Mar 2021
Messages
16
Location
Manchester
It’s entirely your choice to do the psychometric out of your own pocket.

it is worth noting that it’s 2 fails on any of the tests (be it one fail now and one fail in 6 months or two years) and your career aspirations of being able to operate a train as a train driver or maintainable driver, or freight line is over.

Also, different TOCS have different standards. Some tocs are at the national standard and some are enchanced. But the enhanced standard could be very different at each TOC.

yes doing it off your own accord means you can “take the pressure” off yourself. But at the end of the day, being a train driver means you are going to be in a “low stimulus, yet highly pressured job”.
Thank you for your contribution. I f I may ask, I really didn't understand your point. Please could you elaborate more. Thank you.
 

Stigy

Established Member
Joined
6 Nov 2009
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4,914

If passed, it's valid for 5years


Yeah, the 2nd paragraph isn't clear to me. Thank you
The assessment passes last between 1 and 5 years, but most are either 3 or 5 years in my experience.

If you fail once, you have another shot at it, but you must pass second time, no matter how much time has lapsed. If you apply today and fail one part of it and try again in ten years, that fail from today still counts as one of your two goes (unless they change the assessments and everybody’s slate is wiped clean, like they did in 2013). If you passed one assessment or all assessments today, the maximum validity is 5 years, so after that time has lapsed, you will have to retake them all, regardless of TOC.
 

Spincity

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Messages
147
Location
London
Bang on....... I did ask on the phone if I have to resit the section that I previously passed, but that question and answer was left open. seems it's entirely up to myself to determine where to start. I'll call to confirm asap.
Thank you so much.
It will be worth checking what standard the assessments are scored against. You seem to be focusing on Northern which you’ve said are enhanced, but still confusing that you’ve said they are assessing you against enhanced standards but which TOCs enhanced standards, from my understanding different TOCs have different enhanced standards/tests?
 

hiredgun

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17 Jun 2019
Messages
46
I can’t help thinking if you apply with a TOC/FOC and pass, your through, no fuss.

If you bring your own ‘shop bought pass ticket’ it may have different tests and they have to mix and match to see if it qualifies.... when they’ll have more than enough people who’ve gone through their testing and passed, do they need the hassle??

Good luck, hope it works but I can’t see the benefits
 

Stigy

Established Member
Joined
6 Nov 2009
Messages
4,914
I can’t help thinking if you apply with a TOC/FOC and pass, your through, no fuss.

If you bring your own ‘shop bought pass ticket’ it may have different tests and they have to mix and match to see if it qualifies.... when they’ll have more than enough people who’ve gone through their testing and passed, do they need the hassle??

Good luck, hope it works but I can’t see the benefits

The tests are fundamentally the same, there’s just an extra one for enhanced standards, plus the written comprehension test some TOCs do. It’s no different to passing the assessments with TOC A and applying to TOC B when a vacancy arises. They’ll just cross reference the test results. Obviously, some TOCs insist that you retake them anyway, so there’s naturally an amount of risk, plus it’s debatable whether getting them done yourself actually helps you get to the DMI stage (In my experience it probably did help me, although I didn’t pay for them myself, but was assessed by a different TOC/FOC than who I eventually got a job with, but I know that’s not always the case).
 

African

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23 Mar 2021
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Location
Manchester
The assessment passes last between 1 and 5 years, but most are either 3 or 5 years in my experience.

If you fail once, you have another shot at it, but you must pass second time, no matter how much time has lapsed. If you apply today and fail one part of it and try again in ten years, that fail from today still counts as one of your two goes (unless they change the assessments and everybody’s slate is wiped clean, like they did in 2013). If you passed one assessment or all assessments today, the maximum validity is 5 years, so after that time has lapsed, you will have to retake them all, regardless of TOC.
Thank you so much. The more reason I'm asking for opinion/help on this forum. truly appreciated.

I can’t help thinking if you apply with a TOC/FOC and pass, your through, no fuss.

If you bring your own ‘shop bought pass ticket’ it may have different tests and they have to mix and match to see if it qualifies.... when they’ll have more than enough people who’ve gone through their testing and passed, do they need the hassle??

Good luck, hope it works but I can’t see the benefits
I currently work for TOC as a dispatcher. Spoke to some of my driver colleague, those of them that got hired in the last 5 years said they did theirs through DB Shenkers, and when the opportunity arise, they got the job. So i was advice to consider same route which I did.
Thank you for your input.

It will be worth checking what standard the assessments are scored against. You seem to be focusing on Northern which you’ve said are enhanced, but still confusing that you’ve said they are assessing you against enhanced standards but which TOCs enhanced standards, from my understanding different TOCs have different enhanced standards/tests?
My focus are not primarily Northern. I have applied for various TOC and most recently Cross Country and EMR. Some of this TOC do ask if you've passed this assessment during the application process.

Thank you for your contribution.

I’m not certain saying ‘having a practice go in no pressure environment’ is correct. This will be counted as a 2nd assessment so the pressure will still be there?.


Good luck. Are you resitting the full process or just the part you failed. As long as you realise that if you are only sitting bits of it that will potential reduce the time left on you to get a job. Also if you have an particular TOC you want to work for do they required national or enhanced, if they require additional tests you may need to sit the process with that TOC unless this private assessment is using enhanced scores/tests? Good luck on which route you take but just make sure you’ve got all the information. It’s individual choice.
I had a confirmation email stating I only have to do the element I did not pass on my first attempt.

Thank you
 
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Spincity

Member
Joined
23 Nov 2019
Messages
147
Location
London
Thank you so much. The more reason I'm asking for opinion/help on this forum. truly appreciated.


I currently work for TOC as a dispatcher. Spoke to some of my driver colleague, those of them that got hired in the last 5 years said they did theirs through DB Shenkers, and when the opportunity arise, they got the job. So i was advice to consider same route which I did.
Thank you for your input.


My focus are not primarily Northern. I have applied for various TOC and most recently Cross Country and EMR. Some of this TOC do ask if you've passed this assessment during the application process.

Thank you for your contribution.


I had a confirmation email stating I only have to do the element I did not pass on my first attempt.

Thank you
Great, at least you can focus on what’s needed. Out of interest whoever is doing the private assessment have they confirmed if this is national or enhanced standards they are assessing against, and if it’s enhanced which TOCs standards are they using. Just trying to understand, hopefully, when you pass are they confirming what TOCs you’ve meet the standards for, if you’ve meet national will they confirm if you test scores have meet Northern standards for example.
 

African

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Joined
23 Mar 2021
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16
Location
Manchester
Great, at least you can focus on what’s needed. Out of interest whoever is doing the private assessment have they confirmed if this is national or enhanced standards they are assessing against, and if it’s enhanced which TOCs standards are they using. Just trying to understand, hopefully, when you pass are they confirming what TOCs you’ve meet the standards for, if you’ve meet national will they confirm if you test scores have meet Northern standards for example.
On this note, I can't say definitely if that'll be the case. I'll confirm and give feedback on here.
Thank you
 
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