Assessments & Medicals discussion

[Ridetherails]

Thanks Benji, so, passing all of the assessments for one TOC doesn’t open doors for every TOC.

It’s a shame that they all don’t agree on one process, but hey ho

Correct, it’s totally down to the TOC if they accept them.

I recently passed some OPC for a TOC which requires enhanced pass grade ( and passed ), but whilst waiting to hear I got progressed for another TOC to sit some assessments ( national grade ). They accepted my results from a couple of the tests I had already sat, but did require me to resit 1 test ( even though I had passed with enhanced with another TOC ).

Thing you have to keep in mind though, if you sit and pass and then resit again, your results will be updated and overwrote your original result. Also if you sit and pass then resit and fail, that pass you had is replaced with a fail.

Yes it’s frustrating they share results on a national database yet don’t share outcomes or over writes results when sat with another TOC.

Personally it should be lives per TOC because of this but hey ho, it is what it is.

 

[pharaoh1368]

Quick question are you allowed to fail the CBI and MMI twice say i failed the cbi then fail the mmi would that be it for me or can I do one again

 

[Spincity]

You can pay and take them yourself but why risk loosing a life if there is no job to go with it?

And also the question to ask is what TOCs will the results be accepted. Does the assessment centre allow the candidate to sit the extra test, ie DFFT. Does the candidate know if their scores are good enough for some of the higher cut off scores. Why pay for a test when the TOC may still not accept them

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Mar 2025 ==

Correct, it’s totally down to the TOC if they accept them.

I recently passed some OPC for a TOC which requires enhanced pass grade ( and passed ), but whilst waiting to hear I got progressed for another TOC to sit some assessments ( national grade ). They accepted my results from a couple of the tests I had already sat, but did require me to resit 1 test ( even though I had passed with enhanced with another TOC ).

Thing you have to keep in mind though, if you sit and pass and then resit again, your results will be updated and overwrote your original result. Also if you sit and pass then resit and fail, that pass you had is replaced with a fail.

Yes it’s frustrating they share results on a national database yet don’t share outcomes or over writes results when sat with another TOC.

Personally it should be lives per TOC because of this but hey ho, it is what it is.

I’m confused, the the results are on a national data base, the TOCs use these results and also use the most current results from the data base, yet I don’t understand why you say they don’t share outcomes, the scores are the outcome so they are shared.

So based on lives per TOC, a candidate could apply for 25 different TOCs, sit the process for 25 consecutive days, as apparently the outcomes aren’t shared, on day 25 the candidate has learnt the tests that well because of the previous 4 weeks of attempts and passes. I’m not certain that will get safe drivers

 

[Class2ldn]

Quick question are you allowed to fail the CBI and MMI twice say i failed the cbi then fail the mmi would that be it for me or can I do one again

They are both part of the assessments so if you failed both you'd have no lives left though its changed to 3 fails now not 2 if not undertaken yet.

 

[cazza0811]

You can pay and take them yourself but why risk loosing a life if there is no job to go with it?

That’s what I did after using 2 enhanced lives but having 1 national life left. I now have all enhanced passes and the MMI.

Northern, Avanti, LNER will accept them.

 

[Trackman]

My son is looking for a job as a gateline assistant. Is there anywhere he can practice (for free) the literacy and in particular, the numeracy tests?

Hello and welcome to the forums!

This may be some sort of help..

SHL has been used in railway industry before, here is the link for some practice tests including the numeracy one.

Practice Tests and Assessments | SHL

SHL practice tests and example questions to help you prepare for an upcoming employment assessment.

www.shl.com

I have done the numeracy tests, was quite tough as it was time constrained, but accuracy is the key.
It might be a completely (and probably) different test for your son, but does give them an insight
They usually give you an example test question on the day of the test.

If they are applying for a gateline job, chances are they will be a checking test as part of the numeracy test.

Checking Test - Example Questions | SHL Direct

www.shl.com

I have done this as well, although not for a gateline job - it can be quite difficult, but you can have a practice test on the link I have posted above.

 

[Spincity]

That’s what I did after using 2 enhanced lives but having 1 national life left. I now have all enhanced passes and the MMI.

Northern, Avanti, LNER will accept them.

How did you loose 2 enhanced lives, have 1 national life left and now have passes to enhanced TOCs. There is no such thing as a ‘enhanced’ pass, TOCs that operate to enhanced standards use different standards to each other.

It is not possible to have a pass to Avanti and northern etc, Avanti use CBI and others use MMI.

 

[cazza0811]

How did you loose 2 enhanced lives, have 1 national life left and now have passes to enhanced TOCs. There is no such thing as a ‘enhanced’ pass, TOCs that operate to enhanced standards use different standards to each other.

It is not possible to have a pass to Avanti and northern etc, Avanti use CBI and others use MMI.

Okay it’s a little mixed up so here goes.

In sep 23 I did all paper tests and got to 2hand for TPE. Failed to their standard (it’s the highest in the country) BUT I passed to National. (1 TPE standard live lost but nothing failed to National).

I then redid 2 hand for TPE and passed it, failed MMI (2 TPE lives lost but still 1 life left at national standard because I didn’t fail anything initially).

Then I recently did MMI using that 1 standard life left with RCG. I passed. Got in touch with Northern and they said they’d accept those results, same with Avanti - the CBI obvs. LNER the same.

If TPE even slightly lowered their standard I would’ve passed 2hand the 1st time hence I still got enhanced but didn’t reach their standard but did reach other TOCs enhanced standard. Remember, anything over national is classed as enhanced - it’s just how much above that actually is per TOC.

 

[Spincity]

Okay it’s a little mixed up so here goes.

In sep 23 I did all paper tests and got to 2hand for TPE. Failed to their standard (it’s the highest in the country) BUT I passed to National. (1 TPE standard live lost but nothing failed to National).

I then redid 2 hand for TPE and passed it, failed MMI (2 TPE lives lost but still 1 life left at national standard because I didn’t fail anything initially).

Then I recently did MMI using that 1 standard life left with RCG. I passed. Got in touch with Northern and they said they’d accept those results, same with Avanti - the CBI obvs. LNER the same.

If TPE even slightly lowered their standard I would’ve passed 2hand the 1st time hence I still got enhanced but didn’t reach their standard but did reach other TOCs enhanced standard. Remember, anything over national is classed as enhanced - it’s just how much above that actually is per TOC.

Thanks for the clarity. Agree that anything over national is therefore enhanced, but you didn’t have 1 standard life left. You had a life left to all national and a number of enhanced TOCs

You’ve paid RCG to do an MMI, but this has not resulted in Avanti accepting your results. You’re existing scores (excluding the MMI) would have potential reached their standards, just in case others think this is a way in to Avanti.

But I’m interested how you know you’ve met LNER/Avanti standards, I didn’t know any recruitment is occurring for their assessment centres to have confirmed your pass mark?

 

[cazza0811]

Thanks for the clarity. Agree that anything over national is therefore enhanced, but you didn’t have 1 standard life left. You had a life left to all national and a number of enhanced TOCs

You’ve paid RCG to do an MMI, but this has not resulted in Avanti accepting your results. You’re existing scores (excluding the MMI) would have potential reached their standards, just in case others think this is a way in to Avanti.

But I’m interested how you know you’ve met LNER/Avanti standards, I didn’t know any recruitment is occurring for their assessment centres to have confirmed your pass mark?

Yes that’s right, a better way to put it would be that I had a life left to all national and a number of enhanced.

I know because I’ve emailed each company and asked them to just check my scores so I’m not wasting my time applying. They reply asking for my NI Number, DOB etc and then come back to me after.

The fact that the aforementioned TOCs are below TPEs standard is probably why I’m eligible for them.

 

[Burrowl]

Hello,

I'm looking for a buddy - Has anyone else on this forum failed the multi modal interview based on verbal commnuication ?

Thanks!

 

[cazza0811]

Hello,

I'm looking for a buddy - Has anyone else on this forum failed the multi modal interview based on verbal commnuication ?

Thanks!

Hey,

Is that the feedback you got?

 

[Spincity]

Hello,

I'm looking for a buddy - Has anyone else on this forum failed the multi modal interview based on verbal commnuication ?

Thanks!

Can you clarify what you want from a buddy, not certain how that’s going to assist passing next time.

 

[skywatcher]

Hi, this is my first thread so apologies if this has been discussed before.

I have to do an online miniscaat test for Southern and wondered if they use numbers or symbols in the miniscaat test. I have been practising loads but find the symbols the hardest compared to the numbers and letters.

Also how hard is it on a computer to do as I would have thought the miniscaat was quicker on paper. Do you get extra time on the computer?

I’d appreciate any help going.

Cheers

 

[REO Nate]

When I did the Mini Scaat for GTR-SN, which was about 4 years ago, it was letters and numbers only.

The computer test is pretty straightforward and is easy to do on a screen. That being said, I'd recommend an actual laptop/macbook or PC/Mac, over an iPad or similar and make sure you have an accurate mouse that works well.

Rember, accuracy over speed every time. That's not to say you don't want to progress down the screen, but accuracy is the most important part of the test. You aren't expected to complete the whole test, so don't be disheartened if you don't.

 

[skywatcher]

When I did the Mini Scaat for GTR-SN, which was about 4 years ago, it was letters and numbers only.

The computer test is pretty straightforward and is easy to do on a screen. That being said, I'd recommend an actual laptop/macbook or PC/Mac, over an iPad or similar and make sure you have an accurate mouse that works well.

Rember, accuracy over speed every time. That's not to say you don't want to progress down the screen, but accuracy is the most important part of the test. You aren't expected to complete the whole test, so don't be disheartened if you don't.

Amazing, thank you for taking the time to let me know. I appreciate it.

 

[Pintman]

Hello,

I'm looking for a buddy - Has anyone else on this forum failed the multi modal interview based on verbal commnuication ?

Thanks!

Other people will have, what are you hoping to get out of it?

 

[Dippa]

Hi all, I have just received an email inviting me to the OPC assessment day for the Chiltern Railway apprentice train driver role, after successfully completing my VSE online assessment.

Does anyone have any advice and tips on how best to prepare for the individual assessments? Or can shed any light on what to expect on the day?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Unobrow]

Hi all, I have just received an email inviting me to the OPC assessment day for the Chiltern Railway apprentice train driver role, after successfully completing my VSE online assessment.

Does anyone have any advice and tips on how best to prepare for the individual assessments? Or can shed any light on what to expect on the day?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Start reading from the beginning of this particular thread topic and you should find all your answers. You should also get an email from the company with details of the tests outlining what to expect and how to prepare.

Well done on getting this far and good luck.

 

[kilozulu]

Has anyone that has passed all assessments and then a medical been put in a trainee train driver talent pool post medical assessment or is there usually a job offer after this, specifically with Scotrail?

I have tried searching and seen people with other TOCs given an offer and start date pending medical, so trying to establish likely next stage and do they only schedule your medical when a job offer is available if you pass?

 

[Dippa]

Start reading from the beginning of this particular thread topic and you should find all your answers. You should also get an email from the company with details of the tests outlining what to expect and how to prepare.

Well done on getting this far and good luck.

Thank you for your advice! I've had a look through the thread, but struggling to see what will be expected in the TEA-OCC test, particularly the telephone directory search. What sort of information will I be expected to search for?

 

[henke7]

Has anyone that has passed all assessments and then a medical been put in a trainee train driver talent pool post medical assessment or is there usually a job offer after this, specifically with Scotrail?

I have tried searching and seen people with other TOCs given an offer and start date pending medical, so trying to establish likely next stage and do they only schedule your medical when a job offer is available if you pass?

Hi there, I’m in the same boat as yourself. Passed all the assessments etc. As far as I’m aware, the medicals are block booked and it’s pretty much waiting until OH assist give recruitment their availability.

 

[Terry844]

Thank you for your advice! I've had a look through the thread, but struggling to see what will be expected in the TEA-OCC test, particularly the telephone directory search. What sort of information will I be expected to search for?

That could change on the day, when you go to the testing centre they will explain each test, if you are unsure of what is being asked you can ask questions before the actual test begins. You will also be provided practice materials before you go to the testing centre.

 

[xenomorth45]

Might be a random question, but what do you wear to the OPC. I can’t decide between business or to play it safe and go in a suit?

 

[Horizon22]

Might be a random question, but what do you wear to the OPC. I can’t decide between business or to play it safe and go in a suit?

I'd suggest a formal shirt and some dark trousers, wouldn't have thought a tie & suit would be necessary.

 

[Ridetherails]

I'd suggest a formal shirt and some dark trousers, wouldn't have thought a tie & suit would be necessary.

I would have thought whatever you like / comfortable in with it being assessments and tests with OPC and not with your potential TOC?

 

[Unobrow]

Might be a random question, but what do you wear to the OPC. I can’t decide between business or to play it safe and go in a suit?

There’s no dress code as such as long as you’re comfortable as it can be a long, stressful and sweaty day. However I wore a whistle for two reasons on mine. I rarely got to “dress up” due to my job, and you never know who may be watching.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 Apr 2025 ==

Thank you for your advice! I've had a look through the thread, but struggling to see what will be expected in the TEA-OCC test, particularly the telephone directory search. What sort of information will I be expected to search for?

Hazy memory here, is that the three part test with tones and telephone directory?

The tones is counting a specific tone from two that are heard.
Part two is checking the telephone directory. It’s a couple of broad sheets laid out exactly as a directory. There are a pair of symbols next to each entry and you have to mark off the pairs.
Part three is both tests together.

The practice materials give advice on how to prepare, and as per all the tests they’ll be a full explanation beforehand. If you’re not sure on the day or don’t understand, ASK before the test starts.

 

[Georgiahope1]

I have just been called to attempt my re-sit for the Psychometrics Test for Train driving.

I previously failed the Group Bourdon and the 2 Hand coordination Test... obviously if I pass these I then go through to the interview.

I am just wondering if I will definitely just be expected to re-sit the two tests I failed? I have read various responses where some people have said they was expected to re-sit the whole sector of the test again so just wanted clarity!

Also if anyone has any tips that would be hugely appreciated!

 

[nolypops83]

I have just been called to attempt my re-sit for the Psychometrics Test for Train driving.

I previously failed the Group Bourdon and the 2 Hand coordination Test... obviously if I pass these I then go through to the interview.

I am just wondering if I will definitely just be expected to re-sit the two tests I failed? I have read various responses where some people have said they was expected to re-sit the whole sector of the test again so just wanted clarity!

Also if anyone has any tips that would be hugely appreciated!

I think that depends on the TOC/FOC you applied to. Have you taken the tests with the same company?

 

[Georgiahope1]

I think that depends on the TOC/FOC you applied to. Have you taken the tests with the same company?

The company is Northern Trains and yes it both with the same company the first attempt and the re-sit and it is the OCU Psychometrics test board they follow I think