Assessments & Medicals discussion

[Mahogany]

Hello! Anyone have any insight into what to expect for group exercises? Email said the day would consist of group exercises and individual interview and if you pass the morning part of the day you will go onto the interview. Struggling to find any info about what to expect for the group exercises! Thank you!

 

[Neatro]

Hello! Anyone have any insight into what to expect for group exercises? Email said the day would consist of group exercises and individual interview and if you pass the morning part of the day you will go onto the interview. Struggling to find any info about what to expect for the group exercises! Thank you!

If you've made it through to the assessments you should have received a booklet that describes the tests and generic practice tests?

 

[Mahogany]

Hello! Thank you for replying! This is what is confusing, I only received a guide for the interview, it explains using the Star technique and haven't received anything else!

 

[Neatro]

Hello! Thank you for replying! This is what is confusing, I only received a guide for the interview, it explains using the Star technique and haven't received anything else!

Can I ask, are you waiting to undertake OPC assessments?

Someone may be able to clarify better but the assessments I've taken none have been a group activity, there's a group of people all going individual tests.

 

[Ducatichick]

Maybe the OPC would be better placed to answer your questions, but I thought it was only the psycometric tests that could count you out if you failed twice? These sound more like company specific tests.

I‘m a Honda man myself…………..

I’m partial to a Honda also Real shame about KTM hey. Let’s hope they can come out of this and stronger.

Thank you for the reply,I am hoping to get a reply with the GTR / OPC asap (I feel that I did well but we we never really know do we) but I was more worried about the assessment offered by South Western for the shunter role. If I fail any part of that, I think I’ll have lost a life? I’m struggling to figure out what exactly Stage 1 and stage 2 of the application process are… is my invite to the assessment centre stage 1? So many questions.

 

[Mahogany]

Can I ask, are you waiting to undertake OPC assessments?

Someone may be able to clarify better but the assessments I've taken none have been a group activity, there's a group of people all going individual tests.

I haven't taken any psychometrics yet. Had an initial screening/phone interview and was told the next step would be a 1:1 interview so was waiting for a date for that. I then received an email that the next step will take place next week and will consist of group activities and individual assessments. It says if successful with those, then you will stay for a 1:1 interview. I only received an interview guide with info about the STAR technique and to review information about Northern and the role.
It doesn't say anything about psychometrics, but nervous it will be that? It seems like this may be something new?

Thank you for your insights!

 

[Class2ldn]

I'm pretty sure the assessment for driver and shunter driver are the same so if you failed any it would be a life lost for either.

 

[Ducatichick]

I'm pretty sure the assessment for driver and shunter driver are the same so if you failed any it would be a life lost for either.

Thank you. I get this impression too but from what I’ve read, people get sent stuff to prepare in advance, in my email it simply states this;

“Please note you will be asked to complete either pen and paper assessments on the day or online assessments. We'll ask you to complete a range of tests designed to give us a better idea of your abilities. We will provide a full brief and materials on the day.”

I’d hate to fail part of this and then not be able to progress with the driver role application because of the six month rule. Even though they’re different TOC’s (First Group and GTR)

 

[SimplyLovely]

Hi all, just wanted to post here in case I can help anyone in the future.

I have just recently passed my Network Rail signaller medical, whilst being diagnosed with Autism and being on SSRI's for that reason. I know a lot of people are probably worried about not passing the medical if they have similar circumstances, so I am happy to answer any questions or offer advice to people if need, either on this thread or privately.

I will be 100% honest that it wasn't the most straightforward process, and I do feel like the clinical team could use more up to date training on non-physical health issues, however it has all been resolved now so don't want anybody to not apply just because they don't think they will pass the medical for those reasons.

Obviously my experience is limited to NR, but happy to help as much as I can.

 

[Class2ldn]

Thank you. I get this impression too but from what I’ve read, people get sent stuff to prepare in advance, in my email it simply states this;

“Please note you will be asked to complete either pen and paper assessments on the day or online assessments. We'll ask you to complete a range of tests designed to give us a better idea of your abilities. We will provide a full brief and materials on the day.”

I’d hate to fail part of this and then not be able to progress with the driver role application because of the six month rule. Even though they’re different TOC’s (First Group and GTR)

The different tocs are irrelevant, it's a 6 month wait either way once you take them.
You'll have to decide which role is the priority.
If you go for shunter driver and pass they will be valid for your driver application subject to the individual tests required by each toc so you may need to do additional for a different company.

 

[Unobrow]

EMR? I did that with them about 3yrs ago. I remember very little but one of the group exercises was you’ve crash landed in a desert and can take 10 items with from the list. Which items and why. I think they’re after people who aren’t afraid to get involved and not be a shrinking violet rather than there being right or wrong answers, so enjoy the fun/day and get stuck in. There was also a round of individual speed questions at the end. 1min with 4 managers just firing questions at you.

I‘m sure we did the psychometric tests first, but maybe they’re filtering before that stage to save money on them.

Sorry I can’t remember more.

 

[minion37]

Good evening, I would like to ask about how exactly all applications process look like for Northern.
I did find some information about phone interview etc.
I would like to ask how step by step it's looks like from applying to getting the job ..
What kind of online test do they have ,etc .
I will be grateful

 

[Ducatichick]

Thanks to everyone that has replied to my questions. I’m going to give SW a call tomorrow to clarify what exactly I’m taking next week and whether any of these tests are on the list which I’d lose a life. If that IS the case I might remove my application for the shunter role and focus on the driver which is my goal

 

[Horizon22]

Hi everyone. I have recently been offered a job as a Grade 2 Signaller, and I have my medical in three weeks time.
Im slightly worried about the colour blindness test. I have previously failed the Ishihara test when I had a medical to join the fire service 2 years ago. In that case I was able to take another test for colour blindness (called the City Colour Test, I think) which I passed with no problem.
Has anyone here had difficulty with the ishihara test, and been offered an alternative test? Or does anyone have any recent experience of attending a medical where colour blindness has been an issue?

Hi there.

I don’t think any other colour blindness test is authorised for railway jobs unfortunately. Other people have been in the same situation before and have asked for an alternative to no avail.

Do let us know how you get on though as it’s been some time since someone has been in this position.

 

[Locomok]

Is this normal, I am not sure I want to do it all again....!

Hello,

Thank you for your interest in applying to West Midlands Railway (WMR). Your application is being managed by The Occupational Psychology Centre (OPC) on behalf of WMR.


We can see that you hold a valid pass under the national process. However, as West Midlands Railway operates at an enhanced standard, you may need to undertake the same tests you have already sat to meet their requirements. Please note that if you proceed, your existing pass will be replaced by the outcome of the new tests. This means that if you are unsuccessful, your pass could become a fail.


We wanted to confirm if you are happy to proceed with your application for West Midlands Railway under these conditions.

 

[12guard4]

Yup.
You haven't passed to WMTs standard so need to achieve the enhanced standard if you want a job with them.

 

[Locomok]

Yup.
You haven't passed to WMTs standard so need to achieve the enhanced standard if you want a job with them.

Thanks

Does this mean I will do the same things again but just need to achieve a higher score than last time?

 

[SJN]

Thanks

Does this mean I will do the same things again but just need to achieve a higher score than last time?

Hi. It depends. Usually on the day they will tell you what you need to do again. It may not be all tests.WM also include the fault finding test which you may not have done at all. If you do need to repeat some, then yes it means you need a higher score.

 

[OllieJ149]

Hi there.

I don’t think any other colour blindness test is authorised for railway jobs unfortunately. Other people have been in the same situation before and have asked for an alternative to no avail.

Do let us know how you get on though as it’s been some time since someone has been in this position.

Thanks for the reply.

I have read on this forum that only the Ishihara test is used to test for colour blindness, but this is all from older posts.

I can’t find any recent information online about whether any other tests are used. I know a lot of other employers will use other colour blindness tests as well as the Ishihara test if needed.

 

[Class2ldn]

Thanks for the reply.

I have read on this forum that only the Ishihara test is used to test for colour blindness, but this is all from older posts.

I can’t find any recent information online about whether any other tests are used. I know a lot of other employers will use other colour blindness tests as well as the Ishihara test if needed.

Not on the railway i dont believe

 

[Pintman]

Thanks

Does this mean I will do the same things again but just need to achieve a higher score than last time?

Your previous results will be checked against the West Mids enhanced standard, if you've already met it then you won't need to redo anything, if you haven't met it you'll need to resit or perhaps sit any additional tests that West Mids use. You'll find out on the day what exactly you need to do.

 

[Locomok]

Your previous results will be checked against the West Mids enhanced standard, if you've already met it then you won't need to redo anything, if you haven't met it you'll need to resit or perhaps sit any additional tests that West Mids use. You'll find out on the day what exactly you need to do.

Thanks

 

[Mahogany]

EMR? I did that with them about 3yrs ago. I remember very little but one of the group exercises was you’ve crash landed in a desert and can take 10 items with from the list. Which items and why. I think they’re after people who aren’t afraid to get involved and not be a shrinking violet rather than there being right or wrong answers, so enjoy the fun/day and get stuck in. There was also a round of individual speed questions at the end. 1min with 4 managers just firing questions at you.

I‘m sure we did the psychometric tests first, but maybe they’re filtering before that stage to save money on them.

Sorry I can’t remember more.

Thank you so much for replying! This is super helpful! It's with Northern! I do think they might be filtering!

Do you happen to remember what the speed questions were?

Thanks!

 

[Unobrow]

Thank you so much for replying! This is super helpful! It's with Northern! I do think they might be filtering!

Do you happen to remember what the speed questions were?

Thanks!

They came so fast, I only remember one question lol. Tell me what your faults or failings are.

I‘d be interesting in knowing how you get on. It’s all seemed to have changed so much since I did it, unless it’s just different companies and the way they do things.

 

[Spider1806]

Yup.
You haven't passed to WMTs standard so need to achieve the enhanced standard if you want a job with them.

Wow WMT didn’t even give me this opportunity

I passed at national level with EMR and WMT contacted OPC and they stated I failed at enhanced level so they automatically stated I cannot re take at enhanced level if you get me?

Computer tests and usually the second part of he psychometric testing

If I have passed the written tests I need to do computer and mmi

I am going to pay to do this at RCG to get them in the bank

Am I right in saying it’s:

• concentration 30 mins grey square changes colour
• AART - what’s in the picture
• Controlling ball around the track

Any advise on the above? Would be grateful? How hard and tips?

Also any comments on RCG as a company?

Thanks all

 

[Leon Tallis]

Wow WMT didn’t even give me this opportunity

I think the six-month rule was explained to you in an earlier post. WMT have no control over that.

 

[Spider1806]

I think the six-month rule was explained to you in an earlier post. WMT have no control over that.

so if it had of been over 6 months I could have retaken the test on enhanced basically?

 

[Pintman]

so if it had of been over 6 months I could have retaken the test on enhanced basically?

If you last sat within 6 months and didn't meet WMTs enhanced then you could retake with WMT once 6 months have passed from the date of assessment. However if you have already failed to meet their enhanced standard twice then you will have lost your 2 lives for WMT, but if you met the national standard you will still have your lives for TOCs that use the national standard

 

[GunsofNavarone]

Hey all, I sat my OPC stage one assessment the week of 18/11. Was informed I had passed on the 22nd. Has anybody heard back re booking stage two MMI?

 

[Leon Tallis]

Hey all, I sat my OPC stage one assessment the week of 18/11. Was informed I had passed on the 22nd. Has anybody heard back re booking stage two MMI?

There are more Stage One assessments being held next week, so it might be after that.