How do TOC's mark tests?

[jamess115]

Just wondering if anyone knows what criteria a TOC would use to mark assessments?

I initially thought that there was a Universal set standard that all TOC's had to comply with, but that wouldn't make sense because out of 18 applicants, 18 could be left standing after completion of the assessment.

SO, perhaps they look at your fellow competitors and pick the one's who have achieved the top 3 highest out of that particular group.

I may have answered my own question but would appreciate clarification ..

Thanks

 

[455driver]

There are universal standards so all 18 could pass or all 18 could fail, the CBI is (was) increasingly used to cut the numbers down due to the actual tests being deemed useless as people were practicing for something designed to show natural ability hence the recent changes.

 

[W230]

When I did my assessments the TOC said it was in their interest that everyone passed as they would then have a greater number of people to choose from for the line manager interview. So as 455driver says, if only one person passes then they only have one potential candidate going forward to the next stage.

 

[OntheRails75]

So if you pass an assessment does that mean the TOC/FOC are required to put you through to the next stage, until you fail ?

Surely if you pass stage 1 for example, the company may turn round and say yes you passed but we don't want to pursue your application. This could be that other candidates have better test scores, or the same test score but a better CV ?

 

[455driver]

Of course they can do that, lets say the TOCs want 20 trainee drivers, they will probably put 50 or 60 through the first part of the tests, chose those with the highest scores to do the second part and if they dont get enough successful candidates then they will put some more through part 2 until they get as many as they need, any one who hasnt been through part 2 will be left, some may get a call in the future if they decide to recruit more but other than that its "thanks very much, there is the door".

 

[jamess115]

Thank you for the responses. However, I am a little sceptical.

Reviewing the RSSB website, companies are required to complete the interviews to their completion even if they know a candidate has failed 10 mins into it; therefore despite a good selection to choose from, i'm sure TOC's would not want 18 applicants to get through Ass stage 2 because it must cost them a fortune in time and resources when it comes to interviewing.

In reality, I am not convinced that TOC's don't pick and choose highest scores based on the group applying at that time. Is it documented anywhere to the contrary? At the end of the day, they will take whatever steps they need to keep numbers down as long as its not viewed as discriminatory. There are certainly no short of people to chose from.

 

[455driver]

You only have to complete the interview if you have started the interview!

The TOCs are under no obligation to interview you just because you have passed the assesssments.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
The TOC wants 3 drivers, 20 pass the assessments so they interview the top 5, only 2 of these are taken on so the TOC will interview the next highest 3, if none of these are taken on they will interview the next highest 3 until they fill that last place.

Not much of a conspiracy no matter how hard you try!

 

[westbrom]

I got told I passed stage one,next is the manager interview,any way of finding out your scores or are you just told you have a pass?

 

[jamess115]

You only have to complete the interview if you have started the interview!

The TOCs are under no obligation to interview you just because you have passed the assesssments.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
The TOC wants 3 drivers, 20 pass the assessments so they interview the top 5, only 2 of these are taken on so the TOC will interview the next highest 3, if none of these are taken on they will interview the next highest 3 until they fill that last place.

Not much of a conspiracy no matter how hard you try!

455, you need to settle down lad. I'm not trying to make a conspiracy out of anything. Just want to improve my understanding.

As far as I am aware, the interview (MMI) is a part of assessment 2, so your point about 'TOC's being under no obligation to interview' doesn't wash.

If you get onto Assessment 2, the interview is a part of that process.

 

[W230]

As far as I am aware, the interview (MMI) is a part of assessment 2, so your point about 'TOC's being under no obligation to interview' doesn't wash.

If you get onto Assessment 2, the interview is a part of that process.

The TOC doesn't have to interview you. When I did assessments they split it into a two day session. On day 1 those that had failed any of the three morning tests were sent home at lunch. Those that failed in the afternoon were told not to come back for day 2. Those that failed the reaction test on day 2 were told that they wouldn't be sitting the CBI at the end of day 2.

The TOC is under no obligation to drag you through all the asseessments knowing you've failed - and why would they anyway - it's a waste of everyone's time and resources!

 

[jamess115]

Thank you for your response. However if you re-read carefully, you will note that this has not answered my question.

I believe TOC's do have an obligation to conduct an MMI for each applicant that passes all assessments stages 1 & 2.

Why? because Assessment 2 is not complete until the MMI has been conducted. (please see my original point).

 

[W230]

In reality, I am not convinced that TOC's don't pick and choose highest scores based on the group applying at that time. Is it documented anywhere to the contrary? At the end of the day, they will take whatever steps they need to keep numbers down as long as its not viewed as discriminatory. There are certainly no short of people to chose from.

Is the above your question?

I think you're saying that if a load of people pass the early assessments then would they bin off the lowest scoring of those who passed?

Answer - no idea. However, when I went through the assessments there were two periods of two weeks of assessments with 50 people each day and as I said they got rid of people as they failed groups of asssessments. Considering the number they must have assessed it seems unlikely they would then get rid of lower scores as well. Also some people may score well on some assessments and lower on others. And then some TOCs set their own standards. I know that Northern for example have their own level on some of the assessments so they may decide not to continue with your assessments even though you haven't failed.

But in any case, surely it's up to the TOC? They're paying for the assessments, they're the one employing you in the job and if they decide that they want to set a higher pass mark to their own level at assessment then why shouldn't they? Just because you don't pass their standard it doesn't mean you have failed any one assessment.