The Edison Electric Institute Sponsored a nationwide research study that led to the development of tests to select and evaluate candidates for System Operator/Power Dispatching (SOPD) positions in energy control centers of electric utilities. When you are prepared to work and earn your System Operator/Power Dispatcher Selection System (SO/PD), Varsity Tutors will help you connect with the right tutor for your needs. A SOPD prep class will help with developing personalized learning plans. Over time, the SOPD test prep can help you achieve increased confidence, strong test-taking skills, appropriate and individualized study plans, and determination to pass the test. SOPD courses make it easier for you to learn and grow by facilitating individualized study plans and working with a skilled tutor in a one-on-one environment.
SOPD test prep will prepare you for the exam, which is composed of four tests, designed and validated to aid in the selection of candidates for electrical utility system operator or power dispatching positions. There are several positions that the SOPD course help you prepare for. Below is a list of some potential jobs available to those who complete the SOPD classes and pass the exam.
This test was validated for positions including:
- System Operator
- Substation Operator
- Operator Trainee
- Dispatcher Clerk
- Dispatcher Specialist
When developing your individualized plan with your SOPD tutor, you should discuss what parts of the exam are most important for you to focus on. If you believe your math skills are exemplary and you don't need to spend much time practicing, focus on another area. SOPD tutoring is here to help individualize your study plan.
Your SOPD test prep could focus on The Analytic Thinking Skills Test. This test is broken down into three sections: Argument, Problem Solving, and Logic-based Reasoning. Your SOPD prep time can be spent measuring your ability to analyze information and logically derive conclusions; the focus of the Analytic Thinking Skills Test. The test will have twenty three total questions and has a forty five-minute time limit, necessitating candidates not only work on their knowledge base but also their ability to answer questions under pressure. This test measures the ability to analyze facts and to make valid judgments on the basis of the logical implementation of the information. A significant feature of this test is that it measures your ability to decide if the available information is sufficient to support a definite conclusion. The skill set necessary to organize, evaluate, and utilize information is an important aspect of administrative and technical decision-making as well as everyday judgments.
Your SOPD prep can focus on whatever skill set you deem most important to practice:
| Analytic Thinking Skills Test | measures the ability to analyze information and logically derive conclusions |
| Mathematical Usage Test | measures the ability to solve and manipulate mathematical relationships |
| Reading Comprehension Test | measures the ability to read and understand the type of material found in power plant operator training and safety manuals |
| Multitasking Simulation | measures the ability to monitor multiple tasks simultaneously and move between them to respond as needed |
You can be confident that you and your SOPD test preparation can help you build a thorough knowledge base that is required to pass the exam. You can schedule your SOPD prep sessions to suit your needs, allowing you to meet with your instructor when it works for you. You can also participate in online SOPD prep sessions over our Live Learning Platform.
Get in touch with Varsity Tutors today to learn more about our SOPD test prep options. Our Educational Directors are ready to help you connect with a knowledgeable and competent tutor.