What is on the MTA Train Operator exam

Written comprehension is understanding written sentences or paragraphs, illustrated by understanding written bulletins released by MTA New York City Transit. Written expression is using English words or sentences in writing so others will understand, illustrated by writing incident reports regarding unusual occurrences. Problem sensitivity is telling when something is wrong or likely to go wrong, illustrated by recognising that an object on the track may interfere with the normal operation of the train.

Deductive reasoning is applying general rules to specific problems to come up with logical answers and deciding whether an answer makes sense, illustrated by applying rules and regulations to situations to determine the appropriate action. Information ordering is following a supplied rule or set of rules to arrange things or actions in order, illustrated by following the step-by-step instructions of a pre-trip inspection of a train.

Spatial orientation is telling where you are in relation to an object, or where an object is in relation to you, illustrated by reading a subway map and understanding where stations are in relation to your location. Number facility is the degree to which adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing can be done quickly and correctly, illustrated by performing calculations using track markers to determine the current location. Visualization is imagining how something will look when moved or when its parts are rearranged, illustrated by understanding that the scene seen in the front window is the same scene, just rotated, when it appears in the rear-view mirror after you pass it.

The ninth is customer service — providing information to passengers in a professional and courteous manner, illustrated by giving a passenger directions to a location. It is named on the notice and it is not practised on this site, because it is a judgement about handling a person rather than a question answered from a stimulus, and it is better to say so than to let a candidate assume the coverage here is complete.

Spatial orientation and visualization are the two on this notice that are not on the Conductor one, and both examples given for them come from the driving position rather than from the train generally.

The spatial example is a subway map and where stations sit in relation to your location — a question about position on a network, not about a street grid. The number-facility example points the same way: calculations using track markers to determine the current location. Two of the nine abilities, in other words, are about knowing where you are on a line, which is a fair description of the job.

The visualization example is the most concrete on either notice, and it is worth quoting almost in full because it tells you what the question type looks like: understanding that the scene you saw in your front window is the same scene, just rotated, when shown in your rear-view mirror after you pass it. That is mental rotation with a specific transform, and a candidate who practises only folding-and-unfolding problems is practising the right construct in a shape the notice does not illustrate.

Calculators are permitted subject to the same restriction as on the sibling notice: hand-held, battery or solar powered, numeric only, with anything beyond addition, subtraction, multiplication and division prohibited, along with any device carrying an alphabetic keyboard or word-processing or data-recording capability.

The prohibited-device list on this notice is one item longer than the Conductor one. Cellular phones, smart watches, smart glasses, beepers, pagers, cameras and portable media players may not be brought to the test site, and using one anywhere in the building before, during or after the test can mean results withheld, a score nullified and the fee forfeited. Medical assistive devices that alert, notify or vibrate need prior written authorisation from the Examinations Unit.

One valid, non-expired photo and signature identification document is required, with the first and last name matching the name used to apply; the acceptable list runs from a State issued driver's licence or ID card through a US passport, military ID or alien registration card to IDNYC and an employer or student photo ID. The admission letter appears on the OASys dashboard 14 days before testing is expected to begin, and a paper copy of it is the ticket in. Once you finish you must leave, and a candidate who leaves after fingerprinting but before finishing cannot re-enter.

Seventy per cent passes, and the score above it decides the order. Candidates who meet the education and experience requirements and pass are placed in final score order on an eligible list, given a list number, notified by email, and considered for appointment when their name is reached.

Nothing in the notice says how long that list runs. This page does not supply a figure; New York Civil Service Law § 56 bounds eligible lists generally at not less than one year and not more than four, and that is the honest answer to a question the document leaves open.

An appeal is filed through the Appeals tab of OASys — create a new appeal, select the exam and the exam part, choose a reason where applicable, and set out specifically why the score should be higher. The notice warns that an appeal may result in a higher or lower rating. Separately and earlier, Veterans' or Disabled Veterans' Credit must be requested before the eligible list is established; once it has been, no claim can be made.