HST Pre-Employment Exams Online Preparation & Tips – 2024

Human Systems Technology Corporation, HST, has been in business for over 25 years. They are a provider of pre-employment tests staffing and career resources, and professional certification programs. HST specializes in remote employee selection, management selection and development, and outsourcing options. HST’s client base mainly consists of utility companies located in the United States, though they are beginning to expand into other markets.

HST Assessment Tests

HST focuses on competency-based assessment tests that are utilized by utility companies in the United States. Many of the HST assessment tests are designed for entry-level, and technical jobs. HST has developed assessment tests for combustion turbine technicians, gas line workers, and nuclear reactor operators/technicians. Each test is tailored to measure the competencies needed to adequately perform the job. Two of the most widely used HST assessment tests are the Basic Math and Science Test, also known as the BMST, and the PSEG Gas Jobs Selection Battery.

Basic Math and Science Test

This test is designed for applicants seeking entry-level nuclear technical positions. The BMST is given by the Army Corp of Engineers, and companies such as Excelon. It is a 90-question test that is used to test skills in several separate areas of high school level math and science and is used as a predictor of performance. The BMST covers:

• Algebra
• Trigonometry
• Spatial relations
• Basic numbers
• Physics
• Geometry
• Chemistry
• Electrical science
• Nuclear science

PSEG Gas Jobs Selection Battery

The PSEG Test is a 2-hour long battery of competency-based paper and pencil tests. This test was developed for the Public Service Enterprise Group headquartered in Newark New Jersey. This utility company also owns several subsidiary companies in the New York Area.

• Reading Comprehension Test – You will be given 30 minutes to complete this verbal reasoning test. You will be given some material to read to measure your skill at analyzing, summarizing, and recalling the information it contained.
• Attention to Detail – This is a short test that requires you to notice the small details in objects. You will have 5 minutes to remember as many details as you can.
• Visual Speed and Accuracy – You will be presented with number pairs, and will need to identify which pairs match, and which do not. You will have 5 minutes to complete this test.
• Logical Reasoning Test – This is a two-part test which you will have 15 minutes to complete. The first portion is a verbal reasoning test, which will test your ability to come to a conclusion and identify relationships between words. The second portion is a numerical reasoning test, that will test your ability to decipher number patterns.
• Mechanical Principles – This will test your understanding of basic mechanical concepts, such as gears, tension and resistance, levers, and pulleys.
• Numerical Computation – Your understanding of arithmetic will be measured during this 20-minute test. You will need to demonstrate ability with fractions, decimals, and percentages.
• Electrical Aptitude – You will be given electrical schematics and diagrams to measure your innate understanding of electrical principles. You do not need to have any electrical experience prior to taking this test.

How to Prepare for the HST Assessments?

The majority of HST assessments are designed to test basic competency and do not need any technical expertise from the test taker. To score well on these tests you will need to practice basic skills, and brush up on any fundamentals you feel you may be rusty in. Some skills that may be beneficial to practice include

• Reading Comprehension – Reading non-fiction and doing crosswords can help sharpen reading comprehension skills. Find a way to quiz yourself so you can determine your level of comprehension.
• Study Mechanical Concepts – Make sure you are comfortable with basic mechanical concepts, even if you have not used them recently.
• Practice Your Arithmetic Skills – Keeping your basic arithmetic skills sharp is important since a basic understanding of mathematics is necessary for most utility jobs.

Preparing for the HST assessment tests is very straightforward. Since this test provider specializes in competency-based tests, you will only need to focus on your hard skills. Devoting time to refreshing skills you may have forgotten; will help you show your future employer you possess the right level of knowledge for the job.