TEST PREPARATION GUIDE

Placement Exercise
Section 3: Problem Solving
Test Preparation Guide 1
Section 3: Problem Solving

CON EDISON
TEST PREPARATION GUIDE
INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Con Edison Test Preparation Guide. The purpose of this Guide is to help you
prepare for Con Edison aptitude placement exercises.

The aptitude placement exercises in Con Edison generally consist of four to six sections, each of
which measures important underlying abilities necessary to complete Con Edison training
programs and to perform the work we do. Section 3 focuses on the ability of problem solving.

Questions included in this Guide are not the actual questions contained in the Con Edison
aptitude placement exercises. However these questions will enable you to apply and practice
questions similar in format, content, and ability to those that do appear in the aptitude
placement exercises. Your performance on the questions in this guide will provide you with
information about your strengths as well as those abilities that you wish to practice further.

Please view the questions in this guide as one source of practice and further study. Your local
library or bookstore is likely to contain other aptitude test practice resources. We encourage
you to take advantage of these other test preparation resources as well.

Section 3: Problem Solving

The questions in Section 3 of the Test Preparation Guide are designed to measure the ability of
problem solving. This ability is defined1 as follows:

Problem Solving: The ability to solve problems with known variables through logic,
deduction, reasoning and troubleshooting.

This ability is essential to perform the position you have applied for. Section 3 questions are
designed to measure your capacity to perform tasks requiring this ability. Some example tasks
that require this ability are:

1
These definitions are based on information appearing in the Threshold Traits Analysis Technical Manual (Revised
in Progress), © Lopez and Associates, Inc. 2016 All Rights Reserved.

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Test Preparation Guide 2
Section 3: Problem Solving

 Apply inspection, troubleshooting, and investigative techniques (e.g., problem-

solving, use of logic and diagnostic abilities with technical manuals, schematic
diagrams, etc.).
 Analyze possible reasons for the activation of alarms, warning lights, audibles, etc.
 Repair or replace equipment so it functions according to design specifications.
 Analyze plant, substation, system, or other equipment performance data.
 Determine why equipment or systems are not performing or operating according to
specifications.
 Solve customer or system problems in the field (e.g., no-lights, no-gas, steam leak,
downed wire, etc.).

The ability of problem solving is first necessary for all new employees to learn how to perform
these tasks on the job.

IMPORTANT
The information in this Test Preparation Guide is for
exercise purposes only and is not intended to replicate
exact Con Edison work practices, diagrams, or
procedures.

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Test Preparation Guide 3
Section 3: Problem Solving

INTERPRETING A TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

Items 1 – 2 require you to read and interpret a Troubleshooting Chart and Problem Type. The
example shows you how to complete the items in this section.

Example.

Problem Type
A. Engine runs briefly, then stops.
B. Engine vibrates excessively.

Troubleshooting Chart
Problem Problem
Cause of Problem Problem Solution
Type A Type B
Fuel line blocked 1 3 Clean the fuel line
Contaminated fuel 2 1 Replace with new fuel
No air to engine 3 Call manufacturer
Filter dirty 4 Install new filter
Fuel dripping 5 2 Install new fuel line
*The number in the columns represent the order of the steps to follow for each type problem
(Problem Type A or B).

The engine runs for a little while then stops. There are no blockages in the fuel line.
The fuel is not contaminated. The next problem cause to check is whether there is:

A. no air to engine.
B. a dirty filter.
C. dripping fuel.
D. None of the above.

The example refers to Problem Type A. Problem Causes 1 and 2 have been checked and are not
causing the situation. The next logical problem cause to check is 3 – “no air to engine.” Since
“no air to engine” is presented as choice A, you would select choice A as your answer.

Now complete items 1 – 2 as shown in the example.

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Test Preparation Guide 4
Section 3: Problem Solving

Refer to the Problem Type Key and Troubleshooting Chart below to answer items 1 – 2.

Problem Type Key

A. Engine runs briefly, then stops.
B. Engine vibrates excessively.

Troubleshooting Chart
Problem Problem
Cause of Problem Problem Solution
Type A Type B
Fuel line blocked 1 3 Clean the fuel line
Contaminated fuel 2 1 Replace with new fuel
No air to engine 3 Call manufacturer
Filter dirty 4 Install new filter
Fuel dripping 5 2 Install new fuel line
*The number in the columns represent the order of the steps to follow for each type problem
(Problem Type A or B).

1. The engine is vibrating excessively. The fuel is not contaminated. The next possible
cause to check for is:

A. fuel dripping.
B. filter dirty.
C. fuel line blocked.
D. no air to engine.

2. The engine runs briefly, then stops. The fuel line is not blocked, there is no
contamination in the fuel and air is getting to the engine. The next item checked is
found to be the cause. This problem cause is corrected by:

A. calling the manufacturer.

B. installing a new fuel line.
C. replacing with new fuel.
D. installing a new filter.

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Test Preparation Guide 5
Section 3: Problem Solving

LOGICAL CONCLUSIONS

Items 3 – 4 require you to answer questions based on information provided. The example
shows you how to complete the items in this section.

Example:

P is less than Y. Y is less than T. C is greater than T. The following statement must be
true:

A. P is greater than T.
B. P is less than C.
C. Y is greater than C.
D. C is less than Y.

If P is less than Y, Y is less than T and C is greater than T, then you can also conclude that P is
less than C.

P < Y < T < C

Less than Less than Less than

“P is less than C” is presented as choice B, therefore you would select choice B as your answer.

Now complete items 3 – 4 as shown in the example.

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Test Preparation Guide 6
Section 3: Problem Solving

3. A is greater than B and C is less than A. The following statement must be true:

A. B is greater than C.
B. B is less than C.
C. C is greater than B.
D. The relationship between B and C cannot be determined.

4. As E decreases, F increases and vice versa. As G increases, F increases and vice versa. If
F is decreasing, then the following statement is true:

A. both E and G are decreasing.

B. both E and G are increasing.
C. E is decreasing and G is increasing.
D. E is increasing and G is decreasing.

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Test Preparation Guide 7
Section 3: Problem Solving

INTERPRETING A FLOW SYSTEM DIAGRAM

Items 5 – 6 require you to answer questions based on a diagram of a flow system. The example
shows you how to complete the items in this section.

Example:

To stop water flow to all of the Apartment Buildings, the valve to be closed is:

A. E
B. B
C. G
D. D

To answer the Example, look at the diagram above. Valve G is the only valve located closest to
the city reservoir and that falls before all four apartment buildings, in the direction of water
flow. “G” is presented as choice C, therefore you would select choice C as your answer.
Now complete items 5 – 6 as shown in the example.

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Test Preparation Guide 8
Section 3: Problem Solving

Refer to the diagram below to answer items 5 – 6. All valves are currently in the open
(turned on) position.

5. If water flow to Apartment Building 1 must be shut off without impacting any other
Apartment Building, the valve(s) that must be closed (turned off) is(are):

A. C only.
B. G and F.
C. B and C.
D. A and C.

6. If valve D is in the closed (turned off) position, the apartment buildings that would lose
their water supply is(are):

A. Apartment Building 3 only.

B. Apartment Buildings 2 and 3.
C. Apartment Buildings 1, 2, 3 and 4.
D. No apartment buildings would lose their water supply.

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Test Preparation Guide 9
Section 3: Problem Solving

MECHANICAL COMPREHENSION

Items 7 – 8 require you to answer questions based on information provided. The example
shows you how to complete the items in this section.

Example:

Gear B is connected to and drives Gear A. Gear A contains 24 teeth and Gear B contains
144 teeth. In order to turn Gear B on full revolution, Gear A must make:

A. 1 revolution.
B. 6 revolutions.
C. 10 revolutions.
D. 24 revolutions.

To answer the Example, you must determine how many times the number of teeth in Gear A
would divide into the number of teeth in Gear B, i.e., 144  24 = 6. Since Gear B is making one
full revolution, Gear A will pass through each Gear B tooth only once. So Gear A will make 6 full
revolutions for every one Gear B revolution. “6 revolutions” is presented as choice B, therefore
you would select choice B as your answer.

Now complete items 7 – 8 as shown in the example.

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Test Preparation Guide 10
Section 3: Problem Solving

7. If a 50 lbs. weight is placed on the see-saw at Point A in the diagram below, the amount
of weight that must be placed at Point B to balance the see-saw is:

A. 50 lbs.
B. 100 lbs.
C. 150 lbs.
D. 300 lbs.

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Test Preparation Guide 11
Section 3: Problem Solving

8. Each of the picture frame hanging arrangements below makes use of the same wire
type, wire size, gauge, material and strength. The picture frames are also of the exact
same weight. The picture frame hanging arrangement that places the greatest strain on
the wires is:

A. A
B. B
C. C
D. D

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Test Preparation Guide 12
Section 3: Problem Solving

LOCATIONS

Items 9 – 10 require you to interpret a diagram to determine the location of an object. The
example shows you how to complete the items in this section.

Example:

In the diagram above, the shaded box is located at:

A. 4 Top, 3 Left.
B. 3 Left, 1 Top.
C. 3 Top, 3 Left.
D. 1 Top, 1 Left.

To answer the Example, you must follow these steps:

1. Determine the vertical location first.

2. Start from the bottom and count up. The Example is 4 up and is on the Top row.
3. Determine the horizontal location.
4. Start from the right side and count left. The Example is 3 across and is on the Left
column.
5. The shaded box in the Example is located at 4 Top, 3 Left.

“4 Top, 3 Left” is presented as choice A, therefore you would select choice A as your answer.
Now complete items 9 – 10 as shown in the example.

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Test Preparation Guide 13
Section 3: Problem Solving

9. In the diagram below, the shaded box is located at:

A. 3 Upper, 1 Right.
B. 2 Upper, 1 Right.
C. 2 Upper, 2 Right.
D. 1 Right, 3 Upper.

10. In the diagram below, the shaded boxes are located at:

A. 2 Lower, 3 Middle Right and 4 Bottom, 1 Right.

B. 3 Lower, 3 Middle Left and 1 Bottom, 1 Right.
C. 3 Middle Left, 3 Lower and 4 Bottom, 4 Right.
D. 2 Lower, 3 Middle Left and 1 Bottom, 1 Right.

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Test Preparation Guide 14
Section 3: Problem Solving

READING MAPS

Items 11 – 12 require you to read and interpret maps and symbols. The example shows you
how to complete the items in this section.
Example:

In the diagram above, the primary distribution wire with the northernmost start point is:

A. 324W
B. 336W
C. 636W
D. 8246W

To answer the Example, look at the diagram and symbol key above. Notice that primary
distribution wires are represented as solid lines and the starting point is represented by a black,
square box. According to the diagram, the northernmost black, square box attached to a solid
line is Wire 324W, which is presented as choice A. Therefore, you would select choice A as your
answer.
Now complete items 11 – 12 as shown in the example.

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Test Preparation Guide 15
Section 3: Problem Solving

Refer to the diagram and Symbol Key below to answer items 11 – 12.

11. The wire that ends at the intersection of Winding Way and Wending Way is:

A. Secondary Distribution 636W.

B. Primary Transmission 8184W.
C. Primary Distribution 324W.
D. Secondary Distribution 324W.

12. Secondary Transmission Wire 8246W ends:

A. southeast of the end point of Secondary Distribution 636W.

B. southwest of the start point of Primary Distribution 336W.
C. northeast of its own start point.
D. southwest of its own start point.

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Test Preparation Guide 16
Section 3: Problem Solving

FLOW CHARTS

Items 13 – 14 require you to read and interpret a flow chart. The example shows you how to
complete the items in this section.
Example:

According to the flow chart above, when an equipment problem is reported on a trouble
ticket, the first action to take is to:

A. conduct an equipment test.

B. perform Procedure A.
C. perform Procedure B.
D. Notify Department A.

To answer the Example, refer to the Flow Chart above. Notice that the very top box indicates
“equipment problem reported on trouble ticket.” Following the Flow Chart the very next box
indicates “conduct an equipment test” which corresponds to choice A. Therefore, you would
select choice A as your answer.
Now complete items 13 – 14 as shown in the example.

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Test Preparation Guide 17
Section 3: Problem Solving

Refer to the flow chart below to answer items 13 – 14.

13. If the equipment test is not passed, it is the responsibility of the company to first:

A. perform Procedure A.
B. perform Procedure B.
C. perform Procedure C.
D. perform Procedure A-1.

14. When investigating an equipment problem reported on a trouble ticket, Department A

has been notified. Since Department A was notified, it is most likely that:

A. Procedure A was unsuccessful in mitigating the problem condition.

B. Procedure A was successful in mitigating the problem condition and
Procedure A-1 was unsuccessfully performed.
C. Procedure B was unsuccessfully in mitigating the problem condition.
D. Procedures A was successful in mitigating the problem condition and
Procedure A-1 has been performed.

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Test Preparation Guide 18
Section 3: Problem Solving

Test Preparation Guide

Section 3: Problem Solving
Answer Key
1 A
2 D
3 D
4 D
5 C
6 D
7 C
8 B
9 A
10 D
11 C
12 D
13 B
14 D

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