Pre-Employment Tests For Plumbers
Top Skills and Abilities:
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Deductive Reasoning
- Finger Dexterity
- Operation Monitoring
Top 3 Tasks:
- Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment
- Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools
- Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks
Overview
Plumbers assemble, install and repair pipes, fittings, and fixtures related to heating, water, or drainage systems. They also ensure new and existing pipes and drainage systems are up to code. They may be required to assemble sections of pipes using a variety of methods including clamps, screws, cement, caulk, or welding. Plumbers may work in residences, business, factories, or wherever pipes or septic systems are found. The majority of them work indoors, but plumbers can occasionally work outdoors under a variety of weather conditions. They are often required to lift heavy objects and equipment, work on ladders, or work in cramped spaces. Because plumbing emergencies require immediate attention, plumbers are often on call on nights and weekends in addition to a traditional full-time schedule. A high school diploma or equivalent is generally a prerequisite for a job as a plumber and the majority also go through some sort of post-secondary training including technical school and apprenticeships.
Assessments for Plumbers
When hiring plumbers, it's crucial that candidates not only possess mechanical aptitude but also have the necessary math and language skills to accurately read and interpret blueprints, work orders, and instrument measurements. To effectively assess these capabilities, two pre-employment tests are typically administered for plumber positions.
The first is the Criteria Mechanical Reasoning Assessment (CMRA), which evaluates an applicant's understanding of basic mechanical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge in practical situations, such as maintaining, repairing, and operating machinery and equipment.
The second assessment is the Workplace Safety Profile (WSP), which is particularly relevant for plumbers who will be working within a customer's home. This test measures behavioral risk factors, including a candidate's reliability, work ethic, and adherence to safety protocols. By evaluating these traits, employers can ensure that the plumbers they hire are not only technically skilled but also trustworthy and capable of delivering services in a safe and customer-friendly manner.
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Source: U.S. Department of Labor