So you want to be a Metrologist

Introduction

This guide was designed to help prepare you for the Metrology Knowledge Test - Revised. In it you will find:

§ Descriptions of Metrology and the Metrology Technician job which will help you decide if the Metrologist position is right for you.

§ An introduction to the Metrology Knowledge Test – Revised, including how and why it was developed.

§ A description of the types of items you will find on the Metrology Knowledge Test, including a description of the competencies it measures.

§ Tips and strategies for preparing for and taking the test.

§ A list of references in print and online where you can go for more information.

How do I know if Metrology is for me?

This section of the guide provides some basic information about the field of Metrology and work as a Metrologist. Read through it for an introduction to the field. Then, review the resources at the end of this guide for additional information.

What is Metrology?

Simply put, Metrology is the science of measurement. It incorporates everything that has to do with measurement, including, but not limited to designing, conducting or analyzing the results of a test. Metrology can be abstract, such as comparing statistical methods, or practical, such as deciding which scale of a ruler to read.

Why is Metrology important?

The effects of the science of measurement can be seen everywhere, allowing people to plan their lives and make commercial exchanges with confidence. For example, most people can assume that the clocks in their homes and the clocks in their places of work all display approximately the same time. A pound of hamburger purchased at one grocery store will contain the same quantity of food as the same amount purchased at a store across town, and a screw purchased from Company A will fit into a hold made by a drill purchased from Company B.

Most people also trust that the speedometers in their cars will measure speed the same as the local police radar, that 14 karat gold jewelry contains the appropriate amount of gold, and that the temperatures indicated by thermostats, ovens, and thermometers are correct. Life would get complicated – and, in some cases, dangerous – without proper measurements.

What does a Metrology Technician do?

Metrology Technicians design and run measurement tests. They can perform various functions such as statistical analysis, database building, and writing automation programs. They also design measurement tests, analyze the results, and determine the final accuracy of devices under test. In addition, they calibrate measurement devices by comparing them against a standard.

At Verizon, Metrology Technicians are responsible for the calibration, testing, and repair of test and measurement equipment such as meters, scopes, time domain reflectors, signal generators, cable locators, gas detectors, Telecom test sets, SONET, and fiber optic measurements. They identify and repair complex test and measurement equipment malfunctions and restore them to proper operating condition. Metrology Technicians work under limited supervision.

The Metrology Knowledge Test – Revised

To become a Metrology Technician at Verizon, you will be required to qualify on Job Family 3 of the Universal Test Battery – Revised, the Metrology Knowledge Test – Revised, and the Metrologist Structured Interview – Revised. The information provided in this guide was designed to help you develop and improve the knowledge needed for the Metrology Knowledge Test – Revised. Information about the other pre-employment tests for this position can be obtained elsewhere.

What is the Metrology Knowledge Test – Revised?

The Metrology Knowledge Test – Revised contains questions on the knowledge areas required by a Metrologist. The questions measure overall knowledge, technical understanding, types of test equipment, and trouble-shooting skills.

The test includes applications of uncertainty levels, electronics principles, mathematical relationships, reading and interpreting common test standard displays, and the ability to identify common test standards used in metrology applications.

Why use the Metrology Knowledge Test – Revised?

The Metrology Knowledge Test – Revised allows Verizon to systematically evaluate each candidate based on the same set of requirements. This “common yardstick” provides a fair and systematic way of evaluating all candidates for a given position.

The use of validated, job-related employment tests is one way Verizon ensures that all individuals are selected based on the requirements of the job and not based on unrelated factors such as race, color, age, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, or disability. All employees are selected based on how well they meet the requirements of the job.

How was the Metrology Knowledge Test – Revised developed?

The goal in developing the Metrology Knowledge Test – Revised was to ensure that the test was job-related, fair, and accurate. These goals were accomplished by working closely with a large number of job experts.

Job-relatedness was established by asking the job experts to do two things. First, they were asked to identify the knowledge elements required to perform the job. Second they were asked to review the test questions to verify that they measured the required knowledge elements and were relevant to the Metrology Technician title.

Fairness was ensured by asking job experts to review both the knowledge elements and the test questions to be certain that they only represented knowledge required on the job and not specific to Verizon.

To ensure accuracy, job experts were asked to review each test question to make sure there was only one, clearly correct answer.

What can I expect on the day of the test?

This is a paper-and-pencil test with multiple-choice answers. On the day of the test, the test administrator will distribute the test and read the instructions aloud. You will be given 45 minutes to answer 32 questions, and there will be no “trick” questions.

How do I prepare for the Metrology Knowledge Test – Revised?

While no formal preparation is required, reading through and understanding the information provided to you in this guide will give you a basic understanding of what to expect during the test. Additionally, reviewing the supplemental resources listed at the end of this guide will provide you with more information.

What kind of questions will be asked on the Metrology Knowledge Test – Revised?

The Metrology Knowledge Test – Revised consists of 32 multiple-choice questions. They were written to measure four basic competencies that are important for Metrology Technicians: technical knowledge, calibration, repair, and computer literacy. Sample questions are provided to you in the next section.

The test does not require any knowledge of specific Verizon practices or instrumentation. The type of knowledge measured by this test can be acquired either inside or outside of Verizon.

Sample Questions for the Metrology Knowledge Test – Revised

The Metrology Knowledge Test – Revised is designed to measure four basic competencies that are important for Metrology Technicians. Each competency is defined below, and a sample test item measuring that competency is provided. The number of items devoted to each competency on the test varies.

Competency 1: Technical Knowledge

Technical knowledge is an understanding of the techniques, materials, and processes used to perform as a Metrology Technician. A sample test item measuring this competency is provided below.

What is the error (in volts) of a 10.0 VRMS source that is 2.2% high?

a)      2.200 volts

b)      1.220 volts

c)      0.220 volts

d)      3.220 volts

e)      0.022 volts



                         (Answer: c)