DOW CORNING
CHEMICAL PROCESS OPERATOR
TEST PREPARATION PACKET
INTRODUCTION TO THE TESTING PROGRAM
This packet contains information about the testing program used at Dow Corning for hiring Chemical Process
Operators. Because of the large number of applications received, it is not possible for Dow Corning to interview
everyone who is interested in a position. Tests are therefore used to narrow down the number of applicants to be
interviewed. These tests are intended to help identify those applicants who will be the most likely to be successful
during training and ultimately be able to perform the necessary job duties.
This packet provides materials to assist applicants in preparing for the selection tests. Included are a description of the
testing program, test-taking tips and strategies, and a list of resources to use in order to increase knowledge in the
subject areas covered by the tests. In addition, three practice tests that are similar to the actual tests are included to help
potential applicants prepare for the test.
HOW TO USE THIS PACKET
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
Read the sections that discuss the three tests and the description of the questions on each test.
Review the test taking tips and strategies in the next section. Following these tips will help ensure that you give
your best performance on the day of the testing.
Take the practice tests. These practice test are designed to acquaint you with the types of questions found on
the actual tests and to provide feedback about how well prepared you are for the testing. You can then decide if
you need further preparation and in which areas.
Consult the developmental plan in the last section of this packet to determine how you can improve in areas
where you may not have performed as well as you would like. Included in this development plan are books that
can be purchased and websites that provide useful information about each of the tests. A more intensive way to
increase scores is to take a community college class; information on relevant classes are also provided in the
development section.
DESCRIPTION OF TESTS
The testing program used for hiring for the Chemical Process Operators is based on a comprehensive analysis of the
requirements needed for the positions. Three of the key knowledge areas that have been identified as important at the
time of hire are reading comprehension, numerical ability, and mechanical ability. Based on the results of this job
analysis, the testing program includes a verbal ability test, a mathematical skills test, and a mechanical reasoning test.
Only those applicants whose scores pass the minimum requirements are considered further for a position. Re-testing at
a later date is possible if your scores do not meet the minimums in one or more areas.
Verbal Ability Test
Description
It is important that applicants are able to understand written sentences, comprehend paragraphs in work-related
documents, and communicate information to others. The verbal ability test is designed to evaluate one’s reading
comprehension and aspects of general mental ability, which were identified by the job analysis of chemical process
operators. This test has been found to predict of job performance for chemical process operators in other companies.
The verbal ability test is comprised of five different types of items:
2
Type of problem
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Percentage of Test
Understanding of visual information
Word definitions
Reading comprehension
Sentence completion
Basic grammar
15%
20%
20%
20%
25%
Mathematical Skills Test
Description
The mathematical skills test is designed to evaluate one’s understanding of basic math and geometry. This mathematical
skills test is designed to assess numerical ability, problem solving, and aspects of general mental ability. This
mathematical skills test has been found to be predictive of job performance for chemical process operators in other
companies. The mathematical skills test is comprised of six different types of math items:
Type of problem
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Understanding of graphs and charts
Geometry
Basic Algebra
Fractions
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
Word Problems
Percentage of Test
7%
7%
7%
19%
20%
40%
Mechanical Reasoning Test
Description
The mechanical reasoning test uses figures and drawings to assess test takers’ understanding of basic mechanical
principals, mechanical devices, and comprehension of everyday physics. This test evaluates an applicant’s knowledge
of machines and tools. Individuals who score high on this test are more likely to be more efficient at operating
machines that are relevant to the job of chemical process operator. The test is comprised of four different types of
mechanical ability items:
Type of problem
1.
2.
3.
4.
Understanding of wheels and pulley systems
Knowledge of gears and shafts
Knowledge of structural support
Motion or movement of objects
Percentage of Test
25%
20%
25%
30%
3
TEST TAKING STRATEGIES AND TIPS
Preparing for the Exam
 Understand the structure of the exam – Be aware
of the type of exam you will be taking and the type
of material that will be covered on this exam. The
practice tests included in this packet should give you
an idea the structure of the tests Dow Corning uses.
Each test has a time limit. It is important that you
refer to the test description section to gain an
understanding of the test content.
 Balance your review time – After determining
what material will be covered on the test, it is
important to determine what you feel you already
know and the material that must be reviewed.
Prioritize the material based on how much or little
you know of the subject matter and focus on the
material you know the least. After taking the
practice tests in this packet, determine what areas
need review and refer to the development plan.
 Night and day – Get a good night sleep and have a
relaxing evening with friends or family. Avoid
alcohol and caffeine, which can impair sleep quality.
The morning of the examination eat a sensible
breakfast and drink plenty of fluids. In addition,
limit sugar intake due to the instant rise and fall of
blood sugar levels that may leave you feeling
lethargic.
 Prepare for the unexpected – Depart early to
prevent being late due to a traffic jam or a last
minute run in with a co-worker. Arrive early to
adjust to the room and the testing environment.
 Be confident – Do whatever it takes to feel
confident going into the test. Review the practice
test materials and information provided in this
packet before leaving for the testing session. Begin
to formulate possible questions on the exam and
determine if you are prepared to answer those types
of questions. This type of proper preparation will
ease any test anxiety you might have.
 Minimize discomfort – Visit the room where the
test will be located. Examine the environment in
which you will be in for any potential distractions,
temperature changes, or outside disturbances to
your testing conditions. Being prepared for any
distractions will give you an advantage when the
time comes to take the test.
Taking the Exam
 Leave everything else behind – Walk into the test
prepared to leave behind all outside issues. Practice
letting go of anger, frustration, or stressful work
conditions because those situations are not worth
losing points over. Take a deep breath and give the
test your full concentration.
 Realize the test does count – Accepting the fact
that tests are made to classify individuals and the
scores you obtain reflect differences between you
and your co-workers will help you realize that this
test really does matter. Put forth your best effort
and you will be rewarded.
 Bring a watch – By having your own watch, you
will not have the potential to get distracted by
something in the line of sight between you and the
clock. This will also help you keep your own pace
and make sure that you are completing the testing
materials in the allotted time.
 Read all questions and directions – The largest
difference between those who test well and those
who do not is how well they read the instructions
and the questions. The people who read carefully
know what to look for and therefore score higher
on the exams. Read all questions and directions of
the exam as slowly and carefully as necessary. If
anything is unclear ask the test administer to clarify
before making any response choices. Look over the
entire exam before marking answers.
 On multiple-choice tests – Work quickly and if all
else fails guess. Do not spend too much time on
one question. Save the difficult questions for last.
On difficult questions, try to eliminate impossible
answers and look for clue words or numbers.
For further information on test taking strategies and preparation, refer to the following books:
1.
2.
Hamilton, D. Passing Exams. Cassell. Available at amazon.com for $16.50.
Kesselman-Turkel, J. & Peterson, F. Test Taking Strategies. Contemporary Books. Available at amazon.com for $4.00.
3. Gilbert, S. D. How to do your best on tests. Beech Tree Books. Available at amazon.com for $4.99.
4
Verbal Ability Practice Test
Directions: The purpose of this practice test is to familiarize you with the content and structure of
the actual test. It is self-administered test. This test contains 10 items that are similar to the actual
test items. There are four choices for each question on the practice test. The options are either A,
B, C, or D. The following is an example question. Please answer these questions before proceeding
to the practice test.
Example Question #1
Since Nathan wakes up late, he normally has to __________ to school every day.
A. run
B. ran
Answer is A
C. running
D. runs
Example Question #2
Ecstatic means:
A. depressed
B. thoughtful
C. excited
D. escalate
Answer is C
Directions: Please circle the correct answer for each test item.
Choose the verb that correctly completes the sentence for question 1.
1) Cindy’s boss _____ aggravated when she arrived late for work last week.
A. is
B. were
C. was
D. has
Choose the answer that most nearly has the same meaning as the underlined word in question 2.
2) Modest means:
A. virtuous
B. excessive
C. reserved
D. loud
Choose the answer that most nearly has the same meaning as the underlined word in question 3.
3) The onset of a mentally deteriorating illness can change an individual’s ability to function normally.
A. inability
B. forgetful
C. failing
D. strengthening
5
4) Which of the following is a complete sentence?
A. Got off work early and came home.
B. The man drove away.
C. The office manager from the downtown branch.
D. Went to the post office.
For question 5, choose the answer that best joins the sentences into one clear sentence without
changing their meaning.
5) Billy had the flu. He went to the doctor. The doctor wrote him a prescription
A.
B.
C.
D.
Billy got a prescription, so he went to the doctor to see if he had the flu.
Billy’s doctor wrote him a prescription; he had gone to the doctor because he has the flu.
Billy went to the doctor when he had the flu and got a prescription.
Billy’s doctor wrote him a prescription when he went there because he had the flu.
Use the passage below to answer questions 6 and 7.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6)
Wha
t
chan
ge, if
any,
is
need
ed in
All employees and visitors are required to wear identification badges, while in the
facility. Your badge is issued on your first day of work. Wear it on the upper left
quadrant of the body with the identification information facing outward; It must be
visible at all times. This is you’re security pass. Keep it in a safe place when you
are not wearing it. If it is lost or misplaced, report it immediately.
lines 1 and 2?
A. Change employees to employee’s.
B. Remove the comma after badges.
C. Change badges to bages.
D. Make no change.
7) What change, if any, is needed in lines 4 and 5?
A. Remove the comma after misplaced.
B. Change you’re to your.
C. Change are to were.
D. Make no change.
6
Use the diagram below to answer question 8.
Class Schedule for Spring 2003
Time
Course Subject
Weight Training
Level
Beginner
Date
June 10 – July 2
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Location
Central Hall
Weight Training
Biking
Biking
Wall Climbing
Wall Climbing
Wall Climbing
Intermediate
Intermediate
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
June 10 – July 6
June 14 – July 9
June 14 – July 9
July 7 – August 1
July 7 – August 1
July 9 – August 11
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Central Hall
Diego Tower
Diego Tower
Fox Building
Robinson Hall
Fox Building
8) The Beginner Wall Climbing classes are held at:
A. Central Hall
B. Diego Tower
C. Fox Building
D. Robinson Hall
Use the passage below to answer questions 9 and 10.
The Pinnacle Group is looking forward to kicking off the following series of brainstorming
sessions with you. These sessions are intended to initiate the process of defining and
redefining their policies and procedures surrounding the human resources, benefits and
payroll processes. The Pinnacle group will begin with a large group on October 14 to define
the goals and objectives of their focus group sessions. On October 15, they will begin the
focus group sessions and will continue through October 24. If the weather does not permit
due to the expected hurricane, the focus group will begin the following day and end a day
later than scheduled. Please come prepared with your goals and objectives.
9) What is the purpose of the upcoming brainstorming sessions?
A. To create and change policies and procedures.
B. To set objectives and goals of the focus group.
C. To brainstorm ideas for the upcoming hurricane.
D. To warn the managers of the hurricane.
10) What is this memorandum used for?
A. To be used as a formal channel to communicate and upcoming brainstorming session.
B. To let the managers know the dates of the brainstorming session.
C. To explain the purpose of the upcoming brainstorming session.
D. All of the above.
7
Mathematical Skills Practice Test
Directions: The purpose of this practice test is to familiarize you with the content and structure of
the actual test. It is self-administered test. This test contains 10 items that are similar to the actual
test items. There are four choices for each question on the practice test. The options are either A,
B, C, or D. The following is an example question. Please answer these questions before proceeding
to the practice test.
Example Question #1
Solve for x:
2x – 12 = 4
A. 5
B. 10
C. 8
D. 4
Answer is C
Example Question #2
Use the diagram to answer the question.
A
8
B
4
4
D
What is the perimeter of rectangle ABCD?
A. 20
B. 24
Answer is B
C. 28
D. 32
8
C
8
Directions: Please circle the correct answer for each test item.
1) 184 + 43 =
A.
B.
C.
D.
127
226
227
228
2) 365 x 8 =
A.
B.
C.
D.
220
890
2880
2920
3) 108  9 =
A.
B.
C.
D.
12
13
11
15
4) Marcy traded her old car in and received $4,199
of credit. She then bought a new car for
$11,000. How much did she end up paying for
her new car?
A.
B.
C.
D.
$7199
$6801
$7801
$6199
5) Alexandra uses 1/5 pound of cheese in each of
her famous enchiladas. How many pounds of
cheese is used to make 13 enchiladas?
A.
B.
C.
D.
3
2 1/2
2 1/5
2 3/5
6) Michael bought a shirt for $16.95, pants for
$42.50, and a tie for $20.00. His total plus 7.5%
sales tax is equal to what amount?
A.
B.
C.
D.
$89.40
$85.40
$85.50
$89.00
7) 1/6 + 1/3 =
A.
B.
C.
D.
2/9
1/2
1
2/18
In question 8, please solve for x:
8) x2 – 25 = 11
A. 9
B. 4
C. 8
D. 6
Use the chart on the next page to answer
question 9.
9) The CEO of the company stated that the
Customer Relations department would receive a
20% increase in the next couple of years. About
how much of an increase will this be for the
Customer Relations department?
A. $4 thousand
B. $6 thousand
C. $8 thousand
D. $10 thousand
9
Distribution of Funds by Department
140
120
Thousands of Dollars
100
80
60
40
20
0
Accounting
Management
Research and
Development
Customer Relations
Employee Services
Department
Use the figure below to answer question 10.
10) What is the area of the shaded triangle?
A.
B.
C.
D.
4 square inches
6 square inches
8 square inches
10 square inches
60
E
A
B
C
80
X
D
AB = 12 inches
AE = 5 inches
ED = 15 inches
10
Practice Mechanical Skills Test
Directions: The purpose of this practice test is to familiarize you with the content and structure of
the actual test. It is self-administered test. This test contains 10 items that are similar to the actual
test items. There are three choices on this practice test. The options are either A, B, or C. The
following is an example question. Please answer these questions before proceeding to the practice
test.
Example Question #1
If the ball is being pushed in the direction
shown by the dotted arrows, in which
direction is the ball most likely to roll?
A
B
Answer is B
C
Example Question #2
A
Which forklift is less likely to have its rear
wheels come off the ground? If equal,
mark C.
B
Answer is A
11
Directions: Please circle the correct answer for each test item.
1. Which arrow indicates the position on
the board that allows the diver to achieve
the most height on his dive? Answer C
if it does not matter.
B
A
2. In what direction will the metal be
pulled if the rollers move in the direction
depicted by the arrows? Answer C if it
does not matter.
A
B
3. Which gear turns the same direction
as the idle wheel? (If neither, mark C.)
B
A
12
4 Which box weighs more? (If
equal,mark C.)
Weight
Weight
A
B
B
A
A
5. When the left gear turns in the
direction the arrow depicts, which
way does the right gear turn? (If
either, mark C.)
6. In what direction is this windmill
more likely to turn? (If either, mark
C.)
B
7. Which wheel will turn faster (If
equal, mark C.)
A
B
13
8. Which 100-pound block will
be easier to raise? (If no
difference, mark C.)
B
A
9. Which tank will take longer to
empty? (If equal, mark C.)
B
A
10. Which way would the box drop if
the wind were not blowing? (If either,
mark C.)
A
B
14
Answers to the practice test
Mechanical Skills
1. B
2. A
3. C
4. B
5. A
6. B
7. A
8. B
9. A
10. A
Verbal Skills
1. C
2. C
3. C
4. B
5. C
6. B
7. B
8. C
9. A
10. D
Mathematical Skills
1. C
2. D
3. A
4. B
5. D
6. B
7. B
8. D
9. C
10. B
Scoring
For each correct answer, give yourself one point. Add up all the points that you received and refer
to the test score interpretation below.
Practice test score interpretation
TEST SCORE*
INTERPRETATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
0–6
RED LIGHT – STOP
It is unlikely that a practice test score of 0 to 6 will
lead to a passing score on the actual test. Additional
preparation is strongly recommended. Please refer to
the developmental section of this packet for
suggestions. For example, enrolling in an
Introductory English, a Introductory Math, or a
Elementary Physics course at a local community
college may help increase knowledge in this area.
7–8
9 – 10
YELLOW LIGHT - CAUTION
Although you may pass the testing session with a
score of 7 or 8 on this practice test, some additional
preparation would increase your chances of passing.
For example, reviewing books that cover specific
topic areas for each test. Books for each of the tests
are listed in the developmental section at the end of
this packet.
GREEN LIGHT - PROCEED
A score of a 9 or 10 indicates that you are prepared
for the testing session. It is recommended that you
set up a testing date and review the test taking tips
included in this packet before taking the test.
*A passing score on any of the practice tests does not guarantee a passing
score on the actual tests.
15
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
This development plan contains three different types of resources that can be used to increase test score. For each of
the three tests, an online source, a list of books, and community college courses are listed. If a quick review is all that is
needed, the website or books are resources that can be used. However, if a more in depth review is necessary, local
community college courses are listed.
Verbal Ability Test
Online sources
An English study guide is available online which might help applicants gain an understanding of these topics.
Particularly, the website that is developed by Merit Software offers free English guides. Refer to the website by visiting
http://www.meritsoftware.com/software/index.html. This website will assist you on getting familiar with the types of
questions that may be on the verbal test. Reading comprehension and vocabulary is covered by this website.
Available references
There are many books that cover verbal ability specific to the selection tests. The following are recommended books:
1. Covino, W. A., & Orton, P. Z. (1986). Cliffs Verbal Review for Standardized Tests (Cliffs Test Prep). John Wiley and
Sons. Available at amazon.com for $7.95 or check your local bookstore. The book contains an overview of
many topics and includes example and practice items. The following sections are the most useful to review:
p.9-38 (English Usage and Sentence Correction); p.225-227 and p.254-271 (Sentence Completion); p.85
(Subject Fragments); p.101-108 (Punctuation); p.301-304 and p.317-323 (Reading Comprehension-Brief
Passages).
2. Osborn, P. (1999). How Grammar Works: A Self-Teaching Guide. John Wiley and Sons. Available at amazon.com
for $12.57 or check your local bookstore. This book is a general review of grammar rules. It is not focused on
test taking, but instead on learning the basic rules of grammar.
Community college courses
Another possible way to prepare for the verbal test is to take a course at a local community college. For instance, MidMichigan Community College offers the English course “Basic English” that covers reading comprehension and
grammar. The college offers both a traditional college course where individuals must attend class and an online version
of the course. Please visit http://www.midmich.cc.mi.us/ for more information. Also, check Delta College for similar
courses by visiting http://www.delta.edu.
Mathematical Skills Test
Online sources
A mathematic study guide is available online which might help applicants gain an understanding of these topics.
Particularly, the website that is developed by the Sparknotes company offers free math guides. Refer to the website by
visiting http://www.sparknotes.com/math/.dir/. Another website that may help applicants is the site mentioned
above, http://www.meritsoftware.com/software/index.html. The mathematics section will help applicants get familiar
with the content of the test.
Available references
There are many books that cover the quantitative areas specific to the selection tests. The following are recommended
books:
1. Slavin, S. (1999). All the Math You’ll Ever Need: A Self-Teaching Guide. Wiley Self-Teaching Guides. Available at
amazon.com for $11.87 or check your local bookstore. This is a great book that covers almost all of the types
of problems that can be found on the test. It contains easy to understand explanations and example problems.
The following chapters provide a useful review. Chapters 2 and 3 (Multiplication), Chapter 4 (Division),
Chapters 8 and 9 (Fractions), Chapter 10 (Percentages), Chapter 12 (Algebra), Chapter 15 (Geometry) and
Chapter 22 (Percentage and Sales Tax Word Problems).
16
DOW CORNING
2. Bobrow, J. (1985). Cliffs Math Review for Standardized Tests. John Wiley and Sons. Available at amazon.com for
$8.79 or check your local bookstore. This book has a detailed review of geometry topics. Some areas of the
book that are helpful include: p.34-42 (Adding and Subtracting Fractions), p.56-60 (Percents), p.113-116
(Algebraic Equations), p.205-235 (Geometry), and p.262-266 and 277-281 (Word Problems).
Community college courses
Again, local community colleges offer many quantitative or math courses. For instance, Mid-Michigan Community
College offers Math 101 course “Basic Mathematics” that covers arithmetic, order of operations, and fractions. The
college offers both a traditional college course where individuals must attend class and an online version of the course.
Please visit http://www.midmich.cc.mi.us/ for more information. Also, check Delta College for similar courses by
visiting http://www.delta.edu.
Mechanical Reasoning Test
Online sources
A physics study guide is available online which might help applicants gain an understanding of these topics.
Particularly, the website that is developed by the Sparknotes company offers free physic guides. Refer to the website by
visiting http://www.sparknotes.com/physics/.dir/
Available references
There are many books that cover mechanical reasoning ability specific to the selection tests. The following are
recommended books:
1. Kuhn, K. F. (1996). Basic Physics: A Self-Teaching Guide (Self-Teaching Guide). John Wiley and Sons. Available at
amazon.com for $13.27 or check your local bookstore. This book covers multiple topics on physics. The most
relevant chapters in this book are chapters 1, 2, and 3. These chapters focus on motion and movement of
objects.
2. Huetinck, L., & Adams, S. (2001). Physics (Cliffs Notes Review). John Wiley and Sons. Available at amazon.com
for $9.99 or check your local bookstore. The Cliff Notes Review has a great section on classical mechanics
(Chapter 1). You should focus on this chapter.
3. Freeman, I. M. (1965). Physics Made Simple. Broadway Books. Available at amazon.com for $7.99 or check your
local bookstore.
Community college courses
Another way to prepare for the mechanical reasoning test is to take a course at a local community college. For instance,
Mid-Michigan Community College offers multiple physics courses that covers physic concepts (refer to the list below).
The college offers both a traditional college course where individuals must attend class and an online version of the
course. Please visit http://www.midmich.cc.mi.us/ for more information. Also, check Delta College for similar courses
by visiting http://www.delta.edu.
1. Physics 105 (Mid Michigan Community College)
2. Physics 106 (Mid Michigan Community College)
17