Transit Management Analyst Trainee - Exam #7606

[Jersey Loop]

Dear Forum Members,

 

I have paid my application fee and am planning to take the exam for NYC Transit Management Analyst Trainee (Exam #7606) this July 2017. I have not seen this particular exam and its process mentioned much on the forum. Does anyone know what should I be expecting, in terms of the exam itself and the process to follow? In particular, I am wondering how long it would likely take for this exam to be scored and for NYCTA to start calling people from the list. After that, I am wondering how people are sorted into positions, considering the general title of "Transit Management Analyst Trainee" covers a wide variety of different possibilities, of which any applicant, such as myself, will likely be a better fit for some positions more than others. Any info would be super helpful, I can't seem to find much.

 

Also, is anyone else on here planning to take this exam? We can use this thread as a hub to discuss the process as we head towards the exam date and beyond!

 

Thanks in advance!!

[+Young+]

Dear Forum Members,

 

I have paid my application fee and am planning to take the exam for NYC Transit Management Analyst Trainee (Exam #7606) this July 2017. I have not seen this particular exam and its process mentioned much on the forum. Does anyone know what should I be expecting, in terms of the exam itself and the process to follow? In particular, I am wondering how long it would likely take for this exam to be scored and for NYCTA to start calling people from the list. After that, I am wondering how people are sorted into positions, considering the general title of "Transit Management Analyst Trainee" covers a wide variety of different possibilities, of which any applicant, such as myself, will likely be a better fit for some positions more than others. Any info would be super helpful, I can't seem to find much.

 

Also, is anyone else on here planning to take this exam? We can use this thread as a hub to discuss the process as we head towards the exam date and beyond!

 

Thanks in advance!!

 

I'm also planning on taking the exam as well this summer.

Just like with the Bus Operator and Conductor threads, if I was you, I would worry about the exam now. As far as the process to follow:

We 'might' be given the BOSS exam as a Psychological Exam (again, might). Next, providing we pass both exams, we will be placed on a list based on how well we do on the first examination. Those that have a higher score get called first, respectively. As far as when the list comes out and when the agency starts to call people, I would take an estimated guess and go with it (honestly).

 

As far as what to expect on the test, refer to the 4th page Notice of Examination. Should be self-explanatory.

 

Hopefully this helps & welcome to the Forums, especially the Employment Section!!

 

~Young

[jake3178]

Too bad I don't have a degree, looks like my only qualification in life is to open doors or hold a wheel, great.

[distants2015]

Wow. If i had caught this exam notice back then I would have sent in an application. Wonder if it's too late since we're already passed the deadline?

[+Young+]

Wow. If i had caught this exam notice back then I would have sent in an application. Wonder if it's too late since we're already passed the deadline?

 

I believe it is...sorry...

[Amtrak7]

If you really want such positions, I cannot overstate the importance of applying on the main site here: https://www.mymta.info/careers/index.html

 

I have a feeling that this exam is primarily going to be to replace provisionals and/or provide permanent status to current employees, and not to fill new openings. That said, I may be wrong.

Edited May 1, 2017 by Amtrak7

[Jersey Loop]

If you really want such positions, I cannot overstate the importance of applying on the main site here: https://www.mymta.info/careers/index.html

 

I have a feeling that this exam is primarily going to be to replace provisionals and/or provide permanent status to current employees, and not to fill new openings. That said, I may be wrong.

 

I had actually been put in contact with someone from HR to explore opportunities out of university, and I was directed to this exam. Also, they had modified the original instructions to allow for those who will have their degrees not just by the February registration date but by the July exam date to take the exam. Which to me seemed to indicate they might be interested in seeing how new grads do, but who knows.

So I'm at least a bit hopeful, as long as scoring and calling from the list doesn't take too long after the exam!

[Amtrak7]

I had actually been put in contact with someone from HR to explore opportunities out of university, and I was directed to this exam. Also, they had modified the original instructions to allow for those who will have their degrees not just by the February registration date but by the July exam date to take the exam. Which to me seemed to indicate they might be interested in seeing how new grads do, but who knows.

So I'm at least a bit hopeful, as long as scoring and calling from the list doesn't take too long after the exam!

 

Operationally it's like any other civil service exam, so decisions are based solely on score and not whether or not you're a new grad.

 

I'm a new grad too and also signed up to take the exam, but it's in the back of my mind. Applying through the main interface is the primary route I'm taking. 

[bxshayshay4u]

I have not registered for the exam however i applied for the position a few months ago. can someone currently in this position share the hiring process, daily duties, interview and Insight on the overall position

[+Young+]

Update on the MTA webpage (towards the bottom) as of yesterday (May 24th, 2017):

 

NYC Transit Transit Management Analyst Trainee, Exam No. 7606 (NEW)

The multiple-choice test for this exam is scheduled to be held on July 15, 2017. All candidates should receive their admission letter by July 5, 2017. If you do not receive your admission letter by July 10, 2017, you must come to the MTA Exam Information Center located in the Lobby of 180 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 between the hours of 9 AM – 3 PM, Mondays through Fridays.

[Alucard]

I have not registered for the exam however i applied for the position a few months ago. can someone currently in this position share the hiring process, daily duties, interview and Insight on the overall position

 

There are quite a few titles/positions that the exam likely will allow access to if one has the required passing score & the relative past working experience in certain areas [ie.Accounting/Finance, Engineering/Security Management/Industrial Psy] [these below are all from mta analyst job postings ]

Associate Staff Analyst         $72,835 - $94,307

Assistant Transit Management Analyst II: $64,433 ~ $71,762

Assistant Transit Management Analyst I: $55,493~ $65,696

Assoc. Staff Analyst (OA):                  $72,835 - $94,307

Assoc. Staff Analyst (TA):                   $70,064 - $90,716    (New Hire Rate: $60,925)

Staff Analyst II (OA):                            $64,433 - $71,762

Staff Analyst II (TA):                             $61,981 - $69,030    (New Hire Rate: $53,897)

Staff Analyst I (OA):                             $55,493 - $65,696

Staff Analyst I (TA):                              $53,378 - $63,195    (New Hire Rate: $46,416)

Staff Analyst Trainee II (OA):               $46,955 - $52,170

Staff Analyst Trainee II (TA):                $45,164 - $50,183    (New Hire Rate: $39,273)

Staff Analyst Trainee I (OA):                $43,474 - $46,082

Staff Analyst Trainee I (TA):                $41,820 - $44,326    (New Hire Rate: $36,365)

 

While I can say from experence that you can get called for an interview for these analyst positions by applying online and not being on an eliglible list, the odds of landing the job/s seems tough. By not being on the list, one tends to be on the low priority side versus those on an eligible list or someone inside TA already who is transfering/upgrading/switching positions. By passing the exam & getting on the list one has a better shot.

 

Applying online, sometimes it takes 4 months for a callback, but it does happen, but odds are against getting one of the analyst jobs without passing the exam & landing on a list. Also I think there is a legal obligation to place individuals on the lists into those positions as they open.

 

Seems the last trainee test was back in 2007, doesn't happen often apparently. Not sure how long a duration exists from exam to scoring to list number placement, but I would lean to it being a wait on the longer side. Taking the exam, but not really expecting much to materialize from it in the near term, 6-12months out maybe something comes of it if one passes.

Edited June 16, 2017 by Alucard

[+Young+]

There are quite a few titles/positions that the exam likely will allow access to if one has the required passing score & the relative past working experience in certain areas......

 

Interesting...so from your experience, if someone gets a passing score but does not have the relative work experience, what are the chances of him/her getting a position?

[Alucard]

"Interesting...so from your experience, if someone gets a passing score but does not have the relative work experience, what are the chances of him/her getting a position?"

 

Passing is the most imperative of things, there are priorities given for certain types of prior experiences relative to those open "analyst" positions.

 

From the test posting:

"Selective Certification for Education and Special Experience: If you have the education or experience listed
below, you may be considered for appointment to positions requiring this education or experience through a
process called Selective Certification. If you qualify for Selective Certification, you may be given preferred
consideration for positions requiring this education or experience. If you have any of the degrees or experience
listed below, indicate on the Education and Experience Verification Form the title of your degree(s) or your
experience."

 

By passing the Analyst Trainee exam, one gets onto a list for any first level analyst position, those being a mix of

"trainee", "staff analyst 1" etc. For those first level analyst roles, passing will likely get you access without expereince.

So definetly it is possible to get a trainee/level 1 spot, if you look on the mta job site there tends to be quite a few

at those levels. So passing is the key to getting a possible entry. With the passing score at 70%, if a large pool of

candidates happen to pass, then it's likely a long waiting game ahead past scoring. But passing and being on a list

is worth the possibility if & when something further occurs.

 

If you happen to have relative work experience, it is possible to interview for "non trainee/level 1" positions even

if you are not on the list, but the odds on getting the job seems low. Interviewed for several Associate Analyst positions

& realized that those already in TA (transfers/promos) & list eligibles have priority vs. any outside candidates. So being

on the list has its advantages.

 

These analyst roles range widely, some are purely administrative, others are specialized, some are a mix of both.

Browsing a few "analyst" openings on mta site will show the wide range of the job roles.

 

Sorry if that response was a bit lengthy.

[+Young+]

Sorry if that response was a bit lengthy.

It's okay, don't worry about it...in the future, if you can please try to refrain from Italics and use proper etiquette...click here for more information and scroll down to "Fonts & Grammar."

 

Thanks again...

 

 

Edited June 16, 2017 by +Young+

[+Young+]

I just received my admission notice for this exam, Saturday, 7/15/2017 @ 10:30 AM at Hunter College - the West Building.

 

Anyone else receive their admission notice?

[Amtrak7]

I just received my admission notice for this exam, Saturday, 7/15/2017 @ 10:30 AM at Hunter College - the West Building.

 

Anyone else receive their admission notice?

 

Just got mine, same time and location.

[Jersey Loop]

I also got mine for Hunter College! See you guys then!

 

What are you guys doing to prepare for the exam? I ordered and am working through the Passbook from the Career Examination Series, but I'm not quite sure how accurately it covers the stated test topics... it is very comprehensive and difficult which is good, but some parts seem pretty dated (e.g. many questions about filing without mentioning computers) and it asks questions about aspects of management science that I doubt would be on the test in such detail.

 

Two more things I'm curious about: Are they serious about the "no cell phones allowed at all" policy, even if it's turned off? And how many people might you guys guesstimate to be taking the exam in total?

[+Young+]

I also got mine for Hunter College! See you guys then!

 

What are you guys doing to prepare for the exam? I ordered and am working through the Passbook...

 

Two more things I'm curious about: Are they serious about the "no cell phones allowed at all" policy, even if it's turned off? And how many people might you guys guesstimate to be taking the exam in total?

 

Fortunately, I've taken the Bus Operator exams, Conductor and Track Worker exams, so from my experience:

 

As far as the "no cell phones allowed at all" policy, right before I walk into the building, I turn my phone off and place it in my pants pocket. Once the examination is over and you are out of the building, then I turn it back on. I highly doubt they are going to have metal detectors there. Again, we are going to a college and NOT a high school, correct?

 

As far as preparing for the exam, from my perspective, those passbooks are a waste of $$. If you want, you can borrow one out of a library, such as Queens Library, but I wouldn't waste my $$ on that. What I'm personally doing is working with a few reading comprehension books and being familiar with the 4th page of the Notice of Examination, which says what is going to be on the exam and using that as a primary reference. Also, keep in mind that it's going to be multiple-choice, so if you incorporate a few test-taking strategies, you should be fine.

 

As far as how many people are taking the exam: With a start time of 10:30 AM, there is probably going to be one [1] session, therefore does anybody else have an educated guess before I reveal my educated guess? This should be a little interesting....

 

Hope this helps.

Edited June 29, 2017 by +Young+
Re-wording...

[Amtrak7]

As far as the "no cell phones allowed at all" policy, right before I walk into the building, I turn my phone off and place it in my pants pocket. Once the examination is over and you are out of the building, then I turn it back on. I highly doubt they are going to have metal detectors there. Again, we are going to a college and NOT a high school, correct?

Has that always worked for you? I'm inclined to play it safe and not bring my phone, just a couple quarters for a pay phone...

 

How long is the exam normally? All it says is 10:30 start, get there an hour early.

 

As far as how many people are taking the exam: With a start time of 10:30 AM, there is probably going to be one [1] session, therefore does anybody else have an educated guess before I reveal my educated guess? This should be a little interesting....

Probably no more than a few hundred.

[+Young+]

Has that always worked for you? I'm inclined to play it safe and not bring my phone, just a couple quarters for a pay phone...

 

How long is the exam normally? All it says is 10:30 start, get there an hour early.

 

 

Probably no more than a few hundred.

 

Yes, that has always worked for me. Normally, one of these exams is three hours, however candidates are allowed to leave early if they finish the exam early.

 

As far as how many people, especially since they are holding just one test session, I agree with you, especially since they amended the Notice of Examination to try to encourage more people to apply, respectively.

[Jersey Loop]

As far as preparing for the exam, from my perspective, those passbooks are a waste of $$. If you want, you can borrow one out of a library, such as Queens Library, but I wouldn't waste my $$ on that. What I'm personally doing is working with a few reading comprehension books and being familiar with the 4th page of the Notice of Examination, which says what is going to be on the exam. Also, keep in mind that it's going to be multiple-choice, so if you incorporate a few test-taking strategies, you should be fine.

 

Yup, after working with the passbook and getting to my 10th question about using a typewriter, I'm beginning to realize that... Good idea to focus on the Notice of Examination's description. 

 

The 15th should be a fun day!

[+Young+]

Yup, after working with the passbook and getting to my 10th question about using a typewriter, I'm beginning to realize that... Good idea to focus on the Notice of Examination's description.

 

That's what I like about the library - you only waste your time with those books and not any extra $$ buying the physical book(s) to begin with.

[Alucard]

Anyone know how the TA scores their exams? Is it by the same standard as most other state/municipal exams? Where the raw score is then banded & that gets the final score [plus any Vet points etc]

First time dealing with a TA exam. Thanks in advance.

 

>>

Pulled the faq below off on another site in regards to civil service exams, just wondering if TA uses the same method or if it differs.

"How are test scores on a written civil service test determined? First, the raw score is determined, which is generally the number of questions the candidate answers correctly. After the results are analyzed, a band score table is constructed for the test. The band score table is then applied to the raw score to determine the final score. Typically, a band score covers a range of scores and bands are reported in five point increments. This method of scoring is called band scoring. Fro example: A range of raw scores from 45 to 47 are assigned a band score of 80. If you received a raw score of either 45,46, or 47, your final score would be 80."

 

 

[+Young+]

Anyone know how the TA scores their exams? Is it by the same standard as most other state/municipal exams? Where the raw score is then banded & that gets the final score [plus any Vet points etc]

First time dealing with a TA exam. Thanks in advance.

 

As a result of me taking numerous civil service exams, not only for NYC Transit, but for DCAS as well, in which I would say at least 10 (ten) exams to this date, this is my interpretation:

 

The exam, according to the Notice of Examination, will be multiple-choice. The amount of questions at this time is uncertain; one civil service exam I took for NYC Transit had 40 questions, another civil service exam I took for NYC Transit had 80 questions. Chances are that we will be using a scantron, or a bubble sheet to record our official answers, which they will feed through a computer.

 

Once the agency has our scores, which are determined by the number of correct answers divided by the total number of questions, then, as stated in the Notice of Examination on the bottom of the 3rd page, those who have veterans' credits will get a few points added to their score.

 

The next step is for them to put a list together. From what I've read, and for this examination, since we had to mail in our application, compared to applying online, if we get the same score on the multiple choice exam, the order our names will appear on the list are determined by who mailed their application in first, since it was postmarked, in addition to the 5th digit of our social security [ss] #. As an example, if my ss # is 012-34-5678 and your ss # is 234-56-7890, my name will appear first compared to yours. If you're wondering what a list looks like, I would invite you to look at this & this webpage.

 

Now you're probably saying to yourself something to the nature of "Whoa, one of those lists has close to 12,500 people and the other list has close to 69,000 people!!" Keep in mind several things. First, for those jobs, you just need a high school diploma and that's it. Second, there were multiple test dates & locations held for these exams. Third, if you look at both lists, you needed to achieve a score of 70 or higher to pass - therefore, there were probably at least 13,000 people who took the Track Worker exam and close to 70,000 people who took the Sanitation exam, however, just like in life, not everyone makes it.

 

(Another example - thanks to this website, when I initially applied for my CDL, I passed all of the multiple-choice tests @ DMV. However, for a former co-worker of mine, who just read the manual, he failed if not all, most of the same tests I took.)

 

As far as we're concerned for this exam - since we had to mail our applications in to Livingston Street, and since there's one test date and location, compared to multiple dates & locations, I highly doubt the amount of people taking the exam will exceed 1,000 people.

 

Any more questions? Feel free to ask...

[Alucard]

+Young+

Thanks for all the info you provided.

 

From what you said it would seem that they are using a raw score method. So as in your example, if there were 80 questions & an applicant managed to get 65 correct, their score would be 81%, then any other points to be awarded would be added.

 

My only experience with any of these exams was a state exam, which used a raw score, to then get a banded score for ones final score on the exam. Good information to know. At 80 questions it will require 56 corect answers to hit the 70% minimum hopefully that is achievable.

 

So the first milestone, after the exam will be the release of the answer key, correct?

 

Saw here [http://web.mta.info/nyct/hr/proposed_answerkey.htm]that some TA exams taken in March '17 the answer keys were released 2 months later, is this the fair timeline for the answer key release?

 

Guess at any point the after key is released, the list can be established. That might be where the long wait stands.

 

Are eligible lists made public like the state does? ie https://www.cs.ny.gov/elmspublic/all/list.cfm?Exam=37356

I have tried searching for MTA eligible lists online to see the layout/format & date ranges for lists but other than that pdf you linked I have not seen any. How long do the TA eligible lists last for if you know offhand?

 

Anyway thanks again, do appreaciate the background info. Hoping that way less than 1000 are taking it, 500 perhaps.