dewclaw

@wstone17 Hey man, you know what to expect for the exam at the end of BST? They say that everyone passes but they are hitting us with a ton of information, which is manageable and all, but a lot of us are wondering what to expect. Do you know if its multiple choice, true or false, fill in the blank, verbatim, a mix of everything? What about the practice final, is that a pretty good indication of what will be on the test?

Did you ever get called back for block operator?

I passed just have been busy.

Does anyone know what we're going to be doing after the exam on Wednesday? The email says be prepared to stay 5-6 hours but the test is only 90 minutes. @wstone17

@wstone17 do you think having a prior shoulder surgery from 2/3 years ago would DQ someone from the block operator position at the medical exam?

@Noob what ever happened with the block operator position? Did they call you back or give you information as to why you weren’t selected?

Okay thanks. I’m in the process for block operator but just wanted to get an idea for how interviews tend to be conducted. You’re saying Rule G is alcohol and drug use rules for employees? Do you know if or know of, Block operators are interviewed about this subject?

Ok so there isn’t an expectation of lay offs or fires, just moving all block operators towards qualifying as dispatchers. Thanks for the nuggets of info.

Nice.. What did the interview & medical really consist of? I see in your profile it looks like you got hired on as a block op a year ago, how do you like the job? Also, what does job security look like as the LIRR moves towards centralized train control? Are they planning on eliminating towers and then laying off redundant block operators in the future?

Yeah dude, I'd actually do anything to make it into the June or October class. I can't imagine too many people scoring 100's / high 90's. Same, I'm hoping to finish all today and just be reviewing non-stop as well. I'm assuming that all the high scoring candidates will be moved to the un-paid training/Basic Skills? It's only 6 days after the test date so I can't imagine them having a real complicated selection process behind it other than the high scorers.

What are some example questions they asked?

Definitions are definitely more difficult for me than signals. But not too bad, I'd be surprised if I scored less than 100 on the exam. Sounds like you've been putting in a lot of work too.

67 definitions and good on all signals.

How’s studying going boys/girls?

As the LIRR moves towards centralizing signal and switching systems, how would that pan out for Block Operator job security? Does anyone have an idea on when that would be completed? I ask because I'm currently in the pre-employment process for Block Operator Trainee, and have concerns that as the LIRR moves towards centralized train control and signal switching, that I may be laid off or fired. Regardless, I will pursue employment with the LIRR for this position and make the best of it while I can. If anyone has any higher level knowledge or can bring things into better understanding for me please drop the knowledge here. I guess a similar situation would be when Metro North Railroad switched over completely to centralized train control, for the guys that have been there a while, what happened with those signalers or block operators.