Amtrak strength test

Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum

Help Support Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
Joined
Jan 7, 2022
Messages
4
Location
Charlotte
Hi everyone I am posting my first thread but have been here a few times reviewing other threads. I just took the strength test for an OBS Trainee position last week. I have not heard anything but my application was updated two days later. It still shows under review. I just thought I would ask if anyone would know if that is a good thing showing still under review? I have been trying to get on with Amtrak for a few years now and this was my first time that I got to the strength test. Any knowledge would be great or experience as an OBS would also be welcome. Thank you in advance!
 
The test isn’t hard to pass. Just give good effort. I’ve never heard of anyone failing, except if an injury is involved, such as a bad rotator cuff, etc..
 
Thank you all for the information. I think I did ok but was just curious if you knew right away if you failed? Again thank you all for the response.
 
I have taken two of them. Each proctor said they would tell you if you were under the threshold. If nothing was said about your effort, I’d guess you were ok.
 
That sounds good. They have updated my status twice since the test but still says under review. Did you ever get a job offer with them or an interview?
 
Off-topic...but I wanted to volunteer to help maintain the plantings at the National Zoo near my DC place. But one of the requirements was being able to lift 50 lbs. I can't. (I'm a petite woman.) And as any gardener knows there's plenty of work to do, stooping and squatting and weeding and planting annuals and pulling annuals and deadheading*, that doesn't require hefting 50 lbs. I wasn't seeking to be a firefighter or a NAVY Seal.

* "Deadheading" makes this kinda sorta train-related. Though the word has multiple and very different definitions!
 
I have heard of a couple of candidates not passing the new strength test, but both were very small-framed young women. I believe they can reattempt in one year if they don’t pass, assuming a position is available and they’re selected as a candidate again.

When I hired on (Station Services) it was just a simple medical examination, being able to squat down and hold that position, etc, the hearing test, color-blindness test and of course the drug test.

I do remember a gap of about a month after I interviewed without hearing anything. Then I got the call and just went with it.

It can be an extremely long process after interviewing and taking the various tests. I interviewed for locomotive engineer 3 years into my career and was (unbeknownst to me) chosen as an alternate as a NORAC-qualified Conductor was ahead of me. I heard nothing back after the interview and continued my daily work routine. Something like 3 months passed, and I got a call out of the blue on Thursday at 5pm. It was HR telling me I was accepted for the position as someone flunked out of class in Wilmington. They needed an answer within 24 hours. I had already resigned myself to the fact that it wasn’t going to happen, found comfort in my 6 minute commute to work and made some long-term life decisions. I was in a position where I couldn’t say Yes to 3 months in Wilmington, then 2+ years OTJ training, along with the possibility that when I was finally qualified, I’d have to settle with whichever spareboard had room, SPG,
NHV or BOS. It was too much uncertainty at the time so I declined.

There are days when I kick myself but the door is always open once you’re in. It’s never too late, especially if it’s something you’ll enjoy.

Don’t give up. If you pass the test but weren’t selected, keep applying. Eventually they’ll see your name and know you’re serious. It’s just a matter of time. And be ready to drop everything, meaning tomorrow…
 
Thank you all for replying. I actually had my interview this morning. I am crossing my fingers and hoping for the best. They did tell me that it is a PT position. It gets me in though so I can prove myself. One question I do have though is can you pick up extra shifts if you are PT? Again thank you all for your response.
 
Back
Top