Pre-Employment Testing Program

Welcome to PG&E’s Pre-Employment Testing Page
Thank you for considering employment at PG&E!

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) requires job seekers to pass pre-employment test(s) to be considered for most non-management jobs. If you are returning to this site and would like to schedule a test please go to our Job Search Center. This is done in order to hire qualified individuals as well as ensure that applicants are successful on the job. We administer skill-based tests that have been developed using extensive research and recognized validation standards. These standardized pre-employment tests help us evaluate job seekers in a consistent, job-related and efficient manner. Some positions commonly tested for include:

Clerical Positions Physical PositionsTechnical Positions
  • Administrative Clerk
  • HR Assistant
  • Service Representative
  • Utility Worker
  • Pre-Apprentice Lineman
  • Apprentice (all)
  • Mapping Technician
  • Scheduler
  • Engineering Estimator

Clerical Positions generally require the Clerical/Meter Reader Test Battery (CTB/MTB) and the Work Orientation Inventory (WOI); Physical Positions generally require the Physical Test Battery (PTB), Industrial Skills Test (IST), and the Work Orientation Inventory (WOI). Job postings will list the specific tests required. More information to help you prepare for these tests is included further on this page.

To help you evaluate your fit for these positions, here are some of the qualifications of successful candidates:

HR Assistant Service Representative
  • Previous work in an HR office environment
  • Familiarity with common HR systems
  • Test administration/ proctoring experience
  • Experience with event planning/coordination or scheduling
  • 2+ years customer service representative experience in a walk-in customer service environment
  • Experience with relevant computer equipment

Utility Worker Pre-Apprentice Lineman Apprentice
  • Experience with basic hand and power tools used in the construction industry
  • Construction or contracting experience
  • Graduate of a PowerPathway® Program
  • Experience with basic hand and power tools used in the construction industry
  • Construction or contracting experience
  • Graduate of a PowerPathway® Program
  • Experience with various hand tools
  • Previous experience in pipeline construction
  • Graduate from a PowerPathway® Program
  • Currently enrolled in state or federally approved pipeline apprentice program

Mapping Technician Scheduler Engineering Estimator
  • Demonstrated experience using computer-aided design software for 2D and 3D design and drafting
  • Demonstrated experience using SAP
  • 1+ year experience in a dispatch environment
  • 1+ year experience using customer care and billing software
  • 2+ years experience with drafting, construction drawings and/or blueprints
  • Demonstrated experience using geographic information systems or interpreting maps

Scheduling a Test Session
There are test sessions available throughout the year at various locations. You may schedule to take an exam at any available place or time, regardless of when you will be applying for the position. Select a test date and location that is most convenient for you.

Note: Test seats fill quickly. You will be asked to provide additional information to help us validate your test eligibility and complete your test reservation for remaining available test seats.

Rescheduling a Test Session
If you have concerns that you will be unable to complete the test successfully, you have the option to reschedule your test date. You will not be penalized for rescheduling your test.

Reasonable Accommodations
As an equal employment opportunity employer, PG&E is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to take the required pre-employment tests. If you believe you have limitations that may impact your pre-employment testing, you may request a reasonable accommodation. To ensure prompt handling of a reasonable accommodation request, please obtain a doctor certification of accommodation needed relevant to your request to minimize potential delays processing your online file and scheduling of your testing appointment.

Prepare for a Test Session
Here are our suggestions to help you prepare for pre-employment testing:

  • Carefully review the test preparation guide prior to your test.
  • Bring your confirmation email to the testing. It includes details about your scheduled test session (time, date and location).
  • Print and review directions to the test site and allow extra time for potential traffic delays.
  • Bring your photo ID (driver's license, state ID card or passport).
  • Be sure to arrive on time for your testing appointment. Latecomers and candidates without a photo ID will not be admitted to the test session.

PG&E Pre-Employment Testing Code of Conduct

  • Dress appropriately (formal interview attire is not necessary).
  • Cheating of any kind will result in disqualification and removal from consideration.
  • Most of the pre-employment tests do not allow any aids, such as calculators or crib sheets (scratch paper is provided).

Retesting Policies
Most pre-employment tests at PG&E allow you to retest after a waiting period. If you are invited to a test that is subject to a different retest schedule, you will be notified at the time that you test. For most tests the retest schedule is as follows:

  • Second attempt - Three months after first attempt
  • Third attempt - Six months after second attempt
  • Fourth and subsequent attempts - One year after previous attempt

Qualified Candidates
If your pre-employment test result qualifies you for a position—congratulations! Your qualified score remains in our records. The Talent Profiles of test-qualified candidates are reviewed for a match with the requirements of our open jobs. PLEASE NOTE that qualification on a pre-employment test is not a guarantee of employment. It is your responsibility to complete online applications for open jobs for which you would like to be considered. If you are selected for an interview, PG&E's Recruiting Department will contact you directly.

Test Preparation Guides

*Please visit Edison Electric Institute (EEI), one of our testing partners, for test preparation guides on the following tests:

  • Power Plant Maintenance Selection System (MASS)
  • Power Plant Operator Selection Test (POSS)
  • Technical Test (TECH)

Site for Interested Parties: Edison Electric Institute
Site for PG&E Employees: Edison Electric Institute

Username: pacific
Password: ocean

Post-Offer Pre-Employment Screening
Additional screening that you need to go through before you can be hired at PG&E may include:

  • Carbon Calculator
  • PG&E's Sustainability Journey
  • Report a Streetlight Outage