Electrical engineering assessment

Assessment

What is it?

The electrical engineering assessment tests a candidate’s expertise in circuit design, electrical safety, power systems, and electronics. Consisting of 20 timed, progressively challenging questions, it measures foundational knowledge and problem-solving under pressure, often used early in hiring to screen for required skills.

How it works

The assessment begins with basic questions to measure a candidate’s understanding of fundamental electrical engineering principles. As the test progresses, the questions become more difficult, covering advanced topics such as circuit analysis, power systems, and control systems. In a 20-question format, this might look like:

  • Basic Level questions cover topics like identifying components in a circuit diagram or explaining the purpose of a fuse in an electrical system.
  • Intermediate Level questions could involve calculating resistance in a series or parallel circuit or distinguishing between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC).
  • Advanced Level questions might challenge the candidate to analyze complex circuit designs, explain the process of power factor correction, or design a basic control system.

The test is timed, encouraging candidates to work efficiently and accurately. This timed aspect adds an additional layer of assessment by measuring how well candidates can apply their knowledge in time-sensitive situations, which is critical in many electrical engineering roles.

Results and Benefits

The results of the assessment give employers clear insights into a candidate’s expertise. Candidates who perform well will demonstrate proficiency in both basic electrical principles and complex engineering tasks. The knockout nature of the test ensures that only candidates with the required skill set proceed, saving time and improving the quality of candidates in later stages.

When to use it

The assessment is best used early in the recruitment process to screen candidates for technical roles. It serves as a knockout test, ensuring that only candidates with the right level of expertise move forward to more detailed stages of the hiring process.This assessment is particularly valuable for hiring roles such as electrical engineers, circuit designers, maintenance technicians, and field engineers, where a deep understanding of electrical engineering concepts is crucial.

Example

Basic Level:
What is the function of a fuse in an electrical circuit?
a) To regulate voltage
b) To prevent overcurrent
c) To control power output
d) To amplify the current

Ohm’s Law is represented as:
a) V = IR
b) I = VR
c) R = V/I
d) Both a and c

Intermediate Level:
Calculate the total resistance of a parallel circuit with resistors of 10Ω, 20Ω, and 30Ω.
a) 5Ω
b) 8Ω
c) 6Ω
d) 60Ω

Which of these is an example of direct current (DC)?
a) Power supply in a laptop
b) Batteries in a flashlight
c) Current in a wall outlet
d) Both a and b

Advanced Level:
What is the purpose of power factor correction in a three-phase system?
a) To increase energy efficiency
b) To reduce harmonic distortion
c) To improve current flow
d) All of the above