TVA Hiring Process, Interviews and EEI MASS & POSS Tests Online Preparation – 2025

What Is TVA?

The Tennessee Valley Authority, TVA is a corporate government agency of the United States. They generate energy, provide flood control, and provide land management and navigation services for the Tennessee River system. The power companies serviced by the TVA provide power to 10 million people in parts of 7 of Southeastern states. Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, and parts of Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, and South Carolina.

One of the reasons the TVA was started was to help create jobs. Currently they provide employment to 10,000 people. The massive operations provided by the TVA require people from a number of career backgrounds. Linemen, IT specialists, accountants, analysts, civil engineers, and maintenance workers all play important roles with the Tennessee Valley Authority. If you are trying to learn a new trade the TVA offers career training and apprenticeships. There are also student programs available for those currently working toward a college degree Benefits of working for the TVA include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Retirement Benefits
• Flextime
• Health Check Wellness Incentives

What Is TVA’s Recruitment Process?

Application

To apply with the TVA, start by creating a profile with their talent network. This allows you to receive job alerts, check the status of your application, and submit to jobs you are qualified for. If you are a military veteran, be sure to upload your documentation when you submit your application. Veteran applications are given preference.

Pre-Employment Assessment Tests

The plant operation and technical jobs with the TVA require rigorous testing. Trainees and apprentices for positions will be required to take either Edison Electrical Institute tests, EEI, which are designed for those going into power plant trainee programs. These trainee programs include:

• Instrument Mechanic Trainee
• Electrical Technician Trainee
• Mechanical Technician Trainee
• Hydro Technician Trainee
• Combustion Turbine Technician Trainee
• Combined Cycle Technician Trainee

The American Institute of Research test or AIR is given to those who have applied for apprenticeships as:

• Groundman Trainee
• Lineman Apprentice
• Electrician Apprentice

EEI Tests

MASS

The MASS, Maintenance Position Selection System is a 1-hour multiple choice test.  Each section is timed, and you will need to be prepared for questions in the areas of:

• Spatial Reasoning
• Mechanical Concepts
• Basic Math and Numerical Reasoning
• Reading Comprehension

This test will determine if you have the basic understanding to perform well on the job, a good understanding of mechanical concepts, the ability to do any math that may be required, and the ability to read and follow written directions.

POSS

The POSS test, Plant Operator Selection Systems Test, has a similar focus as the MASS:

• Reading Comprehension
• Basic Math
• Mechanical Concepts
• Tables and Graphs
• Figural Reasoning

Each section will be timed separately, and the entire test will take around 80 minutes. You will need to show good reading comprehension, work with tables and graphs, convert measurements, complete word problems, solve algebra formulas, and show a good understanding of mechanics.

AIR

The Air test was developed by the AIR, and the National Electrical Alliance. It is the same test used by the International Brotherhood of Electricians to select apprentice electricians. It is also known as the JATC test. There are two sections to this multiple-choice test.

• Algebra and Functions
• Reading Comprehension

Don’t be fooled into thinking this test will be short. The test can take up to 2 and a half hours. The test is not scored based on the number of questions you answered correctly. It is compared to other tests, and an average score is determined.

Interviews

Interviews with the TVA start with a call to schedule a job interview. This may be a panel interview with your potential supervisors or a one-on-one interview with a department manager. The interview will be a combination of technical and behavioral questions.

How to Prepare for TVA’s Assessments?

If you are serious about a trainee position with the TVA or starting an apprenticeship, it is very important you study for the assessments. If you are lucky enough to have the time, there are EEI courses offered at a few of the community colleges near areas of the TVA services. If this is not a viable option for you, then plan your own course of study. Practice your math skills, with a focus on algebra. You can use math practice websites to practice math drills. Practice reading comprehension, you can do this simply by reading about the electric industry and utility companies, and the science behind them. Work with graphs and tables. Learn how to perform measurement conversions without a calculator, you will not be allowed to use a calculator on the test.