Talent Skills Assessment (TSA)
Test Preview
Prerequisite Skills and Abilities for Taking This Test
This test is computer administered under strict timed conditions. It may require the following:
Sitting for more than 30 minutes, performing physical actions involved in reading information
on a computer screen and using a computer mouse and/or keyboard (e.g., moving arms,
wrists, hands, fingers, neck and head), and seeing and comprehending written material (e.g.,
numbers, words, graphics, phrases, directions for completing the test) on a computer screen.
If you need any test accommodations consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA), please contact Verizon’s test accommodations group via e-mail at–
[email protected] prior to the administration of this test.
Talent Skills Assessment (TSA) 1 July 14, 2011
Test Preview
Test Preview
The purpose of this Test Preview is to provide candidates with an overview of what to expect during the testing process.
This is important because it helps candidates have an opportunity to do their best.
What is the TSA?
The TSA is the primary selection test for virtually all associate titles throughout Verizon. The TSA is a computer
administered test that consists of five (5) cognitive subtests and four (4) noncognitive subtests. The five cognitive subtests
measure Math Computation, Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Table Interpretation, and Checking for Accuracy. The
four noncognitive subtests measuring personal characteristics are Drive, Flexibility, Conscientiousness, and Interpersonal
Skills.
The TSA is a multiple choice test that takes approximately 50 minutes to complete 116 items.
Why use the TSA?
The TSA allows Verizon to systematically evaluate each candidate based on the same set of requirements. This “common
yardstick” provides a fair and systematic way of identifying those candidates who are likely to perform well in associate
positions.
The use of validated, job-related employment tests is one way Verizon ensures that all individuals are selected based on
the requirements of the job and not based on unrelated factors such as race, color, age, religion, gender, national origin,
veteran status, or disability. All employees are selected based on how well they meet the requirements of the job.
Talent Skills Assessment (TSA) 2 July 14, 2011
Test Preview
What knowledge, skills, and abilities are measured in the TSA?
Math Computation
This subtest measures your ability to solve basic math problems. It requires you to add, subtract, multiply, and divide
numbers and then choose the correct answer. There are 15 items in this subtest.
SAMPLE ITEM
1) 210 - 75 =
A. 125 C. 145
B. 135 D. 130
The correct answer is B. 210 minus 75 equals 135.
Reasoning
These items measure your ability to draw conclusions based on facts. There are eight (8) items in this section. For each
item you will determine the accuracy of the conclusion.
SAMPLE ITEM
FACTS
Pat and all of her neighbors have FiOS
Jessica has FiOS
Jessica lives in Springfield
Talent Skills Assessment (TSA) 3 July 14, 2011
Test Preview
1) Jessica and Pat are neighbors.
A. True
B. False
C. Can’t Tell
The correct answer is C. Based on the above facts, you cannot conclude whether or not Jessica and Pat are neighbors,
just that they both have FiOS
2) Pat’s neighbor does not have FiOS
A. True
B. False
C. Can’t Tell
The correct answer is B. Based on the above facts, all of Pat’s neighbors have FiOS, and therefore the conclusion is
false.
Reading Comprehension
These items measure your ability to read and understand passages of material. There may be a variety of types of
passages (e.g., descriptions of historic events, company memos, and letters). You are to read the passage and then
answer a series of questions about the information it contained. There are a total of 8 questions in this section.
SAMPLE ITEM
Medical expenses have become a major concern for American businesses. Medical expenses for many companies have
doubled in the last five (5) years. Unnecessary health care costs reduce the amount of money available for other
business needs and employee benefits. You can help control health care costs by doing the following: adopting a healthy
lifestyle, asking your doctor about costs of services, and getting a second opinion from another doctor before having
expensive treatment
Talent Skills Assessment (TSA) 4 July 14, 2011
Test Preview
1) How much have medical expenses increased in the last five (5) years for many companies?
A. They have tripled.
B. They have doubled.
C. They are the same.
D. They have decreased.
The correct answer is B.
Table Interpretation
The questions in this section assess your ability to locate and understand information using tables. There are
approximately 21 items in this section.
SAMPLE ITEM
Table
Order List for Westfield Garden Apartments, August 3
Order Customer Customer Services Length of Cable
Number Home Address Number Ordered Needed
105 APT 37 Bldg C 8872182 Data Only 39FT
106 APT 38 Bldg D 9855425 Triple Play 72FT
107 APT 15 Bldg C 4156659 Triple Play 15FT
Talent Skills Assessment (TSA) 5 July 14, 2011
Test Preview
1) What is the length of cable needed for order number 106?
A. 15FT
B. 39FT
C. 72FT
The correct answer is C., 72FT
2) What is the total length of cable needed for the Triple Play orders?
A. 15FT
B. 87FT
C. 57FT
The correct answer is B., 87FT
Checking for Accuracy
In this section, you will check the accuracy of a list by comparing it to a master list, or “correct list.” You will be asked to
check the “List to be Checked” using the “Correct List,” and to identify the number of sections in the “List to be Checked”
that have errors. There are approximately 20 items in this section.
Response Options:
A = 0 sections B = 1 section C = 2 sections D = 3 sections
Talent Skills Assessment (TSA) 6 July 14, 2011
Test Preview
Correct List List to be Checked
Code Start Date End Date Code Start Date End Date
S1 HNT-10214 10/11/2001 10/11/2002 HNT-10214 10/11/2001 10/11/2002
S2 SRB-12654 3/3/2003 1/28/2008 SRB-12654 3/3/2003 3/3/2003
S3 MLL-12875 7/8/2007 8/10/2007 MLL-12800 7/28/2000 8/2/2007
S1. There are no errors; the entry in the List to be Checked is exactly the
same as the entry in the Correct List. Thus, the correct answer is choice
“A” (0 sections).
S2. There is an error in 1 section. The End Date in the List to be Checked
does not match the End Date in the Correct List. Thus, the correct answer
is choice “B” (1 section).
S3. There are errors in 3 sections. The Code, Start Date, and End Date in the
List to be Checked are all different from the corresponding sections in the
Correct List. Thus, the correct answer is choice “D” (3 sections).
Personal Characteristics, Background and Life Experiences
For these items there are approximately 44 items for you to answer about your background, experiences, and opinions.
This section measures Drive, Flexibility, Conscientiousness, and Interpersonal Skills.
How to prepare for the TSA
No formal preparation is required. However, taking practice test questions found in most test preparatory guides may help.
Talent Skills Assessment (TSA) 7 July 14, 2011
Test Preview
Doing your best on Verizon tests
Feeling Well
Candidates who are not feeling well before the test begins, or candidates who have a reason to believe that they will not
be able to do their best on the test are responsible for notifying their Human Resources Representative to reschedule a
new test date. Once a test starts it must be scored, and the standard re-test period must expire before the test can be
retaken (Retest Interval: 3 months, 6 months, 12 months).
Be Rested and Ready
Candidates should get a good night’s sleep before the test, which will help individuals stay alert during the test.
Understand the Test Instructions
Be sure to understand the test instructions before beginning the test.
Talent Skills Assessment (TSA) 8 July 14, 2011
Test Preview
