PG&E Industrial Skills Test: Practice Questions and Study Guide

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PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company), also searched as PGE, may use pre-employment assessments for some positions. One assessment associated with certain industrial, mechanical, technical, operations, apprentice, or maintenance-related selection contexts is the Industrial Skills Test, sometimes identified as the IST.

Not every PG&E job uses this assessment. Exact testing requirements and later hiring steps depend on the vacancy, business unit, location, recruitment cycle, and the instructions in your candidate invitation. Current official PG&E job-posting language and testing instructions always control.

Preparation for an IST-style aptitude screen may involve reading comprehension, interpreting numbers in tables and charts, understanding abstract mechanical principles, following written instructions, and careful attention to detail. JobTestPrep currently sells third-party preparation for the PG&E Industrial Skills Test. JobTestPrep is not PG&E and does not administer the official assessment.

Based on the live JobTestPrep product area at publication review, the PrepPack currently displays about 15 Reading Comprehension tests, 15 Tables and Graphs tests, 9 Mechanical Reasoning tests, one Mechanical Reasoning study guide, detailed explanations, a one-time payment option, and 1-month access. The same product area also shows Basic, Advanced, and Premium labels. Treat those labels as current page-display elements and confirm the selectable access option at checkout. These quantities describe JobTestPrep’s third-party PrepPack. They are not an official specification of PG&E’s current Industrial Skills Test.

The questions on this page are original practice-style exercises. They are not official PG&E, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, PSI, employer, utility, government, or test-provider questions. They do not reproduce a live assessment. Always follow the current instructions in your PG&E job posting, candidate portal, and testing invitation.

What Is the PG&E Industrial Skills Test?

The PG&E Industrial Skills Test is a pre-employment assessment associated with certain industrial or technical PG&E positions. In many utility hiring contexts, an industrial skills assessment measures general aptitude rather than advanced trade certification.

Possible preparation areas include reading comprehension, numerical information, tables, graphs, and mechanical principles. Exact sections, timing, delivery method, permitted materials, and scoring rules must be confirmed through your current invitation and job posting.

The IST is not automatically required for every PG&E role. JobTestPrep’s PrepPack is third-party preparation rather than an official PG&E test specification.

Does Every PG&E Applicant Take the IST?

No. Do not assume a universal testing requirement.

Assessment requirements may vary by job title, department, business unit, location, union or nonunion classification, apprentice or experienced-hire status, current vacancy, recruitment cycle, candidate history, and PG&E testing policy.

Before you prepare, verify:

• exact position title;
• requisition number;
• required assessment name;
• invitation deadline;
• test delivery method;
• permitted materials;
• test sections;
• time limits;
• retest eligibility;
• accommodations;
• later hiring stages.

PG&E Industrial Skills Test vs General Industrial Skills Test

The PG&E IST is an employer-specific search intent for candidates whose invitation identifies the Industrial Skills Test or IST. Generic industrial-skills assessments used by other employers or providers may differ in sections, timing, scoring, and difficulty. Aptitude practice can overlap, but you should not assume another employer’s IST is identical to PG&E’s assessment.

PG&E IST vs Ramsay Maintenance Test

Ramsay maintenance assessments often focus more heavily on technical or job-knowledge content such as mechanical systems, electrical basics, hydraulics, pneumatics, or troubleshooting. Prep materials tied to the PG&E IST product page emphasize reading, tables and graphs, and mechanical principles as aptitude practice areas.

Your invitation must identify the actual assessment. Do not treat Ramsay maintenance testing and the PG&E IST as the same product. For Ramsay-focused preparation, see the Ramsay Maintenance Test guide.

PG&E IST vs EEI MASS Test

MASS is a distinct power-industry assessment family. It may include mechanical concepts, assembling objects, mathematics, and reading comprehension in some administrations. MASS should remain a separate canonical topic. Do not describe the PG&E IST as MASS unless your official PG&E invitation says so. For the dedicated EEI MASS preparation guide, see the EEI MASS Test page.

PG&E IST vs CAST, TECH, POSS, or SOPD

CAST, TECH, POSS, and SOPD belong to separate employment-assessment families. They are not synonyms for the PG&E Industrial Skills Test. If your invitation names one of those assessments, follow that invitation and use a matching preparation path instead of assuming IST content applies. For dedicated EEI guides, see the EEI CAST Test, EEI POSS Test, and EEI TECH Test pages.

PG&E IST vs Physical Test Battery

The PG&E Physical Test Battery (PTB) is a separate prerequisite assessment. PG&E’s currently linked official PTB guide describes Numerical Ability and Space Visualization for certain physical-job classifications. It is not a fitness workout, and it is not the same assessment as the IST. For PTB-focused preparation, see the PG&E Physical Test Battery guide.

Some roles may also include later post-offer physical or practical stages. Those stages are separate from both the IST and the PTB aptitude batteries. This IST page covers IST-style aptitude practice only.

PG&E IST vs Clerical / Meter Reader Test

The Clerical Test Battery (CTB), also described in PG&E’s currently linked guide as the Clerical/Meter Reader Test Battery (CTB/MTB), is a separate prerequisite assessment. It focuses on computation, language skills, problem solving, coding, and visual speed and accuracy. Do not merge CTB practice into IST preparation. See the PG&E Clerical and Meter Reader Test guide.

Which Jobs May Use the PG&E IST?

Some current or past postings may identify the IST or another pre-employment assessment. Possible categories, when confirmed by an official posting or invitation, can include maintenance, mechanical, technician, operator, apprentice, gas-service, electrical-support, and other industrial or plant-related roles.

Do not treat any permanent job list as authoritative unless your own posting confirms testing. Check the assessment section of your exact job posting and follow PG&E Careers instructions through the official portal at jobs.pge.com.

Potential Test Areas

Treat the areas below as preparation categories. They are not a guaranteed official section list for every current PG&E IST administration.

Reading Comprehension

Practice main idea, stated detail, sequence, purpose, exceptions, supported conclusions, vocabulary in context, and interpretation of written instructions.

Numbers, Tables, and Graphs

Practice locating values, totals, differences, averages, percentages, ratios, rates, inventory-style tables, trends, chart interpretation, and selecting a conclusion supported by the data. Use only the numbers supplied.

Mechanical Principles

Practice safe, abstract concepts such as gears, pulleys, levers, force, torque, friction, pressure, balance, gravity, energy transfer, simple circuits, and mechanical advantage. Do not treat these exercises as utility operations training.

Following Written Instructions

Practice applying a supplied rule, following several conditions, identifying an exception, ordering steps, recognizing missing information, and determining when clarification is required.

Attention to Detail

Practice exact comparison of fictional equipment codes, dates, numerical records, chart labels, revision identifiers, and table entries.

General Workplace Judgment

Practice low-risk fictional situations involving unclear instructions, conflicting records, incomplete documentation, tasks outside stated authority, possible safety concerns, and missed verification steps. Strong answers generally emphasize stopping to verify, following the supplied procedure, staying within authority, documenting facts accurately, consulting a qualified supervisor, and not improvising.

Safety and Scope Boundary

This article does not teach operational instructions for electrical generation, transmission, or distribution; substations; high-voltage systems; energized equipment; gas transmission or distribution; gas leaks; pipeline operations; nuclear operations; power-plant operations; outage restoration; emergency switching; utility-system control; lockout or tagout; confined-space entry; hazardous-material handling; pressure testing; welding; excavation; line work; meter bypassing; service reconnection; infrastructure access; real PG&E equipment; real utility maps; facility locations; grid vulnerabilities; or emergency-response procedures.

Practice items use fictional companies, departments, classrooms, and abstract mechanical models. They are not procedures for real utility work.

PG&E Industrial Skills Test Practice Questions

Answer each item from the information supplied on this page.

Question 1

Passage A

At Northfield Training Workshop, classroom tool kits are issued only after a written checkout form is complete. Each kit contains one torque wrench, one feeler-gauge set, one digital caliper, and one spare battery pack. Kits must be returned before 4:30 p.m. on the same day they are borrowed. If any item is missing at return, the borrower records the missing item on the equipment log and notifies the floor supervisor before leaving the building. Kits may not leave the workshop floor for outdoor field use. Borrowers may renew a kit once if the renewal is approved before 3:00 p.m. and no other trainee has reserved the same kit number.

1. What is the main idea of Passage A?

A) Outdoor field crews must keep spare battery packs in every vehicle.

B) Supervisors must personally deliver every missing item to the warehouse.

C) Torque wrenches are more important than calipers in every workshop role.

D) Classroom tool kits follow written checkout, return, and reporting rules.

Correct answer: D

The passage centers on kit issue, return timing, missing-item reporting, floor-use limits, and renewal rules.

Question 2

2. According to Passage A, what must a borrower do if an item is missing at return?

A) Pay a fixed fine before signing the renewal form.

B) Replace the item with any unused spare from another kit.

C) Record the missing item on the equipment log and notify the floor supervisor before leaving.

D) Leave the incomplete kit in the outdoor storage cage overnight.

Correct answer: C

The passage states that a missing item must be logged and the floor supervisor notified before the borrower leaves.

Question 3

3. Which sequence best matches Passage A?

A) Complete the checkout form, borrow the kit, return it by 4:30 p.m. the same day.

B) Return the kit, then complete the checkout form, then renew after 4:30 p.m.

C) Take the kit outdoors first, then notify the supervisor, then renew at 3:00 p.m.

D) Notify the warehouse first, then skip the log entry, then renew automatically overnight.

Correct answer: A

The passage requires a completed checkout form before issue and same-day return before 4:30 p.m.

Question 4

4. What is the primary purpose of the 3:00 p.m. renewal condition?

A) To make sure renewals are approved early enough that reserved kits are not assigned unfairly.

B) To require every borrower to buy a second battery pack.

C) To allow outdoor field use after evening shift change.

D) To cancel all torque-wrench inventory at midday.

Correct answer: A

Renewal must be approved before 3:00 p.m. and only if no other trainee has reserved the same kit number.

Question 5

5. Which situation is an exception to permitted kit use under Passage A?

A) Borrowing a kit for classroom calibration practice on the workshop floor.

B) Taking a classroom kit outdoors for a field demonstration.

C) Returning a complete kit at 4:15 p.m. the same day.

D) Renewing a kit once with approval before 3:00 p.m. when the kit is not reserved.

Correct answer: B

The passage says kits may not leave the workshop floor for outdoor field use.

Question 6

Passage B

Harborline Parts Desk uses a three-step review before releasing a staged parts tote. First, a clerk checks that the tote label matches the printed pick list. Second, the clerk confirms that every listed part number appears in the tote. Third, a lead reviewer initials the release slip only after both earlier checks are complete. If any part number is unreadable, the tote is held and a revised pick list is printed. No tote is released on a verbal request alone. Same-day rush requests still require the three-step review; the only change is that the release slip is stamped “RUSH” after the lead initials it.

6. Which conclusion is best supported by Passage B?

A) Verbal requests can replace the printed pick list when the lead is busy.

B) A tote may be released after the first label check if the lead is unavailable.

C) Readable labels, matching part numbers, and lead initials are all required before release.

D) Rush totes skip the second confirmation step to save time.

Correct answer: C

The three-step review and explicit ban on verbal-only release support this conclusion.

Question 7

7. In Passage B, the word “staged” most nearly means:

A) sold to an outside contractor without review

B) permanently discarded after inventory shrinkage

C) painted with a warning color for outdoor transport

D) already prepared and waiting for controlled release

Correct answer: D

In context, a staged tote is prepared and waiting for the controlled release process.

Question 8

8. Which summary best captures Passage B?

A) Harborline releases parts totes only after label matching, content checks, and lead initials, even for rush requests.

B) Harborline lets any clerk ignore pick lists during rush periods.

C) Harborline prints revised pick lists only after a tote has left the desk.

D) Harborline requires outdoor field inspection before every classroom kit renewal.

Correct answer: A

The passage describes a required three-step release process that also applies to rush requests.

Question 9

9. Which inference is factual based only on Passage B?

A) Lead reviewers must also inspect outdoor field vehicles.

B) An unreadable part number prevents release until a revised pick list is printed.

C) Rush stamps replace the need for lead initials.

D) Verbal requests are preferred for same-day releases.

Correct answer: B

The passage states that an unreadable part number causes a hold and a revised pick list.

Question 10

10. A clerk finds a tote label that matches the pick list, but one listed part number is smudged. Applying Passage B, what should happen next?

A) Release the tote immediately and rewrite the number later from memory.

B) Ask a coworker for a verbal confirmation and stamp the slip “RUSH”.

C) Hold the tote and print a revised pick list before any lead initials the release.

D) Skip the content check because the label already matches.

Correct answer: C

Unreadable part numbers require a hold and a revised pick list; release cannot proceed.

Question 11

Parts Request Log (fictional)

Department	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
Assembly	12	15	9	14
Inspection	8	6	11	7
Packaging	10	13	12	9

11. How many requests did Inspection record on Wednesday?

A) 6

B) 7

C) 8

D) 11

Correct answer: D

The Inspection row shows Wednesday = 11.

Question 12

12. What is the total number of Assembly requests from Monday through Thursday?

A) 50

B) 40

C) 48

D) 45

Correct answer: A

12 + 15 + 9 + 14 = 50.

Question 13

13. How many more Packaging requests were recorded on Tuesday than on Thursday?

A) 2

B) 4

C) 3

D) 5

Correct answer: B

13 - 9 = 4.

Question 14

14. What is the average daily request count for Inspection across the four days?

A) 7

B) 9

C) 8

D) 10

Correct answer: C

(8 + 6 + 11 + 7) / 4 = 32 / 4 = 8.

Question 15

15. Of all Monday requests, what percentage came from Packaging?

A) 25%

B) 30%

C) 40%

D) about 33%

Correct answer: D

Monday total = 12 + 8 + 10 = 30. Packaging = 10. 10 / 30 = 1/3 ≈ 33%.

Question 16

Shift Output Worksheet (fictional units)

Line	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Line A	120	140	100
Line B	90	110	130
Line C	80	95	85

16. What is Line B’s total output for the three shifts?

A) 330

B) 310

C) 340

D) 350

Correct answer: A

90 + 110 + 130 = 330.

Question 17

17. From morning to afternoon, Line A’s output increased by what percentage?

A) About 14%

B) About 17%

C) About 20%

D) About 25%

Correct answer: B

Increase = 140 - 120 = 20. Percentage change = 20 / 120 = 1/6 ≈ 16.7%, about 17%.

Question 18

18. The ratio of Line C morning output to Line C evening output is:

A) 16:19

B) 16:15

C) 16:17

D) 8:9

Correct answer: C

80:85 simplifies by 5 to 16:17.

Question 19

19. A clerk knows Line A morning output was 120 and Line A total for three shifts was 360. What evening value is missing if afternoon is 140?

A) 90

B) 120

C) 110

D) 100

Correct answer: D

120 + 140 + evening = 360, so evening = 360 - 260 = 100.

Question 20

Daily Meter Reading Tallies (fictional)

Day 1: 40 Day 2: 48 Day 3: 52 Day 4: 46 Day 5: 54

20. What is the rate of increase, in readings per day, from Day 1 to Day 3?

A) 6 per day

B) 4 per day

C) 8 per day

D) 12 per day

Correct answer: A

Increase over 2 intervals = 52 - 40 = 12. Average rate = 12 / 2 = 6 readings per day.

Question 21

21. Which statement is supported by the Day 1-Day 5 data?

A) Each day produced fewer readings than the day before.

B) Day 5 had the highest tally in the series.

C) Day 2 and Day 4 had identical tallies.

D) The total for Days 1-5 is exactly 200.

Correct answer: B

Day 5 = 54, higher than 40, 48, 52, and 46. Total is 40+48+52+46+54 = 240, not 200.

Question 22

22. Compared with Day 2, Day 4 decreased by what percentage?

A) About 2%

B) About 8%

C) About 4%

D) About 12%

Correct answer: C

Decrease = 48 - 46 = 2. 2 / 48 ≈ 0.0417 ≈ 4%.

Question 23

23. Two meshed gears have equal tooth counts. If Gear A turns clockwise, Gear B turns:

A) clockwise at the same speed

B) counterclockwise at twice the speed

C) clockwise at half speed

D) counterclockwise at the same speed

Correct answer: D

Meshed external gears reverse direction. Equal teeth mean the same rotational speed.

Question 24

24. A movable pulley arrangement that provides a mechanical advantage of 2 ideally halves the required input force to lift a load. To lift a 40 N load at ideal advantage 2, the input force is closest to:

A) 20 N

B) 10 N

C) 40 N

D) 80 N

Correct answer: A

Ideal force ≈ load / MA = 40 / 2 = 20 N.

Question 25

25. On a first-class lever, the fulcrum is between the effort and the load. If effort and load arms are equal and friction is ignored, the effort needed to balance a 12 N load is:

A) 3 N

B) 12 N

C) 6 N

D) 24 N

Correct answer: B

Equal arms give a 1:1 balance, so effort = load = 12 N.

Question 26

26. Increasing friction between a box and a flat horizontal belt, with no other changes, typically:

A) makes the box easier to slide at the same push force

B) removes the effect of gravity on the box mass

C) makes the box harder to start sliding for the same push force

D) reverses the direction of belt motion automatically

Correct answer: C

Higher friction increases resistance to sliding for the same applied force.

Question 27

27. In a sealed classroom syringe model, decreasing the trapped-air volume while temperature stays roughly constant tends to:

A) decrease pressure

B) create a vacuum that pushes outward automatically

C) remove all molecules from the syringe

D) increase pressure

Correct answer: D

For a fixed amount of gas at constant temperature, smaller volume means higher pressure (Boyle-type relationship).

Question 28

28. A uniform meter stick balances on a fulcrum at its center. If a 2 N weight is placed 20 cm left of center, where should a 4 N weight be placed on the right to restore balance?

A) 10 cm from center

B) 5 cm from center

C) 20 cm from center

D) 40 cm from center

Correct answer: A

Torque balance: 2 × 20 = 4 × d → 40 = 4d → d = 10 cm.

Question 29

29. An object falls freely near Earth’s surface, ignoring air resistance. As it falls, its gravitational potential energy mainly converts into:

A) chemical energy stored in the object

B) kinetic energy of motion

C) nuclear energy inside the fulcrum

D) magnetic energy in the ground only

Correct answer: B

Falling converts potential energy into kinetic energy.

Question 30

30. Turning a bolt with a longer wrench handle, for the same applied hand force, generally produces:

A) less torque at the bolt

B) zero torque because force is unchanged

C) more torque at the bolt

D) reversed thread direction automatically

Correct answer: C

Torque = force × perpendicular lever arm; a longer handle increases torque for the same force.

Question 31

31. In a simple classroom series circuit with one battery and one lamp, opening the only switch:

A) keeps the lamp lit at half brightness

B) converts the circuit into a parallel circuit

C) doubles current through the lamp

D) stops current so the lamp goes out

Correct answer: D

An open switch breaks the single path, so current stops and the lamp goes out.

Question 32

32. Energy transfer through a spinning classroom drive shaft best illustrates:

A) mechanical energy moved from one component to another

B) creation of energy from nothing

C) removal of mass to increase temperature only

D) conversion of friction into magnetic attraction only

Correct answer: A

A drive shaft transfers mechanical energy between connected parts.

Question 33

Fictional Staging Procedure

Rule set:

1. Place only sealed bags in bin BLUE.
2. Place opened bags in bin YELLOW.
3. If a bag label is missing, do not place it in either bin; take it to the review shelf.
4. Complete steps in this order: check seal → check label → place or hold.
5. If both the seal status and the label are unclear, stop and ask a lead before moving the bag.

33. A sealed bag has a clear label. Where should it go?

A) Bin YELLOW

B) Bin BLUE

C) Review shelf

D) Outdoor rack

Correct answer: B

Sealed bags go in bin BLUE after seal and label checks.

Question 34

34. An opened bag has a clear label. Where should it go?

A) Bin BLUE

B) Review shelf

C) Bin YELLOW

D) Discard cart

Correct answer: C

Opened bags go in bin YELLOW.

Question 35

35. A sealed bag has no label. Following the rules, what is correct?

A) Place it in bin BLUE because it is sealed.

B) Place it in bin YELLOW as a temporary exception.

C) Ask any coworker for a verbal bin assignment and leave.

D) Take it to the review shelf.

Correct answer: D

A missing label requires the review shelf, not either bin.

Question 36

36. Which order is required before placing a bag?

A) Check seal, then check label, then place or hold.

B) Place first, then check the label, then check the seal.

C) Ask a lead first in every case, then ignore the seal check.

D) Check label only for opened bags.

Correct answer: A

Rule 4 requires seal check, then label check, then place or hold.

Question 37

37. Both seal status and label are unclear. What should the worker do?

A) Guess bin BLUE and continue.

B) Stop and ask a lead before moving the bag.

C) Put the bag outdoors until the next shift.

D) Place it in bin YELLOW because uncertain bags are opened by default.

Correct answer: B

Rule 5 requires stopping and asking a lead when both are unclear.

Question 38

38. Which code matches WK-47B-1903 exactly?

A) WK-47B-1930

B) WK-47D-1903

C) WK-47B-1903

D) WK-74B-1903

Correct answer: C

Only option A matches every character.

Question 39

39. Which date is identical to 03/18/2026?

A) 03/81/2026

B) 03/18/2025

C) 08/13/2026

D) 03/18/2026

Correct answer: D

Only option A matches month, day, and year.

Question 40

40. Inventory row target: Part NL-220, Qty 45, Zone R3. Which row matches exactly?

A) NL-220 | 45 | R3

B) NL-220 | 54 | R3

C) NL-202 | 45 | R3

D) NL-220 | 45 | R5

Correct answer: A

Only the first row matches part, quantity, and zone.

Question 41

41. Which revision identifier matches DOC-REV-04A?

A) DOC-REV-04B

B) DOC-REV-04A

C) DOC-REV-40A

D) DOC-REY-04A

Correct answer: B

Only option A matches the full revision string.

Question 42

42. You receive two conflicting printed checklists for the same classroom inventory count, and neither page shows which one is current. What is the best action?

A) Pick the shorter checklist to finish faster.

B) Average the two totals and submit a blended count.

C) Stop, compare identifiers or revision marks, and ask a supervisor which checklist is current before counting.

D) Ignore both lists and invent your own checklist from memory.

Best answer: C

Conflicting instructions require verification and supervisor clarification before acting.

Question 43

43. A coworker asks you to sign a release form for a tote you did not inspect. Your role does not authorize signatures for unchecked totes. What is the best action?

A) Sign quickly as a favor if the coworker seems reliable.

B) Throw away the form so nobody needs a signature.

C) Sign using another employee’s name to avoid delay.

D) Refuse to sign, explain that you did not complete the required checks, and escalate if pressured.

Best answer: D

Stay within authority, do not falsify review, and escalate pressure when needed.

Question 44

44. During a classroom equipment move, you notice a wheelchair access aisle is blocked by stacked boxes that you did not place. Moving them is within the ordinary housekeeping guidance you were given. What is the best action?

A) Clear the aisle using the permitted housekeeping method, or ask a supervisor if the stacks look unstable or unlabeled.

B) Leave the aisle blocked because the boxes are not yours.

C) Kick the boxes into a stairwell to empty the aisle faster.

D) Hide the boxes behind a locked door without telling anyone.

Best answer: A

Address an access and safety concern through ordinary permitted housekeeping or supervisor guidance; do not improvise hazardous shortcuts.

Question 45

45. A written work order is missing the required part number needed before you stage a tote. What is the best action?

A) Guess a common part number so staging can continue.

B) Pause staging, document what is missing, and request clarification from the assigned supervisor or lead.

C) Stage an empty tote and mark it complete.

D) Skip documentation and tell the next shift to fix it later.

Best answer: B

Missing required information means stop, document the gap, and get clarification before proceeding.

Practice Answer Key

1. D
2. C
3. A
4. A
5. B
6. C
7. D
8. A
9. B
10. C
11. D
12. A
13. B
14. C
15. D
16. A
17. B
18. C
19. D
20. A
21. B
22. C
23. D
24. A
25. B
26. C
27. D
28. A
29. B
30. C
31. D
32. A
33. B
34. C
35. D
36. A
37. B
38. C
39. D
40. A
41. B
42. C
43. D
44. A
45. B

How to Score This Practice Test

• 41-45 correct: Strong baseline
• 35-40 correct: Good readiness
• 27-34 correct: Moderate readiness
• 18-26 correct: Needs improvement
• 17 or fewer correct: Start with fundamentals

This scoring guide applies only to the unofficial practice questions on this page. It is not an official PG&E score, IST score, passing result, retest decision, interview decision, hiring decision, job offer, or employment result.

How to Prepare for the PG&E Industrial Skills Test

1. Read the exact PG&E job posting.
2. Confirm the assessment name in the candidate invitation.
3. Check the invitation deadline.
4. Review all official testing instructions.
5. Confirm permitted materials and calculator rules.
6. Practise reading comprehension.
7. Practise locating information in tables and graphs.
8. Review arithmetic, percentages, ratios, and averages.
9. Practise safe abstract mechanical reasoning.
10. Practise following written procedures.
11. Improve attention to detail.
12. Build accuracy before increasing speed.
13. Complete timed mixed practice.
14. Review mistakes by category.
15. Prepare separately for interviews or other assessments when required.
16. Request accommodations through the official process when needed.
17. Follow the current PG&E candidate instructions on test day.

Verify your own invitation for test name, job title, requisition number, deadline, delivery method, sections, duration, question count, permitted materials, calculator rule, retest policy, accommodations, and later selection stages. This page does not invent values for those items.

For broader abstract mechanical drills outside the PG&E product page, mechanical aptitude preparation can help with gears, levers, pulleys, and related principles. For general timed cognitive practice when your invitation emphasizes mixed aptitude sections, cognitive ability test practice may be useful as an additional third-party option.

Common Mistakes

• assuming every PG&E role requires the IST;
• relying on JobTestPrep as the official test specification;
• assuming the test format never changes;
• assuming any three-section format is currently universal;
• assuming any published duration is current without official confirmation;
• assuming any published question distribution is current without official confirmation;
• assuming a calculator is always prohibited without checking the invitation;
• assuming any retest schedule from a prep vendor is current PG&E policy;
• confusing the IST with MASS;
• confusing the IST with Ramsay maintenance testing;
• confusing the IST with a Physical Test Battery;
• practising technical utility operations instead of aptitude skills;
• misreading table headings;
• calculating percentage change from the wrong starting value;
• overlooking chart legends;
• reversing gear direction;
• adding outside assumptions to passages;
• prioritizing speed over accuracy;
• treating a practice score as a hiring prediction.

Free vs Paid Preparation

Free preparation may help candidates understand possible question categories, practise reading comprehension, review tables and graphs, practise basic arithmetic, try mechanical-principles questions, and identify weak areas.

Paid preparation may be useful for candidates seeking larger practice sets, structured section practice, repeated table and graph exercises, timed reading practice, mechanical-reasoning drills, explanations, study guides, and progress tracking.

No free or paid resource can guarantee improvement, a passing result, an interview, or employment.

JobTestPrep is a third-party preparation provider. It is not PG&E, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, PSI, EEI, a government agency, an employer representative, or the official assessment administrator.

Official PG&E Resources

• PG&E Careers / job search portal

Official PG&E instructions control. A current vacancy may not use the IST. Testing requirements may vary by role. A JobTestPrep page is not an official PG&E source. Use the careers portal and your candidate invitation for current requirements, accommodations, and deadlines.

Related Internal Guides

• Employer Assessment Tests
• PG&E Physical Test Battery
• PG&E Clerical and Meter Reader Test
• Mechanical Aptitude Tests
• Industrial Maintenance Test
• Ramsay Maintenance Test
• Free Mechanical Aptitude Test
• Numerical Reasoning Test
• Cognitive Numerical Reasoning

FAQ

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