FAQ - Pre-Employment Testing (2024)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Pre-Employment Testing

About the Test:  

Some assessments are optimized for mobile administration but unfortunately some are not. If your assessment needs to be completed on a laptop or computer, you will receive a 'Mobile Not Allowed' screen when accessing via your mobile device. Best practice is to take your assessment using a laptop or desktop computer.  
Some assessments have timed components. You will be informed of the allotted time prior to starting the test if this applies.  
The assessment is available until we have met the hiring need for the posted location making it imperative that you take the test at your earliest convenience.

If you have previously tested and passed:

Your result is good for two years from the date you passed the assessment, and the passing result is set on subsequent applications also requiring the same assessment.   If for some reason your application didn’t update:  
Click on the assessment link to be redirected to our third party's website.  
Accept the terms and then you will see a message: “Our records indicate you have already completed the required assessment. You do not need to take it again this time. Click on 'Continue' to have your previous responses applied.”  
Click 'Continue' to have your previous results applied to your new application.  
If this does not happen, create a ticket for UP to research further.   
Please note: We have multiple assessment types for our various job titles, positions, and departments. Assessments may be similar across the different job types but are different and specific to the various roles. If you feel that you have passed the appropriate assessment and your application is not updating with your passing result, please create a ticketfor UP to research further.

How to prepare for the test:

Click herefor sample test items by job title. The items are examples only and are meant to provide an idea of the content you can expect to see during the test, only.

Test Scoring and Results:

You will receive a pass or fail result only; actual scores are not provided to you or Union Pacific. Depending on the testing vendor you may see your results immediately after completing the assessment; otherwise, your results will be updated on your application within the hour of completing your assessment. Per Union Pacific policy, passing results are good for two years. Applicants failing an assessment can retest after 60 days.  
Assessment results will automatically update your application. You may see your result(s) in the ‘Jobs Applied’ section in your UP.jobs account. An email update will also be sent using the address in your candidate profile. 
Passing the assessment is required to be considered for an interview.  
If you fail the assessment, you can reapply and retest after 60 days (about two months).  
Once you are a UP employee, your passing result is good for the life of employment.

Experiencing a technical issue: 

If you experience technical issues while testing, such as losing your internet connection or power, your computer stops working or you are simply unable to complete the assessment in one sitting, you will be able to access your assessment exactly where you left off by following the instructions in your initial testing invitation. The system will recognize that you have an incomplete record and will put you back into the process where you left. 
If you have technical issues with the assessment, please refer to the message in your UP.jobs account or the testing invitation email for contact instructions for your specific testing vendor.

Reasonable accommodation:

If you need reasonable accommodation(s) due to a physical or cognitive disability it is important to request and obtain approval for accommodation before taking the test. We cannot reset the test if you take the assessment before requesting the accommodation.

Pre-Employment Testing

About the Test:  

Some assessments are optimized for mobile administration but unfortunately some are not. If your assessment needs to be completed on a laptop or computer, you will receive a 'Mobile Not Allowed' screen when accessing via your mobile device. Best practice is to take your assessment using a laptop or desktop computer.  
Some assessments have timed components. You will be informed of the allotted time prior to starting the test if this applies.  
The assessment is available until we have met the hiring need for the posted location making it imperative that you take the test at your earliest convenience.

If you have previously tested and passed:

Your result is good for two years from the date you passed the assessment, and the passing result is set on subsequent applications also requiring the same assessment.   If for some reason your application didn’t update:  
Click on the assessment link to be redirected to our third party's website.  
Accept the terms and then you will see a message: “Our records indicate you have already completed the required assessment. You do not need to take it again this time. Click on 'Continue' to have your previous responses applied.”  
Click 'Continue' to have your previous results applied to your new application.  
If this does not happen, create a ticket for UP to research further.   
Please note: We have multiple assessment types for our various job titles, positions, and departments. Assessments may be similar across the different job types but are different and specific to the various roles. If you feel that you have passed the appropriate assessment and your application is not updating with your passing result, please create a ticketfor UP to research further.

How to prepare for the test:

Click here for sample test items by job title. The items are examples only and are meant to provide an idea of the content you can expect to see during the test, only.

Test Scoring and Results:

You will receive a pass or fail result only; actual scores are not provided to you or Union Pacific. Depending on the testing vendor you may see your results immediately after completing the assessment; otherwise, your results will be updated on your application within the hour of completing your assessment. Per Union Pacific policy, passing results are good for two years. Applicants failing an assessment can retest after 60 days.  
Assessment results will automatically update your application. You may see your result(s) in the ‘Jobs Applied’ section in your UP.jobs account. An email update will also be sent using the address in your candidate profile. 
Passing the assessment is required to be considered for an interview.  
If you fail the assessment, you can reapply and retest after 60 days (about two months).  
Once you are a UP employee, your passing result is good for the life of employment.

Experiencing a technical issue: 

If you experience technical issues while testing, such as losing your internet connection or power, your computer stops working or you are simply unable to complete the assessment in one sitting, you will be able to access your assessment exactly where you left off by following the instructions in your initial testing invitation. The system will recognize that you have an incomplete record and will put you back into the process where you left. 
If you have technical issues with the assessment, please refer to the message in your UP.jobs account or the testing invitation email for contact instructions for your specific testing vendor.

Reasonable accommodation:

If you need reasonable accommodation(s) due to a physical or cognitive disability it is important to request and obtain approval for accommodation before taking the test. We cannot reset the test if you take the assessment before requesting the accommodation.