I decided to write a companion post on the MTA Conductor exam because I have received so many questions from readers in my other post on studying for the test (which can be found here). This is an effort to help people figure out what comes next.

So, first things first: Relax!  You've studied and taken the exam so the hardest part is over. Now starts the second hardest part, waiting for results. Below are some of the questions posed by readers of my post in regards to what happens after the test and my answers (most of which are courtesy of the testing institution, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority).

I bought a copy of the study guide and no longer need it, what do I do with it?

If you just want to donate it, then the library can always use more copies. You can donate to any location. If you want to get money back, you may want to put it for sale on Amazon or Ebay. Just remember, the book is only in demand when an exam comes out so now that it has finished I doubt there will be much interest. You may want to hold onto it until the next one comes out and people really need it.

How do I find the answer key for the test I took? What is my score?

Visit the answer key page.

There you will find the answers for various MTA exams. Please look for Conductor, Exam No. 6601, then look for the date you took the test. You will see exact dates, as well as whether it was AM or PM for that day.

As for figuring out your score, you can try a simple math formula. To calculate a test score, you divide 100 by the amount of test questions there are. Once you do that, you get what each question is worth. Take the number of questions that are wrong and multiply it by the worth of each question. Subtract that figure from 100 and you will know your score.

I checked my answers and it looks like I scored pretty well on the test. When can I expect to hear from the MTA?

Remember thousands of people have taken the exam, so there is no way to tell offhand what your position will be on the list. You have to wait until you receive your actual number to know for sure.  According to the MTA:

"LIST ESTABLISHMENT / NOTICE OF RESULTS: (UPDATED)
At this time, we do not have an expected month in which this list will be made public or established. Once the list is established, you will receive your official Notice of Results in the mail.   " 

Please check their information page for any updates!

You will receive the results in the mail so make sure your contact information is accurate. 

To update your address, you may do one of the following:

• Visit the MTA Exam Information Center located in the lobby of 180 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, Mondays through Fridays, between 9 AM – 3 PM
• Email them at examsunit@nyct.com
• Fax them at (347) 643-8110

I took the test but have yet to recieve any information about my score or place on the list? What is going on?

From what I understand according to those who took the test in the comments section, scores have been sent out and likley are still being sent out. If you took the test and have not heard anything your only option is to use one of the contact methods listed above and/or wait until you get something the mail. Rest assured if you did well enough to be considered you will hear from them. 

I didn't score so great on the test, will I get on the list?

In order to pass the exam you had to get a score of at least 70, but be mindful as I mentioned above that thousands of people have taken the exam. Therefore those who scored highest are most likely to get called. Wait for the results and see your place on the eligibility list before writing it off.

I got my score and it's in the 90's, I'm definitely in right?

Over 30,000 people took the exam so it may matter where in the 90's your score is. Along with the score you should have received your actual number on the list. If they had a high amount of people score 96 and above, your score would need to be in that range to even be considered. Remember there are limited spots and a limited time frame for the filling of those spots so the higher you are the better. It is possible that someone might have scored say a 93 but still end up with a list number of 8,000, it all depends on what the average score was.

I did okay but my list number isn't really high. If I don't get called do I have to take the test again the next time around?

Unfortunately you would have to take the test again to be considered. The list they issue is only good until the next time they give an exam which is usually every four years. Once that four year period comes they would have exhausted the list and that could mean they may have stopped in the 4,000's, 5,000's, etc. It all depends on how many positions became available during that time period.

I missed the test, how long do I have to wait before it is given again?

Usually these exams are given every four years, but as with many city agencies much depends on funding as well as whether positions open up (i.e., employees retiring or moving on to other positions). So there is no concrete answer for when it will happen again, but at the very least it would be four years.

What is the difference between a conductor and a train operator?

Some people want to know this because the exams are often offered in the same year. The positions are actually very different and the job explanations are available on the exam notices. Here are the requirements of each position as stated in their notices.

Conductor

 Conductors, under supervision, are responsible for the safe, timely and proper operation of the Transit Authority’s trains in customer, yard and work train service. In customer service, they open and close doors, make proper announcements to customers and set up the automatic announcement system. While in road service, they interact with the Train Operator, Supervision and the Control Center when necessary. They provide flagging protection service duties, such as setting up flags and light signals and take other required measures for the protection of workers performing work on or near trainways. They work as platform conductors in the stations; patrol platforms; assist customers in safely entering and exiting trains, and assist in the timely dispatch of trains from key stations. They operate hand-thrown switches in the yards; make reports of unusual occurrences; and perform related work.

Train Operator

Train Operators, under supervision, have direct responsibility for the safe, timely and proper operation of MTA New York City Transit multi-unit subway cars, subway service cars and trains in accordance with the rules, regulations and special instructions governing such operation. They operate trains in revenue and non-revenue road service, and in yard or terminal service; prepare trains for road service and switch cars in yards; in revenue road service, convey passengers over assigned routes; may open and close doors in stations and terminals; may make announcements; in non-revenue road service, operate work trains and revenue collection trains; in yards and terminal service, switch cars, prepare trains for road service and operate trains between yards and terminals; convey trains into facilities for inspection and repair, and through car washes for cleaning; and perform related work.

The most basic explanation I gave someone is this: 
The conductor is the person who sits in the middle car of the train, opening and closing doors, making announcements, providing customer service etc. The train operator is the one actually driving the train and is in charge of all train operations. Another major difference, to be eligible to be a train operator you must have a valid NY State driver's license as well as one full year of work experience that has been continuous with one employer along with a high school diploma (or its equivalent). The conductor exam only requires a high school diploma (or its equivalent).

Is there such a position as an assistant conductor, and if so how would I apply for that position?

I can find no evidence that the MTA uses assistant conductors in New York City. I did come across mention of this position for both the Metro North Rail Road and Long Island Rail Road. If you are interested in seeing if and when this position opens up, please visit the MTA employment page. There you can click on the specific branches of the MTA and see what jobs are available.

I'm interested in taking exams for other MTA positions, how do I go about that?

The MTA usually has a full list of upcoming exams for the year posted on their website with the dates of when they will be. When registration opens you will see a button that says Apply Now. Visit the MTA page for the list.

Disclaimer: I do not work for the MTA and have answered these questions to the best of my ability with the information provided from the MTA. If you have more question in regards to the exam I suggest contacting them directly via email, examsunit@nyct.com, or their Information Center in Brooklyn.