MRAB Meter Reader Aptitude Battery Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A customer asks to watch a meter reader perform the read on their meter. The meter reader should:

Allow it courteously and explain what they are doing if the customer asks questions (Correct answer)
Refuse because it is a security risk
Charge the customer an observation fee
Rush through the read to discourage observation

Correct answer: Allow it courteously and explain what they are doing if the customer asks questions

Customers have every right to observe a reading of their own meter, and allowing them to do so while providing a brief explanation builds trust and transparency.

Question 2: Last month a customer used 450 kWh. This month usage increased by 20%. What is this month's usage?

530 kWh
480 kWh
510 kWh
540 kWh (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 540 kWh

450 kWh × 1.20 = 540 kWh; a 20% increase adds 90 kWh (450 × 0.20 = 90) to the original 450.

Question 3: A route has 180 meters split equally across 6 streets. How many meters are on each street?

30 (Correct answer)
25
36
35

Correct answer: 30

180 ÷ 6 = 30 meters per street when distributed equally.

Question 4: If a hand is between 7 and 8, which number should you record?

7 (Correct answer)
9
6
8

Correct answer: 7

When reading a dial meter, the general rule is to record the lower number if the hand is positioned between two digits. The hand must fully pass a digit to count it. Therefore, if the hand is between 7 and 8, it has not yet reached 8, so 7 should be recorded.

Question 5: You know that Elm St is under construction, making it slower to travel. You need to visit Elm St, Oak St, and Maple St. Which route should you take if Oak St is the closest to your start point?

Oak St → Elm St → Maple St
Oak St → Maple St → Elm St (Correct answer)
Maple St → Oak St → Elm St
Elm St → Oak St → Maple St

Correct answer: Oak St → Maple St → Elm St

To determine the total number of meters read, you sum the meters completed in the morning and the afternoon. If the combined total of meters read was 193, it represents the sum of the two parts of the day's work. This is a basic addition problem to determine the overall productivity.

Question 6: Meter readers represent the utility company to the public. This means they should:

Give customers advice on reducing their bills
Avoid all customer interaction
Behave professionally, wear a uniform or ID badge, and act as a positive ambassador for the utility (Correct answer)
Make personal comments about the utility's pricing to customers

Correct answer: Behave professionally, wear a uniform or ID badge, and act as a positive ambassador for the utility

As the most visible utility employee many customers encounter, meter readers directly shape public perception of the company through their conduct, appearance, and communication.

Question 7: Why is it important for a meter reader to report a meter location that has excessive vegetation or overgrowth?

It increases the property's value
It is required for landscaping permits
Plants improve air quality near the meter
Overgrowth can hide hazards like snakes, insects, or unseen drop-offs that endanger future readers (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Overgrowth can hide hazards like snakes, insects, or unseen drop-offs that endanger future readers

Dense vegetation near meters can conceal dangerous animals, trip hazards, or unstable ground, making it a safety issue that needs to be flagged and cleared.

Question 8: A 'Danger: High Voltage' sign on a meter enclosure means a meter reader should:

Skip the read permanently
Contact a qualified electrician or utility technician before accessing the enclosure (Correct answer)
Proceed normally — the sign is just a formality
Remove the sign and read the meter

Correct answer: Contact a qualified electrician or utility technician before accessing the enclosure

High-voltage enclosures require trained personnel with proper PPE — a standard meter reader should not enter and must escalate to a qualified technician.

Question 9: Which of the following is the MOST important safety rule when approaching an unfamiliar property?

Knock and announce your presence before entering to alert residents and animals (Correct answer)
Assume the property is safe if no signs are posted
Walk through the yard quickly to save time
Enter from the back gate first

Correct answer: Knock and announce your presence before entering to alert residents and animals

Announcing your presence by knocking or calling out before entering alerts homeowners and pets, reducing the risk of startling them and causing a confrontation.

Question 10: Under OSHA regulations, employers are required to provide meter readers with safety training:

Only for workers who request it
Once every five years as a refresher
Before beginning work and whenever new hazards are introduced (Correct answer)
Only after an incident occurs

Correct answer: Before beginning work and whenever new hazards are introduced

OSHA standards require that workers receive safety training before starting work in hazardous conditions and whenever new hazards are identified in the workplace.

Question 11: A meter reader documents that a meter appears to have been tampered with. Which detail is LEAST important to include in the report?

The physical description of the suspected tampering
The meter's account number and location
The exact time and date of the observation
The reader's personal opinion on who may have caused it (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The reader's personal opinion on who may have caused it

Reports should be objective and fact-based; personal opinions about who caused tampering are inappropriate and potentially libelous.

Question 12: On a field data sheet, the column labeled 'Multiplier' contains the number 10. The dial reads 0873. What consumption figure should be recorded for billing?

873 units
0873 units
8,730 units (Correct answer)
87.3 units

Correct answer: 8,730 units

The dial reading of 0873 is multiplied by the meter's multiplier of 10, yielding a billing quantity of 8,730 units.

Question 13: A meter reader has completed 75% of their route, which involves reading 80 meters. How many meters have they completed?

64.00
66.00
62.00
60.00 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 60.00

Calculate 75% of 80: (75/100) × 80 = 60.

Question 14: Which of the following customer service principles is MOST important for a meter reader to demonstrate daily?

Giving customers whatever they ask for
Speed above all else, even if rude to customers
Consistency, courtesy, and professionalism on every property visit (Correct answer)
Avoiding all customer contact to focus on reading

Correct answer: Consistency, courtesy, and professionalism on every property visit

Consistent, courteous, and professional conduct on every visit ensures that all customers receive equitable service and builds long-term trust in the utility.

Question 15: A meter reader uses a handheld device that auto-populates the previous reading. The current dial shows 3,102 but the device shows the previous reading as 3,189. What should the reader do?

Override the previous reading to match the current one
Record 3,102 and note the negative consumption anomaly for supervisor review (Correct answer)
Record 3,189 as both the previous and current reading
Skip the account and move to the next

Correct answer: Record 3,102 and note the negative consumption anomaly for supervisor review

Recording the actual dial reading and flagging the anomaly ensures the data is accurate and allows the billing team to investigate the apparent decrease.

Question 16: You have the following records to file alphabetically. Which record comes first?

Miller, John
Smith, Emily
Adams, Laura (Correct answer)
Johnson, Michael

Correct answer: Adams, Laura

When filing records alphabetically by last name, the comparison begins with the first letter of the last name. 'Adams' starts with 'A', which comes before 'J' (Johnson), 'M' (Miller), and 'S' (Smith) in the alphabet. Therefore, 'Adams, Laura' would be the first record in an alphabetical filing sequence.

Question 17: On an electric meter with a rotating disc, the disc spinning very fast most likely indicates:

Low power consumption
The meter is about to fail
A reversed meter connection
High power consumption at that moment (Correct answer)

Correct answer: High power consumption at that moment

The disc rotation speed on an electromechanical meter is directly proportional to the rate of electricity consumption — faster means more load is being used.

Question 18: You need to transcribe the following address correctly: "1234 Elm St, Apt 56, Anytown, OH 43001." Which of the following is correct?

1234 Elm St, Apt 56, Anytown OH 43001
1234 Elm St, Apt. 56, Anytown, OH 43001 (Correct answer)
1234 Elm St Apt 56 Anytown OH 43001
1234 Elm St Apt 56, Anytown, OH 43001

Correct answer: 1234 Elm St, Apt. 56, Anytown, OH 43001

To file meter readings numerically, they must be arranged from the smallest value to the largest. The given readings are 76890, 87654, and 76543. When ordered numerically, the sequence is 76543 (first), 76890 (second), and 87654 (third). Therefore, 76890 is the reading that should be filed second.

Question 19: A meter reading field sheet includes a column for 'Read Code.' Which read code would typically indicate that a meter was read normally without any issues?

NR (Not Read)
OK or N (Normal) (Correct answer)
EST (Estimated)
HI (High Consumption)

Correct answer: OK or N (Normal)

A code such as OK or N signals to billing staff that the reading was obtained normally with no access issues, anomalies, or estimation required.

Question 20: What should you do if you encounter a locked gate?

Skip the reading and move on.
Leave a notice but do not mark the meter.
Force the gate open to take the reading.
Mark the meter as 'unreadable' and schedule a follow-up. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Mark the meter as 'unreadable' and schedule a follow-up.

A meter reader's priority is safety and adherence to company policy. Forcing entry through a locked gate is unsafe and could be considered trespassing. Marking the meter as 'unreadable' and scheduling a follow-up ensures the company is aware of the access issue and can arrange alternative solutions, maintaining proper procedure.

Question 21: When a meter reader cannot access a meter, what information should be recorded on the field sheet?

Only the estimated reading
The reason for non-access and the date/time of the attempt (Correct answer)
Nothing, skip and move to the next meter
The neighbor's name who provided the estimate

Correct answer: The reason for non-access and the date/time of the attempt

Recording the reason for non-access and the date/time creates a proper audit trail and supports billing decisions.

Question 22: A billing period covers 32 days. A customer's average daily water use is 85 gallons. Approximately how many gallons did they use this billing period?

2,850
2,550
2,720 (Correct answer)
3,000

Correct answer: 2,720

32 days × 85 gallons/day = 2,720 gallons for the billing period.

Question 23: When recording meter data electronically using a handheld device, what should a meter reader do if the device battery dies mid-route?

Memorize the remaining readings and enter them later
Stop work for the day
Record remaining readings on a paper backup and enter them into the system upon return (Correct answer)
Ask a nearby resident to remember the readings

Correct answer: Record remaining readings on a paper backup and enter them into the system upon return

Using a paper backup maintains an accurate record of readings taken and ensures data integrity when the electronic device fails.

Question 24: A meter reader's route shows meters on the north side of Oak Street between 1st and 5th Avenue. Moving west to east, which meter comes LAST?

Meter at 1st Ave
Meter at 3rd Ave
Meter at 5th Ave (Correct answer)
Meter at Oak & Main

Correct answer: Meter at 5th Ave

Moving west to east means you travel from lower-numbered avenues to higher-numbered ones, so 5th Avenue is reached last.

Question 25: A meter reader notices exposed wires near an electric meter. The correct response is to:

Push the wires aside and read the meter
Cover the wires with tape from their kit
Do NOT approach the meter and immediately report the hazard to the supervisor or dispatcher (Correct answer)
Read the meter and report the hazard to the office after completing the route

Correct answer: Do NOT approach the meter and immediately report the hazard to the supervisor or dispatcher

Exposed electrical wires create an immediate electrocution hazard — the meter reader must not approach and must report it immediately for a trained technician to handle.

Question 26: What is the first action a meter reader should take if they suspect tampering?

Ignore the issue and continue
Document the findings in the system.
Report the issue to the supervisor. (Correct answer)
Take a photo.

Correct answer: Report the issue to the supervisor.

Suspected meter tampering is a serious issue that requires official investigation and handling by authorized personnel. A meter reader's role is to identify and report such anomalies, not to confront or investigate. Reporting it immediately to a supervisor ensures proper protocol is followed, the situation is documented, and appropriate action can be taken by the company.

Question 27: A customer reports that they believe their meter was not read last month. A professional meter reader should:

Check available records for that account and report the concern to a supervisor if confirmed (Correct answer)
Skip the current month's read to make up for it
Tell the customer they are wrong
Blame a different employee

Correct answer: Check available records for that account and report the concern to a supervisor if confirmed

Investigating the customer's concern professionally and escalating to a supervisor if the complaint has merit reflects good customer service standards.

Question 28: Proper body mechanics when lifting a heavy meter vault cover include:

Twisting your body to one side while pulling
Squatting down, keeping your back straight, and lifting with your legs (Correct answer)
Bending at the waist and using your back
Lifting with one hand only

Correct answer: Squatting down, keeping your back straight, and lifting with your legs

Safe lifting technique requires bending at the knees, keeping the back straight, and using leg muscles to lift — this protects the spine from injury.

Question 29: A meter is located at the back of a property that is 100 feet deep from the street. The meter reader enters from the front and walks straight back. How far will they walk in total (to and from the meter)?

50 feet
150 feet
100 feet
200 feet (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 200 feet

The meter reader walks 100 feet to the meter and 100 feet back, totaling 200 feet of walking for that single read.

Question 30: A meter reader is facing north and turns 90 degrees to the right. Which direction are they now facing?

East (Correct answer)
West
North
South

Correct answer: East

Turning 90 degrees clockwise (to the right) from north brings you to face east.

Question 31: Meter readers in the US must typically comply with which agency's safety standards when working near electrical equipment?

FCC
EPA
OSHA (Correct answer)
FDA

Correct answer: OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets the workplace safety standards that meter readers must follow when working near electrical meters and equipment.

Question 32: A meter reader estimates they can read about 50 meters in an hour. If they have 235 meters to read, approximately how long will it take them?

4 hours
5 hours (Correct answer)
5.5 hours
4.5 hours

Correct answer: 5 hours

To calculate the approximate time, divide the total number of meters by the rate at which meters can be read per hour. 235 meters / 50 meters/hour = 4.7 hours. Since 4.7 hours is closer to 5 hours than 4.5 hours, and practical scheduling often rounds up, 5 hours is the most reasonable approximation.

Question 33: You have the following stops to make: 123 Elm St, 789 Maple Ave, 456 Oak St, 321 Pine Rd. If all roads are straight and there are no traffic lights, which sequence minimizes the total distance traveled?

Maple Ave → Oak St → Elm St → Pine Rd
Pine Rd → Elm St → Oak St → Maple Ave
Elm St → Maple Ave → Oak St → Pine Rd (Correct answer)
Elm St → Oak St → Maple Ave → Pine Rd

Correct answer: Elm St → Maple Ave → Oak St → Pine Rd

Route optimization aims to minimize driving time by planning the most efficient path. Option A suggests a direct progression from the starting point (Main St) through each street in a logical sequence (Park St, Lake St, Hill St, River Rd). Without a map or specific travel times, this linear progression is generally the most efficient strategy to avoid detours and backtracking, thus minimizing overall driving time.

Question 34: Your starting point is at 100 Main St. You need to visit the following addresses: 200 Park St, 300 Lake St, 400 Hill St, 500 River Rd. Which route should you take to minimize driving time?

Main St → Lake St → River Rd → Hill St → Park St
Main St → Park St → Lake St → Hill St → River Rd (Correct answer)
Main St → River Rd → Hill St → Park St → Lake St
Main St → Hill St → Park St → Lake St → River Rd

Correct answer: Main St → Park St → Lake St → Hill St → River Rd

Effective route planning involves considering external factors like traffic conditions. Since 5th Avenue experiences heavy traffic between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, the most efficient strategy is to avoid it during that peak time. By visiting 7th Ave and 6th Ave first, the meter reader can then proceed to 5th Ave after 9:00 AM when traffic is expected to have subsided, minimizing delays and optimizing the route.

Question 35: Which notation should a meter reader use when a meter display is partially obscured and the reading is uncertain?

Record the best estimate with no notation
Leave the field blank entirely
Call in the reading verbally only
Mark the reading with an uncertainty flag or question mark and note the condition (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Mark the reading with an uncertainty flag or question mark and note the condition

Flagging an uncertain reading alerts billing staff to verify the data before issuing invoices, preventing overcharges or undercharges.

Question 36: Which of the following is the best indicator that a meter reader has strong spatial reasoning skills?

They can visualize a route in their head and navigate without constantly checking a map (Correct answer)
They can memorize long lists of numbers
They can type quickly
They are good at arithmetic

Correct answer: They can visualize a route in their head and navigate without constantly checking a map

Strong spatial reasoners can mentally map their environment, anticipate turns, and navigate efficiently — a core skill for meter readers covering large routes.

Question 37: A meter reader's handheld device shows a meter location symbol 3 blocks ahead and 1 block to the left. Starting from their current position, what is the minimum number of blocks they must walk?

5
2
4 (Correct answer)
3

Correct answer: 4

The minimum path is 3 blocks forward plus 1 block left = 4 blocks total, assuming a standard grid with no shortcuts.

Question 38: A district has 4,800 meters divided among 8 meter readers. Each reader is assigned an equal number. One reader calls in sick — their meters are split equally among the remaining 7. How many meters does each remaining reader now have?

685
686.7
700
686 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 686

Each original reader had 600 meters; the sick reader's 600 are split among 7: 600 ÷ 7 ≈ 85.7 extra each, so 600 + 85.7 ≈ 685.7 ≈ 686 meters per reader.

Question 39: A meter reader's route has 315 meters. They have read 189 meters. What percentage of the route is complete?

70%
55%
65%
60% (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 60%

189 ÷ 315 = 0.60, which equals 60% of the route completed.

Question 40: In extreme summer heat, a meter reader should take precautions against heat-related illness by:

Drinking plenty of water throughout the shift and taking rest breaks in shade (Correct answer)
Drinking energy drinks instead of water
Wearing extra layers to sweat more
Working faster to finish sooner

Correct answer: Drinking plenty of water throughout the shift and taking rest breaks in shade

Hydration and scheduled rest breaks in shaded or cool areas are the primary defenses against heat exhaustion and heat stroke during outdoor fieldwork.

Question 41: On a standard 5-dial meter, when a pointer appears to be exactly on a number, you should:

Record the next higher number
Check the dial to the right to confirm (Correct answer)
Average the two adjacent numbers
Record the number the pointer is on

Correct answer: Check the dial to the right to confirm

When a pointer appears to be exactly on a number, check the next dial to the right — if it has passed zero, record the number; if not, record the lower number.

Question 42: A meter reader reads 125 meters in the morning and 78 meters in the afternoon. How many meters did they read in total?

203
193 (Correct answer)
223
213

Correct answer: 193

To find out how many more readings are needed, you subtract the number of readings completed today from the number completed yesterday. Yesterday, 200 readings were recorded, and today 150 have been completed. Therefore, 200 - 150 = 50 more readings are required to match yesterday's total.

Question 43: In which scenario would an estimated reading most appropriately be used in documentation?

When the reader forgot to bring the field sheet
When the meter is inaccessible due to flooding and a safe reading cannot be obtained (Correct answer)
When the reader is running behind schedule
When the actual reading seems too high

Correct answer: When the meter is inaccessible due to flooding and a safe reading cannot be obtained

Estimated readings are a legitimate tool when safety or physical access prevents an actual reading, and they must always be clearly labeled as estimates in the record.

Question 44: A meter reader needs to check 12 blocks of houses, with 15 meters per block. How many meters do they need to check in total?

180 (Correct answer)
160
120
150

Correct answer: 180

To calculate the number of meters completed, you need to find 75% of the total route. This is done by multiplying the total number of meters (80) by the percentage completed (0.75). So, 80 * 0.75 = 60 meters have been completed.

Question 45: You know that traffic is heavy on 5th Avenue between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. If you have stops at 10 5th Ave, 20 6th Ave, and 30 7th Ave, how should you plan your route?

Avoid 5th Ave entirely and rearrange the schedule.
Start with 7th Ave, then 6th Ave, and end with 5th Ave after 9:00 AM. (Correct answer)
Start with 6th Ave, then 5th Ave, and end with 7th Ave.
Start with 5th Ave before 8:00 AM, then 6th Ave, and end with 7th Ave.

Correct answer: Start with 7th Ave, then 6th Ave, and end with 5th Ave after 9:00 AM.

When a specific stop has a time-sensitive deadline, it becomes the priority in route planning. Since Elm St requires a reading by 10:00 AM, the meter reader must visit Elm St first to ensure this deadline is met. After completing the time-sensitive stop, the remaining stops (Maple St and Oak St) can then be visited in any convenient order, with a logical progression often being the most efficient.

Question 46: A gas meter reading last month was 4,789 CCF and this month is 4,832 CCF. What is the monthly consumption in CCF?

53 CCF
43 CCF (Correct answer)
47 CCF
33 CCF

Correct answer: 43 CCF

4,832 − 4,789 = 43 CCF of gas consumed in the billing period.

Question 47: A figure shows a cross-shaped floor plan. How many corners (right angles) does the perimeter of a cross shape have?

16
4
8
12 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 12

A standard cross shape has 12 corners along its perimeter — four outer convex corners and eight inner concave corners.

Question 48: Which of the following is an appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) item for a meter reader working near electrical meters?

Cotton gloves
Insulated rubber gloves rated for electrical work (Correct answer)
Latex surgical gloves
No gloves are needed

Correct answer: Insulated rubber gloves rated for electrical work

Insulated rubber gloves with appropriate voltage ratings protect against accidental contact with live electrical components near meter panels.

Question 49: What is the primary purpose of a test meter or check meter installed alongside a customer's main meter?

To supply backup power
To reset the main meter remotely
To verify the accuracy of the main meter (Correct answer)
To measure reactive power only

Correct answer: To verify the accuracy of the main meter

A check meter is installed to compare readings against the main meter and confirm it is measuring consumption accurately.

Question 50: If a customer offers a meter reader food or a gift, the appropriate response according to most utility codes of conduct is to:

Politely decline and explain that accepting gifts is against company policy (Correct answer)
Report the customer for attempted bribery
Accept only small items like drinks
Accept generously to maintain good customer relations

Correct answer: Politely decline and explain that accepting gifts is against company policy

Most utility codes of conduct prohibit employees from accepting gifts, tips, or gratuities from customers to avoid conflicts of interest and maintain impartiality.

Question 51: Which of the following behaviors best reflects professionalism when a meter reader is working on a customer's property?

Moving personal items to access the meter and not replacing them
Closing and latching any gate opened, leaving the property as found (Correct answer)
Reading the meter from the neighbor's property to save time
Leaving gates open for convenience on the way out

Correct answer: Closing and latching any gate opened, leaving the property as found

Leaving a property exactly as found — including closing gates and replacing moved items — demonstrates professionalism and prevents security or safety issues for the customer.

Question 52: A digital meter displays 09998. If usage since last read is 45 units, what will the meter display next read?

00043 (Correct answer)
10053
10043
09953

Correct answer: 00043

The meter rolls over from 09998 to 00000 at 10000, then continues to 00043 after 45 units of usage.

Question 53: A meter reader is paid $18.50 per hour and works 8 hours per day, 5 days per week. What are their total gross weekly earnings?

$730.00
$740.00 (Correct answer)
$750.00
$720.00

Correct answer: $740.00

$18.50/hour × 8 hours/day × 5 days/week = $740.00 gross weekly earnings.

Question 54: Yesterday, a meter reader recorded 200 meter readings. Today, they have completed 150. How many more readings must they complete to reach the same number as yesterday

60
50 (Correct answer)
80
70

Correct answer: 50

To find the total number of meters to check, you multiply the number of blocks by the number of meters per block. There are 12 blocks, and each block has 15 meters. Therefore, 12 blocks multiplied by 15 meters/block equals 180 meters in total.

Question 55: A meter reader discovers a customer's water meter showing a very high consumption rate mid-cycle. The best customer service action is to:

Say nothing and submit the reading as normal
Leave a courtesy notice informing the customer of the unusually high usage so they can check for leaks (Correct answer)
Contact the press
Turn off the customer's water without permission

Correct answer: Leave a courtesy notice informing the customer of the unusually high usage so they can check for leaks

Proactively notifying customers of unusually high reads is a value-added service that helps them detect leaks early and demonstrates the utility's commitment to customer welfare.

Question 56: A meter reader is told the meter box is '10 feet east and 5 feet north of the front door.' If they are standing at the front door facing the house, they should walk:

10 feet forward and 5 feet to the left
10 feet to their right and 5 feet backward
10 feet to their left and 5 feet forward
10 feet to their right and 5 feet forward (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 10 feet to their right and 5 feet forward

When facing a house that faces south, east is to your left as you face it, but from the front door facing the house, east (right hand side of the house) is to your right — so walk right 10 feet and forward 5 feet.

Question 57: If a meter has a multiplier of 10 and displays a reading of 3,456, what is the actual recorded consumption?

3,456
345.6
34,560 (Correct answer)
346

Correct answer: 34,560

Meter reading (3,456) × multiplier (10) = 34,560 actual units consumed.

Question 58: Which of the following should a meter reader always carry for customer identification purposes?

Their personal driver's license only
Their personal business cards
An official company ID badge or identification credential (Correct answer)
A copy of the customer's bill

Correct answer: An official company ID badge or identification credential

An official company ID badge verifies the reader's identity and authority to access the property, reassuring customers and deterring fraudulent access claims.

Question 59: Three consecutive monthly gas readings are: 1,200 | 1,248 | 1,312. What was the consumption in the SECOND month?

48 CCF
64 CCF (Correct answer)
52 CCF
112 CCF

Correct answer: 64 CCF

The second month's consumption is 1,312 − 1,248 = 64 CCF.

Question 60: Smart meters (AMI) differ from traditional meters primarily because they:

Measure only gas, not electricity
Automatically transmit usage data to the utility without a manual read (Correct answer)
Require monthly manual reads
Use dials instead of digital displays

Correct answer: Automatically transmit usage data to the utility without a manual read

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) smart meters send usage data automatically at regular intervals, reducing or eliminating the need for manual reads.

Question 61: A meter reader notices a meter box that has been flooded with standing water. They should:

Use a stick to stir the water and see the display
Skip it and estimate the reading
Report the hazard and do not attempt to read the meter until it has been inspected by a technician (Correct answer)
Reach in and read the meter while wearing rubber gloves

Correct answer: Report the hazard and do not attempt to read the meter until it has been inspected by a technician

Water in a meter enclosure creates an electrocution or gas leak risk — it must be reported and cleared by qualified personnel before any reading attempt.

Question 62: When a customer's meter is located inside their home and no one answers the door, the meter reader should:

Enter the home anyway since it is utility property
Estimate the reading and move on
Leave an inaccessible meter notice with instructions to contact the utility to schedule an interior read (Correct answer)
Break a window to gain access

Correct answer: Leave an inaccessible meter notice with instructions to contact the utility to schedule an interior read

Interior meters require the customer to be home and consent to entry — leaving a notice and scheduling a revisit is the only legally and ethically appropriate action.

Question 63: You have to complete three meter readings, with one stop requiring a reading by 10:00 AM. The stops are at 100 Elm St, 200 Maple St, and 300 Oak St. Which route should you take if Elm St requires the reading by 10:00 AM?

Elm St → Maple St → Oak St (Correct answer)
Maple St → Oak St → Elm St
Oak St → Maple St → Elm St
Elm St → Oak St → Maple St

Correct answer: Elm St → Maple St → Oak St

Route optimization requires balancing proximity with known obstacles. Starting with Oak St, which is closest, is efficient. Since Elm St is under construction and slower, it should be scheduled later in the route to minimize its impact on overall travel time. Visiting Maple St next and saving the slower Elm St for last allows for a more efficient flow, reducing the cumulative delay caused by the construction.

Question 64: Why is it important to document the physical condition of a meter (e.g., cracked casing, water damage) during a routine reading?

To alert maintenance crews so repairs can be scheduled before the meter fails or reads inaccurately (Correct answer)
Because damaged meters automatically report higher usage
To increase the length of daily reports
To avoid personal liability if the meter was already damaged

Correct answer: To alert maintenance crews so repairs can be scheduled before the meter fails or reads inaccurately

Documenting meter damage initiates a maintenance workflow that prevents inaccurate readings and costly billing disputes caused by faulty equipment.

Question 65: You are given a list of meter readings: 34567, 34657, 35467, 34567. Identify the duplicate reading.

There is no duplicate (Correct answer)
34567
34657
35467

Correct answer: There is no duplicate

Correct transcription requires meticulous attention to detail, including proper punctuation and standard abbreviations. Option A correctly uses a comma after the street name, abbreviates 'Apartment' as 'Apt.' with a period, and accurately places commas between the city and state, and before the zip code. These conventions ensure clarity and accuracy in addressing.

Question 66: A route book lists meter locations as: A=NW corner, B=NE corner, C=SE corner, D=SW corner of the same block. Reading them in alphabetical order, what shape does the path trace?

A Z pattern
A clockwise square loop (Correct answer)
A straight line
A cross

Correct answer: A clockwise square loop

Going NW → NE → SE → SW traces the corners of the block in a clockwise square pattern.

Question 67: A customer used 2,340 kWh of electricity this month. If the rate is $0.12 per kWh, what is the electricity charge before taxes?

$240.00
$260.80
$281.80
$280.80 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $280.80

2,340 kWh × $0.12/kWh = $280.80 as the base electricity charge before any taxes or fees.

Question 68: A meter reader discovers that the account number on the field sheet does not match the number on the meter. What is the correct action?

Record the reading under whichever account is listed first
Document the discrepancy and report it to the supervisor before recording (Correct answer)
Skip the meter and continue the route
Estimate the reading and move on

Correct answer: Document the discrepancy and report it to the supervisor before recording

Documenting and reporting the account number mismatch ensures the reading is assigned to the correct customer account and prevents billing errors.

Question 69: A customer confronts a meter reader and angrily claims their bill is too high. The best response is to:

Promise to reduce their bill
Listen calmly, explain your role, and direct them to contact the utility's billing department (Correct answer)
Ignore them and walk away
Argue that the meter is always correct

Correct answer: Listen calmly, explain your role, and direct them to contact the utility's billing department

Meter readers are not billing agents — the proper response is to listen respectfully, clarify the scope of your role, and refer billing disputes to the appropriate department.

Question 70: A meter reader arrives and cannot access the meter because a locked gate blocks entry. The correct action is to:

Leave a door hanger and report the meter as inaccessible (Correct answer)
Climb the gate
Estimate the reading based on prior usage
Return the following month without noting anything

Correct answer: Leave a door hanger and report the meter as inaccessible

Standard utility procedure requires leaving a notice for the customer and flagging the account as inaccessible so a follow-up read or estimate can be properly processed.

Question 71: On a map, a meter reader's current location is marked with a star. The next meter is 2 inches northeast on a 1 inch = 500 feet scale map. What is the approximate straight-line distance in feet?

500 feet
707 feet
1,000 feet (Correct answer)
1,414 feet

Correct answer: 1,000 feet

Two inches on a 1 inch = 500 feet map equals 1,000 feet of straight-line distance (2 × 500 = 1,000 feet).

Question 72: A meter reading of 09987 is followed next month by 00053. This most likely indicates:

The meter rolled over from its maximum reading to zero (Correct answer)
The customer used a negative amount of utilities
The previous reading was incorrectly recorded as too high
A billing error that should be ignored

Correct answer: The meter rolled over from its maximum reading to zero

When a meter reaches its maximum dial value (99999) it rolls over to 00000, so 00053 means the meter cycled through zero and consumption must be calculated accordingly.

Question 73: If a meter's current reading appears unusually high compared to prior months, a meter reader should:

Disconnect service immediately
Reduce the reading to match prior usage
Re-read the meter carefully and note the unusual consumption on the read card (Correct answer)
Accept it and move on

Correct answer: Re-read the meter carefully and note the unusual consumption on the read card

Unusual reads should be double-checked and flagged so the utility office can investigate whether there is a leak, equipment fault, or misread.

Question 74: A route map shows meters labeled A through E placed on alternating sides of the street. Meter A is on the left, B on the right, C on the left. Where is meter D?

At the corner
Left side
Right side (Correct answer)
Center of street

Correct answer: Right side

The alternating pattern is left, right, left, right — so meter D follows meter C (left) and must be on the right side.

Question 75: Which action is required when a meter reader witnesses a utility line down on the ground?

Step over it carefully and continue working
Move the line with a wooden stick to clear the path
Drive over it if the vehicle has rubber tires
Keep a safe distance of at least 30 feet and call emergency services and the utility immediately (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Keep a safe distance of at least 30 feet and call emergency services and the utility immediately

Downed power lines can be energized and deadly — the safe action is to stay at least 30 feet away and immediately contact emergency services and the utility company.

Question 76: A meter reader must read meters on both sides of Main Street from 1st to 10th Avenue. To minimize backtracking, the most efficient approach is to:

Read all left-side meters first, then all right-side meters
Read both sides simultaneously by zigzagging across the street
Read meters in the order they appear in the route book regardless of side
Read left side going east, then right side going west (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Read left side going east, then right side going west

Reading one side going east and the other side going west (a boustrophedon or S-curve pattern) eliminates backtracking and is the standard efficient field approach.

Question 77: A meter reader drives 120 miles per route day and gets reimbursed at $0.67 per mile. What is the daily mileage reimbursement?

$80.40 (Correct answer)
$80.00
$70.40
$84.00

Correct answer: $80.40

120 miles × $0.67/mile = $80.40 daily mileage reimbursement.

Question 78: A meter reader is assigned 150 accounts per day and must enter readings into a handheld device. At the end of the route, 148 readings are logged but 2 accounts show as 'pending.' What is the correct next step?

Carry over the pending accounts to the following month's route
Submit the 148 readings and mark the 2 as complete anyway
Estimate the 2 pending readings and enter them without notation
Return to or contact the supervisor about the 2 pending accounts to resolve them before route submission (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Return to or contact the supervisor about the 2 pending accounts to resolve them before route submission

Pending accounts must be resolved—either by returning to the site or notifying a supervisor—before submission to ensure all customers are billed accurately.

Question 79: Which of the following spatial skills is MOST directly tested by the MRAB exam?

Architectural drafting
GPS satellite navigation programming
3D computer modeling
Understanding spatial relationships and map reading for route navigation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Understanding spatial relationships and map reading for route navigation

The MRAB tests practical spatial reasoning needed to navigate neighborhoods, read route maps, and locate meters efficiently.

Question 80: A meter reader's vehicle breaks down in a hazardous location on a busy road. The safest action is to:

Stand behind the vehicle to warn approaching traffic
Stay in the vehicle with seatbelt on and call for assistance
Move to a safe distance from the vehicle and call for help (Correct answer)
Attempt to push the vehicle off the road alone

Correct answer: Move to a safe distance from the vehicle and call for help

Moving away from the disabled vehicle to a safe distance (guardrail, hillside, behind a barrier) and calling for help protects the worker from being struck by passing traffic.

Question 81: On a grid street map, a meter reader starts at the intersection of 3rd Street and Elm Avenue. They walk 2 blocks east, then 3 blocks north. Which intersection are they at?

6th Street and Elm Avenue
5th Street and 3rd Avenue
5th Street and Elm Avenue (Correct answer)
3rd Street and Elm Avenue

Correct answer: 5th Street and Elm Avenue

Moving 2 blocks east stays on 3rd Street but advances from Elm to 5th Avenue equivalent in east direction; moving 3 blocks north advances the street count — the final position is 5th Street (after 2 east blocks) then north 3 = 5th + 3 north streets on the 5th Avenue column, but for a simple grid moving east 2 blocks and north 3 blocks from (3rd & Elm) lands at 5th Street and Elm (east) / north would be 3 blocks up.

Question 82: Which condition would require a meter reader to flag a meter for further inspection?

The meter is located inside the home
The meter reading is lower than the previous recorded reading (Correct answer)
The meter has a digital display
The meter is mounted at eye level

Correct answer: The meter reading is lower than the previous recorded reading

A current reading lower than the prior reading (without meter rollover) is a red flag indicating a possible tampered, malfunctioning, or misread meter.

Question 83: What is the purpose of the 'Dig Safe' or 'Call 811' requirement before fieldwork involving excavation near meters?

To request a parking permit for the work area
To order construction materials in advance
To identify and mark underground utilities so workers don't accidentally strike them (Correct answer)
To notify neighbors about road closures

Correct answer: To identify and mark underground utilities so workers don't accidentally strike them

Calling 811 (the national call-before-you-dig hotline) ensures underground utilities are marked before any digging, preventing deadly strikes on gas, electric, or water lines.

Question 84: A meter reading recorded as 7,304 last month and 7,291 this month (no rollover). What action is most appropriate?

Ignore the discrepancy
Flag the account — a lower reading without rollover suggests a meter error or misread (Correct answer)
Record 7,291 as the reading
Subtract the values and bill for negative consumption

Correct answer: Flag the account — a lower reading without rollover suggests a meter error or misread

A current reading lower than a prior reading without meter rollover indicates a potential misread or meter malfunction that must be flagged for investigation.

Question 85: If a CCF (hundred cubic feet) of gas contains approximately 1,020 BTUs per cubic foot, how many BTUs are in 1 CCF?

1,020
1,020,000
10,200
102,000 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 102,000

1 CCF = 100 cubic feet; 100 × 1,020 BTU/cf = 102,000 BTUs per CCF.

Question 86: A meter reader walks north 4 blocks, east 3 blocks, south 4 blocks, and west 3 blocks. Where are they relative to their starting point?

3 blocks east
4 blocks north
Back at the starting point (Correct answer)
3 blocks west

Correct answer: Back at the starting point

The north and south movements cancel (4N − 4S = 0) and the east and west movements cancel (3E − 3W = 0), returning the reader to their exact starting point.

Question 87: A water meter rolled over from 99,950 to 00,025 since last month's reading of 99,950. What is the actual consumption?

99,925 gallons
25 gallons
75 gallons (Correct answer)
100,025 gallons

Correct answer: 75 gallons

After rollover: the meter went from 99,950 to 100,000 (50 units) and then to 00,025 (25 more units), totaling 75 units of consumption.

Question 88: When leaving a 'unable to access meter' notice for a customer, the notice should include:

Your personal phone number
Your supervisor's home address
A demand for immediate payment
Contact information for the utility and instructions on how to provide a self-read or schedule access (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Contact information for the utility and instructions on how to provide a self-read or schedule access

Inaccessible meter notices must include utility contact information and clear next steps so the customer can resolve the access issue promptly.

Question 89: How long should it take to read 50 meters under normal conditions?

150 minutes
50 minutes
100 minutes (Correct answer)
75 minutes

Correct answer: 100 minutes

This question establishes a benchmark for the time required per meter under normal conditions. If it takes 100 minutes to read 50 meters, this implies an average of 2 minutes per meter. This rate accounts for not just the act of reading but also travel time between meters, potential access challenges, and other real-world factors encountered during a route.

Question 90: A meter reading of 04821 was recorded last month. This month the meter shows 05109. What is the consumption?

298
288 (Correct answer)
268
278

Correct answer: 288

Consumption is calculated by subtracting the previous reading from the current reading: 05109 − 04821 = 288 units.

Question 91: A meter reader notices the meter seal has been broken. This should be:

Photographed and then resealed on the spot
Noted and reported to the utility as possible tampering (Correct answer)
Repaired immediately by the meter reader
Ignored if the reading looks normal

Correct answer: Noted and reported to the utility as possible tampering

A broken seal is a sign of possible meter tampering or unauthorized access and must be reported so the utility can investigate.

Question 92: A meter reader reads 15 meters per hour on average. How many meters can they read in a 7.5-hour shift?

100
113
112 (Correct answer)
105

Correct answer: 112

15 meters/hour × 7.5 hours = 112.5, which rounds to 112 full meter reads in a standard shift.

Question 93: A meter reader has completed 75% of a 240-meter route. How many meters remain to be read?

60 (Correct answer)
180
40
80

Correct answer: 60

75% completed means 25% remaining; 25% of 240 = 0.25 × 240 = 60 meters left.

Question 94: A customer complains that their meter is installed in an inconvenient location. The meter reader should:

Agree to relocate the meter immediately
Tell the customer to move the meter themselves
Ignore the complaint
Listen, acknowledge their concern, and provide the correct utility department contact for meter relocation requests (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Listen, acknowledge their concern, and provide the correct utility department contact for meter relocation requests

Meter relocation is an engineering and operations matter handled by a different utility department — meter readers should listen and direct customers to the appropriate contact.

Question 95: A customer becomes verbally aggressive and threatening toward a meter reader. The correct response is to:

Engage in argument to resolve the dispute on the spot
Threaten to cut off their service
Calmly disengage, leave the property safely, and report the incident to a supervisor (Correct answer)
Continue working and ignore the behavior

Correct answer: Calmly disengage, leave the property safely, and report the incident to a supervisor

De-escalation and retreat are the correct responses to threatening behavior — personal safety comes first, and the incident must be documented for appropriate follow-up.

Question 96: Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between a street map's scale and actual distance?

Map scales are always in metric units in the US
1 inch on the map equals the same number of feet as the stated scale ratio (Correct answer)
A larger scale means shorter actual distances
Scale only applies to vertical distances

Correct answer: 1 inch on the map equals the same number of feet as the stated scale ratio

A map scale directly relates map distances to real-world distances — if the scale is 1 inch = 1,000 feet, then measuring 1 inch on the map means 1,000 feet in reality.

Question 97: If you are entering the following meter readings: 10256, 20578, 19864, what is the correct sequence to enter them?

10256, 20578, 19864 (Correct answer)
19864, 10256, 20578
10256, 19864, 20578
20578, 19864, 10256

Correct answer: 10256, 20578, 19864

To identify a duplicate reading, each number in the provided list must be carefully compared. If all numbers are unique, meaning no number appears more than once, then there is no duplicate reading present. In this specific scenario, if the intended list contains only unique values, the correct conclusion is that no duplicate exists.

Question 98: Which shape best represents the cross-section of a standard round gas service pipe as viewed from the end?

Square
Circle (Correct answer)
Hexagon
Triangle

Correct answer: Circle

Standard gas service pipes have a round (circular) cross-section when viewed end-on.

Question 99: Looking at a house from the street, the meter is described as being on the 'east side.' If you are standing at the front of the house facing it, the east side is to your:

Right
Left (Correct answer)
Directly in front
Directly behind you

Correct answer: Left

If you face a house from the street and the house faces south (toward you), east is to your left — the right side of the house as you look at it.

Question 100: Which of the following best describes a 'multiplier' on a utility meter?

The meter's serial number prefix
The number of dials on the meter face
The number of billing cycles per year
A factor by which the meter reading must be multiplied to get actual usage (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A factor by which the meter reading must be multiplied to get actual usage

Some meters use a multiplier (e.g., ×10 or ×100) so that the displayed reading must be multiplied by that factor to determine actual consumption.

Question 101: A meter is described as being 'behind the second house on the north side of Maple Street.' Which of the following diagrams best helps a reader find it?

A list of meter serial numbers
A street map showing house positions and north arrow (Correct answer)
A chart of billing cycle dates
A spreadsheet of previous readings

Correct answer: A street map showing house positions and north arrow

A street map with house positions and a north direction indicator allows the reader to visually locate the second house on the north side and identify the backyard meter location.

Question 102: When completing a meter reading route sheet at the end of the day, why is it important to record both the start time and the end time of the route?

Because the time of reading affects the meter's measurement accuracy
To determine how fast the reader is working for performance reviews only
To provide an accountability record and help verify that all stops were visited within the expected window (Correct answer)
To calculate overtime pay automatically

Correct answer: To provide an accountability record and help verify that all stops were visited within the expected window

Recording route start and end times helps supervisors verify that all meters were read within the billing window and provides an audit trail for any disputes.

Question 103: When a gas meter is located in an enclosed pit, a meter reader should:

Pry the lid off and lean in
Enter immediately and read the meter
Skip the read and mark it as inaccessible
Use a flashlight to read through the lid without entering (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Use a flashlight to read through the lid without entering

Meter readers should use a flashlight or mirror to read pit-mounted meters from above to avoid hazardous confined space entry.

MRAB Meter Reader Aptitude Battery Test

The MRAB (Meter Reader Aptitude Battery) is an EEI pre-employment assessment for utility meter reader positions. It measures perceptual speed, reasoning ability, and information retention through two timed sections: Using Tables and Coding.

103

Questions

11 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

corporate.pseg.com — Exam format, passing score, time limit, exam information · verified Oct 2026
eei.org — Test delivery, score release, score validity, eligibility · verified Oct 2026