LADWP METER READER EXAM – CLASS 1611 EXAM |NEWEST PRACTICE EXAM
WITH COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES |
ALREADY GRADED A+| |BRAND NEW VERSION!!
SECTION 1: METER READING FUNDAMENTALS AND PROCEDURES (Q1-Q40)
Q1. What is the primary responsibility of a Meter Reader according to the LADWP
Class 1611 position?
A. Repair damaged electrical transformers and water mains
B. Accurately read water and electric meters and record information using a hand-
held computer
C. Approve customer billing adjustments and payment plans
D. Design meter reading routes and schedules
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The primary responsibility of a Meter Reader is to accurately read
water and electric meters and record the information using a hand-held
computer. Meter Readers work outdoors, walk in excess of seven miles per day,
and deal tactfully and courteously with customers. They do not repair equipment,
approve billing adjustments, or design routes—those are responsibilities of other
classifications.
Q2. How many miles per day might a Meter Reader be expected to walk?
A. 2-3 miles
B. 4-5 miles
C. 7 or more miles
D. 10-12 miles
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: According to the LADWP job description, Meter Readers walk in
excess of seven miles per day in hilly and flat terrain. This requires good physical
condition and stamina. The role involves extensive walking, climbing stairs, and
navigating various outdoor environments.
Q3. What equipment must a Meter Reader carry throughout the workday?
A. Approximately 5 pounds
B. Approximately 15 pounds
C. Approximately 25 pounds
1
,D. Approximately 50 pounds
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Meter Readers carry approximately 15 pounds of equipment all day
and may carry up to 25 pounds on a regular basis. This equipment typically
includes a hand-held computer, meter reading tools, maps, and safety equipment.
Physical capability is a key competency for this role.
Q4. How should a Meter Reader handle a hostile dog encountered on a route?
A. Ignore the dog and continue reading the meter
B. Retreat to a safe location and report the hazard
C. Attempt to calm the dog by offering food
D. Use a loud whistle to scare the dog away
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Safety is the top priority. If a hostile dog is encountered, the Meter
Reader should retreat to a safe location and report the hazard. Meter Readers
must contend with hostile dogs as part of the job. The correct procedure is to
avoid confrontation, not attempt to calm or scare the animal, and to report the
hazard so that it can be addressed.
Q5. What should a Meter Reader do if a meter display is partially obscured by dirt
but several digits are still distinguishable?
A. Record the visible digits and leave the rest blank
B. Estimate the obscured digits based on the previous reading
C. Clean the meter display and obtain the complete reading
D. Skip the meter and report it as inaccessible
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: An accurate meter reading requires obtaining the complete register
reading. If the display is obscured by dirt, the Meter Reader should clean it to
obtain the full reading. Recording partial readings or estimating is not acceptable
and can lead to billing errors. If the meter cannot be cleaned or accessed, it
should be reported as inaccessible.
Q6. What is the primary purpose of a meter reading route?
A. To ensure meters are read in the most efficient sequence
2
,B. To provide exercise for the Meter Reader
C. To avoid customer interaction
D. To reduce the number of meters read per day
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: A meter reading route is designed to ensure meters are read in the
most efficient sequence, minimizing travel time and maximizing productivity.
Routes are typically organized by geographic area and may be adjusted for special
readings, new accounts, or field conditions.
Q7. What should a Meter Reader do if a customer asks a question about their bill?
A. Provide a detailed explanation of billing calculations
B. Refer the customer to the appropriate department for assistance
C. Ignore the question and continue reading the meter
D. Promise to have the bill adjusted
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Meter Readers are expected to deal tactfully and courteously with
customers in answering inquiries and complaints regarding service. However,
detailed billing questions should be referred to the appropriate customer service
department. Meter Readers should not provide billing calculations, make
promises about adjustments, or ignore customers.
Q8. What is the correct procedure for entering a customer's property to read a
meter?
A. Enter without announcement and read the meter quickly
B. Knock or ring the doorbell, announce your purpose, and proceed if no objection
C. Wait for the customer to invite you in
D. Only enter if the customer is home
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The standard procedure is to knock or ring the doorbell, announce
your purpose (e.g., "LADWP Meter Reader"), and proceed if there is no objection.
If the customer objects, the Meter Reader should explain the purpose and, if
necessary, leave a notice. Entering unannounced is unprofessional and could
cause alarm.
3
, Q9. What should a Meter Reader do if a meter is inaccessible due to a locked
gate?
A. Climb over the gate
B. Leave a notice and report the meter as inaccessible
C. Wait until someone comes out
D. Estimate the reading based on neighboring meters
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: If a meter is inaccessible, the Meter Reader should leave a notice
(door hanger or similar) informing the customer of the attempted reading and
report the meter as inaccessible. Climbing over gates is unsafe and
unprofessional. Waiting indefinitely is not productive, and estimating readings is
inaccurate.
Q10. What is the purpose of a hand-held computer for a Meter Reader?
A. To play games during breaks
B. To record meter readings and route information electronically
C. To communicate with other Meter Readers
D. To access the internet
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The hand-held computer (often called a meter reading device or
mobile data terminal) is used to record meter readings, route information, and
field observations electronically. It may also provide navigation, meter history,
and communication with the office. It is not intended for personal use.
Q11. What should a Meter Reader do if they observe a safety hazard such as a
downed power line?
A. Attempt to move the power line out of the way
B. Ignore it and continue reading meters
C. Secure the area, warn others, and report the hazard immediately
D. Take a photo and post it on social media
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Safety is the top priority. If a downed power line or other safety
hazard is observed, the Meter Reader should secure the area, warn others to stay
4
WITH COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES |
ALREADY GRADED A+| |BRAND NEW VERSION!!
SECTION 1: METER READING FUNDAMENTALS AND PROCEDURES (Q1-Q40)
Q1. What is the primary responsibility of a Meter Reader according to the LADWP
Class 1611 position?
A. Repair damaged electrical transformers and water mains
B. Accurately read water and electric meters and record information using a hand-
held computer
C. Approve customer billing adjustments and payment plans
D. Design meter reading routes and schedules
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The primary responsibility of a Meter Reader is to accurately read
water and electric meters and record the information using a hand-held
computer. Meter Readers work outdoors, walk in excess of seven miles per day,
and deal tactfully and courteously with customers. They do not repair equipment,
approve billing adjustments, or design routes—those are responsibilities of other
classifications.
Q2. How many miles per day might a Meter Reader be expected to walk?
A. 2-3 miles
B. 4-5 miles
C. 7 or more miles
D. 10-12 miles
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: According to the LADWP job description, Meter Readers walk in
excess of seven miles per day in hilly and flat terrain. This requires good physical
condition and stamina. The role involves extensive walking, climbing stairs, and
navigating various outdoor environments.
Q3. What equipment must a Meter Reader carry throughout the workday?
A. Approximately 5 pounds
B. Approximately 15 pounds
C. Approximately 25 pounds
1
,D. Approximately 50 pounds
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Meter Readers carry approximately 15 pounds of equipment all day
and may carry up to 25 pounds on a regular basis. This equipment typically
includes a hand-held computer, meter reading tools, maps, and safety equipment.
Physical capability is a key competency for this role.
Q4. How should a Meter Reader handle a hostile dog encountered on a route?
A. Ignore the dog and continue reading the meter
B. Retreat to a safe location and report the hazard
C. Attempt to calm the dog by offering food
D. Use a loud whistle to scare the dog away
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Safety is the top priority. If a hostile dog is encountered, the Meter
Reader should retreat to a safe location and report the hazard. Meter Readers
must contend with hostile dogs as part of the job. The correct procedure is to
avoid confrontation, not attempt to calm or scare the animal, and to report the
hazard so that it can be addressed.
Q5. What should a Meter Reader do if a meter display is partially obscured by dirt
but several digits are still distinguishable?
A. Record the visible digits and leave the rest blank
B. Estimate the obscured digits based on the previous reading
C. Clean the meter display and obtain the complete reading
D. Skip the meter and report it as inaccessible
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: An accurate meter reading requires obtaining the complete register
reading. If the display is obscured by dirt, the Meter Reader should clean it to
obtain the full reading. Recording partial readings or estimating is not acceptable
and can lead to billing errors. If the meter cannot be cleaned or accessed, it
should be reported as inaccessible.
Q6. What is the primary purpose of a meter reading route?
A. To ensure meters are read in the most efficient sequence
2
,B. To provide exercise for the Meter Reader
C. To avoid customer interaction
D. To reduce the number of meters read per day
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: A meter reading route is designed to ensure meters are read in the
most efficient sequence, minimizing travel time and maximizing productivity.
Routes are typically organized by geographic area and may be adjusted for special
readings, new accounts, or field conditions.
Q7. What should a Meter Reader do if a customer asks a question about their bill?
A. Provide a detailed explanation of billing calculations
B. Refer the customer to the appropriate department for assistance
C. Ignore the question and continue reading the meter
D. Promise to have the bill adjusted
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Meter Readers are expected to deal tactfully and courteously with
customers in answering inquiries and complaints regarding service. However,
detailed billing questions should be referred to the appropriate customer service
department. Meter Readers should not provide billing calculations, make
promises about adjustments, or ignore customers.
Q8. What is the correct procedure for entering a customer's property to read a
meter?
A. Enter without announcement and read the meter quickly
B. Knock or ring the doorbell, announce your purpose, and proceed if no objection
C. Wait for the customer to invite you in
D. Only enter if the customer is home
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The standard procedure is to knock or ring the doorbell, announce
your purpose (e.g., "LADWP Meter Reader"), and proceed if there is no objection.
If the customer objects, the Meter Reader should explain the purpose and, if
necessary, leave a notice. Entering unannounced is unprofessional and could
cause alarm.
3
, Q9. What should a Meter Reader do if a meter is inaccessible due to a locked
gate?
A. Climb over the gate
B. Leave a notice and report the meter as inaccessible
C. Wait until someone comes out
D. Estimate the reading based on neighboring meters
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: If a meter is inaccessible, the Meter Reader should leave a notice
(door hanger or similar) informing the customer of the attempted reading and
report the meter as inaccessible. Climbing over gates is unsafe and
unprofessional. Waiting indefinitely is not productive, and estimating readings is
inaccurate.
Q10. What is the purpose of a hand-held computer for a Meter Reader?
A. To play games during breaks
B. To record meter readings and route information electronically
C. To communicate with other Meter Readers
D. To access the internet
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The hand-held computer (often called a meter reading device or
mobile data terminal) is used to record meter readings, route information, and
field observations electronically. It may also provide navigation, meter history,
and communication with the office. It is not intended for personal use.
Q11. What should a Meter Reader do if they observe a safety hazard such as a
downed power line?
A. Attempt to move the power line out of the way
B. Ignore it and continue reading meters
C. Secure the area, warn others, and report the hazard immediately
D. Take a photo and post it on social media
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Safety is the top priority. If a downed power line or other safety
hazard is observed, the Meter Reader should secure the area, warn others to stay
4
