GENERAL METER READER JOB SKILLS ASSESSMENT PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |STUDY GUIDE|
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
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CORE DOMAINS
Meter Reading Fundamentals and Data Recording
Basic Mathematics and Arithmetic Computations
Electricity and Utility Systems Basics
Safety Protocols and Cal/OSHA Compliance
Regulatory Compliance and Legal Requirements
Ethics and Professional Standards
Tampering Detection and Damage Reporting
Customer Interaction and Communication Skills
Equipment Operation and Handheld Devices
Real-World Scenario Decision-Making
INTRODUCTION
,This assessment prepares candidates for meter reader positions at California utility companies including PG&E,
SCE, and water districts. The exam evaluates foundational knowledge required to read electric, water, and gas
meters accurately and record consumption data properly. Skills assessed include basic arithmetic (addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, ratios), reading comprehension, attention to accuracy, and
mechanical aptitude. The multiple-choice and scenario-based structure emphasizes real-world application of
meter reading techniques, safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and ethical decision-making. Candidates will
encounter questions about tampering detection, damage reporting procedures, Cal/OSHA safety requirements,
customer interaction protocols, and proper use of handheld recording devices. Success requires demonstrating
both technical knowledge and professional judgment in field situations.
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SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
What is the primary duty of a meter reader?
A. Repairing damaged utility meters
B. Reading utility meters and recording consumption data
C. Installing new utility meters for customers
D. Investigating customer billing disputes
🟢 B. Reading utility meters and recording consumption data
,🔴 RATIONALE: The core function of a meter reader is to visit locations, read utility meters (electric, water,
gas), and accurately record the consumption data for billing purposes. Repair, installation, and billing dispute
investigation are handled by other specialized personnel.
Question 2
When calculating a customer's usage, which formula is correct?
A. Current reading + Previous reading
B. Current reading - Previous reading
C. Current reading × Previous reading
D. Previous reading - Current reading
🟢 B. Current reading - Previous reading
🔴 RATIONALE: Usage is calculated by subtracting the previous billing period's reading from the current
reading. This gives the amount of utility consumed during the current period. Adding, multiplying, or reversing
the subtraction would produce incorrect usage figures.
Question 3
A water meter reads 45,892 last month and 46,127 this month. What is the usage?
, A. 235 gallons
B. 235 cubic feet
C. 235 hundred cubic feet (HCF)
D. 2,350 gallons
🟢 C. 235 hundred cubic feet (HCF)
🔴 RATIONALE: Usage = 46,127 - 45,892 = 235. Water meters in California typically measure in hundred cubic
feet (HCF), where 1 HCF = 748 gallons. The answer is 235 HCF, not gallons.
Question 4
Which safety item is REQUIRED for meter readers working in construction zones per Cal/OSHA?
A. Tennis shoes
B. Hard hat
C. Sunglasses
D. Cotton gloves
🟢 B. Hard hat
🔴 RATIONALE: Cal/OSHA Title 8 requires hard hats in construction zones where head injury hazards exist.
Tennis shoes are unsafe (need steel-toe boots), sunglasses don't provide safety protection, and cotton gloves
don't meet safety glove requirements for hazardous environments.
Question 5
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |STUDY GUIDE|
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
*
CORE DOMAINS
Meter Reading Fundamentals and Data Recording
Basic Mathematics and Arithmetic Computations
Electricity and Utility Systems Basics
Safety Protocols and Cal/OSHA Compliance
Regulatory Compliance and Legal Requirements
Ethics and Professional Standards
Tampering Detection and Damage Reporting
Customer Interaction and Communication Skills
Equipment Operation and Handheld Devices
Real-World Scenario Decision-Making
INTRODUCTION
,This assessment prepares candidates for meter reader positions at California utility companies including PG&E,
SCE, and water districts. The exam evaluates foundational knowledge required to read electric, water, and gas
meters accurately and record consumption data properly. Skills assessed include basic arithmetic (addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, ratios), reading comprehension, attention to accuracy, and
mechanical aptitude. The multiple-choice and scenario-based structure emphasizes real-world application of
meter reading techniques, safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and ethical decision-making. Candidates will
encounter questions about tampering detection, damage reporting procedures, Cal/OSHA safety requirements,
customer interaction protocols, and proper use of handheld recording devices. Success requires demonstrating
both technical knowledge and professional judgment in field situations.
*
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
What is the primary duty of a meter reader?
A. Repairing damaged utility meters
B. Reading utility meters and recording consumption data
C. Installing new utility meters for customers
D. Investigating customer billing disputes
🟢 B. Reading utility meters and recording consumption data
,🔴 RATIONALE: The core function of a meter reader is to visit locations, read utility meters (electric, water,
gas), and accurately record the consumption data for billing purposes. Repair, installation, and billing dispute
investigation are handled by other specialized personnel.
Question 2
When calculating a customer's usage, which formula is correct?
A. Current reading + Previous reading
B. Current reading - Previous reading
C. Current reading × Previous reading
D. Previous reading - Current reading
🟢 B. Current reading - Previous reading
🔴 RATIONALE: Usage is calculated by subtracting the previous billing period's reading from the current
reading. This gives the amount of utility consumed during the current period. Adding, multiplying, or reversing
the subtraction would produce incorrect usage figures.
Question 3
A water meter reads 45,892 last month and 46,127 this month. What is the usage?
, A. 235 gallons
B. 235 cubic feet
C. 235 hundred cubic feet (HCF)
D. 2,350 gallons
🟢 C. 235 hundred cubic feet (HCF)
🔴 RATIONALE: Usage = 46,127 - 45,892 = 235. Water meters in California typically measure in hundred cubic
feet (HCF), where 1 HCF = 748 gallons. The answer is 235 HCF, not gallons.
Question 4
Which safety item is REQUIRED for meter readers working in construction zones per Cal/OSHA?
A. Tennis shoes
B. Hard hat
C. Sunglasses
D. Cotton gloves
🟢 B. Hard hat
🔴 RATIONALE: Cal/OSHA Title 8 requires hard hats in construction zones where head injury hazards exist.
Tennis shoes are unsafe (need steel-toe boots), sunglasses don't provide safety protection, and cotton gloves
don't meet safety glove requirements for hazardous environments.
Question 5
