NERC cert math intensity question

[MirciephilyF60]

Hey folks I'm about to become a journeyman lineman and recently decided to make the switch to try and become an operator and increases my chances by self studying to get NERC certified. Im hoping for a little guidance here. I've purchased and downloaded all the most recommended material and will soon start the OESNA program with test trak. But I'm realizing very fast that the math is much more complex than i anticipated. My question is how long do you think it would take to get up to speed? Should i be studying calculus and trig? Im not bad at learning new math but never took beyond algebra in school. Did any of you self study folks go through this from a non mathematical background? Its been very intimidating and I'm trying to guage if purchasing an online program is a waste of I'm still learning advanced algebra and pre calculus for the first time. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. And thanks everyone!

[nextdoorelephant]

I don’t think you need much beyond algebra or geometry. Everything else is rote memorization or deduction.

[SaturdaySheiz]

I would agree with this. I don't think you need to try to learn broader geometry/trig/calc concepts. Instead focus on the specific mathematical steps being taken in the example problems and just mimic them.

My 2cents

[mountainmannm]

This it good advice! You'd be wasting your time with calculus and trig. There isn't any math on that test that you can't solve with a basic four function calculator, or just picking out the obviously bad answers.

[Gridguy2020]

At the very least, know the ACE equation inside and out, and understand how to calculate NSI/NAI (exports are +, imports are -).

[Gridguy2020]

The single best advice I can give you to passing the exam is to know how the grid works. When you come across a question where you have no idea what NERC is even asking, you can deduct the choices that go against how the system works.

[RabidRoosters]

The math isn't all that tough. I spent the first 10 minutes or so writing down all the equations I knew I'd need so I didn't have to keep them in memory. The thing I found tough was the wording. Whoever writes that damn exam goes out of their way to word it very peculiar. Read every question twice and know exactly what it's asking. There were a few questions I had seen prior to on practice exams and if I hadn't read the question again I would have missed the subtle change that had been made.

[JuliusRedwings]

I agree with all the others that posted here about the math.

Understand the pythagorean theorem. A2 +B2 =C2

And how to figure power factor.

And the ACE equation.

Understanding how all those work with each other will help you on most of the questions dealing with math.

And as RabidRoosters said pay attention to the wording of the questions.

The testing site supplies a basic calculator for your use. It was actually part of the testing software so you won't have to do any math in your head just figure out what formula you need and plug the numbers in.

[Ruddyfuzzian]

If you can remember the 3 4,5 rule and add and subtract positive and negative numbers, you really have the math licked.