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OverviewNature of WorkKnowledge AreasSkills Utilized
Job ActivitiesAbilitiesJob ConditionsWork SatisfactionEducation/Training

Ability Areas

Learn about the most important abilities for Power Plant Operators. Also, find out how proficient you have to be in each ability.

Importance*More Info
1.Oral Comprehension75
2.Deductive Reasoning72
Oral Expression72
4.Inductive Reasoning69
5.Problem Sensitivity66
6.Near Vision63
Selective Attention63
8.Arm-Hand Steadiness60
Perceptual Speed60
Written Comprehension60
* Importance out of 100

Score Key
  Importance for success in this profession
  Level of proficiency needed

Ability Area Scores

Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
75
54
Understand a television commercialUnderstand a coach's oral instructions for a sportUnderstand a lecture on advanced physics
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
72
48
Know that a stalled car can coast downhillDecide what factors to consider in selecting stocksDesign an aircraft wing using principles of aerodynamics
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
72
57
Cancel newspaper delivery by phoneGive instructions to a lost motoristExplain advanced principles of genetics to college freshmen
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
69
46
Decide what to wear based on the weather reportDetermine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidenceDiagnose a disease using results of many different lab tests
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
66
48
Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't workRecognize from the mood of prisoners that a prison riot is likely to occurRecognize an illness at an early stage of a disease when there are only a few symptoms
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
63
52
Read dials on the dashboard of a carRead the fine print of a legal documentDetect minor defects in a diamond
Selective Attention
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
63
50
Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearbyMonitor security TV screens for intruders throughout the night shiftStudy a technical manual in a noisy boiler room
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
60
45
Light a candleThread a needleCut facets in a diamond
Perceptual Speed
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
60
52
Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressureRead five temperature gauges in 10 seconds to make sure each temperature is within safe limitsInspect electrical parts for defects as they flow by on a fast-moving assembly line
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
60
48
Understand signs on the highwayUnderstand an apartment leaseUnderstand an instruction book on repairing missile guidance systems