This information applies to U.S. opportunities only.

If you are a technician candidate, you need a completed Associate’s Degree (in electronics or related technical discipline) or the equivalent job-related military training (DD214). 

The selection process includes:

  • Pre-employment assessment exams for technicians
  • General Technical Knowledge Assessment (GenTech)

Candidates must pass the technician pre-employment assessment before they are invited to complete the General Technical Knowledge Assessment (GenTech).

The General Technical Knowledge Assessment (GenTech) is administered to candidates who have passed the Technician Pre-employment Assessment. The assessment focuses on the knowledge areas that are relevant to a technician's job. Download and try the GenTech practice questions.

GenTech consists of 9 technical knowledge areas grouped into three domains:

1. Basic electronics

  • AC circuits
  • DC circuits
  • Discrete components
  • Dimensions and unit

2. Basic technical science

  • Basic Physics
  • Basic Chemistry

3. Applied electrical

  • Industrial control systems
  • Power supplies
  • Mechanics and electrical/Mechanical shop

Technician pre-employment test battery

Texas Instruments has designed a thorough selection process that assesses the skills needed to be a successful technician. The information below briefly describes one of the first steps in the selection process, the completion of the Technician Pre-Employment Assessment. This assessment is comprised of the following four areas: Applied Reading, Arithmetic Reasoning, Troubleshooting and Background Information.

The purpose of this information is to give you an opportunity to look over sample questions that are similar to those you will find in your test battery. Please read the descriptions and practice questions carefully, as they should help you feel more comfortable and familiar with the types of questions you can expect on each test.

Applied Reading

This test will assess your reading comprehension and ability to reason and apply rules when faced with practical situations. You will be presented with seven different passages and asked which of several decisions would be correct, given the information presented. You will be asked to complete as many questions as possible in the time allotted.

There is only one correct answer for each question. Scores will be based on the number of questions answered correctly. There are a total of 20 questions, and 30 minutes have been allotted to complete this test.

Example passage

According to company policy, all individuals on company premises must be identified by an appropriate badge, which is issued in the main reception area. Badges are issued according to the individual’s status as an employee, contractor, or visitor. Employees are responsible for ensuring that appropriate badges are worn by both themselves and their guests.

Badges are issued as follows:

Employee badge: All permanent employees should be issued a photo ID.

Temporary badge: Non-employees who will be on the company premises for more than 1 day, but less than 5 days should be issued a temporary badge.

Contractor badge: Non-employees who will be on company premises for 5 days or more should be issued a contractor badge.

Visitor badge: Non-employees who will be on the company premises for no more than 1 day.

Example question

Arrangements have been made for a consultant to work with an employee’s team for 5 days. What type of badge should the consultant be issued?

  • A. Employee badge
  • B. Temporary badge
  • C. Contractor badge
  • D. Visitor badge

The correct answer to the example question is "C" (Contractor badge) because the individual is not an employee and will be working on company premises for 5 days. According to the policy, non-employees who will be on company premises for 5 business days or more should be issued a Contractor badge.

Arithmetic Reasoning

This is a test of your ability to solve arithmetic problems using information presented in short, job-related paragraphs or tables. The questions require you to calculate the correct answer. Scratch paper and a calculator are provided for calculations.

You will be asked to complete as many questions as possible in the time allotted. There is only one correct answer for each question. Scores will be based on the number of questions answered correctly. There are a total of 20 questions, and 35 minutes have been allotted to complete this test. Some questions may have a test resource that will need to be carefully read to answer the question correctly.

Example question

1300 wafers were produced during week one, 1350 wafers during week two, 1210 wafers during week three, and 1160 wafers during week four. How many wafers were produced?

  • A. 1,300
  • B. 1,350
  • C. 3,860
  • D. 5,020

The answer is D. The number of wafers produced during weeks 1-4 is added together (1300+1350+1210+1160) to equal 5,020 wafers.

Troubleshooting

This is a test of your ability to troubleshoot and solve problems related to integrated systems. You will be asked to solve problems related to a diagram by following and applying several written rules.

All of the information needed to answer the questions is presented in the diagrams and rules. You will be instructed not to draw upon information you may have learned in other jobs or through past experience to answer the questions. You will be given a sample question to answer before the test begins.

You will be asked to complete as many questions as possible in the time allotted. There is only one correct answer for each question. Scores will be based on the number of questions answered correctly. There are a total of 24 questions, and 35 minutes have been allotted to complete this test.

Each question has a diagram that shows a production control system with various interconnected sensors. The sensors transmit information from one sensor to the next and ultimately connect to an indicator light. There are rules that describe how information in this control system is transmitted between the sensors.

You will be asked to carefully review each diagram and the corresponding rules, and will be instructed to use only the diagram and the rules to answer each question.

Background Information

This section includes questions about your experiences, interests and preferences. Each question provides a list of options from which to choose. You should select the one option that is most true. There are a total of 79 questions and you will have as much time as necessary to complete this section.

Example question

In current or previous job(s), education, or other similar experiences, what was usually done when a difficult work assignment needed to be solved?

  • A. Usually sat down and, after carefully thinking about the problem, solved it.
  • B. Usually talked it over with coworkers, classmates, or friends to help solve the problem.
  • C. Usually talked it over with their supervisor, teacher, or other advisor to help solve the problem.
  • D. Usually did not think about the problem for a couple of days so that they were able to tackle it with a fresh outlook.
  • E. Has never encountered a difficult work assignment.

You should choose the option that is most true for you. If, for example, you have never encountered a difficult work assignment, you should choose option E. Some of the questions may not apply exactly and you will be instructed to consider the general sense of the question and pick the choice that comes closest to describing your situation. You will be reminded to respond accurately and honestly to every question since the answers chosen will be subject to verification.