Console operator basic requirements assessment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does COBRA stand for?
The acronym stands for Console Operator Basic Requirements Assessment . It is a four-hour computer based employee selection test that can be used with candidates having no prior experience in the petroleum, chemical, utility, mining, or pipeline industry.

What does the test measure?
COBRA was developed to assess the most important cognitive abilities needed by individuals who work a console position. For example:

~ Selective attention - the ability to concentrate in the face of distractions
~ Problem sensitivity - the ability to determine at the earliest stage when something is wrong
~ Time-sharing - the ability to multi-task
~ Reasoning - the ability to think through how an action will trigger subsequent actions
~ Resistance to premature judgment - the ability to not "over-operate" the console
~ Speed of closure - the ability to make sense out of large amounts of process information
~ Response orientation - the ability to quickly choose between two or more actions

Has the test been validated?
COBRA has been empirically validated in five separate studies. In each case we found a statistically significant correlation between COBRA scores and job performance. In other words, the test is defensible.

What is the turnaround time for the company to receive test results?
Test administrators have access to an Administration Utility and can receive results immediately following the test session.

How quickly can I start using COBRA?
The COBRA software kit is shipped as soon as the license agreement is signed. We offer a one-day administrator training workshop along with a comprehensive instruction manual and technical support. You will be ready to test one or one hundred applicants immediately.

What results can I expect to achieve by using COBRA?
Our COBRA clients notice a decrease in attrition, faster training time, and safer operation with fewer incidents.

What are the costs involved?
We offer a variety of pricing options to suit your budget. The most popular is the unlimited site license which includes a one-time license fee plus a modest annual maintenance fee. We also offer per-user pricing. Multi-site and enterprise-wide licenses receive volume discounts.

Who administers the COBRA test?
As you begin to think about implementing COBRA you will naturally consider who will administer the COBRA test. We offer free training with the purchase of your license so you can administer the test yourself.

What if I want to conduct the testing at an off-site location?
We work with a number of third parties (i.e., staffing companies, community colleges, and IT colleges) who you can contact to rent testing rooms with PC’s or, in some cases, you can even hire them to administer the test for you and give you the results. Once you have entered into an agreement with the third party, we will work with them directly to install the COBRA software and provide all the training and support they need to ensure your testing sessions go smoothly.

Has the test been reviewed for discrimination?
We have completed a comprehensive analysis. We are happy to share the results of this analysis with your Human Resources and Legal departments and participate in discussions to help answer their specific questions.

What kind of computer do I need to run COBRA?
The program is run from individual computers and is not structured for web-based access. The COBRA software runs on the most basic PC. At a minimum we recommend the following:

~ CPU : 700 MHz or faster
~ Memory : 384 MB minimum
~ Hard Drive : 650 MB minimum free space
~ Graphics Card : 1024 x 768 resolution
~ Monitor : 15” minimum (17” recommended)
~ Software : Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10
~ Memory : 384 MB minimum
~ Digital Audio Card : MS Windows compatible audio card
~ Headphones : 1/8” jack stereo headphones with 6 ft. cord and volume adjustment wheel
~ Pointing Device : Mouse or trackball
~ Output Device : USB flash drive

How do I get COBRA support?
We have a COBRA support hotline and email that are available 24/7 to handle all of your support needs.