Post by mikeinthehills on Aug 7, 2013 18:31:05 GMT -5
Hi all, I have been a lurker here since the Spring, although I have participated in the polls. I am an outsider to the process (private practice, civil litigation, no SSA or disability experience), so I haven't felt I have had anything to add. But I have taken some great information and advice from you all, so I thought I could finally contribute. I have some information to provide and one comment I would like to make.
I was in DC yesterday (Tuesday) for the testing and had my SI this morning. As has been reported, the testing room seats 32, although there were 29 in my class (Funkyodar we need new stats and all the speculation that follows). You meet in the lobby, are sheparded around as a group and aren't allowed to leave the premises during the lunch break. There is an area of single seat tables along one wall in the test room, but the two person tables have plenty of room so there is no need to try to scramble. Water was allowed. The set up is a lap top and full keyboard. I had no issue with keyboard clicking. The keyboards seemed quiet and, honestly, once it started I heard nothing and didn't look up for four hours.
The cafeteria was fine. You don't get there until late (after one) so it is not busy with OPM staff. Then the LBMT in the afternoon.
The SI is at the Embassy Suites and it is easy to find your way around. This does not divulge any confidentiality because the signs are posted for the public to see: there were 7 panels working.
I mostly wanted to post this comment. During my day plus in DC, I spoke with about a dozen of the other candidates, in lines, at lunch, during breaks and in the "bull pen" prior to the SI. They were an engaging, smart group of people. I would have no qualms about any of them conducting or deciding a matter I was involved in. I know little about the history of OPM hiring for ALJ positions. But, from what I experienced in DC, they are doing something right.
Good luck too all of you as this crazy process continues!
I was in DC yesterday (Tuesday) for the testing and had my SI this morning. As has been reported, the testing room seats 32, although there were 29 in my class (Funkyodar we need new stats and all the speculation that follows). You meet in the lobby, are sheparded around as a group and aren't allowed to leave the premises during the lunch break. There is an area of single seat tables along one wall in the test room, but the two person tables have plenty of room so there is no need to try to scramble. Water was allowed. The set up is a lap top and full keyboard. I had no issue with keyboard clicking. The keyboards seemed quiet and, honestly, once it started I heard nothing and didn't look up for four hours.
The cafeteria was fine. You don't get there until late (after one) so it is not busy with OPM staff. Then the LBMT in the afternoon.
The SI is at the Embassy Suites and it is easy to find your way around. This does not divulge any confidentiality because the signs are posted for the public to see: there were 7 panels working.
I mostly wanted to post this comment. During my day plus in DC, I spoke with about a dozen of the other candidates, in lines, at lunch, during breaks and in the "bull pen" prior to the SI. They were an engaging, smart group of people. I would have no qualms about any of them conducting or deciding a matter I was involved in. I know little about the history of OPM hiring for ALJ positions. But, from what I experienced in DC, they are doing something right.
Good luck too all of you as this crazy process continues!