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DC Testing
Oct 16, 2016 16:57:39 GMT -5
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Post by seeker7 on Oct 16, 2016 16:57:39 GMT -5
Does anyone know what's going on at the test site? I just walked down to 1900 E St NW to scope out the distance and time it would take me tomorrow morning. However, I couldn't complete my trial run exercise because the Teddy Roosevelt building is totally surrounded (including police tape) by a whole slew of emergency vehicles (at least 6 from fire, one ambulance, a K-9 unit, and several police cars). None of the bystanders I asked knew what was going on, either, although one woman thought it was just a training exercise. I hope so.
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Post by Odor?noODAR on Oct 16, 2016 17:27:57 GMT -5
Does anyone know what's going on at the test site? I just walked down to 1900 E St NW to scope out the distance and time it would take me tomorrow morning. However, I couldn't complete my trial run exercise because the Teddy Roosevelt building is totally surrounded (including police tape) by a whole slew of emergency vehicles (at least 6 from fire, one ambulance, a K-9 unit, and several police cars). None of the bystanders I asked knew what was going on, either, although one woman thought it was just a training exercise. I hope so. I spoke with a security officer and all he told me was it was not a drill and the closure of multiple blocks was because it is classified ground zero :/ Great omen ... now for a burger lol
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Post by pumpkin on Oct 16, 2016 20:27:48 GMT -5
Does anyone know what's going on at the test site? I just walked down to 1900 E St NW to scope out the distance and time it would take me tomorrow morning. However, I couldn't complete my trial run exercise because the Teddy Roosevelt building is totally surrounded (including police tape) by a whole slew of emergency vehicles (at least 6 from fire, one ambulance, a K-9 unit, and several police cars). None of the bystanders I asked knew what was going on, either, although one woman thought it was just a training exercise. I hope so. Local DC news is reporting it was shut down due to a "suspicious backpack" and possible exposure to an unknown substance...news also reporting hazmat and fire department clearing the scene now. Sounds like it should be restored to normal soon, if not already so. The important thing to remember is to check www.opm.gov website for OPM's operating status (currently shows green/open) - when we were testing during the winter, I remember being told if there were any weather closures or delays they would be posted at www.opm.gov. I can only presume that if the Teddy Roosevelt building was closed, it would be posted there as well. Good luck tomorrow! Get some sleep...
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DC Testing
Oct 16, 2016 20:39:01 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by seeker7 on Oct 16, 2016 20:39:01 GMT -5
Does anyone know what's going on at the test site? I just walked down to 1900 E St NW to scope out the distance and time it would take me tomorrow morning. However, I couldn't complete my trial run exercise because the Teddy Roosevelt building is totally surrounded (including police tape) by a whole slew of emergency vehicles (at least 6 from fire, one ambulance, a K-9 unit, and several police cars). None of the bystanders I asked knew what was going on, either, although one woman thought it was just a training exercise. I hope so. Local DC news is reporting it was shut down due to a "suspicious backpack" and possible exposure to an unknown substance...news also reporting hazmat and fire department clearing the scene now. Sounds like it should be restored to normal soon, if not already so. The important thing to remember is to check www.opm.gov website for OPM's operating status (currently shows green/open) - when we were testing during the winter, I remember being told if there were any weather closures or delays they would be posted at www.opm.gov. I can only presume that if the Teddy Roosevelt building was closed, it would be posted there as well. Good luck tomorrow! Get some sleep... View Attachment Thank you.
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Post by Quiet Thunder on Oct 17, 2016 3:56:59 GMT -5
This is it! Wishing everyone testing this week good luck. I'm looking forward to connecting with some board members today and/or tomorrow. Remember, the code word is "Evergreen!"
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Post by msp on Oct 17, 2016 7:54:45 GMT -5
Good luck to this week's candidates!
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Post by foghorn on Oct 17, 2016 13:05:03 GMT -5
Good luck to all. If there are building access issues let all know how it was handled for the future testers!
Like everyone needs excitement!
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Post by hotson on Oct 17, 2016 15:19:42 GMT -5
I'm testing on Thursday. Good luck to all that have tested thus far and all that are testing at a later date.
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maine
Full Member
Posts: 35
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Post by maine on Oct 17, 2016 15:58:45 GMT -5
I took the exam today. No building access issues at all. I couldn't count how many people were there but I'm sure someone else did - seemed to be around 30. I got to the buildings at 7:00 because I'm paranoid about being late and was the first candidate there. Getting there at 7:30 would have been a better idea but it's not like I was sleeping anyway.
I got my interview tomorrow at 1, and I registered right at midnight the first day, so I think it's truly random. Good luck to everybody. Everyone seemed very nice and I'm sure all would do a good job.
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Post by legalbythesea on Oct 17, 2016 17:16:32 GMT -5
I'm testing on Wednesday. Good luck to everyone this week!
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DC Testing
Oct 17, 2016 17:25:03 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by joeybear on Oct 17, 2016 17:25:03 GMT -5
I'm testing tomorrow (10/18). I planned to leave my ipad in the hotel safe but alas, there is none. Does anybody know if there's any prohibition on bringing it with me?
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Post by rp on Oct 17, 2016 18:19:56 GMT -5
I'm testing tomorrow (10/18). I planned to leave my ipad in the hotel safe but alas, there is none. Does anybody know if there's any prohibition on bringing it with me? There is only a prohibition on using phones, iPads, etc. you can take it.
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Post by seeker7 on Oct 17, 2016 18:23:21 GMT -5
I took the exam today. No building access issues at all. I couldn't count how many people were there but I'm sure someone else did - seemed to be around 30. I got to the buildings at 7:00 because I'm paranoid about being late and was the first candidate there. Getting there at 7:30 would have been a better idea but it's not like I was sleeping anyway. I got my interview tomorrow at 1, and I registered right at midnight the first day, so I think it's truly random. Good luck to everybody. Everyone seemed very nice and I'm sure all would do a good job. I also tested today and likewise found all the personnel to be very friendly and kind. I counted 27 test-takers, 13 women and 14 men (or vice-versa), one African-American woman, one Asian-American woman, an age range of roughly early-30s to late-50s, and a wide geographical area (eg, Alabama, Mississippi, Michigan, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Washington, Illinois). There seemed to be quite a few folks who are already federal employees, too, mostly decision writers. As for the purported correlation between sign-up times and interview times, I think it may be bunk--I registered right at the stroke of midnight and also was awarded a 1pm interview slot tomorrow. Thank goodness! And, yes, there was no problem with building access. Good luck to everyone!
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Post by Quiet Thunder on Oct 18, 2016 12:19:42 GMT -5
seeker7, thanks for the detailed feedback. I hope you managed to get some rest. Good luck to you and us all.
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Post by Odor?noODAR on Oct 19, 2016 10:01:21 GMT -5
I'm testing tomorrow (10/18). I planned to leave my ipad in the hotel safe but alas, there is none. Does anybody know if there's any prohibition on bringing it with me? There is only a prohibition on using phones, iPads, etc. you can take it. For those in the State Plaza hotel - I didn't find the safe (or hairdryer) until the second day in a hidden closet lol
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Post by tlk549 on Oct 19, 2016 14:13:43 GMT -5
I'll be testing tomorrow (Thursday) - good luck to all! Wishing tonight's debate entertainment were a bit earlier, but maybe best not to watch so my blood pressure stays at a nice calm level for a decent night's sleep.
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Post by rp on Oct 19, 2016 15:06:59 GMT -5
I'll be testing tomorrow (Thursday) - good luck to all! Wishing tonight's debate entertainment were a bit earlier, but maybe best not to watch so my blood pressure stays at a nice calm level for a decent night's sleep. Watch baseball instead -- for some it helps them sleep (not me -- but for some)...... Good luck!
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Post by legalbythesea on Oct 19, 2016 16:50:30 GMT -5
Made it through the testing today, intact and in one piece! It feels a little like climbing Mount Everest and making it back down again. (small exaggeration) Met some nice folks! Am wishing everyone the best in their interviews manana. If you happened to meet a fellow from a medium sized city in South Texas and want to stay in touch, feel free to PM me!
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maine
Full Member
Posts: 35
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Post by maine on Oct 20, 2016 14:44:58 GMT -5
So throughout this process I have tried to only focus on the step immediately ahead of me, but now after doing the exam and interview there is really nothing to do but wait, correct? I've read a lot of posts on here and that seems to be the message I am taking away but figured since I have nothing else to add I might as well make sure I haven't misunderstood the process (I am a complete "outsider"). And it seems best just to put it out of my mind until at least June or so best I can tell.
Good luck to everyone yet to take the test and interview.
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Post by Mjǿlner on Oct 20, 2016 15:40:03 GMT -5
Testing today included an added bonus and earthquake evacuation drill!
I was disappointed to learn that I was the only person testing who wore a shirt that included their avatar.
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