I had signed up with them but had not followed through with anything until seeing this thread. I then wasted an hour taking Step One, carefully comparing each question, exactly as written, to the site itself by using "Open in New Window" to look up the answers. Result: 22 0f 25. As far as I'm concerned, SQM can go s@$%& themselves.

Dagosto,
the answers to all 25 questions are posted on this thread basically.

It took me forever, but I did eventually pass all 9 levels. The key is to write down all of your answers and change just one at a time. Keep a record as you go and use the laws of logic!

lindab19 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It took me forever, but I did eventually pass all
> 9 levels. The key is to write down all of your
> answers and change just one at a time. Keep a
> record as you go and use the laws of logic!


This is what I have done also. However, I got assignments before taking the tests. I've been at level six for months; I get assignments; there is no pressure to continue working up the levels.

On another topic; are any of you Canadia shoppers in Alberta?

I was doing lots of shops for them while going through the levels. I wanted to qualify for the upscale hotel and resort shops, which require level 9. Unfortunately, they're few and far between!

hi,

i keep hearing about the SQM step tests and I can't seem to find any. I log in to my account and all I see is the tabs main menu, available assignments, your evaluateit account, and contact us.


Where do I sign up for these tests?

You're not on the main SQM page. Evaluate it is for individuals who are not full-fledged mystery shoppers to evaluate hotels, etc. for a 50% discount. To be a mystery shopper, go to sqm.ca and apply. You'll find out all about the STEPs!
Good luck!

I'm sure I might feel differently if I saw some attractive shops in my area that required STEP graduation. As it is, I don't have time to waste on a company that cannot get their own answers to their own test correct. If the question asks what the Legal Agreement says, and I give the correct answer according to the Legal Agreement, and SQM then says the answer is wrong, SQM is wasting my time.

I hear you D'Agosto! I just took someone's advice and studied the info, took the test (open book), and then just used the process of elimination to find the correct answers. In the end, not sure if was worth it, as the are no high-end resort and hotel shops where I live! I seem to be assigned shops more frequently, though, and I do like working for them.

lindab19 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> You're not on the main SQM page. Evaluate it is
> for individuals who are not full-fledged mystery
> shoppers to evaluate hotels, etc. for a 50%
> discount. To be a mystery shopper, go to sqm.ca
> and apply. You'll find out all about the STEPs!
> Good luck!

I feel so dumb right now! Just applied!

Got to Level 9 in 2 weeks from starting.. Not that hard.

They don't have anything in my area

Where are you?
geauxcj Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> They don't have anything in my area

GA.

I've gotten emails for a retail store 5 hours away. No thanks.

Hi Matty D.. I checked my answers to yours and I have the EXACT same answers..funny thing is I'm only getting 23/25. No idea how any of this is wrong, as each answers has been checked and rechecked. Anyone have any insight? Is there a trick question in here? (or 2)

matty d. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hello all, been stuck on Step leval 1 at 24/25.
> This test is super unique and I cant seem to
> figure out which answer I got wrong. Went over
> each answer with a fine tooth comb and I guess I
> just have been staring at it too long.
> I have printed the test out, and its been a week
> trying to pass this thing.
>
> My answers are as follows: Anyone passed could
> maybe check my answers?
> Or perhaps does anyone remeber what they found was
> the most tricky questions:
> Thaks!!
>
> 1 D
> 2 B
> 3 B
> 4 B
> 5 D
> 6 C
> 7 A
> 8 C
> 9 E
> 10 C
> 11 D
> 12 E
> 13 E
> 14 C
> 15 D
> 16 C
> 17 D
> 18 E
> 19 A
> 20 F
> 21 A
> 22 C
> 23 F
> 24 B
> 25 C

just joined couple days ago, stuck on lvl 2 at 24/25... GRRRRRR

Hi,
I'd love to help, but once you've passed the tests you don't have access to them any more and I've thrown out my answers. If you can pm me the questions and your answers I'll do my best to help.
Once you've exhausted knowledge, common sense, etc., the best way is to change one answer at a time, starting with whatever ones seem most suspect. Keep track of your answer and your score, use logic and it won't take long. Have you gone through the STEP section in "Ask Sally" on their website? I know I picked up some tips there - such as the technique describe above.

nomicon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi Matty D.. I checked my answers to yours and I
> have the EXACT same answers..funny thing is I'm
> only getting 23/25. No idea how any of this is
> wrong, as each answers has been checked and
> rechecked. Anyone have any insight? Is there a
> trick question in here? (or 2)
>
> matty d. Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Hello all, been stuck on Step leval 1 at 24/25.
> > This test is super unique and I cant seem to
> > figure out which answer I got wrong. Went over
> > each answer with a fine tooth comb and I guess
> I
> > just have been staring at it too long.
> > I have printed the test out, and its been a
> week
> > trying to pass this thing.
> >
> > My answers are as follows: Anyone passed could
> > maybe check my answers?
> > Or perhaps does anyone remeber what they found
> was
> > the most tricky questions:
> > Thaks!!
> >
> > 1 D
> > 2 B
> > 3 B
> > 4 B
> > 5 D
> > 6 C
> > 7 A
> > 8 C
> > 9 E
> > 10 C
> > 11 D
> > 12 E
> > 13 E
> > 14 C
> > 15 D
> > 16 C
> > 17 D
> > 18 E
> > 19 A
> > 20 F
> > 21 A
> > 22 C
> > 23 F
> > 24 B
> > 25 C

Nomicon,

Read, I posted on here which is the trick quetsion and the answer to it.

How come nobody reads the whole post?
The answer to all the questions are on this post!

Hi Matty,
In the post just above here which I quoted, you list your answers to the Step 1 test and say your score was 24/25. You made a later post in which you say someone helped you. You then mention #13 and discuss your thinking for choosing various answers. However, you don't actually say which one is correct. I couldn't find any other posts in which you do. Could you clarify?
Thanks!

Hi lindab19,

My apologies, you are correct.
In my mg blurb, I did not end up confirming which answer eventually allowed me to pass and get 25/25.

The answer to question #13 was F.-all of the above.

However, I wanted everyones opinion.. that based on the wording of the question, the answer should have been (e) A and C.

My concern is that the obviously the test frustrates a lot of people.
When I read SQM's guidlines, the obvious theme of it all is that SQM would like its shoppers to follow directions.

If one was to follow the directions to the question #13 correctly, they would get the answer wrong.

If SQM values its contractors to follow directions and have attention to detail, perhaps they should do the same themselves. They are not respecting peoples' time by having confusing questions such as this.

I think that's why they're revamping their system. Read the posts on "Ask Sally" on their site for insight into the STEP program. The best advice I got was from that source - when all else fails,just change one answer at a time and you can figure it out.

I agree with that they should revamp their system and questions.
The changing one answer at a time works but it is a waste of time.

I admit that no one is forcing us to write this test or to shop for them.
However, having to spend weeks one end guessing answers for an open book exam is waste of time and shows that the exams were poorly designed or sqm does not not know their own policies.

I posted here because I wanted people to not waste their time.
We can print out the exams. We can keep track of our answers. I suggest people work together so they can pass the levals in a few weeks and not a few months.

matty d. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Nomicon,
>
> Read, I posted on here which is the trick quetsion
> and the answer to it.


As lindab19 already stated, there was no answer confirmation, however your post was still appreciated. I did change question 13 the next day and passed. It seemed the only question that would only be "slightly" wrong since they do say it’s your responsibility to stay informed and the newsletter is a source of info, even if it’s not specifically mentioned in the legal agreement.

With that said, and this is just my opinion, I think these types of question are not errors by SQM. I believe they are purposely “slightly misleading” to force shoppers to pour over and over the material. By the 3rd attempt at this test I knew each question and the answer without reading the options. (what they want us to be able to do)

Like many shoppers on here, I’m generally very good with these types of test. I’m a teacher and have a degree in sociology. This degree involved extensive study in qualitative and quantitative research methods. (how to word and construct effective questionnaires / surveys is part of that) I would have passed on the 1st or 2nd try and quickly forgot much of what I read. (what they DON’T want us to do)

While I don’t agree with the ethics of this method, it’s definitely (unfortunately for us) effective.

I did the tests a couple of years ago. They are very poorly done and you don't learn anything. The way to look at it is they reward perseverance. I used a program called Roboform. I haven't used it in a while. I would save my answers in that, then each day change one. I don't remember exactly how I did it, but was a mechanical process, trying every possibility until you hit on the right one. You could also use paper but the way I did it was easier.

I didn't find these tests all that challenging. I did take one of them three times, but the rest only once. The answers are all in the material provided.

The problem is that taking the tests only proved I could look up the answers. I don't recall any of the info now and would have to look it up again if I did a shop for them. They are like the tests for Cori in that respect.

Anyone want to post some answers for step 2? I don't agree with cheating, but since they don't tell you what your doing wrong and only allow 2 tries a day... I just cant take it seriously. I need to be step 7 to apply for assignments in my area and don't have time to waste with these foolishly worded tests. Any answer posts would be greatly appreciated!!! (step 2 or above)

Thanks!!!!!!!

I feel your pain!

I've successfully managed to pass 'level 1' and saved the Q&A, but I'm too stuck at 'level 2' - Its so frustrating it makes me want to quit... but I'm stubborn :-)

I'll be sure to help if I manage to pass the 'level 2'; but if you've done it successfully perhaps you can tell me what I've done wrong?

Thanks again!

Passed all steps a couple years ago...but have never done a shop for them!

Funny, I have never seen an answer posted on this thread, please direct me as I am on this forum daily. I stopped after getting to level 5, just too much bloody work, and trick questions.
matty d. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Dagosto,
> the answers to all 25 questions are posted on this
> thread basically.