A Guide to Civil Service Examinations

The civil service test is an essential step for many people who want to work for the government and land a civil service job. We’re here to help you understand what the civil service test entails and how you can ace it with flying colors. If you’re worried about how you’ll pass those tests, let our guide lead the way to answer all your FAQs.

Before applying for a civil service job within an institution or an agency, you must take a civil service test if you wish to work for the federal, local, or state government. Thousands of job applicants pay roughly $10 million yearly to take civil service tests, but just a few earn the required scores to be recruited. Several civil service tests span various subjects, positions, duties, and requirements.

The best civil service workers have adequate practical skills and the willingness to serve the community. They take this job as an opportunity to give back to the community. These jobs offer substantial benefits, great job stability, and a nice retirement package.

Giving an exam is usually the first step toward obtaining a civil service position. While the test’s focus differs depending on your professional choice, some general guidelines that’ll help you improve and pass are provided here.

What are Civil Services?

Civil service encompasses a variety of non-military and apolitical job positions in the government. This includes jobs in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), sanitation department, and firefighter department. This could also mean working as civil executives, IT professionals, and court officers. These are just a few of the civil service jobs that come under public management.

What Are Civil Service Exams?

This test is given to those applying for various positions in the civil service. The test’s purpose is to demonstrate that applicants possess the necessary abilities and are qualified for a particular post. Exams are given in various subjects and at multiple levels of government. Here are a few choices if you’re curious what occupations you can acquire by taking this test:

• Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• Foreign service
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
• Secret Service
• Government accountant

Be mindful that these tests are designed to weed out individuals who aren’t qualified for positions in the civil service. It’s a screening test to see if you’re eligible for further evaluation; therefore, clearing it doesn’t ensure you’ll get a job.

Passing rates are typically in the 70s. Applicants must also submit CVs, give interviews, and submit recommendation letters to be considered for the position. They also may be required to complete additional specialized examinations.

Types of Civil Service Exams

Continuous, open competitive, and promotional tests are the three categories in civil service exams. When you take an open competitive test, your score is used to rank you against the other candidates for various positions that are immediately hiring. A continuous test is used to screen candidates for jobs that are not immediately available. Current public workers who desire to further their careers should take promotional tests.

These exams include both written and oral components and multiple-choice exams that are computer-administered. Certain tests may also incorporate elements of “work simulation.” For example, a typing competence assessment for clerical positions or endurance tests for firefighters.

Exams for civil service positions differ slightly, with each test highlighting appropriate skills. If you’re worried about how long the test will take, know that it usually only takes a few hours. Generally, questions on tests address the abilities that any individual working for the state should possess:

• Written and comprehension skills
• Critical thinking abilities
• Coding
• Clerical talents such as sorting and alphabetizing
• Mathematics

The math component in these tests isn’t anything out of the ordinary. It’s similar to college-level algebra. Remember the PEMDAS rule in the order, and you’re good to go! If the job you’re applying for requires you to be proficient in software such as Microsoft Word or Excel, certain tests will be taken to check your skills there.

It’s also important to mention that few public service jobs need specialized degrees or credentials from applicants. If you don’t possess the appropriate degree, you should get it as quickly as possible. Online courses are frequently the most practical and cost-effective choice.

Requirements to Become a Civil Servant

You should meet the requirements of the position you’re trying to apply for and then sign up for a test. If you want to become a public servant doctor, you’ll require a medical license. In addition, to be considered for any employment as a federal servant, you must undergo a background check. Exams differ depending on the position you’re applying for. These examinations are free to take. However, some require a $15–$20 registration fee.

How to Prep For A Civil Service Test?

It pays off if you want to ace the civil service test. You will require skills in your desired field’s expertise, knowledge, time management, reasonable thinking, and communication skills.

It’s a timed exam, and you’re required to finish it in one sitting. Even if you’re not sure about any of the answers, it’s advisable to answer all of them because civil service tests don’t usually penalize candidates for incorrect responses.

You should study for this exam as you do with any other test. Learn about the areas covered and how you will be evaluated. Then, to aid your preparation, write a study guide. Be mindful that public service professions, such as firefighters, demand applicants to meet fitness standards and undergo a physical examination. This may require you to alternate between studying and exercising.

If you need help, you can take preparation classes with Civil Service Success. We are a New York-based exam prep institution that helps people prepare for civil service exams like NYS Court Officer Trainee Exam, NYC Sanitation Department Exam, NYC firefighter department exams, and Suffolk Police Exam. Register with us now or contact us to land a job in your dream civil department.