About the Civil Service Exam

For those who are thinking about a career in government or public service, studying for a civil service exam may help you get closer to your goal. This exam is usually required for both entry-level and advanced candidates to qualify for various government positions.

Significance

The civil service exam's purpose is to test a person's ability for government entry-level jobs and clerical work. When a position is open in a government department, that department will notify the public about a chance to apply for the position and take the test. Tests given by states and city governments may differ depending on the occupation requiring the test. Fields that may require the civil service exam include postal service, military, teaching and law enforcement. For skilled jobs, a performance test may also be supplemented to the written civil service exam.

Features

The civil service exam is a written test that may be divided into several different sections, including math, English and critical thinking. Multiple choice questions, short answers and essays are examples of test formats. Depending on the test and the government department administering it, the civil service exam may take two to three hours.

Considerations

The civil service exam is not used as a stand-alone measure of candidates' ability to succeed in the position for which they are applying. Usually, the exam is accompanied by the submission of a resume, cover letter, and in some cases, essays or writing samples. Interviews are given to those who pass the test, and a typing exam is also usually administered in the second or third stage of the hiring process.

Identification

Working for the government has many advantages, so many candidates usually take these tests. The tests are not always available, however. Only when a government office posts a job vacancy is the public notified of an upcoming test. These tests are usually held in a government office or building. Since government jobs are open to members of the public in good standing, government departments usually receive numerous applications and the process is competitive. The hiring process may take several stages to determine the best candidate and help the respective department make a selection.

Potential

While studying for the test, have "The Book of U.S. Government Jobs" handy because it provides information about occupations that require the civil service exam as well as sample tests. Local libraries usually have additional books to help you practice for a specific civil service exam.