The History of the Civil Service Exam
The U.S. Civil Service Commission was established in the 1880s. Civil service includes jobs in the Postal Service, law enforcement, firefighting and other city, state and federal positions. Obtaining a job in civil service requires successfully passing a civil service exam.
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History
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The Civil Service Commission began with the enactment of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883. The law was passed after the assassination of President James Garfield, who was shot by a disgruntled seeker of a government job. The law replaced the former "spoils" system with a system based on merit.
About the Exam
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Depending on the job for which you are being tested, civil service exams cover topics such as mathematics, memory, reading, writing and reasoning.
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Civil Service Jobs
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Local, state and federal jobs that require civil service examination include law enforcement officers, postal workers, teachers, engineers and caseworkers.
Finding Job Openings
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You can find civil service job openings by checking city, state and federal job postings. Federal civil service jobs are listed by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (see Resources).
Considerations
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If you plan to apply for a civil service job and must take an exam, you can find study guides specific to job titles to help you prepare. Check a bookstore, the library or Internet resources to find up-to-date civil service examination references and study questions.
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