How to Prepare for the Civil Service Exam

City, state and federal government agencies hire based on the ability of the person applying for the job. In order to measure a person's capabilities, these agencies give a civil service exam to find if an applicant can do the minimal skills required for the job. Here are some suggestions to help you prepare to take a civil service exam.

Instructions

1. Find appropriate study guides for the job. You don't want to study for the firefighter's exam if you want a clerical job. Begin studying for the civil service exam as soon as you decide you are going to take the test.

2. Contact the appropriate agency that gives the tests. Fill out an application to take the civil service exam. Be sure your application is complete and accurate. Many agencies view the application as part of the test process. You receive notification of the test site and test date in the mail if you meet minimum qualifications for the job.

3. Get a good night's sleep the night before the test. Eat a good breakfast. Dress professionally.

4. Arrive at the designated test classroom on time on test day. Bring any required paperwork with you. This usually includes any paperwork you receive from the agency regarding the test date. Also bring two Number 2 pencils and a photo ID with your signature. If the test is an all day test, you may want to bring a sack lunch.

5. Leave your cell phones and other electronic equipment at home. If you must bring them to the test site with you, be sure they are off. Most civil service test locations have strict rules about use of electronic equipment on the premises.

6. Read the test questions carefully as you take the test. Each question only has one correct answer. Rule out the totally wrong answers, then make your correct choice. Leave questions you don't know and then come back to them later.