Civil Servant Examination Preparation

A civil servant exam is required for those wishing to work in the U.S. postal service.

Those wishing to work as a civil servant are required to take an exam for the branch of government for which they are applying. The civil servant exam may also be required for those seeking a promotion or to transfer to a different job. Examples of civil servant jobs with the government include foreign service, utilities departments, police officers, paramedics, fire fighters and postal workers.

Instructions

1. Make a study schedule that fits into your work and family life. Find times when you can study for extended periods of time without any distractions or disturbances. When it is time to study, find a quiet place in your home or go to the library.

2. Know the information that will be covered on the exam. When you receive instructions for taking the exam, you will be given a list of topics covered on the test. This list will help you study the proper material and not waste your time studying the wrong subject.

3. Ask others for help and study tips. Check around and find fellow employees, friends or relatives who have already taken the civil servant exam. Ask them about their experience, the types of questions asked, their study habits and any test-taking tips they may have. Take their advice and incorporate into your own study schedule.

4. Read books, magazines, websites and manuals that contain information about your exam and topic. The more you read the more knowledgeable you are about the topic the exam will cover. You will also want to read study guides about the exam you are taking. These guides can be found in local libraries and book stores.

5. Practice test- and employment-related skills. For example, if the civil service job you are seeking requires a lot of typing or a typing exam, take practice tests on the computer. Or if you will be required to do a lot of calculations and formulas, practice the type of calculations you will be required to do.

6. Divide your study materials into smaller groupings and start studying early. Gather study materials as soon as you know you have to take the civil servant exam. This way you will avoid cramming. If you start early enough, studying for 30 minutes to 1 hour should be enough time.

7. Focus on areas or topics in which you are less proficient. Review these items separately while still sticking to your study schedule.

8. Take notes as your study and refer back to your notes rather than read an entire book every time you study. Review your notes the evening before the exam.

References

• New York State: Civil Service
• California: A Guide to the Civil Service Examination Process
• New York: How to Prepare for the Test