Civil Service Examination

Joining the civil service is an ambition fostered by many. This is largely due to the prestige associated with government employment, the job security it promises and the attractive remuneration/retirement benefits that most such jobs have on offer. However, generally, prior to obtaining a placement in government service, the pre-requisites of a civil service examination have to be met.

A civil service examination is usually set for those who apply for federal government, state or local government agency positions. The need for such tests is rampant, if the position applied for, is in the Foreign Service, in customs or in the area of law enforcement. Similarly, a civil service examination is usually set for those applying for positions in the postal services, too.

Most individuals are under the impression that a civil service examination is set only for those applying for high-end job vacancies. Although this may hold true in most cases, in some instances, applicants for entry level jobs too, need to meet the standards set by specific examinations.

A civil service examination consists largely of background information, educational details and an apt classification of work experience gained, to date. However certain professions may require candidates to sit for a written test, too. Although the questions set in a written test may vary greatly depending on the position applied for, as a rule of thumb, writing skills, basic mathematical concepts, reading and comprehension skills will be subject to examination, for the most part.

The civil service examination is generally, the second step in the recruitment process. Applicants are first, short-listed based on their eligibility, and then prior to selection, they would be requested to take up the assigned civil service examination.

There is, indeed, a purpose in holding a civil service examination. For instance, this is mainly done, so that the best candidates for the job can be chosen, based on their own merits. Also, it is a method that ensures fair play to a large extent, where equal opportunities are provided to all suitable candidates.

A civil service examination, can generally, be classified under one of the three main categories listed below. These are pen-competitive examinations, promotional examinations and continuous recruitment examinations. To elaborate further, pen-competitive examinations are those that are open to all who meet the minimum eligibility criteria. On the other hand, promotional examinations are those which are open to employees already engaged in the civil service on a permanent basis, who wish to apply for higher level job vacancies. Continuous recruitment examinations are less common, as these are used only if the job is highly specialized in nature or where continuous recruitment is practiced.

Civil service jobs are indeed much in demand, today. So if you do have to face a civil service examination, it is worthwhile heeding the boy scouts’ motto “be prepared”.