Civil Service Test

The U.S. federal government is the largest contributor to the U.S job market. Initially, the government comprised of three main branches; legislative, judicial and executive. Executive branch was further broken down into fifteen executive cabinet departments. Additionally there exist a number of independent agencies that operate under the governance of the cabinet departments. Together, they provide a host of state services that are essential to the sustenance of the country. Owing to the variety of duties these administrative bodies perform, federal employment opportunities are abundant. The civil service test is held so that equal opportunities for selection can be offered to all applicants for a given state employment vacancy.

The civil service test is the yardstick which quantifies the eligibility of a applicant, who wish to join the civil services sector. Prior to be eligible to take a civil service test, potential applicants must first satisfy the age, citizenship and other primary qualifications that are required for the post applied. Not all civil service jobs require applicants to take a civil service test. The Civil Service Commission, established under Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883, mandates applicants for posts of law enforcement officers, postal workers, teachers, engineers, air traffic control officers, firefighters, health and social service officers, accounting officials, skilled craftsmen and tradesmen, clerical officials, and professionals in foreign service, real estate to sit for a civil service test.

Depending on the type of job the candidate applies for, the nature of the civil service test varies. The passing scores of the test may differ from state to state. Moreover, if the applicant possesses better educational qualifications (college degree) and/or prior experience in civil service, the state may waive the qualification achieved through the civil service test.

The civil service test consists of sections that test mathematical skills, reading, writing, memory skills as well as reasoning skills of the candidate. Candidates who score in the civil service test as per the requirements of the job listing will be placed in an eligibility list for that particular job title. The candidates on the eligibility list will then be called for interviews as openings come. Candidates may also retake the test, with the expectation of improving the present score.

When considering eligibility for a particular vacancy, the most recent civil service test score will be considered. The civil service test score has a lifetime. In most cases this will be one to three years. Expiration of this period will require the candidates to resit for the civil service test.

Preparation for a civil service test is primarily candidate oriented. Many sample question papers are available on-line. Additionally examination practice kits can be purchased from local book stores. As priority is given to candidates with higher test scores when calling for interviews, proper preparation can mark the difference between being chosen or being screened out.