Civil Service Exam

The Civil Services Exam is meant for candidates who wish to work for a specific Government Department or an agency in the public sector. This test is utilized at every level of government- local, state, federal so the exam structure differs at various levels. It does not include the military, judicial branches, and the elected officials.

These tests are designed to assess the physical and mental ability required for the particular position, a candidate is applying for. Civil Services Exam would cover Law enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigation and secret service, United states postal office mail handlers, Internal Revenue Service, certain Secretarial and clerical positions.

The Civil Services Exam is just one part of the application process. Some jobs require experience, training, education, and other requirements. For example- Police officers may be required to fulfill fitness requirements and therefore candidates are advised to check the requirements with local jurisdiction for the specifics.

Eligibility for Civil Services Exam

Eligibility requirements for the candidates appearing for Civil Services Exam widely vary from State to State and from Job to Job.

Many civil services exams require that candidates must meet specific educational requirements before they appear for the exam.

To appear for the exam candidates must be at least 18 years of age and even higher for certain exams.
Must be a resident of the city or the state in which candidates apply. In most cases, one must be a legal US citizen.

For certain positions eligibility requirement covers-

Air traffic control specialist

Candidates must graduate from a recognized Air traffic certified training institution (AT-CTI). After candidates enroll in an AT-CTI program, they are required to take the FAA's authorized pre-employment test. It determines the candidate's aptitude to become a specialist.

Border Patrol

Candidates must pass the US Border Patrol Logical Reasoning Test to be considered for the position.

Central Intelligence Agency

Candidates must have completed a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview.

Internal Revenue Service

Candidates are required to have undergone assessment tests. The assessment process takes approximately 4 to 5 hours.

Syllabus for Civil Services Exam

The syllabus for the civil services exam will vary as the candidates will find required exams in law enforcement, Foreign Service, postal workers, air traffic control specialists, and other related occupational fields.

For example- Air traffic controllers need to have dedicated education and training requirements apart from the test.

United States Post office exam- Focuses on address related requirements and issues. It covers whether candidates can determine if certain addresses are identical. They are evaluated on address checking, forms completion, memory, and inventory of personal experiences.
Clerical Exams focuses on grammar, vocabulary, word relationships, and reading. It covers problem-solving questions that include- addition, multiplication, division, and subtraction. In addition to this, it also includes a group of words and sentences where candidates need to identify the right format.

Each test has been designed to measure and evaluate a candidate's ability, their strengths based on the job they are applying for. In general, it is a combination of the following-

Verbal ability

Reading comprehension
Vocabulary and spelling
Grammar

Mathematical Ability

This is only required for certain positions where some level of math aptitude is needed.

Arithmetic
Algebra
Geometry
Reasoning problem
Ratio and proportions
Interpretation and data analysis

Format of Civil Services Exam

The format for the civil services exam is that it is a timed exam. It will depend entirely on the position you have applied for. For example, a post office candidate’s exam will have subjects like ability to read, difference between similar addresses, customer interaction, decipher handwriting etc. The average test contains 165 to 170 questions and you are given two hours to three hours to complete the exam. The test is administered either computer-based or pencil and paper. Usually the information from the official website is provided when you register for the test.

How to Apply for Civil Services Exam

Certain Jurisdictions allow candidates to apply for the exam online. Other tests require candidates to take examinations in person.

Civil services jobs in the federal government are managed by an independent Government agency that adversities the job positions in the federal government with details of how to apply for the exam. Candidates should create a USAJOBS profile to apply and should use a login.gov account to sign up. Using the same profile, you should search for jobs and apply for the ones you are interested in. Candidates should apply through the USAJOBS to the federal agency with job openings.

Scores for Civil Services Exam

Scores judge the performance of a candidate in the exam. The higher the score, higher is the chances of moving on the next step. For example, candidates who undertake the Clerical Civil Services exam are required to score a minimum of 33 marks on the verbal abilities and a combined minimum score on clerical and verbal portions of 80.

Fees for the exam

Each jurisdiction has set a standard fee. These include a test-fee and a filing fee. There are different fees for different exams, which vary between states and counties.

Benefits of Civil Services Exam

This examination is for the candidates who are looking for a civil services job. It offers candidates multiple benefits as most government positions offer a great deal of flexibility with excellent pay. It covers a good healthcare plan so that the candidate and his family are taken care of. Stability is another merit for this profile which makes the job security prospects always high.

Practice Questions for Civil Service Exam

Study Guide And Test Preparation For Civil Service Exam

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Civil Service Study Guide