If you want to work in a civil service job, chances are you’ll be asked to take a civil service exam. A civil service exam is used by certain job classifications to test a candidate’s skills for specific positions.
The test is utilized at every level of government—local, state, federal—so the exam structure will differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. It’s an important test that requires preparation and an excellent study tool to help candidates prepare.
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Civil Service Interview Guide
About the Civil Service Exam
Civil service, a term dating back to the 19th century, refers broadly to the civilian workforce employed by federal, state, and local government agencies.
Early federal civil-service reform began in 1871, but the modern competitive system was established by the Pendleton Act of 1883. The law replaced political patronage with merit-based hiring for certain federal positions and created the United States Civil Service Commission.
The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 reorganized the federal personnel system and created the Office of Personnel Management. Today, there is no single civil-service exam required for every government position. Testing and hiring requirements vary by position, agency, and jurisdiction.
What’s on the Exam?
That will vary, depending on the position you apply for. Air traffic controllers, for example, have stiff education and training requirements in addition to the test. Here are some other examples:
- US Postal Service exams vary according to the position. Most entry-level applicants take a Virtual Entry Assessment, which may evaluate responses to workplace situations, attention to accuracy, work preferences, employment experience, and work style.
- Clerical exams focus on grammar, vocabulary, spelling, word relationships, and reading. You’ll likely see problem-solving questions that include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You may be presented with a group of words and asked which one is spelled correctly. You’ll also likely find questions that will ask you to identify sentences that contain proper grammar.
In short, each test measures an applicant’s strengths based on the job they’re applying for.
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Study for the Civil Service Exam the Right Way
Start with the Official Exam Notice
Before creating your study schedule, locate the official announcement or Notice of Examination for the exact position you are pursuing. Civil service exams vary by job title, government agency, and jurisdiction, so a practice test cannot tell you what to study until you know what your specific exam covers.
Once you understand your exam, take a practice test that matches its listed content as closely as possible. Depending on the position, you may need to evaluate your abilities in areas such as:
- Understanding and interpreting written material
- Mathematics and interpreting tables or records
- Clerical accuracy, coding, filing, or form completion
- Reasoning and evaluating information
- Written communication
- Supervision or interacting with coworkers and the public
- Mechanical, spatial, safety, or other job-specific knowledge
Review Difficult Questions
After each practice session, review every question you answered incorrectly AND every question you guessed on or answered with low confidence. Guessing correctly does not necessarily mean that you have mastered the skill.
For each difficult question, determine which of the following caused the problem:
- You didn’t understand the skill or job-related concept.
- You misread a passage, policy, table, form, or set of instructions.
- You overlooked an important detail or exception.
- You made a calculation or clerical error.
- You had difficulty deciding which response was most appropriate.
- You knew how to answer but worked too slowly.
Then, create a specific plan for improvement based on what you have determined. Don’t simply write, “I need to study reading more.” Specify that you need to practice identifying conclusions supported by a passage or following written procedures containing multiple conditions.
Similarly, replace “study math” with a specific goal such as interpreting information from tables, calculating percentages, or solving workplace word problems.
Utilize Answer Explanations
Answer explanations are an underutilized studying resource. To take full advantage of them, read the explanation for every question you found difficult, including questions you answered correctly.
For each one, make sure you can confidently explain:
- Why the correct answer is correct
- Why each incorrect option is wrong
- What rule, concept, or skill is being tested
- How the same skill might appear in a different question
For reading and reasoning questions, identify the exact information that supports the answer. For mathematics or clerical questions, complete the work again and check each step for accuracy.
When reviewing situational or job-related questions, don’t choose an answer just because it reflects what you personally would prefer to do. Determine why one response is more consistent with the information provided, the employee’s responsibilities, workplace procedures, safety, or effective public service.
Study Concepts, Not Individual Questions
Memorizing the answers to general civil service questions will not prepare you for an assessment created for a particular position. Your goal should be to understand and apply the abilities identified in your official exam notice.
For example, if your exam measures the ability to interpret written instructions, practice applying unfamiliar policies and procedures rather than memorizing one passage. If it tests clerical accuracy, practice comparing names, numbers, codes, and records quickly without sacrificing precision.
Job-specific preparation also matters. Someone preparing for an administrative position may need to focus on written communication, records, and office procedures, while an exam for a public-safety or technical position may emphasize entirely different abilities.
Top 5 Most Challenging Civil Service Questions
Now that you know more about studying effectively, try your hand at some targeted practice!
Over the last year, we’ve compiled the data from about 50,000 test-takers who tried their hand at the practice test at the top of this page. According to the data, around 75% of people answered these five questions incorrectly.
Answer each question and read through the answer explanation, whether you got the answer right or wrong. This will help you ensure you’ve got the topic mastered.
Whether you struggled with these questions or aced them on your first try, be sure to take the full practice test to get a better idea of how prepared you really are!
1. Read the following passage and answer the question below.
Read Passage
Job Hazards Analysis
1.0 PURPOSE AND SCOPEThis procedure describes the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) process for identifying, evaluating, controlling, and communicating potential hazards and environmental impacts associated with operations or work by the Tank Operations Contractor (TOC). It applies to all TOC work activities, including the performance of field work involving general plant maintenance, operations, and environmental remediation. This procedure applies to subcontractors who do not have an approved job hazard analysis process. Everyone is required to work safely and to maintain a safe work environment. Training procedures have been reviewed to ensure that workers are trained to the general hazards associated with work at the tank farms. Visitors should be briefed on the general safety hazards they may be exposed to and controls expected of them as part of their orientation.
2.0 IMPLEMENTATIONThis procedure is effective on the date shown in the header.
3.0 RESPONSIBILITIESResponsibilities are contained within Section 4.0.
4.0 METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTROLSIn order to effectively implement necessary controls to mitigate or eliminate hazards to the workers, the following guidelines should be used:
4.1. The following hierarchy of methods to eliminate or mitigate hazards shall be used in descending order, when feasible and appropriate:
- Eliminate the hazard or substitution (e.g., different chemical cleaning agent)
- Utilize engineering controls (e.g., ventilation)
- Administrative controls (e.g., dose monitoring)
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., self-contained breathing apparatus)
4.2. Controls within the qualification or training of the worker that are often used do not need to be discussed in the work instructions. Examples: Use of leather gloves, safety glasses of the proper type that the worker normally uses.
4.3. Controls within the qualification or training of the worker that are seldom used, and are applicable to the entire work activity, should be placed in the precautions as a reminder that the hazard exists and the workers are expected to take the appropriate actions. Examples: Use of hearing protection due to a noisy environment at the job site, or observation of overhead lines when they are present at the job site.
4.4. Controls within the qualification and training of the workers, but for hazards that are introduced at specific steps or by specific actions during the job, should have a warning or caution statement immediately prior to the step but require no detailed mitigation instructions in the work instructions. Example: a warning for the release of pressure when breaching a system that may have residual pressure.
4.5. Controls not within the qualification and training of the workers for hazards should have detailed instructions for how the workers are to mitigate the hazard and should be in the work instructions or procedure in a way that is prominent and prevents or mitigates the hazard. Example: the steps required to successfully release the pressure on a system in an operation which is not normally performed.
Which of the following requires the most comprehensive description within the work instructions?
2. Select the answer choice that best completes the analogy with the three capitalized terms.
Debilitate : Invigorate :: Diffident : ______
3. Read the following passage and answer the question below.
Read PassageJob Hazards Analysis
1.0 PURPOSE AND SCOPEThis procedure describes the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) process for identifying, evaluating, controlling, and communicating potential hazards and environmental impacts associated with operations or work by the Tank Operations Contractor (TOC). It applies to all TOC work activities, including the performance of field work involving general plant maintenance, operations, and environmental remediation. This procedure applies to subcontractors who do not have an approved job hazard analysis process. Everyone is required to work safely and to maintain a safe work environment. Training procedures have been reviewed to ensure that workers are trained to the general hazards associated with work at the tank farms. Visitors should be briefed on the general safety hazards they may be exposed to and controls expected of them as part of their orientation.
2.0 IMPLEMENTATIONThis procedure is effective on the date shown in the header.
3.0 RESPONSIBILITIESResponsibilities are contained within Section 4.0.
4.0 METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTROLSIn order to effectively implement necessary controls to mitigate or eliminate hazards to the workers, the following guidelines should be used:
4.1. The following hierarchy of methods to eliminate or mitigate hazards shall be used in descending order, when feasible and appropriate:
- Eliminate the hazard or substitution (e.g., different chemical cleaning agent)
- Utilize engineering controls (e.g., ventilation)
- Administrative controls (e.g., dose monitoring)
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., self-contained breathing apparatus)
4.2. Controls within the qualification or training of the worker that are often used do not need to be discussed in the work instructions. Examples: Use of leather gloves, safety glasses of the proper type that the worker normally uses.
4.3. Controls within the qualification or training of the worker that are seldom used, and are applicable to the entire work activity, should be placed in the precautions as a reminder that the hazard exists and the workers are expected to take the appropriate actions. Examples: Use of hearing protection due to a noisy environment at the job site, or observation of overhead lines when they are present at the job site.
4.4. Controls within the qualification and training of the workers, but for hazards that are introduced at specific steps or by specific actions during the job, should have a warning or caution statement immediately prior to the step but require no detailed mitigation instructions in the work instructions. Example: a warning for the release of pressure when breaching a system that may have residual pressure.
4.5. Controls not within the qualification and training of the workers for hazards should have detailed instructions for how the workers are to mitigate the hazard and should be in the work instructions or procedure in a way that is prominent and prevents or mitigates the hazard. Example: the steps required to successfully release the pressure on a system in an operation which is not normally performed.
Welders must always use goggles and are taught to use them as part of their basic training. According to the text, the use of goggles during specific welding operations should:
4. Read the following passage and answer the question below.
Read PassageJob Hazards Analysis
1.0 PURPOSE AND SCOPEThis procedure describes the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) process for identifying, evaluating, controlling, and communicating potential hazards and environmental impacts associated with operations or work by the Tank Operations Contractor (TOC). It applies to all TOC work activities, including the performance of field work involving general plant maintenance, operations, and environmental remediation. This procedure applies to subcontractors who do not have an approved job hazard analysis process. Everyone is required to work safely and to maintain a safe work environment. Training procedures have been reviewed to ensure that workers are trained to the general hazards associated with work at the tank farms. Visitors should be briefed on the general safety hazards they may be exposed to and controls expected of them as part of their orientation.
2.0 IMPLEMENTATIONThis procedure is effective on the date shown in the header.
3.0 RESPONSIBILITIESResponsibilities are contained within Section 4.0.
4.0 METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTROLSIn order to effectively implement necessary controls to mitigate or eliminate hazards to the workers, the following guidelines should be used:
4.1. The following hierarchy of methods to eliminate or mitigate hazards shall be used in descending order, when feasible and appropriate:
- Eliminate the hazard or substitution (e.g., different chemical cleaning agent)
- Utilize engineering controls (e.g., ventilation)
- Administrative controls (e.g., dose monitoring)
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., self-contained breathing apparatus)
4.2. Controls within the qualification or training of the worker that are often used do not need to be discussed in the work instructions. Examples: Use of leather gloves, safety glasses of the proper type that the worker normally uses.
4.3. Controls within the qualification or training of the worker that are seldom used, and are applicable to the entire work activity, should be placed in the precautions as a reminder that the hazard exists and the workers are expected to take the appropriate actions. Examples: Use of hearing protection due to a noisy environment at the job site, or observation of overhead lines when they are present at the job site.
4.4. Controls within the qualification and training of the workers, but for hazards that are introduced at specific steps or by specific actions during the job, should have a warning or caution statement immediately prior to the step but require no detailed mitigation instructions in the work instructions. Example: a warning for the release of pressure when breaching a system that may have residual pressure.
4.5. Controls not within the qualification and training of the workers for hazards should have detailed instructions for how the workers are to mitigate the hazard and should be in the work instructions or procedure in a way that is prominent and prevents or mitigates the hazard. Example: the steps required to successfully release the pressure on a system in an operation which is not normally performed.
This passage would normally need to be read and understood by:
5. Given the equation \(\frac{3}{y-5}=\frac{15}{y+4}\), what is the value of \(y\)?
\(3(y+4)=15(y-5)\)
From here, distribute on both sides:\(3y+12=15y-75\)
Subtract \(3y\) from both sides:\(12=12y-75\)
Add 75 to both sides of the equation:\(87=12y\)
Finally, divide both sides by 12 and simplify the fraction:\(\large{\frac{87}{12}}\normalsize{=}\large{\frac{29}{4}}\normalsize{=y}\)
Civil Service Online Prep Course
If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an online Civil Service prep course designed to give you everything you need to succeed!
Here’s what you’ll find in the Civil Service course:
- 60+ Review Lessons Covering Every Topic
- Over 950 Civil Service Practice Questions
- 350+ Digital Flashcards
- 220+ Instructional Videos
- Money-back Guarantee
- Mobile Access
Everyone learns differently, so we’ve tailored the Civil Service online prep course to ensure every learner has what they need to prepare for the Civil Service exam.
Click below to check it out!
FAQs
Q
What is a civil service exam?
A
A civil service exam is an assessment used by a government agency or jurisdiction to evaluate candidates for a particular public-sector position.
Q
What jobs may require a civil service exam?
A
Civil service exams are commonly used for certain administrative, clerical, public-safety, corrections, emergency-dispatch, transit, postal, and other government positions.
Q
How long do civil service tests take?
A
It depends on the test. Some take as little as 30 minutes, while others take 2+ hours.
Q
When and where can I take the exam?
A
Some exams are offered only during scheduled testing periods, while others are available through continuous recruitment. Depending on the agency, the assessment may be administered online or at a designated testing center.
Q
Does passing the exam guarantee that I will be hired?
A
No. The test can be just one part of the application process. Some jobs may also have training, experience, educational or other requirements. Firefighters, for example, may have to meet minimum requirements for the amount of weight they can lift. Police officers may have to meet certain minimum physical fitness requirements. It’s always best to check with your local jurisdiction for the specifics.
Q
What score do I need to pass?
A
There is no universal passing score for civil service exams. Passing requirements and scoring procedures are established by the agency or jurisdiction administering the assessment and should be stated in the official exam notice.
Q
Is there a fee to take a civil service exam?
A
It depends on the agency and exam. Some jurisdictions charge an application, filing, or examination fee, while others do not.
Q
I’m a veteran. What programs are available to me?
A
Eligible veterans may receive hiring preference under federal, state, or local rules. In some federal numerical-rating systems, qualified preference-eligible veterans receive an additional 5 or 10 points. Other hiring systems apply preference differently, and special hiring authorities such as Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment may also be available.
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