Test Preparation
What is a Civil Service exam?
A civil service examination in our System may consist of a written examination,
oral test, physical test, aptitude test, or other appropriate tests and/or a rating
of experience and training or a combination of any of these examination aspects.
The civil service examinations are used to determine the rank of all applicants
seeking a civil service position.
All State Universities Civil Service System employers use civil service examinations
to help determine if applicants possess the basic knowledge, skills and ability
to perform the functions of the position. Written (Knowledge and Understanding and
Following Directions) and oral tests (Oral Boards) present questions and problems
that test candidates for the critical knowledge, skills, and abilities needed in
the position. Training and Experience (or Credential Assessments) examinations are
used to evaluate the candidate's work experience and education background for determining
requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform in a position. Performance
tests measure candidates' ability to perform
job-related tasks, such as being physically fit for police work, typing or entering
computer data.
Examinations provide a system that is fair and objective for all applicants. For
a particular examination, applicants answer similar questions or are asked to submit
information. Applicants receive a score or scores based on the same examination
components. This gives all candidates an equal opportunity to be placed on an employment
register, the possibility for an interview and the potential to be selected.
After you have completed an examination, you will receive a score. Veteran's Preference
points for those who qualify may be added to your final score. (For more information
on Veteran's Preference, visit our website link Examination Procedures Manual Section
3, Veterans Preference).
Finally upon examination, a "Register" is composed of one or more names of candidates
who can potentially be referred for a job interview. Each employer (university/agency)
uses a register for their specific employment location to certify (refer) candidates
for position interviews. Scores are ranked on the register in numerical order. So
a rank of "1" is better than "40". The employer shall certify the three names of
the candidates standing (ranked) highest on the register(s) at the time a vacancy
is declared. Please note all applicants receiving the same score will be given the
same ranking. From these Employment registers you may be referred for an interview.
** Prior to being admitted to a civil service examination, an applicant must meet
the Minimum Acceptable Qualifications for the classification. For further information
on our class titles and the Minimum Acceptable Qualifications, you should visit
the
Class Specifications.