Helpful Tips To Pass the Civil Service Exam

Government jobs are commonly sought after for many reasons, from the great benefits and attractive pay to the many holidays and much more. If you are reading this, you should know that the main thing standing between you and such a job is the civil service exam, but what exactly is that? The government designed the civil service exam to rank candidates for a position based on their skills and knowledge. 

Essentially, it is the first step you need to overcome to be considered a viable candidate for service in the civil sector. This may sound overwhelming, but you’ll be happy to know that anything above 70% is regarded as a passing score. This article will show you all the tips and tricks you might need to score above the 70% mark.

The best way to anticipate and prepare for what your test will cover is to understand what your employee wants from you. If you are applying for a job that depends heavily on critical thinking but not as much on mathematical ability, it makes no sense to spend your prep time-solving equations. Likewise, suppose you are applying for a clerical job in New York. In that case, you will need to prove your abilities when it comes to filing, typing speed, overall accuracy, and attention to detail. There are three essential testing categories for your general knowledge: verbal ability, clerical ability, and arithmetic ability. In the verbal ability test, you will be tested based on your English proficiency and ability to read, write, understand, and communicate using the language.

You could also be asked to proofread documents or correct grammatical mistakes. As for the clerical ability test, the examiner will be assessing your ability to document and systematically organize data. Suppose you are applying for a position that requires you to be good at maths. In that case, you will have to go through an arithmetic ability test, which usually covers algebra, geometry, ratios, and data/graph analysis. Other than those three categories, additional tests depend on the job and the position you’re applying for, which can be a bit tricky unless you check your state’s website for details.

People often make the mistake of trusting their abilities too much that they neglect to practice for their civil service exam. While confidence is great, you still need the experience to help you score high on your test. Keep in mind that you would have no idea what to expect unless you take a test, and this lack of knowledge is a significant disadvantage. In the actual exam, there is very little chance that you will stumble upon a question that was already covered in previous practice tests, but that is not the purpose of practice. You can easily find a Free Civil Service Practice Test online that is tailored for the job and position you’re applying for. The goal of solving those tests is to train your mind to follow a specific thinking pattern. That way, when you open your exam paper, the questions won’t take you by surprise.

Instead of wasting time introducing your brain to a different mode of questioning, you’d be the one person yawning instead of panicking. Although one thing you should remember is that quality matters more than quantity. You can solve a million questions yet end up being as good as another person who only solved ten. Why? Because practice tests are all about three things: understanding the questions’ format, knowing how an examiner might try to confuse you, and determining your weaknesses. With those three things in mind, try to focus on the solving process and not the goal of finishing a practice test.

 Another critical factor when it comes to civil service exams is time management. Some people are more aware of the passing time, which often comes in handy when you’re too immersed in a challenging question. If you happen to lose yourself quickly, it is recommended that you practice time awareness beforehand. One fun way to do so is by guessing how much time has passed while watching your favorite show. However, a more practical approach is to solve practice tests while trying to stick to a particular time limit per exam or question.

When you’re asking about the details for your exam, make sure you ask about the type of your exam and its duration because it depends on the state and the exam itself. To effectively manage your time in an exam, you’ll need to keep your eye on the clock to see how long it takes you to finish a question or a section. If you’re falling behind, it means you can’t afford to waste time on tough questions, in which case, it’s best to skip them and get back to them in the end. If you’re ahead of time, it’s best to keep all revisions until the end, just in case you stumble upon some challenging questions.

In all cases, memorizing information will not serve you well. The best thing you can do is read and fully understand the information you need to learn. Once you do, you’ll be able to maximize your use of this information instead of limiting yourself to the extent of what you’ve memorized. Although, make sure you’re actively studying and pouring your effort into topics you believe are worth studying. It won’t do you good filling your mind with unnecessary information, and that’s why it’s important to know what abilities your exam is looking to assess.

With enough effort and these four tips in mind, you’re guaranteed to pass your civil service exam. Make sure you pay close attention to any announcements related to your exam so you can get all the details you need to know beforehand. Because examinations can vary between states and from a job position to another, it is important to note the state and your practice test position to avoid wasting time on solving irrelevant material. Lastly, the night before your exam, try to keep from studying so you can clear your mind. It will make all the difference when you’re answering. Best of luck!