government jobs

How to Study for the

Civil Service Exam

How to study for the civil service exam? 

Review the job bulletin or job vacancy notice.  Nearly all government agencies establish a job description through a rigorous, methodical process.  The agency identifies the duties and responsibilities of a position and the necessary knowledges, skills, and abilities to perform the duties.  This results of this process is the basis for the testing and ensures that each test is job-related.  The job bulletin or job vacancy notice will identify what each test(s) in the exam will test for.

Is there a syllabus for the civil service exam?

No.  The job bulletin or job vacancy notice is your guide on what to study (see above).

Have a written civil service test? 

A job-specific guide is best as opposed to a location or agency-specific guide.  Of course, the ideal guide is a job-specific guide for the location and/or agency that you’re testing for. 

Check your local library for free test guides (either on-line or in person).  You’ll need a valid library card.  Hard copy books may be available and will vary with each library system.  Libraries typically provide access to e-book test guides from:

  • LearningExpress – The test guides available are general civil service tests, math and vocabulary, postal, electrical and plumbing certification, emergency medical and firefighting, law enforcement, teacher certification, and military (ASVAB etc.).
  • Passbooks – We’ve been able to find e-book versions of the Passbooks for Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Mechanic; Assistant Custodian; Clerk-Stenographer; Correction Officer, Crane Operator; Heavy Equipment Operator; Machinist; Mental Health Group Leader, Postal Entrance Battery Test (473); Court Clerk; Truck Driver; and 911 Operator.

Search online for free study guides, practice tests and sample questions from government agencies.  We’ve done most of the work for you and continue to add to our list of free civil service tests with sample questions and answers from government agencies.  Commercial companies may offer some sample questions and answers as an incentive to purchase guides or online study programs.    

If you haven’t taking a test in a while, have trouble taking tests, or want more practice, buy a study guide for the specific job or a similar job that you’re applying for.  Most jobs, such as Custodian, are the same regardless of the location or because all custodians performs the same basic tasks, so a location or agency specific guide (e.g. City of Chicago Custodian) isn’t necessary. This is also typically the fastest option to start studying and requires the least time and effort searching for free resources.  

If you can’t find a guide for the specific job or a similar job , use the general guides available at the library or buy one of the general test guides below (all include multiple practice test including detailed answer explanations) and use your own search efforts along with our free resources for the subjects not covered in the general test guide.  

Civil Service Exam Study Guide

New! 2020 Edition

Kaplan Civil Service Exams
Civil Service Exam Secrets Study Guide
Master the Civil Service Exams

Take practice civil service tests with a time limit.

With few exceptions, all civil service tests are timed.  Take practice tests with a time limit to get used to the time pressure.  Using time limits are all the more important if you haven’t taken a timed test in while and/or have a difficult time taking tests. 

More tips on finding a government job, what is the civil service exam, and what to study to improve your chances of being hired.