government jobs

What to Study for the

Civil Service Exam?

What to study for the civil service exam?

Nearly all 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 process is the basis for the exam and ensures that each test is job related.  The job bulletin or job vacancy notice will typically identify what each test(s) in the civil service exam will test for.  In some instances, the exam information will be provided after your application is submitted and accepted for the exam.  

The key to preparing for the civil service exam is the test(s) and the test topics (skills, abilities, and knowledges) described on the job bulletin or job vacancy notice. 

The location (state or city) and the agency are less important.  Prove it to yourself by comparing the duties and qualifications from the bulletin for the job you’re applying for and the bulletin for the same job title from another agency.  You’ll find that the duties and qualifications are typically identical or similar.

In the box below, we’ve identified the tests, test topics, and possible questions from a sample Park Ranger job bulletin.  The bulletin typically includes a description of the duties of the job, the test(s) in the exam, and the scoring of each test.  

The exam for Park Ranger consists of three different tests – multiple choice, physical ability and an evaluation of overall qualifications.  Tests may be qualifying or counted as part of your overall score.  For Park Ranger, the Multiple Choice Test is qualifying and the Physical Ability Test is pass/fail.  A qualifying test means that you must pass the test (Multiple Choice) to go on to the other tests (Physical Ability and Evaluation of Overall Qualifications). If you fail a qualifying test, you have failed the exam.  The Physical Ability Test is taken after you have qualified and is pass/fail.  If you pass the Multiple Choice Test, but fail the Physical Ability Test then you have failed the exam and will not proceed to the Evaluation of Overall Qualifications.

The “Evaluation of Overall Qualifications” (application review) is a review of your application and your score on the qualifying multiple choice test which accounts for 100% of your score (see “Examination Weights”).  The panel of “subject matter experts” usually consists of supervisors and/or managers who supervise or manage employees in the job, in this case Park Rangers.

The Duties

A Park Ranger provides public assistance and emergency services, including first aid, crowd and traffic control, firefighting, and search and rescue; patrols City parks, beaches, and other facilities to ensure park security; interprets and enforces City regulations and Municipal and Penal Code sections regarding park use; prepares and presents interpretive nature and environmental programs; and may provide radio communication to ranger units. 

The Examination

QUALIFYING MULTIPLE CHOICE TEST: Candidates must pass a qualifying multiple choice test which may examine for knowledge of triage criteria and emergency medical treatment; public relations, conflict resolution, and other interpersonal skills; reading comprehension; correct English usage; and other necessary knowledge and abilities. At the time of the multiple choice test, candidates will be required to complete a Park Ranger Training and Experience Questionnaire. 

EVALUATION OF OVERALL QUALIFICATIONS: This evaluation will take place only for candidates who achieve a passing score on the Qualifying Multiple Choice Test. The evaluation, conducted by a panel of subject matter experts based on job-related criteria, will consist of a review of the candidate’s employment application, including background and training; the information contained in the Park Ranger Training and Experience Questionnaire; and the level of performance on the qualifying written test.

PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST: Candidates will be required to pass a Qualifying Physical Ability Test designed to measure agility, balance, strength, and endurance. 

Examination Weights:

Qualifying Multiple Choice Test . . . . . . . . . . . Pass/Fail
Physical Ability Test  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pass/Fail
Evaluation of Overall Qualifications  . . . . . . . . . . 100% 

EVALUATION OF OVERALL QUALIFICATIONS: This evaluation will take place only for candidates who achieve a passing score on the Qualifying Multiple Choice Test. The evaluation, conducted by a panel of subject matter experts based on job-related criteria, will consist of a review of the candidate’s employment application, including background and training; the information contained in the Park Ranger Training and Experience Questionnaire; and the level of performance on the qualifying written test.

More tips on finding a job, what is the civil service exam, and how to study for the civil service exam.

Here’s a brief overview of the types of tests that may make up a civil service exam:

Application Review

An evaluation of your application.  The review is typically performed by at two reviewers, at least one of which is the supervisor of the position.  The evaluation usually determines if you proceed in the exam process. 

Assessment Center, Essay and In-Basket

Assessment Centers, essay and in-basket tests are usually used for professional and executive jobs such as administrative and management positions.  Law enforcement promotional exams may also use assessment centers.  The assessment center simulates the typical duties of a position.  The in-basket tests your ability to handle typical assignments that might cross the desk of the position that you’re testing for.  

Interview

The interview is an oral interview with an interview panel of at least two interviewers.  These interviews are sometimes recorded.  The interview board will consists of at least one supervisor/manager who supervises or manages that position.

Have a civil service interview as part of the exam?  Learn how to handle the challenges of a civil service interview from the Complete Civil Service Interview Guide and how you to handle them.  Written by experts who have developed civil service exams, written interview questions, and conducted civil service interviews at all levels.  Learn how civil service interviews are different from private industry interviews, 3 practice civil service interviews based on actual interviews, best answers to the toughest interview questions and situations.

Multiple Choice Test

Multiple choice tests are scored and may also be used as a qualifying test.  The average multiple choice test has 50 to 100 questions.

Performance Test

A performance test is usually used for skilled craft jobs such as welders and equipment operators.  The performance test will require you to demonstrate your skills such in completing typical welds or driving equipment over a course.

Physical Ability Test

Physical ability tests are most often required for public safety positions such as the park ranger example, law enforcement and firefighting where physical exertion is essential to performing the job.

Psychological Test

Psychological tests are often required for public safety positions such as law enforcement and firefighting where good judgment in high pressure and high stress situations is essential.