Third Step of the Hiring Process
Preparing for the Civil Service Clerical Exam
Third Step of the Hiring Process
Preparing for the Civil Service Clerical Exam
The Civil Service Clerical Exam
Passing the Civil Service Clerical Exam is a requirement before being considered for employment at any Federal, State, Local agency. Doing well on the exam is important due to they will only invite the top 3 scores of each class to the interview. A passing score is 70, but to receive an invitation you will need to score in the 80’s and 90’s.
The clerical exam typically consists of two main parts, verbal and clerical abilities. The available Civil Service careers are: Typist, Stenographer, Clerk, Military Pay Clerk, Payroll Clerk, Personnel Field, General Supply, Stock Control, Store-keeping, Statistical Assistant & Office Machine Operator.
1. Verbal Abilities
This part of the test includes questions measuring your language skills and knowledge of relationships between sentences, words, and ability to spell:
Vocabulary, Analogies, Grammar, Spelling, Reading, Punctuation
2. Clerical Abilities
This test includes questions measuring typing speed and task accuracy and will test your ability to:
Name & Number Checking, Alphabetizing, Math, Name & Number Comparison, Number Sequencing, Chart Reading, Use a directory, Filing & Customer Service skills
Step Four: Prepare for the Interview
The names and applications of the highest-ranking candidates are referred to the selecting official. Applicants who are selected may or may not receive an interview. It is important to record an high score on the exam in order to be selected for an interview.