How To Take Online Civil Service Exam Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Civil Service Exam Preparation: A Definitive Study Guide with Exercise Tests

Final Updated on May 16, 2022

Are you lot thinking about applying to be a civil service employee with the state of Pennsylvania? Are yous interested in learning more about the requirements and what information technology takes to get a ceremonious retainer?

If so, you are in the right place! In this article, nosotros'll learn virtually the Pennsylvania 2022 Civil Service Examination and how you lot tin practice scoring well plenty to become the job of your dreams.

No matter whether you lot've taken the test in the past or if this is your offset time, you should plan to study and exist prepared for it. In addition, there are many varieties to the Civil Service Exam, depending on which position you are applying for.

Older versions of tests may comprise different information that is no longer relevant, and then updating your written report materials is a must. Job Examination Prep offers a specialized PrepPack for the Pennsylvania Civil Service Exam that includes several do tests in each bailiwick yous'll be assessed on, sample questions, and written report guides to help yous understand the topics. Access the report guide for Illinois Civil Service Exam hither.

For the position-specific tests, there are boosted PrepPacks you can purchase to assist in your studying.

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What types of tests are there?

A unique type of cess, the Pennsylvania State Ceremonious Service Examination, and its variants depend on skills needed for the position. Therefore, you will more than likely have to take more than one test to qualify for the job y'all're applying for.

Thankfully, all the content y'all'll be studying will be relevant to the tasks yous'll complete on the task if you are hired; therefore, by investing in a PrepPack, you are investing in job grooming materials.

General tests

The Land Civil Service Exam has 2 general types, although in that location tin can certainly be more. Below is a brief caption for each:

1. Typing. This examination looks at how quickly you can accurately blazon words, measuring your "words per minute" skills. This is important, especially if you are applying for a position that involves clerical work.

2. Oral and Essay. Critical thinking and other analytic skills are the focus of this section. You will be asked questions and then have to codify answers based on sometimes very little information. For some positions, you lot may even have to present your solution in person or nigh to a panel of people.

The PrepPacks for the general civil service exam include do tests for each section, exercise questions, and study guides designed to explicate even the most minor concept for each question.

A score report is also included that helps you to interpret your final score, along with a breakdown of how well yous did in each department. This, along with the solving strategies provided for each question can help you significantly improve your score no matter which tests you must take.

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Specific tests – NCJOSI

In addition to the two general types of tests, some are specific to the job you are applying for. The National Criminal Justice Officer Selection Inventory (NCJOSI) test is an example of one that is required for employment in the law enforcement or criminal justice field. This exam takes more time than others as is necessary for Pennsylvania ceremonious servants at ⅖ hours. There are two versions of the test:

Version i

The first version has 45 questions in the cognitive section, which cover:

Problem-solving power
Reading or exact comprehension
Mathematics
Writing ability

In addition, at that place are 42 questions in the "Behavioral and Attitudinal Attributes" section where you lot will take to rate a statement on a Likert scale from one-5 based on how much yous agree or disagree with it. This section resembles a personality assessment.

Version 2

The second version has lxxx questions, which is a fleck longer than the first. It covers the following areas of assessment:

Verbal comprehension
Verbal expression
Problem sensitivity
Deductive reasoning
Anterior reasoning
Information ordering
Spatial orientation
Visualization
Selective attention
Flexibility of closure

The 2nd department has 120 statements in the "Behavioral and Attitudinal Attributes" section that follows the aforementioned format as the first version. This test will take longer to complete, but has a much different focus than the showtime version.

The PrepPack for the NCJOSI cess covers both versions and includes two full-length practice tests for each, forth with:

A total-length simulation of the test
Over 100 exercise questions
Study guides and practice tests by department.

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Specific tests – Civil Service Clerical Exam

There is as well a Civil Service Clerical Exam, which is required for any clerical position such as a clerk, stenographer, typist, or data-entry administrator. The post-obit areas are covered on this test:

Interpreting tables and charts
Arithmetic operations
Name and number checking
Post-obit directions
Alphabetizing/filing
Knowledge of English language grammer and usage, punctuation, and sentence construction
Reading, understanding, and interpreting written cloth
Clerical checking
Office record keeping

Similar to the other PrepPacks, the Civil Service Clerical Exam PrepPack includes 700+ sample questions, practise tests for over 10 dissimilar field of study areas, and study guides for learning how to respond questions quickly and efficiently.

If you are interested in applying for multiple clerical positions, this PrepPack volition help yous with whatever you choose. It is a comprehensive resource that should be considered an investment for your futurity career!

All tests are administered through the State Integrated Computerized Examination organization. Each question is multiple-choice, meaning that you will have at least iii to 4 choices to reply from.

In add-on to the more niched PrepPacks for specific positions, Job Test Prep too offers a General Civil Service All-Inclusive pack. This is useful for any job you could use for in the civil service industry, especially if y'all take trouble deciding which career you want to pursue. This Pack is one of the nearly pregnant online practice materials available, even allowing you lot to create a customized parcel.

While these tests are generally stressful to those who take them, remembering to stay calm is the near of import matter you can do when you're sitting for the exam. Yous are less likely to perform at your best if your heed is focusing on other things.

Taking deep breaths, going to a "calm" place momentarily, and recentering your mind are all keen tips to help reduce your exam-taking anxiety. They too piece of work for oral presentations.

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Examination tips

Some more than valuable tips for taking the Pennsylvania Civil Service Exam are:

Go far 10-15 minutes early on at the testing site. Let fourth dimension in your commute for traffic or unexpected situations.
Contact the job you lot are applying for to make sure you are signed up for the proper test. You volition have to take the correct exam if you lot sit for the wrong one.
Buy multiple PrepPacks for boosted back up. If you take any questions, contact the Task Test Prep customer service. They have a 100& money-back guarantee on all purchases.
Dress professionally for your exam. You never know if your potential employer will be there!

Application

Before you lot accept your exams, you'll have to submit your application. As usual, yous will include a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) along with your past education and work feel. The Land as well requires you to charge per unit how comfortable you are with different work environments and jobs.

Later on someone from the State reviews your application, you will be given an experience and grooming rate. This volition be factored into the hiring process, so it'south essential to be as authentic as possible.

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Chore Search

As you navigate through the job opportunities with the state of Pennsylvania, know that the growth potential is immense no matter which field you cull. The State employs the about people in all of Pennsylvania, so there will always be a wide variety of options.

You lot too have the freedom to choose many things when looking for a position, such as a county you'd like to work in. When searching, there is an choice to select ten dissimilar counties. Comparing the pay, benefits, and job descriptions for each county is besides helpful for narrowing down where y'all want to use.

Related Prep Guide –

How to Pass The California Civil Service Test?
How to Set up for Texas Civil Service Test?
How To prepare For a Tennessee Civil Service Test?

Exam Locations

There are seven different testing locations throughout the State with availability throughout the calendar month. Yous tin even cull night or weekend options, depending on your current schedule. For a list of sites and contact information, visit this website.

How will my examination scores affect my task search?

As ever, your goal should be to score as loftier as possible on whichever tests you take. This manner, it shows your employer you are competent in the necessary skills to do the job.

For any Pennsylvania State Ceremonious Service Tests, applicants are merely placed into the task pool if they achieve a passing score. However, y'all won't be considered if yous don't score high enough or "laissez passer" the examination.

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Determination

Overall, applying to work with the Pennsylvania Civil Service department can be confusing and challenging. However, by utilizing the Job Test Prep study materials, you will outshine other applicants. Being as prepared as possible is cardinal to ensuring success during the test-taking procedure. You lot should also strive to score high enough to be placed into the peak pool of applicants.

We wish you the best of luck on your job search and test experience!

Also Check

Everything You lot Need to Know About Civil Service Fast Stream Cess Centre
How to Set for Ohio Civil Service Exam?
How to Pass Florida Civil Service Test?
How to Written report for Civil Service Clerk Typist Exam?
How to Study for Michigan Civil Service Test?
Civil Service Exams in New Jersey – Study Material
Louisiana Civil Service Test – Ultimate Guide

Written by Bailee Boggess McCoy

Bailee, MSW, is a freelance writer and editor. She specializes in career, social piece of work, tech, B2B, marketing, and medical, health, and health content. She has experience as a job autobus, DEI consultant for companies, community-project manager, and clinical researcher. She received her Bachelor'south degree in Psychology from Georgetown Higher in 2018, and studied neurolinguistics and developmental psychology at the University of Oxford. She earned her Master'southward in Social Work at the University of Kentucky in 2021. Her scientific inquiry has been presented at the Alzheimer'south Association International Conference and published in the Periodical of Alzheimer'southward Disease and Associated Disorders.