States, counties and cities announce exams through their civil service or human resources departments. Common exams include:
| Job type | What’s usually tested |
|---|---|
| Police officer | Reading, writing, memory, judgment; then physical, background and psychological screening |
| Firefighter | Mechanical aptitude, reading, math, situational judgment; then a physical ability test |
| Clerical / administrative | Spelling, grammar, filing, data checking, math, typing |
| Corrections officer | Judgment, reading comprehension, report writing |
USA Civil Service Exam: Quick Facts
- Federal job site
- USAJOBS.gov
- Federal assessments
- USA Hire and agency questionnaires
- Common sections
- Reading, math, grammar, clerical, judgment
- Typical passing score
- Often 70 (varies)
- Ranking
- Eligible list by score
- Veterans
- 5- or 10-point preference (federal)
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Disclaimer: This guide is for general information. Rules, fees and procedures can change. Confirm the current requirements with the official agency listed in the sources. Read our editorial policy.