Civil Service Exam

[Tedium]

I have to take the Office Support Exam Wednesday. I'm trying so hard to get out of the hotel/customer service/shift work arena. I didn't realize until recently that the tests were free to take, which was one reason I never thought about them. I also assumed there would be a lot of math involved, but that doesn't seem to be the case with the Office Support. The only catch is that you have to wait 90 days if you want to re-test just like a CLEP. Not bad at all for a government job with benefits. Plus, the potential mobility. Please, yes god, the potential mobility.

I was wondering if any of you have ever taken one of these? There are seven different exams covering different fields. The two I would say I'm qualified for are the Office Support and Professional Level exams, though I need to study a bit for the latter.

I'm told Office Support is all common sense, but I'm still a little nervous. Any tips?

I know these are good for federal jobs, but does anyone have any idea how these transfer between states? Is my Louisiana test good in Texas, etc.? Or will I just have to take a new one if I transfer out of state?

Any other helpful tidbits and information are appreciated.

[sanantone]

All of the civil service exams I've taken were specific to a position within a specific government agency.

[Tedium]

Apparently, in Louisiana at least, these tests cover several different job titles: Louisiana State Civil Service -

Now, I would still have to meet the additional qualifications of the department I'm applying to, but the test is a part of those qualifications. You never took a more general exam?

[sanantone]

Apparently, in Louisiana at least, these tests cover several different job titles: Louisiana State Civil Service -

Now, I would still have to meet the additional qualifications of the department I'm applying to, but the test is a part of those qualifications. You never took a more general exam?

I've never seen a general civil service exam in Texas. Most civil service exams here are administered by law enforcement agencies for peace officer, jailer, and telecommunicator positions.

[dfrecore]

The state of CA has a bazillion civil service exams, very specific to the job you are in (none are general). You need to pass specific tests to get onto lists before you can get hired for jobs. They do not transfer between states as far as I can see. I would assume that every state has their own qualifications and rules.

[Tedium]

I've never seen a general civil service exam in Texas. Most civil service exams here are administered by law enforcement agencies for peace officer, jailer, and telecommunicator positions.

The state of CA has a bazillion civil service exams, very specific to the job you are in (none are general). You need to pass specific tests to get onto lists before you can get hired for jobs. They do not transfer between states as far as I can see. I would assume that every state has their own qualifications and rules.

Louisiana always has to be different lol. If I need to transfer states, it's not really a problem to take a new test. I was just curious. The ones here are only good for two years, anyway. What's probably more important is gaining government experience. Thanks for the replies and wish me luck. I test tomorrow!

[sanantone]

I forgot. Individual fire departments also have their own exams here. They have the freedom to choose the company or design their own tests. I've taken written tests at the state level, but none of them were civil service. Good luck.

[Outis]

Here are a few sample questions that may help. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

[Tedium]

Passed! Had my score results in a few hours. Thought I was going to have to wait a week. Now I just have to wait for some positions to open.

[sanantone]

Congratulations.