About Civil Service
Tests
To be considered for many Parish jobs, especially entry-level jobs, applicants are required to take a Civil Service test. Test grades are used to place applicants on job referral lists, often called "registers." These lists or "registers" are used to certify eligibles to parish departments with vacancies to fill. The agencies then contact the certified candidates to set up job interviews, etc.
What are the Civil Service tests like?
Different kinds of tests are given for different types of jobs. Most Civil Service tests are "paper and pencil" multiple-choice exams. Applicants for typing, word processing and clerical jobs also take a typing skills test on a PC. Our Sample Test
Questions give you a preview.
For some jobs, the examination is unassembled, and applicants are graded based on a Rating of Training & Experience.
Most Civil Service tests are NOT speed tests. You'll usually have about 2 hours to take between 80 and 140
questions, depending on the type of job you're applying for.
How are the tests graded?
Most tests are graded by computer. All questions on a test are valued equally; no question counts more than any other. Passing grades range from 70 to 100. The number of
questions you must answer correctly to be considered passing depends on the kind of test you're taking. But on
most tests you must answer 60-70% of the questions correctly in order to pass.
The typing skills test given to secretarial job applicants is graded for both speed and accuracy. To pass the skills test, you must type at about 40 wpm, after penalties for
errors.
When will I receive my grade?
After you've taken the test, it takes about two weeks for you to receive your grade. As soon as your grade is issued to you, your name goes on the appropriate "register" to be referred for vacancies.
How long does my grade last?
Your grade notice will tell you when your grade expires. most grades expire after six months but can be valid for as long a three years.
Can I retake a Civil Service test?
For most tests, you must wait 90 days before re-testing. The exception to this rule is the typing performance test,which may be repeated after 30 days.
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