Is the civil service test hard?

State civil service test(s) for a job?

• I am confused...are there two tests I have to take in order to get a state job? For instance, do I take the civil service test, and then take a more job specific test afterward?

• Answer:

  You apply only for that test, or tests you qualifiy for, re State job. If you score high enough, and pass, you're placed on an Eligible list; if there are openings, and depending on how many are ahead of you, you'll get a notice offering that position/interview date. You must respond to that notice within a specified amount of time, as stated in that notice. Don't accept any job with your state that's "Contingent-Permanent" or "Temporary." That means you didn't take a test for that particular title. If, when taking that title, later on a test is announced for that title, you must take it, hope to score high and get on an Eligible list-otherwise you could be bumped out for someone on the list. If there are layoffs, Contingents (or aka Appointees, also no-test) are usually the first to go, then Certifieds (aka, Line worker who took a test) based on their senority/rank. Please check your State's Civil Service website for Civil Service Rules-usually it explains procedures, i.e. getting Certified, Probation, etc. Every state's procedures may be different. The above is NYS. Good luck.