About Columbus Civil Service Exams
When a City of Columbus job is posted and it says EXAM after the title, you must take an exam to get that job. Taking these tests are great opportunities to show your job skills and get your name to City staff who make hiring decisions. When you pass a Columbus Civil Service exam, your name is added to an Eligible List. You are then eligible to be hired for that job.
The first step to taking a Civil Service Exam is to apply to a City job. To see our current job openings, visit the Job Center on our website and select "View/Apply to Current Job Openings." Select jobs you are interested in and apply.
On your computer, City job postings with an "EXAM" might appear as shown below.
On your cellphone, City job postings with an "EXAM" might appear as shown below.
What to Expect on Exams
Columbus Civil Service (CSC) exams are different for every job class. Our exams are designed for each job. To prepare for our exams, first know what will be tested for that job.
- Look for the subtests on the job posting (see image below)
- After applying and qualifying for the exam, look for the subtests in your test admission email
- Learn more about the subtests
- The Common Subtest section below describes different subtests often seen on our exams
- Some jobs have exam study or prep materials (see the +Study Guides section on this webpage)
This Testing Clinic Video offers tips about understanding and preparing for our exams.
Sample Job Postings
The images below show two sample postings with exams. At the bottom of every posting there is a test and contact information section. The section describes what type of tests and subtests that will be part of the exam.
Common Subtests
Job Knowledge and Experience
Job Knowledge is used to test knowledge areas for a specific a job. Some examples of knowledge areas are tool identification and usage, plumbing, automotive repair, painting, standard medical office procedures and terminology.
Training and Experience Evaluations award credit for your work experience, training, and classes taken within a specified area. For some jobs, you complete this test in our testing center. For other jobs, you complete this at home and return it with documentation. In all cases, a Work History Questionnaire (WHQ) is included. A WHQ is a listing of previous job experience and employer details.
Performance Exams require you to physically perform a task. This may include; typing, welding, driving a truck, or climbing a utility pole.
Computer Skills require you to operate a computer, performing tasks within various software programs such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Power Point, and Word.
Logic and Problem Solving
Information Ordering is the ability to correctly follow a rule or set of rules to arrange things in a certain order. You answer multiple-choice questions by following a set of rules or steps provided in the instructions.
Problem Sensitivity is the ability to tell when something is wrong or likely to go wrong. This ability is often tested using multiple-choice questions that ask about best solutions in a given scenario, but other test methods such as a Situational Judgment Test (SJT) may be used. There's more information about SJTs below.
Logic and Reasoning is the ability to use logic and analysis to solve problems. These subtests require you to use information provided to figure out the best answer; often presented as multiple-choice, work samples, or written, narrative responses.
Public Relations assesses the ability to handle situations that an employee might encounter when dealing with the public; usually multiple-choice questions ask about best actions or responses in a given public-relations scenario.
Situational Judgment Test (SJT) is a test that assesses judgment required for problem solving in work-related situations. Our SJTs are video-based exams. You view scenarios and possible responses and you evaluate the effectiveness of each response. You will use a rating scale that we provide to evaluate the responses. See more about this type of test below.
Math, Maps, and Plans
Mathematics is the ability to use math to solve problems, including the ability to add, subtract, multiply or divide whole numbers, fractions, or decimals. We often use word problems to describe a situation that requires math.
Reading Maps or Plans is the ability to read a map, plan, atlas, or blueprint. Typically, multiple-choice questions are asked about a provided map or plan.
Detail Orientation and Multitasking
Name and Number Comparison is the ability to compare names, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns quickly and accurately. For this ability, two pieces of information are provided side by side. You indicate whether the sets match or do not match. Usually more items are provided than you are expected to get through in the allotted time. This subtest is generally timed separately from other portions of an exam.
Time-Sharing is used to test multitasking skills; assesses the ability to a complete a task while processing and responding to inbound information that are presented in various ways.
Memorization is the ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, or procedures. After studying a sheet of paper containing a chart or scenario for a set amount of time, you answer multiple-choice questions based on the information you remember.
English Communication Skills
Oral Comprehension is the ability to listen and understand spoken English words and sentences. This ability is tested using oral instructions played from a recording either over speakers or a headset. You must listen carefully and take notes to answer multiple-choice questions based on the information given.
Written Comprehension (also referred to as Reading Comprehension) is the ability to read and understand written materials in English. This ability is typically tested using multiple-choice questions based on a provided reading passage.
Oral Communication is the ability to speak English words and sentences so others understand. This ability is typically tested using an oral board examination. This type of examination requires a candidate to speak in front of a video camera or group (or board). Your response may require you to present information, participate in role play situation, response to prompted questions, or response to a situation.
Written Communication is the ability to communicate English in writing so that others understand. This ability is typically tested through a written work sample. Sometimes, this ability is tested by requiring you to respond in a narrative format to questions or prompts.
Written Expression is the ability to use English words and sentences in writing so others will understand. This ability is typically tested though topics such as grammar, punctuation, spelling, and report writing.
Situational Judgment Tests
One type of subtest that may be new to you is a Situational Judgment Test (SJT). Our SJTs are video-based assessments of the judgment required for problem solving in work-related situations. We show you a video of a work-related situation and responses to that situation. We ask you to rate or evaluate the effectiveness of each response. Below is a sample SJT video.
After a video situation is presented, several short videos of an employee's responses will be presented. After each response, the video automatically pauses and provides 10 to 15 seconds for you to rate the effectiveness of the employee’s response, using the following scale:
- A = Highly effective—providing the desired effect, impressive. Response provided extra effort and attention that made it distinctly better than satisfactory.
- B = Satisfactory—fulfills the requirements resulting in a positive outcome, but nothing more. Response meets the standard but does not provide any extra effort (does not go above and beyond).
- C = Substandard—below standard or less than adequate; will likely have a negative impact on the situation. Response may have positive points, but does not meet the standard of what would be expected or required for the situation.
- D = Unacceptable—clearly inferior. Without a doubt the response would end in a negative outcome; definitely wrong.
Each employee response can have any rating, you rate each response independent of other responses. For example, response 1 could be highly effective and response 2 could also be highly effective. For each response, you must consider the entire A/B/C/D scale. Specialized training, knowledge, or experience is not required for this type of test. Rather, answers draw on the general knowledge and life experience a person has acquired through work, school, extracurricular, and/or community activities.
- Suggestions on how to do your best on a Situational Judgment Test
- Be attentive to each of the scenarios.
- While viewing the responses, pay careful attention to tone, wording, and demeanor.
- Use the entire scale. Consider all four ratings for each response.
- Once you make your rating, look back at the screen to prepare for the next scene or response to begin.
- View the video above that will give you a look at the full instructions and an example scenario with responses.
Retest Policy
Have you taken a City of Columbus Civil Service Commission exam and didn't do well? Are you hoping to retest?
When can I retake an exam?
If you want to retest, wait until the City offers the test again and apply. You can retake the same exam for the same job, at most, twice in a calendar year. There are a couple of exceptions: 1) The exam is a performance exam, such as a typing test or a physical test and we offer that part of the test more than twice in a year. 2) The exam is posted again, but the exam has changed and the new list of eligible candidates will replace the previous list.
The best way to take another exam, is to apply for a different job with an exam. The exams for City jobs are different for each job class. That means, as long as you apply and qualify to take a different exam for a different job, you can test for that different job--regardless of when you took your last exam. Perhaps, your skills are better suited for a different job with the City.
If you passed the exam for a specific job, the test is available again, and you hope to improve your score, consider the possible result. If you retest while your name is on the eligible list, your grade and score band will be based on the second exam. You do not have the option of choosing the best examination score! If you fail the retest while your name is on the current eligible list, your name will be removed from the eligible list.
Veteran's Preference
Are you a veteran of the US military? Would you like to have veteran's preference points added to your passing score?
Learn more through our Veteran's Preference Fact Sheet.
Test Anxiety
Test anxiety is an inability to think clearly about or in test situation. The anxiety may prevent you from showing up to test or from doing your best on the exam.
It is usually characterized by feelings of nervousness, fear or dread, and specific symptoms can include insomnia, loss (or increase) of appetite, and an inability to concentrate. During an exam, symptoms include confusion, panic, mental blocks, or nausea.
Do you ever experience any of these symptoms before or during a test? If so, you are not alone; many people suffer from test anxiety.
Just like most forms of anxiety, the anxiety comes from what you tell yourself and your innermost thoughts. These are often irrational beliefs, fear of failure, thoughts about what others will think about you, and the desire to be perfect.
In some cases, test anxiety is related to a disability. If this is true for you, be sure to submit a test accommodation request as soon as you are aware you will be testing. Learn more about test accommodations.
TECHNIQUES TO DEAL WITH TEST ANXIETY
1. THOUGHT SUBSTITUTION
Start substituting the negative thoughts and feelings that you have regarding the test with positive thoughts. For example, instead of telling yourself "I'm never going to do well on the test because I always get low scores," you can substitute that thought with a more positive one such as "I have control over whether or not I do well on the test. I have studied the material supplied to me to the best of my ability and I am pleased with the progress I have made." Making positive statements to yourself is one way to reduce the anxiety that you feel. Laugh a little. For some people, humor can ease the tension.
2. BREATHING
If you find yourself going over the material for the test or during the exam and you start developing some of the symptoms of test anxiety, one technique you can use immediately is to focus your attention on your breathing. By doing this, you calm some of the physical symptoms and sensations you may be having. You can take several deep breaths, hold each for 3 - 5 seconds, and then slowly exhale. You should feel yourself getting more relaxed and your heart rate slowing down.
3. MUSCLE RELAXATION
Another technique you can try before and during the testing situation is to tense and relax your muscles. If you are aware of a particularly tense part of your body, which is usually the shoulder area, you should first make the area even tenser. Pull your shoulders back, arch your back and tense your shoulder muscles even more tightly and hold the tenseness for 5 seconds. Then slowly release it. You should begin to feel the tension floating away as you release the tenseness. You can do this several times.
4. PREPARE FOR THE EXAM
Review the test notice so that you know what to expect on the exam. When study materials are available, review these materials in the weeks and days leading up to the exam. For Columbus Civil Service Exams, review the test resources and information about subtests; available on this webpage.
5. PHYSICAL PREPARATION
If you already have an exercise routine, you should exercise the day before and the day of the exam. Studies have shown that regular exercise helps to control tension and stress.
6. KNOW WHERE TO GO
The day before the exam you should check again the time and location of the exam. Locate the test site, parking facilities and parking before test day. Map out and plan how to get there. Map out an alternative route to the test. It may be helpful to actually travel the route to determine how long it will take to get there. Know how long it will take to get there. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early. Allow additional time for unforeseen delays such as traffic or bad weather.
7. NIGHT BEFORE THE EXAM
Take a complete break from studying and relax before you go to bed. Try to get a full night’s sleep. These steps will help you be refreshed and alert throughout the exam.
8. DAY OF THE EXAM
The day of the exam get up in plenty of time to avoid rushing. Eat a nutritious meal, but do not overstuff yourself and avoid heavy foods. Arrive at the exam site with time to spare, and RELAX! By this time, you should be thinking positively about the outcome.
9. TEST TAKING TIPS
- Pace yourself. There are no additional points for finishing early. Most exams and subtests are designed to give you plenty of time to respond.
- A few subtests are designed to measure how quickly you can perform a task; a 'power test'. For examples, see the description of name and number comparison subtest and the multi-tasking subtest for samples of power tests. For the exams, it best to think of these as a game in which you are trying to get as many points as possible.
- Do not be discouraged if you cannot answer a question. For non-power tests, skip it and come back to it later. For power tests, guess mark your answer and move on.
- If time allows after you have answered all of the questions, double-check your answers.
- If you are running out of time, you can always guess the answers; there is no penalty for guessing.
- If you finish early, consider waiting to submit your materials until the test is over. Once you submit your materials you cannot view your test again.