What are the examinations like?
State civil service exams may consist of a written, oral and/or performance test, an evaluation of education, training and experience, or a combination of these. The exam announcement will indicate which type of test(s) will be given. The majority of written tests use multiple choice questions; and they are usually held on Saturdays in locations throughout the State. A booklet “How to Take a Written Test”() is available here for individuals applying for entry level jobs.
Two Subsidiary level subjects will be examined in May, near the end of the Grade 11 year. All other subjects will be examined in May of the Grade 12 year. Examiners appointed by the International Panel of Examiners carry out assessment of scripts. Over the range of six subjects a student will encounter a variety of examination techniques – essays, multiple choice tests, short answer papers, cassette orals, face-to-face orals and analysis of documents. These methods of assessment, besides providing an appropriate means for determining a candidate’s knowledge and capability, also offer experience for the kinds of evaluation techniques used at institutes of higher education.
