A civil service exam is required for many positions in local, state, and federal government.  To become one of these professionals, aspiring civil service members need to pass the civil service exam.

What Is the Civil Service Exam?

To uphold the integrity of civil service positions, many civil service careers require applicants to take the civil service exam. This exam ensures that candidates are serious about pursuing employment and keeps employers from hiring unqualified professionals.

The content of the exam depends on which position you are applying for. For example, an exam for a clerical position could test keyboarding capabilities, whereas the engineering civil service exam may include advanced math and reasoning questions.

How to Take the Civil Service Exam

The process for taking the civil service exam varies based on the employer. While the overall exam length may differ, you should expect your test to take at least a couple of hours, if not more. Tests can include multiple-choice questions, short answers, and oral components.

The hiring agency you are in contact with should provide you with a date and time to take your civil service exam. If not, you may need to make an appointment. You typically need to register for the exam ahead of time. You may be able to take your test online, but you should be prepared to take it in person.

Exam Requirements

Applications may be obtained and returned at City Hall, located at 709 South Nebraska – San Juan, Texas with the Department of Human Resources. Applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 4, 2022. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

To be eligible to take the Examination, an applicant must meet the following minimum requirements:

► Must be a United States citizen.
► Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
► Must be able to read and write the English language.

Additionally, please be advised that:

► The test may not proceed unless at least one other applicant taking the examination is present.
► A passing grade of at least 70 is required to be placed on an eligibility list.
► Applicants who pass the written examination are further subject to a physical and mental examination and further background checks by the department as a condition of employment.
► The Entry Level Eligibility List is valid for a period of one year and does not guarantee that there will in fact be sufficient vacancies to fill during this time period.
► Upon expiration of the list, an applicant must retest to be considered for placement on a new list.

The Police Civil Service Commission does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission of, access to, treatment of, or employment in its programs, activities, or public meetings. Any individual with a disability in need of an accommodation is encouraged to contact the Office of the City Secretary at (956) 223-2200 at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled examination to make proper arrangements.