Ok, let’s get you ready for your first Civil Service exam.

The written examination is your first step in the screening process for Police Officer candidates and is used to identify unqualified candidates without any possible accusation of favoritism or prejudice. The Civil Service System was established to insure the maintenance of a merit personnel system to recruit, employ, promote, and retain qualified persons for employment. Entry-level examinations do not presuppose knowledge. You will not be expected to know police rules, regulations, or procedures, but rather to reason and think like a Police Officer.

First: Find out test dates
Most civil service exams are administered as needed, many being annual. Make sure to contact the city or state administering your exam for more information. Most cities make this information readily available on their websites. Do not procrastinate! Not a fun feeling to finally go check on testing information only to find you missed applying by a day. You may be waiting up to a year for the next test date.

Second: Learn where and when the test is being given
Contact the city or state administering your exam for more information. Make sure you are familiar with the location. If you are not, take a drive before the test date to make sure you will have no problems finding it. Even so, plan on being to the test 30 minutes early on test day.

Third: Provide all necessary paperwork
Fill out all necessary forms, get copies of any identification, transcripts, etc. that they require. Also, there is a fee for taking these exams. Be prepared to pay it when you turn in your forms. Different municipalities have different rules on accepting cash, checks, or credit cards. Find out what form of payment they will take for the testing fee.

Next time we will discuss what test day will be like and how to be prepared.