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We're here to help you, whether you are in the discover, focus or action phase of your career journey., civil service fast stream case study – part 1.

The Civil Service Fast Stream is an award-winning leadership programme, giving people the opportunity to contribute to fast-paced work that makes a difference to the whole of society. It develops people from a wide range of backgrounds who have the potential to become our future senior leaders. With 15 schemes, there is something to suit everyone!

In this blog post, King’s graduate and Civil Servant on the Generalist Fast Stream, Harry, tells us more about this prestigious programme.

Your Fast Stream ambassador team will be running a series of events to provide more information for anyone interested in applying for the Fast Stream or one of the Internship programmes in the coming academic year. Keep an eye on this blog, our social media, and  King’s CareerConnect .

What is it like being a Fast Streamer?

In a word – unpredictable. Every day brings unexpected challenges, let alone different postings each year. It really keeps you on your toes.

What would you say to potential applicants?

If you are in any way unsure, go ahead and apply. Even the experience of just applying is valuable, and if you are not successful the first time, then do not hesitate to re-apply the following year – it took me three separate applications! During the intervening time, I undertook an MA programme (at King’s) that I loved and got valuable experience in other sectors, so not getting in the first time was in no way a hindrance.

What’s been the best part of being a Fast Streamer so far?

It may be something of a cliché, but the people that make up the Civil Service are a genuine pleasure to work alongside. Seeing the efforts that these people make in ensuring that the country functions is both an eye-opening and a humbling experience.

How does your work make a difference in the real world?

I currently work in the Home Office dealing with the government approach to identity. Our decisions and frameworks directly affect the checks that those crossing the border are required to go through. This has a profound impact upon safeguarding and security, making sure that individuals are not being trafficked and are not at risk of identity fraud, whilst ensuring as far as possible that people are able to live in the identity they choose. F

inding the balance between civil liberties and security puts us at the cutting edge of ethical debates and seeing questions that you have dealt with discussed at the highest levels is fascinating.

What events are happening on campus next month?

11/02/20 – Discover Careers in Social Research

06/02/20 – Future Advantage Workshop: Practice Assessment Centre

Even if you can’t attend the Discover Careers in… panel events in person, you can listen back to recordings on KEATS !

Have questions? Join our KCL Fast Stream Ambassadors Facebook group.  Your KCL ambassadors are here to answer your questions.

You can pre-register your interest for the Fast Stream application window in the Autumn now via our Fast Stream website .

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Civil Service Recruitment 2024/25, Practice Guide | Job Application, Interviews, Assessment Centre

Are you aspiring to work in the Civil Service? This is your guide! Explore the Civil Service recruitment process, including tips to pass the Civil Service assessment tests and interviews.

Our website offers scientifically validated practice assessment tests, interviews, and assessment centre exercises you can use to practice and prepare for job assessments and the recruitment process.

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1. Introduction

Not sure if you should practice for the Civil Service recruitment process? Research has shown that 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude test results. It is proven that practice increases your chances of getting hired.

A recent study (Bradley et al 2019) found that candidates who do not practice assessments tend to fail at the first hurdle of psychometric assessment (54%-84%). This study considered the Top 100 global employers.

In a nutshell:

How to prepare for the Civil Service assessment process to get the job?

• Complete the Civil Service online application form
• Fill in your Civil Service application form online
• Answer each of the questions honestly and apply as early as possible
• Attach a good resume and personal statement tailored to the Civil Service core values and Success Profile .
• Use language from the job post in your resume and application
• Practice for Civil Service Online Assessment Tests

The Civil Service uses a variety of aptitude tests to screen candidates. They may include:

• Verbal Reasoning Test
• Numerical Reasoning Test
• Situational Judgement Test
• Personality Test

Practicing beforehand can help increase your chances of scaling through this stage of recruitment, as over 50-80 students do not make it past this stage.

• Record Mock Interviews of Yourself

Prepare for the Civil Service Video interview recording yourself responding to common behavioural and competency-based questions. Aim to stand out by sincerely highlighting your skills and competencies.

Practice for the Civil Service interview using:

• A functioning smartphone
• Our video interview practice platform
• Practice for the Civil Service Assessment Centre Exercises

The Civil Service assessment centre is the last stage of the Civil Service recruitment process. It involves the following exercise:

• In-tray Exercise
• Group Exercise
• Written Exercise
• Presentation Exercise
• Panel Interview

Keep reading to find answers to the following questions:

• How can I apply to work at the Civil Service?
• How can I pass the Civil Service online assessment?
• How can I pass the Civil Service interview?
• How can I pass the Civil Service assessment centre?
• What career programmes are available at Civil Service?

Practice assessments similar to Civil Service tests by clicking on any of the tests in the table below!

Go Premium and gain unlimited access to all the assessments listed above and more to pass your Civil Service assessments and interviews first time!

That’s a brief summary of what you should do to land the Civil Service job. Let’s now discuss the essential details and uncover great tips to help you get hired at the Civil Service in the UK!

Let’s get right into it!

What is the Civil Service?

The UK Civil Service is the permanent bureaucracy of Crown employees, supporting the government of the UK in administration. These employees are not members of the British Parliament but assist the ministers on policy development and implementation.

Employees of the Civil Service are defined as “politically impartial,” as they only help in delivering the work demanded by the incumbent government.

Where can you join the Civil Service?

Some Civil Service departments you can apply to include:

Throughout your application to the Civil Service, keep in mind their values and Success Profile. But what are these? Let’s find out below!

The Civil Service Core Values and Success Profile

What are the civil service values.

The core values of the Civil Service are provided by the Civil Service Code. They include:

 As a civil servant, you are expected to place priority on your public service duties.

All civil servants are expected to be transparent in their duties by being truthful and open.

Objectivity :

 Decisions should be made based on proper analysis of the evidence.

With care shown to everyone, ANZ embraces diversity and encourages opinions while emphasising thinking and acting with consideration towards customers, communities, and the environment.

Impartiality :

The Civil service is regarded as politically impartial. This implies equal treatment for all political parties.

What is the Civil Service success profile?

The Civil Service success profile is a framework used by the Civil Service to attract and retain talents from different sectors, in accordance with the Civil Service workforce plan commitment.

The success profile framework assesses candidates through several elements, such as:

• Behaviours: Actions that improve job performance and productivity.
• Strengths: Well-practiced actions that are done well and that motivate us.
• Ability: The potential to improve and perform at the required level.
• Experience: First-hand knowledge and understanding of subject or activity.
• Technical: Demonstrating the key knowledge and skills in the job.

Good to know: The Civil Service behaviours are assessed based on the grade level and requirements of the job role. Check the job description to understand which key Civil Service behaviours are ideal for the job.

Check out our quick video below for even more research tips you can use for your Civil Service application:

The Civil Service Success Framework aims to diversify the recruitment process with differing selection methods depending on the role. 

Leveraging the Civil Service core values and success framework can be a game changer in your application form. Let’s see what this first step of the Civil Service application process involves.

2. Civil Service Application Form

How to apply to work at the civil service.

The Civil Service online application form is the first step after you have found your preferred role. You will be required to provide some personal information when completing this form. This includes:

• Gender 
• Supporting documents

Civil Service Application Form

Source : Civil Service

5 Top Tips to Pass Your Civil Service Online Application

• Ensure you meet the job requirements for the role before applying. This allows you to provide relevant skills and experiences in your application and interview.
• Create your first draft of your personal statement offline. This allows you to write convincingly and to cross-check for spelling and grammar errors.
• Keep your CV 1-2 pages max and ensure that your Civil Service CV is well-structured and concise to make it easily understandable and tailored to 
• Be specific when applying for programmes . Applying for your most suitable programme will enable you to tailor your application accordingly, rather than applying for multiple programmes.
• Be honest in your application . All the information you provide when completing the form should be true.

These tips can help boost your chances of making it through the application stage. If successful, the Civil Service will invite you to take some online tests. 

Let’s check out these Civil Service tests !

3. Civil Service Online Tests

What is the civil service test.

The Civil Service online tests are Cubiks/Talogy psychometric tests used to assess your mental ability, strengths, and potential after a successful application. The tests are to be taken in English or Welsh and are usually not timed. They include the following:

• Judgement Test
• Management Test
• Work Strengths Test
• Customer Service Skills Test
• Casework Skills Test

Good to know : Depending on the job you have applied for, you may be asked to complete one or more of these Civil Service aptitude tests.

Let’s check out what to expect in each of the psychometric tests below, starting with the Civil Service verbal reasoning test.

Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test

What is the civil service verbal reasoning test.

The Civil Service verbal reasoning test assesses your ability to read, understand, and draw conclusions from a written text. In the Civil Service verbal test, you will be given passages, reports, etc. and asked to draw conclusions with “true”, “false”, or “cannot say” statements.

How long is the Civil Service verbal reasoning test?

The Civil Service verbal reasoning test is usually untimed. They also vary in length, depending on the role.

For more details about verbal reasoning tests, don’t miss our short video below:

Give yourself an edge by practicing FREE verbal reasoning test questions with GF, or have a go at the Civil Service-style verbal reasoning test question below, designed by GF experts.

Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test Example

Check the bottom of the page to be sure you got the answer right!

5 Tops Tips to Pass the Civil Service Verbal Test

Check out our top 5 tips to pass the Civil Service verbal test!

• Practice using the Civil Service practice tests to get comfortable with the various formats and styles used in the Civil Service verbal reasoning test.
• Read the test instruction and the passage carefully to ensure that you understand the context or scenario of the question, as the Civil Service verbal test uses tricky passages.
• Understand the answer options. The Civil Service verbal test requires you to pick ‘true’ if the statement is accurate, ‘false’, when it is incorrect according to the passage, and ‘cannot say’ when you’re unable to decide.
• Answer based on the passage . Before deciding whether a statement is true or false, make sure your decision is based on the information in the passage and not your personal opinion.
• Consider reading out loud if you’re having a hard time answering a question. Reading aloud can help improve your focus on the text.

Looking for more Civil Service-style verbal reasoning questions?

Done with verbal reasoning, it’s time to suit up for your Civil Service numerical reasoning test!

Civil Service Numerical Reasoning Test

What is the civil service numerical test.

The Civil Service numerical reasoning test evaluates your ability to analyse and interpret numerical data with a range of questions carrying numerical information. The test is untimed with 15-20 quantitative reasoning questions and the questions come up as you progress.

You are likely to get a harder question each time you answer correctly, and an easier one when you answer incorrectly in the Civil Service numerical test.

Find out more about numerical reasoning tests used by employers such as the Civil Service with this short video:

Practice FREE numerical reasoning test questions with GF to stay ahead or attempt this Civil Service-style numeracy test question we’ve created below!

Got the answer right? Check the bottom of the page to find out!

5 Top Tips to Pass the Civil Service Numerical Reasoning Test

• Review basic arithmetic concepts used in the Civil Service numerical assessment, such as percentages, averages, currency conversion, interest calculation, etc.
• Practice example Civil Service test questions before the test to get familiar with the format and numerical questions typically used.
• Double-check unit measurements and currencies, as this Civil Service psychometric test uses a set of data for multiple questions.
• Consider the elimination method to help you narrow down your options from the multiple options used in the Civil Service test.
• Solve every question on paper. The Civil Service numerical test is untimed. Therefore, take your time to solve the questions on a rough sheet, rather than solving them in your head.

Looking for more Civil Service numerical test practice?

You may also be invited to take the Civil Service Judgement test . Let’s find out more below!

Civil Service Judgement Test

What is the civil service judgement test.

The Civil Service judgement test is a situational judgement test used to assess your judgement and decision-making skills in realistic work situations, as well as your behaviour in the Civil Service work environment.

The test is divided into two sections:

• Civil Service Self-Assessment Personality Questionnaire
• Civil Service Behavioural Assessment

Let’s get into the details of each of these assessment sections.

What is the Civil Service Self-Assessment Personality Questionnaire?

The Civil Service self-assessment personality questionnaire or Civil Service work style questionnaire consists of work related statements, to which you have to respond with the extent to which you agree or disagree with these statements. 

This assessment is also called the Civil Service personality test . Check out our top tips to ace your Civil Service personality questionnaire with our short video here:

Register for GF’s work personality package today to gain first-hand insights into a work personality-style test and how employers such as Civil Service use these in recruitment.

What is the Civil Service Behavioural Assessment?

The Civil Service behavioural assessment examines your judgement and decision-making skills. You will be presented with real-life workplace scenarios and asked to rate the possible actions from the options from ‘counterproductive’ to ‘effective’.

Here’s a glimpse of what the Civil Service behavioural assessment may look like, as created by our experts.

Civil Service Management Test

What is the civil service management test.

The Civil Service Management Test is an online situational judgement test that assesses your judgement and decision-making in the daily management of others. The test involves 15 scenarios , each with four actions presented as text or short videos.

It measures behaviours specific to roles requiring line management success, which are: collaborative, decisive, empathetic, confident, and agile. Whilst untimed, most candidates complete each scenario within 2-4 minutes .

Civil Service Work Strengths Test

What is the civil service work strengths test.

The Civil Service work strengths test is an untimed online test that assesses your strengths through personality questionnaires and situational judgement questions. You may get one or both versions of the test, depending on the role you applied for.

What happens in a Civil Service work strengths test?

The Civil Service strengths test include three parts which are:

• Personality questionnaire
• Situational judgement test (10 effectiveness rating)
• Situational judgement test (5 scenarios to choose your most and least likely action)

Civil Service Customer Service Skills Test

What is the civil service customer service skills test.

The Civil Service customer service skills test evaluates your customer handling skills. It assesses your problem-solving skills and traits like comprehension and empathy in your relationship with difficult customers.

What happens in a Civil Service customer service skills test?

The Civil Service customer service test involves three parts:

• Part One: You will be asked to respond to a range of customer service queries. You will then review the scenarios and select the best course of action from 3 responses . You will get a follow-up after this from the customer, with 3 further possible responses.
• Part Two: You will be required to give effectiveness ratings for 4 possible reactions to 6 customer service scenarios .
• Part Three: This last part is timed. You will have 10 minutes to identify errors between pieces of customer information provided.

Civil Service Casework Skills Test

What is the civil service casework skills test.

The Civil Service casework skills test assesses your abilities and skills in relation to roles in casework. It evaluates your ability to process information, analyse situations, make decisions, and work under pressure.

What happens in a Civil Service casework skills test?

The Civil Service skills test consists of three parts:

• Part One: You will be given a scenario along with a range of related background information and a number of statements. You will then choose for each statement if it is ‘true’, ‘false’, or you ‘cannot say’.
• Part Two: You are to review six workplace scenarios in a casework setting and provide an effectiveness rating of 4 possible reactions.
• Part three: You will be provided with case information and required to find errors between two pieces of information or input the required information correctly within 10 minutes.

The above assessments all focus around assessing your ability and behaviours during various scenarios you are likely to encounter in your role. 

Therefore, our team has come up with the following top tips to pass these Civil Service situational assessments .

5 Top Tips to Pass the Civil Service Situational Judgement Tests

• Prepare with Civil Service practice tests provided on their website to familiarise yourself with scenarios you may encounter in the Civil Service judgement test.
• Provide honest answers from a professional perspective. Let your answers reflect good work behaviour and ethics, which are sought after by the Civil Service.
• Be practical. Consider the option that sounds most efficient and effective for solving the problem described in the scenario.
• Research the Civil Service and ensure your responses or actions align Civil Service values, success profile , and job responsibilities.
• Be consistent with your answers . Civil Service may use clones of questions to assess the consistency of your personality profile. Make sure your responses are not in conflict.

Start practicing for your Civil Service situational judgement test now!

Once you have successfully passed the Civil Service online tests, you will be invited to the Civil Service video interview . Let’s take a good look at it.

4. Civil Service Video Interview

What is the civil service video interview.

In the Civil Service video interview , you are typically given a set time duration to answer a series of pre-recorded questions. There is an allotted time for each response and you may be given two or more attempts before submitting your final answer.

How long is the Civil Service video interview?

The Civil Service video interview consists of 9 questions, which are a mix of behavioural and competency-based questions. It takes about 25 minutes.

The Civil Service video interview may also include strength based questions, which focus on 8 key strengths. These includes:

Discover more about the Civil Service video interview with our 1-minute video below!

5 Top Tips to Ace Your Civil Service Interview

• Practice recording yourself answering common interview questions to get familiar with interview processes and boost your confidence ahead of the Civil Service interview.
• Take time to reflect on your career so far and make a list of the situations where you showed leadership, teamwork, decision-making, etc. This will help your memory during the actual Civil Service video interview.
• Ensure your device is working properly before taking the interview. Check your microphone, webcam, and internet connection.
• Show confidence by maintaining eye contact with your camera and speaking clearly. This will leave a good impression on the Civil Service assessors.
• Consider using the STAR+R method when responding to competency-based or behavioural questions to help you respond comprehensively.

Want to know what questions could come up in your Civil Service video interview? Practice the Essentials with GF and discover more potential Civil Service interview questions with our Question Identifier Tool (QIT).

The next step of the Civil Service recruitment process is the Civil Service assessment centre. Here’s what you should know about it.

5. Civil Service Assessment Centre

What is the civil service assessment centre.

The Civil Service assessment centre is a two-day event in which recruiters will assess you on your behaviours. The event assesses essential skills such as decision making, problem-solving, written skills, etc.

The Civil Service assessment centre can offer any or all of the following exercises:

Civil Service In-tray Exercise

Civil service group exercise, civil service written exercise, civil service presentation exercise, civil service panel interview.

What do these exercises involve? Keep reading to find out.

What is the Civil Service in-tray exercise?

The Civil Service in-tray exercise is an assessment of a real work scenario used in the selection process for certain job positions at the Civil Service. 

What happens in the Civil Service in-tray exercise?

In the Civil Service in-tray exercise , you will be asked to treat the exercise as a role-playing exercise. In this task, you will review several documents, such as emails, letters, memos, and reports and respond within a specified time frame.

5 Tips to Ace the Civil Service In-tray Exercise

• Practice in-tray exercises to familiarise yourself with common types of tasks and how to approach them.
• Prioritise tasks . The Civil Service in-tray exercise may include multiple tasks with varying importance. Focus on completing high-priority tasks first.
• Pay attention to details in the information provided . Note deadlines, instructions, or any specific requirement usually mentioned in the Civil Service in-tray exercise. Missing important details can lead to wrong analysis.
• Communicate effectively . In the Civil Service in-tray exercise, effective communication is key. Clearly express your thoughts and ideas, listen actively, and ask for clarification if needed.
• Demonstrate problem-solving skills . Think critically about the scenarios and come up with practical solutions. Show resourcefulness in your approach to solving problems.

Let’s move on to the next assessment: the Civil Service group exercise .

What is the Civil Service group exercise?

The Civil Service group exercise contains group interactions and team tasks which assess your ability to collaborate and make decisions with others. The recruiters will assess you individually as well as part of a team.

5 Tips to Pass the Civil Service Group Exercise

• Share your ideas and make yourself heard . The Civil Service team expects you to contribute and share ideas, so don’t hold back from speaking up but do so in a respectful manner.
• Listen and appreciate the points made by your teammates . Work together with the team and build on each other’s ideas
• Remember the names of everyone present in your group and use them accordingly when discussing with or referring to them. This will further demonstrate your attention to details.
• Take the lead if necessary . Feel free to conduct the discussion, assign roles, and mediate between opinions. 
• Manage your time wisely. Don’t get carried away discussing. Rather, budget time durations for your group’s discussion and stick to them. Remember that the Civil Service recruiters also want to see how well you handle pressure.

Check out our below video for more details on group exercises and our top tips to ace your Civil Service group exercise:

The next is the Civil Service written exercise . Let’s check it out!

What is the Civil Service written assessment?

Civil Service written exercises similar to the in-tray exercise will assess your writing skills, spelling, grammar, and comprehension, as well as your ability to solve problems on your feet.

5 Tips to Pass the Civil Service Written Exercise

• Practice is crucial to your success. Make sure to practice mock written exercises to develop your own style before the assessment and improve your confidence.
• Read the instructions carefully before you begin to ensure you understand the assignment or case study given to you.
• Consider Civil Service values when approaching a task. Tailor your responses to these values to demonstrate your suitability.
• Cross-check your work before you submit . Look for errors in spelling, grammar, or even context, as these are common mistakes in written exercises.
• Manage your time . As the Civil Service written test is timed, you have to budget times for different tasks to meet the allotted time. This will demonstrate your time-management skills to the Civil Service team.

Let’s move on to the next, which is the Civil Service presentation exercise .

What is the Civil Service presentation exercise?

The Civil Service presentation exercise typically comes as the last assessment in the Civil Service assessment centre before the panel interview. You will be required to compile all the information that you have into a short presentation.

5 Tips to Pass the Civil Service Presentation Exercise

• Practice presentations to improve your public speaking and delivery. Get feedback from friends and family to boost your confidence ahead of the assessment.
• Focus on discussing the main points in your presentation. Speak convincingly and in simple and clear language.
• Make sure your presentation is informative and accurate . The Civil Service assessors aim to measure your ability to find and use accurate data. Ensure your presentation includes details included from your assigned brief.
• Consider using engaging slides if allowed. Using slides adds to the creativity of your presentation and helps visualise your ideas.
• Engage your audience and environment . Feel free to ask simple questions of your audience and use characters in your surroundings to drive home your point.

If you ace the assessment centre, the next step is the Civil Service panel interview, which is the final stage of the recruitment process. Here’s what you should know about it.

What is the Civil Service panel interview?

During the Civil Service panel interview , the interviews will ask you strength-based, behavioural, and knowledge-based questions by managers and officials at the Civil Service.

5 Top Tips to Pass the Civil Service Panel Interview

• Review the job description and take note of the key skills, qualifications, and knowledge areas required for the position. These should be reflected in your responses.
• Research the Civil Service . Know the history, system of control, mission, values, etc, and tailor your responses to these.
• Revisit your resume and past experiences, as the Civil Service interviewers will ask you questions based on these. 
• Stay calm and confident. Do not fidget. Maintain eye contact as you speak and carry a friendly and calm demeanour.
• Ask relevant questions of your interviewer . You can ask questions related to the Civil Service operations, the industry, or specific projects. This will demonstrate your interest in the role at the Civil Service.

Example Civil Service Panel Interview Questions and Answers 

Question: describe a situation where you had to work collaboratively as part of a team..

Tip to Answer: Use the STAR+R method and focus on providing specific examples, emphasising your problem-solving skills, and highlighting the positive outcomes of your efforts. 

Good Answer : 

Situation :

During a cross-functional project, my team was tasked with developing a new marketing campaign.

The success of the project relied on effective collaboration among team members from different departments.

I initiated regular meetings to ensure open communication, collaboration, and assigned roles. I actively listened to everyone’s ideas and recommended a tool to streamline our workflow.

Through our collaborative efforts, we achieved a highly successful marketing campaign that exceeded set targets.

The project’s success further impressed on me the importance of collaboration in the workplace. And I now look forward to having such collaborations in the future.

Question: Tell me about a time when you had to take the initiative to solve a problem at work.

Tip to Answer: Choose an example of a situation you encountered that properly demonstrates your ability to be flexible and logical while solving problems.

Good Answer :

In my previous role as a project coordinator, we encountered a significant delay in receiving essential materials for a critical project.

The project was at risk, and I realised that waiting for the materials would jeopardise the project’s success. I knew I had to take action.

I contacted alternative suppliers and researched local vendors who could provide the material sooner. I then presented my findings to the project manager after comparing our options.

We were able to switch suppliers quickly and minimise the delay. The project was continued, and we successfully met the deadline while maintaining the quality of our deliverables.

This experience made me understand the importance of being flexible and proactive when handling a project. Now I am always willing to take the initiative when necessary.

Congratulations on making it through this stage of the Civil Service recruitment process. The hiring team may then reach out to you with an employment offer. Good luck!

Before you go, let’s check out some of the available Civil Service graduate schemes you can apply for!

6. Civil Service Graduate Schemes

What are the civil service graduate schemes.

The UK government offers internships, graduate programmes, and apprenticeships to train and educate young talents.

Students have the option to learn more about the Civil Service and earn at the same time through different Civil Service graduate schemes. This includes:

Civil Service Fast Stream

Civil service fast track apprenticeship programme.

• Civil Service Summer Diversity Internship Programme
• Civil Service Early Diversity Internship Programme

Let’s delve into the details for each one of these programmes!

What is the Civil Service Fast Stream?

Civil Service Fast Stream is an accelerated leadership development programme that enables talented graduates who possess certain skills and knowledge to get into the Civil Service early.

Unlike most graduate schemes, you will have the freedom to choose from 15 schemes regardless of the degree background you have. 

These schemes last between 2 to 4 years , many of which provide professional qualifications upon completion. They include: 

What are the Civil Service Fast Stream eligibility requirements?

• You must be authorised to work in the UK.
• You need or expect to have a 2:1 or higher in any degree subject, including degree apprenticeships.
• Existing civil servants can apply without a degree.

What is the Civil Service Fast Track Apprenticeship Programme?

The Civil Service Fast Track Apprenticeship programme puts you in a paid position while allowing you to study for professional accreditation. You will have the relevant knowledge and skills in your chosen field upon completion of the programme.

What are the Civil Service fast track programme eligibility requirements?

• Ensure you meet the Civil Service nationality rules.
• You must be 16 years old or older.

Summer Diversity Internship Programme

What is the summer diversity internship programme.

The Civil Service Summer Diversity programme is a two-month paid internship programme that gives you a headstart in the Civil Service with a pay of £300 to £350 per week. 

The SDIP offers an opportunity for the past pass, which is a quicker route to the fast stream selection. You can apply for the Civil Service a year after you have completed the SDIP and walk past the initial online assessment stages.

What are the Civil Service Summer Diversity Programme eligibility requirements?

Early diversity internship programme, what is the early diversity internship programme.

The Civil Service Early Diversity Internship programme is a one-week internship programme for first year graduates. Similar to the SDIP, the EDIP is a 5-day paid placement within a government department that will give you insight into how the department works.

What are the Civil Service Early Diversity Internship programme eligibility requirements?

• You need to be in your final 2 years at university with a 2:2 or higher in any degree subject (expected or awarded).
• You meet the diversity requirements (ethnic, minority, socially or economically disadvantaged or have a disability). 
• Right to work in the UK.

That’s all you should know about the Civil Service. If you have further questions, here are some questions other candidates are asking.

7. Civil Service Application Process FAQs

1 what are the nationality requirements for the civil service.

The Civil Service is open to you if you are a UK national or have a dual nationality that includes the UK. A large number of job roles are, however, open to commonwealth citizens of the member states of the European Economic Area (EEA). 

2 How long before I know if I’ve been successful in my  Civil Service application?

The timeframe for feedback from the Civil Service depends on a range of factors, such as the number and types of schemes you have applied for.

3 What is a good score for the Civil Service test?

The Civil Service roles are usually highly competitive, therefore, a score of 70% or above will be a good score to help you through the next round of assessment.

4 Can you work remotely at Civil Service? 

Yes, you can. This, however, depends on the job role and location.

5 Does Civil Service pay well?

The pay at the Civil Service varies by the grade bracket, with the median salary in Civil often varying from £21,000 to £30,000 with Senior roles earning up to 4 times as much.

Do you want to pass your Civil Service assessment tests first time? Take numerical, verbal reasoning and situational judgement practice tests today with GF , the only aptitude practice test experts providing practice test solutions to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe. Practise with peace of mind without commitment to a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests . Correct answers to example questions . Numerical Reasoning Test: C Verbal Reasoning Test: B

Start Preparing Today

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Civil Service Fast Stream Assessment Centre – How To Prepare?

A place in the Civil Service Fast Stream program is highly coveted and competition for places is intense. Only one in twenty applicants received a place in the 2021 Civil Service Fast Stream Assessment Centre (FSAC).

Gaining admission to the program can be a long and tedious process, but having been called to do the half-day fast stream assessments you are on your way. However, if you have never done one before it can be a daunting prospect.

Doing well on this assessment will put you in a position to proceed to the interview section of the recruitment process. Therefore, to land the job, it is vital to prepare for this section of the application process as best as possible.

In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to do to ace the Fast Stream Assessment Centre .

Download our Ultimate Assessment Day & Interview Guide 2022 here . (It's packed with tips, tricks and insider-secrets to help you succeed.)

Table of Contents

What Is a Fast Streamer?

Fast streamers are candidates accepted into the Civil Service Fast Stream graduate program. The graduates will work across Civil Service departments carrying out a range of duties. The training aims to develop their potential and skills so that they can eventually work at influential levels of the Civil Service .

What Is the Fast Stream Assessment Centre (FSAC)?

The FSAC is the name given to the half-day assessment to get a place in the Civil Service Fast Stream scheme or program. It is for candidates who have already passed through earlier admission procedures. It is a virtual assessment and will include online exercises to test the candidates’ suitability to be fast streamers.

However, the half-day of testing and assessments is demanding and requires thorough preparation.

On the day it is vital that you have access to reliable broadband and have your mobile phone fully charged. This is in case you need to make in-person contact with the administrators at any point during the assessments. This may become necessary if you have connectivity issues.

Take Civil Service Fast Stream Practice Test Now

How Long is the FSAC?

The FSAC is half a day long. This translates to around 5 hours of testing covering a variety of different online tests.

How Much Does Civil Service Fast Stream Pay?

The Civil Service Fast Stream graduate program offers full-time work placements. These usually have a starting salary of somewhere between £27,000 or £28,000. The scheme does offer significant salary progression. By the end of the scheme, there is potential to be earning £45,000 to £55,000.

How Can I Prepare for FSAC?

Having reached this point in your search for a role as a Fast Streamer, it is vital that you prepare for the assessments you will be undergoing. This is a much-coveted role and the competition for places is intense. The assessments are also possibly different from any assessments you have done up to this point in your career .

Your first step in your preparation is to familiarise yourself with the types of exercises you will have to participate in at the FSAC.

That is best done by using the services of a job test preparation company. We recommend the services of an experienced company like Job Test Prep .

They will provide you with accurate information on the FSAC . You can also rely on Job Test Prep to provide you with the resources to make your preparation effective. Using a test prep pack from them you will have access to a range of test materials mirrored on the exercises you will have to complete at the assessment centre .

What Assessments Will I Have to Do in the FSAC?

Expect your assessment centre half day to be a very busy one. To test your suitability for the Civil Service Fast Stream program you will be required to do the following exercises:

• A virtual written exercise
• A virtual leadership exercise
• A virtual group exercise and discussion

As you complete these exercises, assessors will be able to decide if you have the skills and attributes required to work as a Fast Streamer in the Civil Service.

The required skills form the building blocks of working successfully in the Civil Service . They include:

• Decision-making abilities
• The ability to work with other members of a team
• Communication skills
• The candidate’s ability to take a wide-ranging view of a situation

Fast Stream candidates also need managerial skills and the ability to consider the commercial outcome of projects.

If you succeed in showing those skills at the FSAC you are likely to be invited to the next stage of the recruitment process.

How Is the FSAC Assessed?

The skills are assessed through the series of exercises mentioned above. Each exercise has the aim of discovering if you have one or more skills.

Under the following descriptions of the exercises, the skills being assessed in each one are listed. For example, the following section, “Leadership Exercise,” mentions that one of the skills being assessed is “Seeing the bigger picture.”

Consider what factors would make you decide if someone is good at seeing the bigger perspective. Is it for example someone who maintains things should continue as they are, someone who insists a situation is beyond improvement or someone who is open-minded to the possibilities of making a difference through change?

What Is on the Civil Service Fast Stream Assessment Centre?

The leadership exercises.

You will take part in a virtual role-play with your assessor. In this test, you must imagine yourself as a Fast Streamer in a UK government department. You are responsible for leading a project.

• You will have 30 minutes to read over the information on the project.
• The following 30 minutes will be spent in discussion with your assessor who is playing the role of a senior manager who is anxious to see the project proceed.

In this exercise, you are being assessed on your ability to take on a leadership role. From your performance, assessors will be able to decide how well you perform under the following headings:

• Seeing the bigger picture
• Changing and improving
• Working together
• Developing self and others
• Communicating and influencing

The skills used in this type of discussion are very different from the skills we use in everyday conversation. To succeed in this type of exercise it is a good idea to keep the skill being measured to the forefront of your mind. The exercises in your test prep pack will help you discover how to show those skills.

The Group Discussion

• You and your fellow candidates will be given a brief about a project or government initiative, Information on facts that could be used to promote or object to the project will also be given to various members of the group.
• The group is allowed 40 minutes to reach a consensus on the project. The aim of the discussion is to come up with the best decision both for yourself and the group in its entirety.
• The assessors will be looking at how well you communicate, how effectively you put arguments forward, and if you listen to others’ points of view.
• The discussion shows your people skills as well as your ability to get your point across diplomatically.

The group exercise / discussion measures the candidates’ ability to:

• Make effective decisions
• Work with other people
• Communicate with and influence others

Similar to the leadership exercises this is a different type of conversation to the ones you have every day and practice is needed to engage in a discussion at this level.

Work through the scenarios presented in your test prep pack. Doing this will enable you to adjust your skills to what is required in the group assessment and train your mind to present fluid coherent arguments.

The Written Policy Recommendation Exercise

This is a 90-minute test.

You will be presented with information about different proposed initiatives. It is advised that you spend the first 30 minutes reading through the information and getting a picture of the initiatives being considered.

For the following 60 minutes, you will be required to analyze the projects, answer questions and decide which initiative you would select as the most suitable.

In doing this exercise you will have to call on your ability to analyze material. Assessors will expect to see strong supporting arguments for picking one initiative above another. Making a point and supporting it with relevant material is necessary here.

While carrying out this exercise assessors will be evaluating your skills in:

• Seeing the big picture
• Making effective decisions
• Communicating with and influencing others

This is a demanding exercise, especially for candidates who may feel they need to brush up on their writing as well as their analytical skills.

Preparing for the FSAC

Given that the types of assessment carried out at the FSAC are quite different to other assessments you may have done, an organised approach to preparation is essential.

Try doing the following:

• Set aside a place and specific times to do your preparation.
• Draw up a timetable and ensure there is continuity to your work.
• Devote your time equally to each aspect of the assessment

Use Your Sample Exercises

Using sample exercises will give structure and continuity to your preparation process and will ensure:

• You are working on material similar to the real exercises
• You are guaranteeing yourself there will be no unpleasant surprises waiting for you on assessment day
• You are learning to work within the time limits imposed in the assessments.
• You are measuring your progress as you work through the exercises,
• You are learning which areas cause you the most difficulty and can arrange to devote more time to them.

On Assessment Day:

• Ensure you are well rested in preparation
• Ensure you are comfortable both in what you are wearing and in having the supplies you need to hand
• Double-check your internet and online connections well in advance

And finally…

Enjoy yourself.

Many successful candidates report they enjoyed the day. You will be spending most of the assessment time in the virtual company of others so there will be a lot of interacting with fellow candidates and assessors.

A positive demeanour will make the experience a happy and enjoyable one.

If you have been asked to participate in the FSAC you will find the resources to help you prepare here .

1. How Long Is the Civil Service Fast Stream Assessment Centre?

Your evaluation will take around 5 hours at the Fast Stream Assessment Center, and you will be notified at least 5 days in advance of the day of your examination. You must finish all stages of the process within the time frame specified.

2. How Many People Get Through to Assessment Centre Civil Service?

The number of people who get through to assessment centre for the civil service varies depending on the year and the department. However, in general, only a small percentage of applicants are successful in making it through to the assessment centre.

3. How Competitive Is Civil Service Fast Stream?

The civil service fast stream is highly competitive. Applicants must pass a rigorous selection process, which includes a written test, an assessment centre, and a final interview. Only the best candidates are offered a place on the programme.

4. How Do I Pass the Civil Service Assessment Centre?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to pass successfully to the civil service assessment centre may vary depending on your individual strengths and weaknesses. However, some tips to help you pass the assessment centres include studying for the tests, practicing interview questions, and dressing appropriately for the interview.

5. How Do I Prepare for a Fast Stream Test?

The best way to prepare for a fast stream test will vary depending on the specific exam. However, some tips that may help include studying regularly, practicing under timed conditions, and focusing on the key concepts and topics that are likely to be covered on the test. Additionally, it can be helpful to familiarize oneself with the format and question types that are typically used in fast stream exams.

Related Reading:

• How to Pass the Pennsylvania Civil Service Exam?
• How to Pass the Ohio Civil Service Exam?
• How to Prepare for Florida Civil Service Exam?
• 6 Useful Civil Service Interview Tips
• How to Prepare for Civil Service Situational Judgement Test?

Sarah is an accomplished educator, researcher and author in the field of testing and assessment. She has worked with various educational institutions and organisations to develop innovative evaluation methods and enhance student learning. Sarah has published numerous articles and books on assessment and learning. Her passion for promoting equity and fairness in the education system fuels her commitment to sharing insights and best practices with educators and policymakers around the world.

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Civil Service Assessments

• 179 questions

The Civil Service is a public sector organisation whose work is influenced by the policies passed in UK Parliament. The work civil servants carry out, across all industries, is integral to supporting communities throughout the UK and beyond. To ensure the best candidates are recruited, the civil service carries out a fair and thorough application process including online testing, assessments and interviews.

Careers at Civil Service

The Civil Service delivers an extensive range of public services and supports the Government to develop and implement policies. Over 480,000 people are currently employed in the Civil Service across the UK and overseas.

Whether you’re passionate about foreign policy, want to deliver vital services to the public, develop the tech and infrastructure needed to ensure the country stays ahead, or influence future generations through education — there’s a job in the Civil Service to suit almost everyone.

Each of these departments needs a whole host of skills and professions to function effectively, so by combining your passions with your strengths as an employee, countless civil service career opportunities will be available to you.

Aside from the roles themselves, the Civil Service is renowned for offering outstanding employee benefits including generous pension plans, flexible working hours, career and personal development opportunities as well as striving for continuous improvement in its diversity and inclusion execution.

The Civil Service is guided by four core values , across all departments, agencies and professions: Integrity, Honesty, Objectivity and Impartiality. Whilst some projects may have additional values they commit to, the organisation is looking for individuals who are respectful, confident and engaged to drive its purpose forward.

And it’s yet another reason why it’s worth putting the time and effort into the highly competitive Civil Service recruitment process .

Civil Service Fast Stream

Within the Civil Service sits the Fast Stream programme, specifically designed to nurture and train future Civil Service leaders.

The Civil Service Fast Stream is a leadership development programme that recruits for Civil Service positions once per year. Working at the heart of government, Fast Streamers work on some of the most complex issues facing Britain and the rest of the world.

If you’re accepted onto the Fast Stream, your development will be heavily invested in and you’ll be trained up with leadership in mind. This does mean you won’t initially be able to choose which department you work in, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the country’s brightest minds and discover where your true passion lies.

Civil Service Application Process

Online application, work-style questionnaires, situational judgement questionnaires, e-tray exercise, video interview, numerical reasoning test, assessment centre, final selection board.

The Civil Service has developed a fair, open and multi-staged method of recruitment which gives candidates’ the best opportunity to showcase strengths and experience.

Civil Servant roles are highly sought after, so the application process can be competitive, however, the organisation has worked to develop an unbiased and accessible application process to give everyone an equal opportunity to succeed should they possess the talent or potential.

After the online application and online aptitude tests (more on these later) candidates are put through a ‘sifting’ process, which essentially means shortlisting against the benchmark requirements and results. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, possibly asked to carry out further tests or attend an assessment day before finding out if they have got the job.

The Fast Stream recruitment process is made to challenge even the most competent of individuals since its purpose is to help find the Civil Service’s future leaders.

It’s a lot of work to apply for Civil Service jobs, but if you’re willing to put in the time, effort and preparation, the results could be life-changing.

As well as numerous online psychometric tests and questionnaires, you’ll also have to complete a video interview, assessment centre and a final selection board.

At each point, you’ll be required to showcase your skills and strengths, while demonstrating the key competencies that are required of every individual who gets accepted onto the Fast Stream.

Online application

The online application form is the first stage of the process.

You’ll be asked to share details of your previous education and experience, to ensure you meet the minimum criteria for the role you’re applying for.

The application form also includes a Civil Service competency questionnaire in which you’ll need to detail examples of where you’ve demonstrated the qualities listed in the Civil Service Competency Framework.

With just 200 words per answer allowed, it’s important to get your point across concisely.

Civil Service Aptitude Tests

The next stage of the selection process is the civil service exam, which consists of several online tests including work-style questionnaires, situational judgement questionnaires, and possibly a numerical test (depending on the scheme).

Work-style questionnaires

The work-style questionnaire presents you with a series of statements that you’ll have to respond to with your character in mind. After reading each one, you’ll need to mark on a scale how much you agree or disagree with what you’ve read.

Next, you’ll be shown the same set of statements and asked to rank in order which one describes you best, to which is the least representative of your character.

As always with personality-style questionnaires, honesty is the best policy. But it’s always worth keeping the key competencies in mind as you progress through the questions.

Overall the strengths and weaknesses of your character are being assessed; helping an employer to gain a better understanding of how well you’d fit into the Fast Stream programme and wider department.

Civil Service situational judgement questionnaires

Using the core Civil Service competencies as a guide for your answers, you’ll need to answer a series of multiple-choice questions about your relationship-building skills and the way that you think, in two different situational judgement questionnaires .

The first questionnaire requires you to show how comfortable you are making important judgement calls and big decisions. These will always be framed as workplace challenges; ones that you may well have to deal with should you be accepted onto the programme.

The second questionnaire is designed to probe how you think, by giving you a limited amount of information about a workplace situation and then asking you to use the information to resolve a problem.

Both questionnaires consist of 12 questions followed by four potential actions. Your job is to rate the actions according to their effectiveness in solving the particular challenge you’re dealing with.

Civil Service verbal test

Civil Service verbal tests (CSVT) are more commonly known as verbal reasoning tests . They assess your ability to identify relevant information and draw conclusions from written passages of information. Presented with various paragraphs of text, followed by a statement relating to the information,you’re required to determine whether the statement is true, implied truth or false. The Civil Service uses these to highlight candidates with strong communication and comprehension skills.

Whilst the test is not timed, it takes candidates between 15-45 minutes to complete. We’d recommend finding a quiet space to run through practice tests and the real thing.

Civil Service numerical test

Depending on what scheme you have chosen to apply for, you may be asked to complete a numerical reasoning test .

The Fast Stream numerical test is multiple-choice and supplied by Cubiks, so be sure to practice Cubiks tests to get to grips with the style and format of the questions.

Based largely on your ability to analyse and interpret data from different graphs, charts, and tables, the numerical test is your chance to show off your mathematical skills — skills that will be highly valued in many different areas of the Civil Service.

It’s crucial to prepare for the numerical reasoning test part of the assessment, particularly if maths isn’t one of your strengths. The best way to prepare for the numerical reasoning test is to take some online practice tests. This will help you become accustomed to questioning style and format, as well allowing you to identify any areas of weakness to focus on.

Civil Service management judgement test

Similar to the (CSJT), the Civil Service management judgement test is, you guessed it, specific to management positions. The test focussed on an individual’s decision making regarding the day to day management of colleagues. This is done using 15 hypothetical workplace scenarios that are presented in video and text format, you then have to select the action you are most likely to take, and the one you are least likely to take.

The Civil Service focus on five key behavioural areas to identify strong management candidates. You need to demonstrate you are collaborative, decisive, empathetic, confident and agile to achieve a high score.

Civil Service work strengths test

The Civil Service work strengths test comes in several formats and the one you receive has been selected to discover what you do well and what motivates you. For junior positions, the tests focus on strengths such as being analytical, a team player, organised, and adaptable. Whereas senior positions are also measured on their leadership, resilience, strategic mindedness and influence.

All tests are delivered in three parts. Part One is a self-assessment of your typical preferences at work. Part Two, workplace scenarios, just like the (CSJT). Finally part three, similar to the management judgement test, you advise on what actions are most and least likely to take in a given situation.

Customer service skills test

If you are applying for a role that is user or community-facing for the Civil Service, you’ll be required to complete a customer service skills test . This will assess a candidate’s ability to manage difficult customers, judgement concerning a range of situations encountered in the Civil Service specifically, and work accurately under timed conditions.

This is a three-part test, the first two sections following the same format as CSJT’s and management judgement tests, just with a focus on customer interactions. However, the third section is timed. Candidates are given 10 minutes to complete an error checking assessment, review customer data and identify errors and input the correct data.

Casework skills test

A Casework skills test is specific to this profession and focuses on a candidate’s comprehension - being able to process information from a wide range of sources and analyse them effectively. Situational judgement and attention to detail are also highly sought after skills for a caseworker to possess.

The first part of this assessment is similar to the CSVT in that candidates are given a range of written material, in this case, various correspondence from multiple sources, along with a statement. Candidates are required to identify if the statement is true, false or cannot say. The second part of the test follows the same structure as CSJT’s and the third the same as the timed customer service skills test.

Prepare yourself for leading employers

Civil Service video interview

The video interview for a Civil Service job will include a series of pre-set questions (as well as a practice question) which you’ll need to record video responses to. You normally have around 20 minutes to do this.

The questions tend to cover your experience, what motivates you to become a Civil Servant and what you enjoy doing. It’s important to note that the competencies being examined at this stage of the application process are:

• Collaborating and partnering
• Managing a quality service
• Building capability for all
• Delivering at a pace

You’ll be able to read and quickly pre-prepare the questions before filming your response.

Although having a short window in which to prepare your answers is positive, it’s worth remembering that the video interview format doesn’t allow you to expand on your answers or explain yourself further. As such, it’s really important you get across everything you need to, first time round.

Civil Service Assessment Centre

If you pass the Fast Stream tests, you’ll be invited to the assessment centre — a half-day, in-person assessment consisting of the following:

Group exercise

In the group exercise , an assessor from the recruitment team will be evaluating every candidate’s performance against three key markers:

• 1) Making effective decisions
• 2) Working together
• 3) Communicating skills and influencing

A fictitious scenario will be given to the group, as well as the individual position you’re taking within that group, before you’ll engage in discussion.

The overall goal is to decide, within 40 minutes, what the best recommendation is. Not only will you need to try and get the best possible outcome for the position you’re representing, but for the group as well.

Leadership exercise

When it comes to the leadership exercise, you’ll need to show the following competencies:

• 1) Seeing the bigger picture
• 2) Changing and improving
• 3) Working together
• 4) Developing the self and others
• 5) Communicating, verbal ability, and influencing

You’ll be required to take part in a one-on-one role play, where you’ll be a Fast Streamer working for the Government and leading an important project or initiative.

You’ll get 30 minutes to review the information you need to take part, before a 30-minute role play with your assessor. They’ll be looking to see the competencies listed above in your response, as well as the confidence, assertiveness and general demeanour you’d expect to see in a leader.

Written exercise

In the written exercise , the four competencies or behaviours you’re being assessed on are:

• 3) Making effective decisions
• 4) Communicating, verbal ability, and influencing

You’ll be given various bits of information and will need to examine the issues, answer a series of question,s and put forward recommendations.

The most important part of the written test is showing how you arrive at a conclusion or recommendation by sharing the facts and figures that support your decision, and how well you express this in your writing.

Overall the test takes 90 minutes. It’s advised you spend around 30 minutes reading through the materials, before using the last 60 minutes to share your analysis and craft your answers.

Final selection board

The final selection board is the last stage of the selection process and therefore your last chance to show what makes you different, and why you’d be the perfect fit for the Fast Stream.

You’ll be asked a series of different questions, but should be prepared to talk about why you’ve applied to the Fast Stream, examples of things you’ve achieved that demonstrate the key competencies, and a general understanding and knowledge of the Civil Service that shows you’ve done your preparation.

How to pass the civil service tests

1. practice.

The best way to prepare for the hiring process and civil service aptitude tests is to take some online tests with practice questions. This will help you become accustomed to question style and format, whilst also allowing you to sharpen your skills. Taking practice tests will also allow you to identify any areas of weakness.

2. Focus on your weaknesses

When preparing for the tests, focus on areas that you are less comfortable with practice test questions. This will make the most significant impact on your scores and help ensure that you are strong across the board.

3. Read the questions carefully

Make sure to read the questions carefully to ensure that you have fully understood what it is asking you. Many candidates often lose marks due to reading the question quickly and not fully understanding what it is asking.

Practice Aptitude Tests is not associated with Civil Service. We provide preparation services for Civil Service psychometric tests. Our tests are not designed to be identical to any style, employer or industry. Visit https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi to find out more.

Sample Civil Service Fast Steam Tests question Test your knowledge!

Consider a sequence of procedural steps A, B, C, and D. If step A involves gathering data, step B entails processing the data, step C requires analyzing the results, and step D involves disseminating the information, what would be the next logical step in the process?

• Reviewing gathered data
• Repeating step A with additional data
• Evaluating the effectiveness of the dissemination
• Processing additional unrelated data

If a government department has a budget of $6 million for community projects and allocates 35% to education and 25% to healthcare, how much budget remains for other community projects?

• $2.4 million
• $3.6 million
• $1.5 million

A sector of the public administration has decided to shorten the process time for public inquiries by 15%. If the current average process time is 40 days, what will be the new average process time after the reduction?

After reading the policy brief, what is the primary goal of the new legislative proposal?

• To promote the use of motorized vehicles.
• To enhance transportation systems and reduce environmental impact.
• To increase the cost of public transportation.
• To discourage the use of technological advancements in transportation.

Which statement would strengthen the argument made in the policy document?

• Public green spaces have been shown to have no significant impact on urban wildlife.
• Residents report higher levels of satisfaction in cities with more green spaces.
• The maintenance of public green spaces is costly and often exceeds municipality budgets.
• Urban areas are better served by additional parking facilities rather than green spaces.

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Civil Service Fast Steam Tests Tips

1 get to know the test format.

Familiarize yourself with the types of questions and the format of the Civil Service exams. A clear understanding of what to expect reduces anxiety and increases your efficiency during the test.

2 Time Management

Practice managing your time effectively. Divide the time you have by the number of questions to understand how long you can spend on each one, but remember to save a few minutes for review.

3 Answer the Easy Questions First

Skim through the test to answer the questions you find easiest first. This strategy will help you secure marks quickly and boost your confidence before you tackle the harder questions.

4 Stay Calm and Focused

The test environment can be stressful. Stay calm and maintain focus on the questions. Deep breathing and positive self-talk can help manage any test-taking anxiety.

5 Simulate Exam Conditions

When practicing, simulate real exam conditions. This includes working in a quiet environment, sticking to time limits, and using only the materials allowed during the actual test.

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Civil Service Fast Steam Tests FAQs

What are the civil service tests.

The Civil Service tests are a series of assessments designed to evaluate various competencies needed for government roles. Skills tested can include verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, and situational judgment among others.

Are the Civil Service tests hard?

While challenging, Civil Service tests are manageable with proper preparation. They’re designed to assess a range of competencies relevant to government positions, which can be demanding.

How do I prepare for Civil Service tests?

The best way to prepare for Civil Service tests is through consistent practice and taking practice tests. Practice Aptitude Tests offers a wide variety of practice materials to help you get ready.

How long does the recruitment process take at Civil Service?

The recruitment process at Civil Service can vary in length but typically involves multiple stages including aptitude tests and interviews. The entire process can take several months from application to offer.

What are Civil Service's core values?

Civil Service’s core values include integrity, honesty, objectivity, and impartiality. These principles guide the actions and decisions of civil servants in their public service roles.

Reviews of our Civil Service tests

What our customers say about our Civil Service tests

Antonio Gagliardi

United Kingdom

May 03, 2023

Good practice!

Interesting to know the different type of questions!

Michael John A. Boyles

Philippines

December 20, 2022

making sure to have enough knowledge about problem solving and have a critical thinking

i like to solve problems quickly but i am not sure if i was making the correct process in solving it

Deborah Louise Smylie

June 07, 2022

Brilliant - life-like & great prep!

Thanks so much for allowing me to take the tests, they have helped very much! Great examples with solutions.

Ventsislav Enchev Yordanov

November 04, 2021

Interesting questions, making me think and analyze data quickly

Interesting test overall. Not too hard, but still challenging as it forces you to think quickly because of the time.

October 20, 2021

Design is important

If the webpage was shorter, such as by having the graphic next to the question instead of above it, then there would be no need to scroll so much. This would also make it easier to refer to the data in the graphs.

Clorrie Yeomans

September 18, 2021

Great Maths practice

My Maths was a bit rusty before attempting. I am applying for grad schemes at the moment so I wanted to brush up. I found these questions really useful- thank you.

Suzanne Weigl

August 07, 2021

Time runs out fast!

It's pretty straightforward, but without having a pen and paper handy it took me too long to memorise the numbers I needed to use to solve the questions.

Amarpal Singh

August 04, 2021

Jump Starting for the Brain

The test was interesting and forced me to remember that it's about understanding the process as well as the maths.

Alexander Watson

May 12, 2021

Like the visual graphs that depicted the data.

Micheal Nyarko

April 06, 2021

predictions

is quite formidable but based on only one area

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Government Statistical Service Assisstant Statistician Fast Stream Assessment Centre Preparation

Are you applying to the Government Statistical Service's Assistant Statistician scheme? Once you have passed the GSS's own statistical assessment centre, you will next be invited to attend a Civil Service Fast Stream Assessment Centre. This page will take you through the exercises at this assessment centre, pointing out resources to help you prepare for each one.

Are you taking the Fast Stream online test? Click here for our page on the Fast Stream Online Assessment.

• Start practising today for Government Statistical Service Assisstant Statistician.
• Get access today to valuable detailed learning guides, tests practice and reports.

The stages of recruitment to the Government Statistical Service Assistant Statistician role are as follows:

• Registration
• Selection of Fast Stream Schemes
• Online Cubiks Tests
• Application Form
• Statistical Assessment Centre

Group Discussion

Written policy recommendation exercise.

• Leadership Task

Numerical and Verbal Reasoning Tests

Prepare for success, fast stream assessment centre (fsac).

If you pass all the earlier assessments, including the Statistical Assessment Centre , you will be invited to a Civil Service fast stream assessment day. This assessment day is a whole day exercise containing several activities. Three assessors will watch you in each exercise. Throughout the day you are being assessed against the fast track competencies .

These activities can be taken in any order.

There is a common theme running through the assessments at the centre. The exercises you take are based on a government department, set in the future and created shortly after a government election.

In this exercise you are expected to work together with a group of colleagues to solve a problem. You are being assessed on your ability to make effective decisions, work collaboratively with others, show leadership, communicate effectively, and deliver value for money.

The whole exercise is 45 minutes and is split into two parts. The first 30 minutes are individual preparation time, based on a brief that you all receive. Each member of the group will be given a slightly different brief as their role will be different in the discussion. Your aim in the discussion is to both secure the best outcome for the group, and for yourself. At the same time you are being assessed on how you present your case, listen to your colleagues, and negotiate in the group discussion. Always remember that you are not in competition with the other candidates in your group. The balances needed to achieve all of these tasks can be challenging. You should think about the approach you want to take ahead of the assessment centre. JobTestPrep’s group exercises preparation pack can give you ideas to help you create that approach.

The written exercise lasts 1 hour 45 minutes, and you are asked to do two tasks. In this task you are being tested in your ability to see the bigger picture, make effective decisions, lead and communicate, and assess value for money.

In the first task, you are given a file of papers containing information about two possible projects from a variety of sources. In this exercise you are asked to prepare a recommendation paper setting out a balanced argument for one of the two projects. You need to compare the two projects, and provide reasons for your recommendation.There is no right or wrong answer, it is how you back up your case that counts.

In the second task you are told to use some of the provided material to persuade a stakeholder of the position you have taken. You must ensure that you have time left to do this exercise. The recommendation is 10 to 15 minutes.

You may want to brush up on your written exercise skills ahead of the assessment centre. JobTestPrep’s written exercise preparation pack will give you all the preparation you need for both your report and presentation. 

Leadership Exercise

The leadership exercise lasts 30 minutes. It is designed to test your ability in a leadership role, how you deal with team members and stakeholders and the variety of issues you may come up against.

This task is a one to one role play, with your assessor playing the role of a senior manager. You are tasked with giving your manager an oral briefing as to how you as team leader will take on the issues given to you in a written brief. You are given time ahead of the briefing to prepare, and you have up to 10 minutes to give over your briefing.

The remainder of the time is spent with the assessor asking you questions on the briefing.Case study exercises can be nerve wracking as you have to play the role of someone else entirely and put yourself in their role. JobTestPrep’s case study preparation can give you useful advice on how to approach the exercise.

The interview is a competency based interview about your experiences to date. It lasts about 40 minutes. The competencies you are being tested on are: managing a quality service, delivering at pace, collaborating and partnering, and building capacity for all.

Knowing the topics in advance means that you can prepare examples from your experience against each of these competencies. The best way to organise your examples is using the STAR method . Examples can come from your education, work, or personal life.

The interview is an important part of the assessment day, as it is your opportunity to represent yourself and your previous experience and showcase the skills you will bring in to the job. It may be some time since your last interview at the Statistical Assessment Centre, so you will want to refresh your skills ahead of time. 

You will take new versions of the tests you took earlier in the recruitment process. It may be some time since you last took the tests, so don’t forget to refresh your memory again. JobTestPrep’s Cubiks style practice tests are here to help.

The GSS recruitment process for an Assistant Statistician at the Government Statistical Service is challenging as it covers two tracks. You are expected to demonstrate the skills of a statistician whilst also impressing in the more general skills required to gain a place on the Civil Service fast stream. Preparation will help you stay ahead of the game at each stage, and JobTestPrep are on hand to provide just that. We hope you have found this article useful, and good luck.

Since 1992, JobTestPrep has stood for true-to-original online test and assessment centre preparation. Our decades of experience make us a leading international provider of test training. Over one million customers have already used our products to prepare professionally for their recruitment tests.

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What Phil Donahue Meant to Me

The iconic daytime television host redefined the genre, letting the audience participate for the first time..

Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Produced by Michael Simon Johnson Shannon M. Lin Stella Tan and Asthaa Chaturvedi

Edited by Michael Benoist

Original music by Marion Lozano and Dan Powell

Engineered by Chris Wood

Listen and follow ‘The Daily’ Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio

Phil Donahue, the game-changing daytime television host, died last week at 88. Mr. Donahue turned “The Phil Donahue Show” into a participation event, soliciting questions and comments on topics as varied as human rights and orgies.

Michael Barbaro explains what Phil Donahue meant to him.

On today’s episode

Michael Barbaro , host of ‘The Daily’ for The New York Times.

Background reading

An obituary for Mr. Donahue , who died last week at 88.

Here are 3 episodes that explain Mr. Donahue’s daytime dominance.

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Michael Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson, Nina Lassam and Nick Pitman.

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