How to pass a civil service test

[Firstimer703]

I've applied for a role in the Senior Civil Service for the second time and have to complete verbal and numerical reasoning tests.

The trouble is, I really struggle with these and unsure how I can improve.

Last time, I bought some books and was doing great with the exercises. Not so great on the actual tests though!

I know I'm capable of what they are asking me to do but need to get the right tutoring or practice. Does anyone have any advice for how to access support to improve?

I'm interested to hear whether one can develop skills for those tests. I hate them and I consider myself quite good in my profession. So share your concerns about them, op

They are difficult because they are not the type of reasoning I do everyday but if I did I would get used to it. When I first started working with stats I struggled but speak their language now I've had the right practice. With most tests and exams you could get example papers and a tutor but it seems not with these. I would like to find someone who can work with me to get used to them so I can do well.

Have you been on job test prep.co.uk

Do you know if they still bank pass results for a set amount of time? If so, apply for any job at the grade you want (just not a job you actually want), keep doing that til you pass, and then your banked score will be applicable for the roles you do want.

@KetoIFWinnie I'll have a look at that thanks!

I know it's not SCS, but when I used to recruit for Grade 7, both verbal and critical reasoning needed just a benchmark of 5/9. If things are still the same, even 5 is not an absolute. For example, if you could provide evidence of good analytical powers through previous work activities, that might suffice. I am pretty sure that I did find some examples to test myself when I went through recruitment, but that was an age ago. Hopefully someone can give you more recent experience.

Sorry for critical read numerical critical reasoning tests.

Do you know if they still bank pass results for a set amount of time? If so, apply for any job at the grade you want (just not a job you actually want), keep doing that til you pass, and then your banked score will be applicable for the roles you do want

Yes they do bank them and that is really good advice.

DP is applying for a civil service role. He only saw it yesterday and spent today doing the tests. He needs to complete the application by tonight but their website has been down since 7pm.

I got onto the fast stream this year and seriously prepped for months. Bought a book on amazon with practice tests in and went over and over them to learn what they were looking for. Also revised lots of numerical stuff, percentages etc to up my speed. Practice practice practice

What book did you get? I need some practice but don't know where to start!

@PurpleMackington for this one it said they wouldn't use a previous test result. I've had a full SCS interview before but the test was after shortlisting and before interview. For this one, they said they had such a high volume of applicants, they are sitting through the tests.

@CrepuscularCritter they've had so many applicants for this one I don't think they will shortlist candidates who don't pass. I've completed it now and saved screenshots of the questions so I can look back if there is a next time!

That's a great idea. Fingers crossed for you. We used to run the VCR and NCR on an assessment centre day which included the interview, so it was an option to consider candidates who interviewed well and were maybe a point adrift on the tests. I hope it works out for you in the sifting.

I’m following this with interest. Does anyone have any good book recommendations? Especially for numerical reasoning. Thank you

I think we're applying for the same jobs OP. This was my thread.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/3966433-Civil-Service-Verbal-and-Numeracy-tests