GUIDE TO TAKING WRITTEN TESTS FOR COUNTY JOBS

Items below can be easily accessed by clicking on the individual headings:

What You Should Know About Our Tests

How Hard Are They?       Top

Our tests are designed so that the average person is expected to correctly answer about half the questions. If the test is too easy or too hard, it will not do a good job of identifying those candidates who are most qualified for the job.

What Types of Tests Are Used?       Top

• Speed Tests measure accuracy in performing simple tasks such as arranging lists in alphabetical or numerical order, spotting misspelled words, or categorizing information using codes. It is not expected that all examines will finish in the time allowed. What is being measured is how fast you can perform the tasks with accuracy. Working quickly should be your basic objective when taking a Speed Test.
   
• Biographical inventory relate personal preferences and attitudes to success on the job. There are no correct or incorrect answers to the questions asked. Scoring is determined by the way successful employees performing the job responded to the same questions. It is to your advantage to answer these questions as honestly as you possibly can, and not try to second guess what others might have chosen. Presently the County uses Biographical inventories in testing for Eligibility Worker Trainee positions.
   
• Knowledge Tests measure your understanding of a particular subject or your skill in performing basic tasks such as mathematical computations. Reasonable time limits are set and it is to your advantage to attempt to answer ALL the questions even if you do not know the answer. You will be given a calculator and scratch paper if allowed.
   

How Are They Scored?       Top

All answers are recorded on special machine scored answer sheets. After the test has been scored, you will receive a grade card informing you of the results. If you pass the test, the grade card will tell you the range of your score and into which score range you have been placed. Your name will be placed on an eligible list ranked according to score, and you will be referred to a departmental hiring authority for a selection interview as vacancies are filled. Regardless of your results, you may not retest for the same job for six (6) months, provided that the position is open to application. If you do retest after six months, the second score, better or worse, counts.

Why We Give Tests       Top

Tests are given to assure the selection of the best qualified people for County jobs. As a job seeker you deserve a fair chance to compete equally with others. The purpose of a test is to measure the differences between examines in the knowledge and skills needed for the job. Those who score high will be more likely to be successful on the job than those who score low. The County gives many different kinds of tests, such as oral exams, performance tests, assessment centers, and work samples. For most jobs, we use written tests and we hope this pamphlet will help you.

How to Prepare       Top

• Read the Job Announcement: The topics covered on the test are listed in the job announcement. You should also read carefully the definition of the job, the specific duties performed, and the minimum qualifications. These will give you an idea of the critical knowledge and skills for which you will be tested.
   
• Should You Study? This depends on you and the particular nature of the job for which you are competing. Some jobs require knowledge of a specific subject, such as accounting, and it would probably be worthwhile to review some basic concepts. Some of our tests measure your ability to apply acquired skills and knowledge in a work related context and you should be able to demonstrate this without a lot of study or preparation. Many city/county libraries have study guides for civil service tests which you may want to review prior to the test.
   

What You Can Do About Test Anxiety       Top

Most people are nervous about taking tests. Some experience such physical symptoms of anxiety as raised blood pressure, higher pulse rate, perspiration and muscle tension. If you are troubled by test anxiety, here are a few things that might help:

• Relax the night before the test. Get a good night's sleep.
   
• Get up early the morning of the test and eat a light, well-balanced breakfast. Arrive at the test site early, allow plenty of time for unexpected delays, such as traffic and parking problems.
   
• Practice exercises to relieve tension such as stretching large muscles and alternately tensing and relaxing small muscles.
   

Tips For Taking Written Tests       Top

• Know the Rules: Listen carefully as the proctor reads the instructions and ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
   
• Budget Your Time: On Speed Tests work as rapidly as possible. If you cannot determine an answer quickly, leave it blank and go on to the next question. On all other tests, look over the test and decide how much time you can afford to spend on each section. Do not waste time on questions you find difficult. Do the easy ones first and come back to the harder ones as time permits.
   
• Read the Questions Carefully: Do not assume that you know what a question is going to ask after reading the first few words. Read ALL the possible answers in multiple choice questions, and pick the best of the several choices. Consider each question separately. The answer to any one question is not intended to help you answer other questions. Look for key words. Often words such as ALWAYS, BEST, EXCEPT, GENERALLY, LEAST, NONE and SOME provide valuable clues to the correct answer.
   
• Should You Guess? Yes. Research indicates that people who guess when they do not know the answer do better on tests than those who do not. When you do not know the correct answer to a question, you should eliminate those choices which you are sure are wrong. Generally the answer that seems right is right. On Speed Tests, you should avoid "blind" guessing because a percentage of incorrect answers will be subtracted from your score. Even so, you should take a change if you are making an "educated" guess. Avoid reading more into a question than is intended. You should select your answer based on the information provided you and not look for any "tricks."
   
• Check Your Answer Sheet Often: The numbers on the answer sheet run in columns from top to bottom. Check your place on the answer sheet every few questions to be sure you are using the right line and space to mark your answer. Be particularly careful if you skip questions.
   
• Follow Instructions For Marking the Answer Sheet: Answer sheets are "read" by scoring machines. Your answer may not be counted if the marks are too small, too light, erasures are incomplete, or there are any stray marks, smudges or checks on the paper. Be sure your marks are heavy and the response spaces completely filled in.
   

Examples       Top

Below are some samples of the types of questions you will encounter on County tests. A correctly marked answer sheet is shown on the back page.

PART I: Speed Test (Work Quickly)

Arrange the following in numerical order from lower to highest:

Arrange the following in alphabetical order:

Which of the following words is spelled correctly?

How many words are misspelled in the following sentence? "Spelling, grammer and basic mathematics are important for job success."

PART II: Knowledge Test (Take Your Time)

The best way for an office worker to treat an angry client is with silence.

A. True
B. False

If the assessed value of real property is /14 of the market value, what is the assessed value of a house with a market value of $36,900?

The power of the state to take private property for public use is known as:

Which of the following natural resources can be replenished most quickly

Which of the following would be essential for a supervisor to take into account in order to increase the productivity of a work unit?

Answers to Sample Questions

1.    B
2.    D
3.    D
4.    B
5.    B
6.    B
7.    A
8.    B
9.    D

Back

© Copyright 2000-2003 San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
All rights reserved.
sheriffsjobs@sbcsd.org