How to apply
Civil Service Testing FAQ
Click on the questions below to reveal the answers.
Is there a way to be notified of job postings?
Yes, subscribe to the Civil Service Jobs Listserv here.
How does an applicant know what exams can be requested?
We list all current job vacancies on our website in the Job Seekers section on the Civil Service Job Postings page. The postings are broken into the following:
Open and Continuous Testing: These are classifications we test for throughout the year, whether there are current vacancies or not.
Current Vacancies: These are classifications for which we have a vacancy. All classifications in this section have a deadline by which an applicant must apply in order to be considered for testing. Applying by the deadline means submitting an online application and an online exam request by the Closing Date on the posting.
Crafts & Trades Quarterly Testing: These are classifications in the crafts and trades section for which we test on a quarterly basis. However, there may be no vacancies at the time of the posting.
AFSCME Bi-annual Promotional Testing: These are classifications included in the AFSCME Local 3700 and 698 Unions, for which we test twice a year for current employees working within the promotional line. However there may be no vacancies at the time of the posting.
How many exam requests may be submitted at any one time?
Applicants are allowed to submit multiple exam requests.
How long does it take for an exam to be scheduled?
Exams are scheduled based on several factors, such as the volume of exam requests received and the availability of testing rooms. Scheduled exam times will be sent through e-mail approximately 1- 1 1/2 weeks before the exam appointment. These e-mails may end up in Spam or Junk mail folders. Please be sure to check both after submitting an exam request. To ensure receipt of our e-mail, please add IHR-TESTING@mx.uillinois.edu to your e-mail contacts. Applicants can monitor the status of exam requests online at https://jobs.illinois.edu. Log in and click on My Civil Service Activity.
What can applicants bring to the exam?
Applicants must bring a photo ID listing home address or UI ID (I-card) with them to the exam for verification purposes. Applicants ARE NOT allowed to bring any documents with them to any exam.
How long will the exam take?
Time limits for exams generally range from two to four hours, depending on the exam. The amount of time for the specific exam will be stated on the exam date notification.
Are there any Study Guides to help prepare for the exam?
The State Universities Civil Service System does not provide study guides, except for those exams in the Accountant Series and Office Support Series. Those study guides can be found at: https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/testprep/studyguides.aspx.
How long does it take to receive an exam score after the exam has been taken?
Scores can be viewed online at https://jobs.illinois.edu, usually within 3 – 4 days. Login and click on Civil Service Activity at the top of the page. There are links for Exam Requests, Exam Scores, and Register Placement.
What’s a good score for an exam?
A minimum score of 70 is required to pass an exam. A score of 100 is the maximum an applicant can attain unless Veterans Preference Points are added (see the question “Do veterans of the Armed Forces receive additional exam points?” below). When the applicant receives the exam score, it will include his or her rank on the register at the time the score was entered.
Can an applicant find out where points were lost on an exam?
An applicant can request a breakdown of the exam by emailing jobs@illinois.edu with the applicant’s first and last name, user name, exam title, and exam date.
Can an exam be retaken?
An applicant can retake (rewrite) an exam three times during a 12-month period. There must be at least 30 days between rewrites and it must be a title for which we are currently testing.
What if an applicant retakes an exam and receives a lower score?
We always retain the higher score on the register.
How often are exams given?
Exams are generally scheduled Monday through Friday and administered twice a day, at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. All exams are prescheduled.
Are Saturday or evening exams offered?
No. Exams are administered only during normal business hours.
Where is the exam administered?
Exams are administered at Illinois Human Resources (IHR) in the Personnel Services Building, 52 E. Gregory Drive, Champaign, IL 61820. Click here for the map. Testing for U of I Extension positions is administered by the Extension Unit.
Is there parking available?
Metered parking is available in front of Illinois Human Resources (Personnel Services Building) at 52 E. Gregory Drive and other nearby streets. The meters take quarters, dimes, and nickels. Also, there is an option to pay for parking by phone. See https://mobilemeter.ppprk.com/park/ for more information.
Are latecomers admitted to the exam?
No. A pattern of canceling, rescheduling, or failing to keep exam appointments may result in disqualification to request exams for three months.
Can an exam be rescheduled?
Exams cannot be rescheduled. They can be cancelled by calling 217-333-2137 or sending an email to jobs@illinois.edu. An applicant can submit a new exam request if the title is still posted.
How can an applicant monitor their register positions?
View our website at https://jobs.illinois.edu. Login and click on Civil Service Activity.
Do veterans of the Armed Forces receive additional exam points?
Yes, veterans (or eligible relatives) may apply by submitting the Application for Veterans Preference Points (PDF) and supporting documentation to Illinois Human Resources. Qualifying veterans may receive 3, 5, or 10 additional points for their eligible exam scores. Documents may be submitted by uploading them to the online application.
How can a document be uploaded to an online application?
Documents can be uploaded to the online application when completing application forms. Additional documents can be uploaded or after applying if you still have “Edit” next to the application form. Clicking “Edit” will take you back into the application forms and allow you to upload documents.
Can an exam score be transferred to another State University in Illinois?
An applicant may request to have an active exam score transferred. Check with the receiving institution in advance.
What if an applicant has a conviction?
Having a conviction record is not an automatic bar to employment. The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a written contingent offer.