Frequently Asked Questions

How do I determine what classification to test for and if I qualify
for a position?

• Visit the jobs website at https://jobs.uis.edu to
  see what classifications the Human Resources office is currently
  testing for, and what the qualifications are.

What is a Civil Service Exam? How can I prepare?

• Each Civil Service classification has its own exam, which come
  in many different formats.  When you are scheduled for an exam,
  information such as time limit, exam components, and other related
  information is given to you.  As for preparing, many of our
  exams are knowledge tests.  This information could have been
  gathered through your past work experience and education. Some are
  education/experience tests, for which preparation is not necessary.

How do I apply for a Civil Service job?

1. Determine what Civil Service classifications are currently
   available for testing on our web site. 
2. Review the minimum qualifications for the classification in
   which you are interested.
3. Submit or update your electronic application (It is the applicant’s
   responsibility to supply information that clearly and accurately
   represents his/her qualifications.  Failure to do so may result
   in being determined ‘not qualified’).
4. Submit an electronic exam request.
5. Receive notification of an exam date and time.
6. Take the examination.
7. Receive a notice regarding your score.  You may also check
   your score and register placement through the electronic application
   menu.

How do I submit an electronic application and exam request?

1. Go to https://jobs.uis.edu
2. Login to the site (If you are a new applicant click Create Account,
   type in the information requested to create a logon, and make up
   a password that you can remember. When processed, your Logon ID will
   be emailed to you.)
3. Once you have logged on, you can update your application by clicking
   Edit or you can submit an Exam Request.  New applicants will
   need to complete the Civil Service Employment Application Part 1
   and 2 first, then you will be allowed to submit an Exam Request.
   Be sure to fill out the application completely giving details on
   your work experience.

How are Civil Service jobs filled?

• CS jobs are filled through a testing process. Individuals take
  examinations for specific classifications and their scores are placed
  on lists called registers.  Scores appear on a register in order, from
  highest to lowest.  Registers change each time new scores are
  added or removed. When a vacancy occurs in a department, those eligible
  to interview are referred in accordance with CS rules and notified
  by mail.  Generally, the top three candidates are contacted
  for an interview opportunity.

How long does my score stay on the register?

• Generally speaking, your score is good for up to two years.  You
  are also removed upon hire, request, or failure to respond to the
  Human Resources office, among other reasons.

Can I take the test over again?

• You may request to re-write the exam up to three times within
  one calendar year.  Each instance of the exam must be taken
  at least 30 days apart, and this applies to all State University
  testing centers.

Can I transfer my score?

• Yes, you may request to transfer your test scores to other State
  University institutions.  For more information, please contact
  Human Resources.

Terms and Definitions

Classification: Assignment of a job to a class.  Jobs similar in duties, responsibilities, and worth are grouped together and given the same standard title.

Job: A specific group of duties and responsibilities served by one employee.

Register: A list of candidates who have taken and passed the Civil Service examination, per classification. Registers are listed in order of highest score.

Veterans Preference: Veterans who were discharged under honorable conditions and certain other individuals may be eligible for additional points on an original entry Civil Service exam.