The University of Illinois has transitioned to a new applicant tracking system called Cornerstone, which provides a more streamlined, user-friendly interface for completing applications.

  • Interested applicants should apply to specific vacancies based on the instructions in the job posting.
  •  The HR Staff is available to assist you with any help you need during the application process.
  • Computer kiosks are available in the Human Resources Office for individuals without access to the internet or for those who would like assistance with the process.
UIS Job Board

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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 credential assessments (add hyperlink to HR Credential Assessments Page). There is no preparation for this type of exam but make sure to be detailed when listing your work experience on the application.

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 by reviewing the position description.
  3. Submit 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. Receive notification of qualification status.
  5. Receive a notice regarding your score. 

How do I submit an electronic application?

Login to the employment website.

New External Applicants:

  1. If you are a New External Applicant, click the “External Job Applicants” link found on the link provided above.
  2. Create a Profile, type in the personal and contact information requested, and make up a user name and password that you can remember. Click create profile.
  3. Once back on the Profile page, follow the instructions on the profile page for first time applicants.
  4. Those instructions are: Click on the position you would like to apply for and scroll to the bottom. Click apply now.
  5. Begin filling in your application and submit.
  6. You will receive an email to confirm your application submission.


Internal Applicants:

  1. If you are an Internal Applicant, please select the “Internal Job Applicants” link. You will log in using your UIS NetID and password.  Please Do Not Create A New Account.
  2. Be sure to fill out your application completely giving details on your work experience.
  3. Once you have logged on: You may select your desired Civil Service job from the job board.
  4. Click Apply Now.

After the job deadline to apply has passed, allow 2-3 weeks for an email regarding the position. If you have any trouble creating an account, please contact HR by emailing hremployment@uis.edu or calling (217)206-6652.

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 already on the register will need to re-apply to be considered for the current vacancy and will be notified by email when one is posted.  Generally, the candidates with the top three scores 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 appeal my test score?

  • Yes, your initial step in appealing the exam score is to contact Human Resources immediately following receipt of the Notice of Examination Score. Human Resources will explain how that particular score was reached. If you require further explanation regarding your examination score, you may contact the University System Office by email (info@sucss.illinois.gov) or by U.S. mail. You may find the Exam Request Challenge form here https://www.sucss.illinois.gov. The total time limit for contacting the employer and the University System is within 30 days after receiving the Notice of Examination Score. For more information, please visit the State Universities Civil Service Systems website at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov.

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.

How do I upload my transcripts and other documents?

  • Transcript must be uploaded during the application process. Follow the directions given while applying and upload all forms under the documents tab when prompted. You must upload your transcripts with every application, as they do not upload automatically from your profile when you apply. Human Resources does not have access to UIS transcripts. To obtain these, please contact the Office of Records and Registration by emailing registrar@uis.edu. 

Assistive Technology Users

Out-of-State Applicants

For classes requiring technical qualifications; i.e., a high degree of specialized experience, training or education, for which there is an inadequate supply of qualified applicants who are citizens of, or residents in, the State of Illinois, the DER (Designated Employer Representative) may waive the residency requirement and admit out-of-state residents to the examination only in accordance with the following criteria:

Preference for employment in the universities and agencies under the System shall be granted to residents of Illinois. Such preference shall be extended when the qualifications of residents and non-residents applying for admission to examinations are substantially equal. The responsibility for the implementation and enforcement of this policy shall rest with the DERs of the universities and agencies, subject to periodic review by the Director or his/her designee.

While the residency requirement provides a significant preference in the original employment of Illinois residents to fill vacant positions within the University System, current status employees may be admitted to any examination based on their current status appointment and seniority within their class, irrespective of their current residence.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, record keeping, and child labor standards affecting full-time and part-time workers in the private sector and in Federal, State, and local governments.

In September 2019, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued revised regulations for exemption from FLSA. The revised rule is effective January 1, 2020.  Additional Resources are available on the University of Illinois System Human Resources website.

If you have questions, please contact UIS HR.

University of Illinois Springfield Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

The University of Illinois Springfield Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available by contacting the Division of Public Safety. This report includes statistics from the previous three years concerning reported crime that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University of Illinois Springfield campus and statistics for fires in on-campus student housing. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and other safety information along with fire safety policies and procedures.

University of Illinois System Statement on Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct (pdf)The University of Illinois System Statement on Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct reiterates that the University of Illinois prohibits and will not tolerate sex discrimination, sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct in its education programs and activities. Should you have any questions regarding the Statement or any related system or university policies and procedures, please contact your Title IX Coordinator at the number or email address included in the Statement.

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.

The University of Illinois Springfield is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer ensuring equal opportunities in programs, activities, and employment regardless of race, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.