We attempt to accommodate the customer wherever possible, please call the Office of Test Services at (614) 728-5983, or toll free 1-877-597-0077, to request assistance regarding scheduling conflicts.

If you cannot attend an examination contact our office at (614) 728-5983 or toll free 1-877-597-0077 to make arrangements.

No. All civil service examinations are content valid and test for the job knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the specific classification. Please refer to the "Scope of Examination" statement on each examination announcement that outlines the test content. Publishers do offer a number of general review books for civil service test preparation, but they are never State of Ohio specific. Click here to view the list of review books.

We announce upcoming civil service examinations on examination announcements posted in One-Stop Employment and Training Centers of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services throughout Ohio; at the Civil Service Test Center, 30 E. Broad St., 28th floor, Columbus, Ohio.

Information is also available from the Internet at: STATEJOBS.OHIO.GOV and follow directions to "Current Civil Service Examinations" in the agency window. There is occasionally a specific registration period announced for exams, and applications may only be submitted during this two-week registration period. However, we also offer most exams on a continuous recruitment basis with no closing date for registration and we offer still others as walk-in exams. Walk-ins allow you to apply and test on the same day provided you arrive at least one hour before the exam's administration time. A list of walk-in exams is available at the Test Center (30 E. Broad St., 28th Floor) or on the Internet (see the Web address above).

Depending on the specific examination, 2 to 3 hours is the usually allowed time limit. The length of time depends on the number of questions on the test. Test takers may leave when they have completed the exam.

You may apply; however, the agency is required to hire from an eligible list when it exits.

If you take a test for the classification you are currently working in, you will be automatically certified if you pass the test.

Test results will be scored within three to six weeks; allow one additional week for your score to arrive in the mail.

Four months. If you do not pass a typing portion of a test, you may retest at the next available session.

For one year after your name has been added to the list.

Applicants who pass the examination are ranked according to score. To find out where you are ranked on the eligible list, call the Office of Certification at 466-4194. Remember though that names are added and deleted from lists regularly so your ranking is always subject to change.

NOTE: Information about your placement on an eligible list is only available after you have received a written note containing your test score.

The time varies. It often depends on when and which agencies have vacancies, how they choose to fill their vacancies, availability of qualified internal candidates, state funding, and of course where you are ranked on the eligible list when the vacancy is posted.

Certain examinations are available on walk-in basis. These are given daily, except holidays, Monday through Friday, at 8:30 AM and 1:00 PM, with a few also administered at 10 AM. Walk-ins are given at 30 E. Broad Street, 28th floor, Columbus, Ohio. Applicants should have a completed civil service application on file one (1) hour in advance of the examination to insure time for reviewing qualifications and to be entered into the system. A pre-approved applicant's application is good for four months. Persons planning to apply and test on the same day need to arrive at least one hour before the exam with a completed application, to be entered into the system and to have their qualifications evaluated.
The "walk-in" testing program has been suspended, all tests must be scheduled until further notice.

Testing on line places the integrity and security of the State's testing program in jeopardy of abuse, fraud and other misuses since no State employee is available to insure proper procedures. We are working on new technical solutions to this problem, however, that may allow us to offer tests locally and routinely at ODJFS One-Stops or at community colleges in your area. But installation and decentralization is likely 20-24 months away.

Testing would welcome the directive to test in schools but presently state funding will not support this service enhancement.

Yes you can. You must write us within 10 days of notification or you may fax us as long as you meet the deadline.

The Constitution of the State of Ohio mandates testing to insure merit and fitness. Also, the Ohio Revised Code requires it to the fullest extent possible.

You can apply for jobs at the Office of Test Services, provided you do so online. But each agency manages its own recruitment and hiring procedures. For that reason, Testing's role must be limited to providing information and guiding people in the right direction. Our only mandate is to provide quality tests to qualify candidates for the competition that ensues once a vacancy is announced.