Careers In The Civil Service
The Civil Service is a collection of departments, agencies and bodies responsible for delivering public services, and supporting the government in the development and implementation of policies.
It is one of the UK's largest employers, and as its responsibilities are so diverse, so too are the careers it offers.
Opportunities exist in a range of professions including communications, human resources, project management and delivery, operations, and legal, to name a few.
According to the Civil Service Statistics for 2025, the five largest departments employ over two-thirds of all civil servants. They are the Department for Work and Pensions, the Ministry of Justice, HM Revenue and Customs, the Ministry of Defence and the Home Office. There are many other departments and agencies hiring as well.
How To Get Hired In The Civil Service
The Civil Service offers multiple routes to entry, including:
- Apprenticeships
- The Summer Internship Programme
- Student placements
- Applying directly for advertised jobs on Civil Service Jobs
One of the best known routes is the Civil Service Fast Stream, a leadership development programme with 18 specialist schemes. Most schemes are open to graduates with a 2:2 or above, and serving civil servants may be able to apply without a degree. Schemes include:
- Government Policy
- Digital
- Cyber Security
- Finance
- Commercial
- Science and Engineering
- Project Delivery
- Economist
- Statistics
- Social Research
Civil Service Application Process
Since 2018, the Civil Service has recruited using Success Profiles, a framework that sets out what each role needs you to show. For each role, candidates are assessed on a set of relevant criteria, based on five key elements:
- Behaviours
- Strengths
- Ability
- Experience
- Technical
Multiple methods of assessment are used to measure each area. When you apply for a role, the job description will tell you which elements you'll be assessed on, and how.
Civil Service Online Application
The Civil Service application form requires you to submit personal details, and is likely to include some long-form questions which you'll need to complete.
This is one of the ways it measures behaviours. The questions posed will relate to behaviours necessary for the role, and you'll need to provide examples of when you've demonstrated them.
Examples of these behaviours include:
- Making effective decisions
- Working together
- Communicating and influencing
- Delivering at pace
For some roles, you may also be asked for a CV, a personal statement or both, as well as the application form.
Civil Service Aptitude Tests
Depending on the role, you may be asked to take one or more online tests, often at the sift stage. The job advert says whether a test is needed, and you will be sent an email invitation.
Civil Service Verbal Test (CSVT)
This is an aptitude test designed to measure your ability to process information, and identify important details to form conclusions.
You'll be given a passage of text followed by a proposed statement, and will need to select from true, false, or cannot say based on your understanding of the information given.
This test is not timed, but is adaptive, meaning the questions will increase or decrease in difficulty according to your performance.
Civil Service Numerical Test (CSNT)
The numerical test measures your ability to perform calculations and to evaluate and interpret numerical information to solve problems.
You'll be given graphs, tables or other numerical information, followed by a question with several possible answers, only one of which is correct. Like the verbal test, it is adaptive and has no time limit.
Civil Service Judgement Test (CSJT)
This situational judgement test measures your behaviours as they relate to workplace preferences, decision making and professional judgement.
It is split into two parts. In the first, you describe your typical behaviour and preferences at work, rating how ambitious, motivated and flexible you are. This self-assessment makes up 15% of your overall score, and you may be asked about your answers at interview.
Section two involves hypothetical work-based scenarios, presented in either a written or video format. For each scenario, you'll be given four possible actions. You'll need to rate these as either effective, fairly effective, ineffective, or counterproductive.
For managerial level roles, you may be issued the Civil Service Management Judgement Test. This is made up of hypothetical scenarios only, with 15 to work through in total.
Civil Service Customer Service Skills Test
This is administered for customer-facing roles and comes in three sections.
The first tests how well you're able to deal with challenging situations. You'll be given a customer query, including background information and a message from the customer. Three potential responses to this message will also be given. Your task is to select the one you deem most appropriate.
Section two is essentially a situational judgement test, where you'll rate responses to hypothetical situations. Neither of the first two sections is timed.
In the final section, you're given 10 minutes to work through a range of customer information, checking for errors and inputting additional information as requested. This skills test measures your ability to work accurately at speed.
Civil Service Casework Skills Test
This is very similar to the customer service skills test but designed specifically for case working roles.
You'll start by working through a range of scenarios. For each, you'll be given background information and a number of statements relating to the case. For each statement you decide whether it is definitely true or false, probably true or false, or whether you cannot say from the information given.
You'll then move on to the situational judgement element, and a 10 minute timed section where you'll be asked to check for inaccuracies in casework information.
Civil Service Interview
Interviews can be face to face, by video or by phone, and the advert or invitation tells you which. Questions are built around the Success Profiles elements in the advert: behaviour questions ask for real examples, while strength questions ask about the things you do regularly, do well and are motivated by.
Civil Service Assessment Centre
Some roles also use an assessment centre, which combines several selection methods chosen for the role. According to Civil Service Careers, these can include:
- An interview
- A presentation
- A written exercise
- A role-play exercise
The letter inviting you will usually explain which methods are used and what to expect on the day.
On the Civil Service Fast Stream, candidates for the Government Policy, Cyber Security and Digital schemes finish at the assessment centre. Candidates for every other scheme, including HR and Finance, go on to a scheme-specific Final Selection Board.
Tips To Get Hired At The Civil Service
Understand The Success Profiles Framework
This is what guides the entire recruitment process. So read it thoroughly. In particular, study the behaviours and skills the Civil Service looks for, and think of examples that prove you're a good fit.
Research The Test Programmes
When you know which online tests you'll be taking, find out exactly what's involved in each. Study each question type to get a better understanding of what's being asked of you. The more familiar you are with the content and format, the more you'll be able to focus on the important details.
Practise Aptitude Tests
One good way to improve your performance in the online tests is to practise. This will help you identify strengths and weaknesses, and where you need to focus more attention. It will also help train your brain to think more critically, a valuable skill for the verbal and numerical tests.
Don't Be Afraid To Fail
This applies to every stage of the process. If you put too much pressure on yourself, you are more likely to slip up, but if you approach it with realistic expectations you'll lower your stress, and increase your focus. If things don't go your way, don't think of it as a failure, but more a learning experience.
