If an in-person exam is required for the position you are applying for, you will need
to schedule it in advance and take it on campus. If the position requires a credentials
assessment, an HR Team Member will examine your application materials.
Cook Administration Bldg. Room 203
9501 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60628
As part of the Civil Service Examination Process, CSU will conduct open and continuous
testing. This allows an applicant to schedule a review of their credentials for any
classification, regardless of whether a vacancy exists. After the request, the review
process should occur within 15 days. For this purpose, we allow qualified applicants
to request and have their credentials reviewed for any civil service classification.
All Civil Service position titles listed at Chicago State University are subject to
State Universities Civil Service Section 70/36d, section 1.3 of the Examination Procedures Manual for Open & Continuous testing procedures.
Q1. When are exams administered? |
A. Exams are administered on Wednesdays. Times may vary depending on space and testing. |
Q2. What are the exams like? |
A. Most of the exams have a multiple-choice component. Some exams only have an education
and experience component. Many exams are a combination of both multiple-choice and
education and experience. Other exams are characterized as credential assessments.
A credential assessment is a rating by the Office of Human Resources of an applicant’s/employee’s
resume, cover letter, official employment application, college transcript, copies
of license/certification and any other relevant material. |
Q3. What do I need to bring with me to the exam? |
A. You must bring your photo ID. All exam materials including pencils and scratch
paper will be provided. |
Q4. How much time do I have to take the exam? |
A. Each examination has a time limit associated with it. The exam are either 1 ½ ,
2, 3 or 4 hours in length. |
Q5. How many tests can I take in one day? |
A. The number of examinations that you can take in the course of one day depends on
the time limits of each exam and you. Everyone works at a different pace, and we do
not want you to rush through the exams. Every effort is made to accommodate multiple
exam requests, but circumstances may prohibit us from accommodating. |
Q6. How are the exams scored? |
A. All paper-based exams are individually scored in the Office of Human Resources.
Computer-based exams are electronically scored via the program used at the State Universities
Civil Service System (SUCSS). A score of 70 or higher is considered passing. Veteran’s
Preference points for those who qualify may be added to your final score. |
Q7. How will I receive my test results? |
A. Your test results will be emailed to you. The Notice of Exam Score will indicate how
well you did in each section. Once you have received your exam score, you may contact
the State Universities Civil Service System to request a breakdown of your score. |
A. The examinations are specific to each civil service classification/job title. For
test tips, to the State Universities Civil Service System website. |
Q9. Can I look at my exam? |
A. No one is allowed to look at their examination once it is turned in after completion.
All applicants are encouraged to answer each question to the best of their ability. |
Q10. Can I retake the exam? |
A. Yes, you can retake the exam within 30 days of the initial exam date, and three
times within the course of a year. Your highest score is always kept on the register. |
Q11. How long does my score stay on the register? |
A. Exam scores are valid for up to two (2) years. Your score may be removed for a
variety of reasons in accordance with the civil service statue and rules, such as
upon hire, at the applicant/employee’s request, failure to respond to correspondence
from Human Resources, or under directive from SUCSS. |
Q12. Is my score transferable? |
A. Yes, you may request, in writing, that your exam score be transferred to another
employer within the State Universities Civil Service System. |