Most written Civil Service tests are NOT speed tests. You'll usually have up to two and a half hours to answer between 40 and 150 multiple choice questions or a selection of essay questions, depending on the type of job you're applying for. The number of questions you must answer correctly to be considered passing depends on the kind of test you're taking. Eligible or employment lists are established by ranking candidates based on their overall scores in the examination. Candidates must be successful in each part of the examination.
Lists are effective for a given period as determined by each agency.
If you are not hired during the life of the list, you must take the examination again to qualify for a job. Vacancies are filled through a selection from among the top ranking scores on the eligible or employment list. The selection from the list typically involves an interview or another means of selection. Not all candidates on an eligible or employment list are evaluated for a job vacancy. The number of candidates evaluated for a job vacancy vary with the agency.