In this test you will be asked to weigh up options and to make decisions on different scenarios, perform calculations, solve problems and evaluate and interpret numerical information.
Before taking the Using Data assessment you can try a practice test. Click on the link below and scroll to the Civil Service Numerical Practice Test. This is the same structure and format as the Using Data assessment. The link also takes you to useful guidance on preparing for online tests.
Example assessment
Example assessments are not scored. They are designed to show you the look and feel of the real test. Taking an example test can be particularly helpful if you use assistive technology and want to trial your technology before the real test.
This test measures interpersonal skills, utilising video based scenarios and you are required to assess the effectiveness of various responses.
Work-based Scenarios guidance
This test measures interpersonal skills, utilising video based scenarios and you are required to assess the effectiveness of various responses.
There are 12 scenarios in this assessment.
How to complete this assessment
This assessment presents you with a series of work situations involving people, and asks you to make judgements about several possible courses of action. Each situation includes some video and audio content from characters in that scenario.
This is an assessment of how well you can make decisions and judgements in realistic work situations that involve dealing with other people.
Your task is to rate how effective each action would be on the scale below.
● Counterproductive – An unacceptable action that would make the situation worse
● Ineffective – A poor action that would not help the situation
● Partially effective – A useful action that would be of some help to the situation
● Effective – A good action that would help to resolve the situation
Example question with correct answer (actual items contain video information and audio content)
You are leading a team on a National Survey project and share the use of important IT equipment with another department. A colleague from your team, Kamala, approaches you to discuss the use of the equipment.
Kamala: “Recently our team has been unable to use the IT equipment for our project as the other department has been booking a lot more time with it. I hear that they have recently undertaken more work which means they’ve booked more time with the equipment. There are also some other teams that have similar equipment that aren’t in use right now.”
Rate the effectiveness of the following actions:
A. Contact the manager of the other department and request they find alternative IT equipment.
Correct answer: Ineffective – A poor action that would not help the situation
Rationale: restricts the use of shared IT equipment, but the other team may be able to acquire additional resources
B. Speak with the manager of the other department about your concerns, share a contact who has similar IT equipment that is currently underused.
Correct answer: Effective – A good action that would help to resolve the situation
Rationale: holds open dialogue with the other manager and provides constructive alternatives to help
C. Ask your colleagues to tell the manager of the other department that your project takes priority.
Correct answer: Ineffective – A poor action that would not help the situation
Rationale: may free up some resources, but places the burden on other colleagues
D. Ask your colleagues to book as much time as possible with the equipment to make sure the project is done.
Correct answer: Counterproductive – An unacceptable action that would make the situation worse
Rationale: limits the work of the other team, does not open dialogue with other team
In this test you are required to take Work based scenarios on an imaginary role, learning and responding to a series of challenges and situations and adapting to the changes you are presented with.
Case Study Assessment guidance
In this test you are required to take on an imaginary role, learning and responding to a series of challenges and situations and adapting to the changes you are presented with.
There are 24 situations that you need to respond to within this assessment.
How to complete this assessment
This assessment presents you with 7 pieces of background information. You will then be presented with a series of challenges and situations, and asked to make judgements about several possible courses of action. It is an evolving scenario and each situation includes some video and audio content from the characters involved.
This is an assessment of how well you make decisions and judgements in realistic work situations and adapt to changing circumstances.
You will be presented with four responses to each scenario. Your task is to identify both the most effective and least effective response in each situation.
