Civil Service Exam: Coding and Memory

This practice test consists of two sections. The Coding section tests your ability to use codes quickly and accurately, using a coding guide for reference. The Memory section tests your ability to complete the same task, but without the benefit of referring to the coding guide. Instead, you must recall the coding guide from memory.
These tests usually follow the same format. In most cases, you will be shown a coding guide, along with several items that must be assigned a code. You must look up the correct code for each item and write your response on the answer sheet accurately and quickly. During the first section of the test part, you will be allowed to look at the coding guide while you assign codes. During the second section of the test part, you must assign codes based on your memory of the same coding guide. While the coding guide is visible, try to memorize as many of the codes as you can. These are the same codes that will be used in the memory section.

Note: During the actual test:
You are not allowed to look at the codes when answering the items in the Memory section.
You are not allowed to write down any addresses during the memorization period.
Memory for addresses questions are often considered one of the hardest parts of the exam. You will be given a set of boxes, each of which will contain addresses. After memorizing the content in the boxes, you will have to recall in which box each appeared.

1: Memorize Horizontally
Memorize the addresses horizontally, not vertically. This is more natural and will flow more easily for you.

2: Answer the Questions in This Section in Order
Answer all questions in order. Do not attempt to go through this section twice. There is not enough time for you to answer the ones that you think are easy and then attempt to go back and answer the others.

3: Speed

Scoring Answers
Typically, your score on this part of the civil service exam is based on the number of items that you answer correctly minus 1/3 of the number of items you answer incorrectly. In both sections of this test part, your score depends on how many items you can correctly assign a code in the time allowed. You may not be able to assign a code to all of the items before time runs out, but you should do your best to assign as many as you can with a high degree of accuracy. There is a penalty for guessing on this test.
It won't be to your advantage to guess randomly. However, if you can see that one or more responses is clearly incorrect, it will generally be to your advantage to guess from among the remaining responses.

Reducing Errors
On the test, you have several opportunities to work with the coding guide and practice memorizing the codes for each range of addresses before answering items on them based upon memory.
Listen to the administrator's instructions. Do not become frustrated or discouraged; remain focused. Here are more suggestions to help you reduce errors on this portion of the test:
Answer items you know and answer other items later. Remember that you have a time limit. A. time permits, go back and attempt to answer the more difficult items. If you have narrowed a difficult item down to one or two choices, make an educated guess. If you return to an item, take care to make sure that you are marking the correct answer on your answer sheet. It is easy to lose your place and mark the wrong circle.
Arbitrarily guessing will probably not help your score. If you can eliminate one or more of the answers, it may be to your advantage to guess.
Work as quickly and accurately as possible. You are not expected to answer all items in the time allowed.
Fully use the practice opportunities and memorization periods you are given to practice memorizing the codes.


Completing Exercise: Coding
Move through items 1 through 15 and assign codes to each based upon the Coding Guide. Work as quickly and as accurately as possible.
Time yourself on this exercise. You should stop after 2 minutes. You may not be able to finish all of the items in this exercise in that time, but practicing with a time limit will give you a better feel for taking the actual test.
When you finish the exercise set, check your answers.

Exercise: Coding





Coding: Answer Key

1. A

2. D

3. B

4. B

5. A

6. C

7. C

8. D

9. C

10. A

12. D

13. A

14. C


Completing Exercise: Memory
In this section of the test, you will assign codes based on your memory of the Coding Guide. You will use the same Coding Guide you have been using throughout this exercise.
Take 3 minutes to memorize the Coding Guide.
You should not take any notes when memorizing the Coding Guide, but you may write in the test booklet while you are answering the items.
Move through the items and assign codes to each based upon your memory of the Coding Guide. Do NOT refer to the Coding Guide as you work through this exercise. Work as quickly and as accurately as possible.
You should not be able to see the Coding Guide during the exercise, and you should not turn back to an earlier page to look at it.
Time yourself on this exercise. You should stop after 3 minutes.
You may not be able to finish all of the items in this exercise in that time, but practicing with a time limit will give you a better feel for taking the actual test.
When you finish the exercise, check your answers against the correct ones.

Exercise: Memory



Memory: Answer Key

16. A

17. C

18. D

19. B

20. C

21. D

22. B

23. A

24. D

25. D

26. A

27. B

28. A

29. C

30. C