Civilian Examination Process Orientation Manual City of Dallas Exam Location/Time: Location



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Civilian Examination Process
Orientation Manual



City of Dallas

Exam Location/Time:
Location

Dallas Civil Service Office

Dallas City Hall

1500 Marilla Street, Suite 1-C-South

Dallas, TX 75201


Time

See Exam Notification sent to you by the Civil Service Office



THINGS TO KNOW & REMEMBER


TEST LOCATION/TIME
The details for the examination are presented below. All applicants must show a photo I.D. If you do not present a photo I.D. at check-in before entering the room, you will NOT be permitted to take the test.
Dallas Civil Service Office

Dallas City Hall

1500 Marilla Street, Suite 1-C-South

Dallas, TX 75201


Arrive 15 minutes earlier than the test time stated on your exam notification
Administration of the examination will begin as soon as the exam room doors are closed. Once the exam room doors are closed, NO ONE will be allowed to enter the exam room. This rule applies even if you have already checked in for the exam and then left the exam room to go to the restroom or to place prohibited items in your car. Late arrivals will NOT be admitted.



PROHIBITED ITEMS
Do NOT bring any communication devices (e.g., cell phones, pagers, laptops, tablets, etc.), personal belongings (e.g., study material, large purses, back packs, water bottles, ear plugs, etc.), or writing utensils (e.g., pencils, pens, highlighters, etc.) to the examination. All required testing materials will be provided. Civil Service is not responsible for personal belongings including writing utensils. If you bring a cell phone or other communication device, you will be asked to return it to your car, and you will still be subject to the check-in time deadline. For example, if you check in and realize that you forgot to leave your cell phone or other prohibited item in your car, you MUST exit the exam room and place your belongings in your car, and return to the exam room before the exam room doors are closed. It is not sufficient to turn the device off. You must comply with this procedure in order to be admitted. Civil Service is not responsible for any personal items left outside of the testing site. Possession of any communication device or other prohibited item after you have checked in to the test site, and after the exam room doors are closed, will result in your disqualification and removal from the examination. NO EXCEPTIONS.



NOTE

This is just a summary. Detailed information you need is included in the rest of this document.


I. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

A. Welcome
In this document you will find important information about the:


  1. Civilian Examination Details and Procedures




  1. Civilian Examination Format




  1. Study Skill Techniques




  1. Test Hints and Tips




  1. Scores

II. CIVILIAN EXAMINATION DETAILS AND PROCEDURES


A. Test Location and Time
This test will be administered at the following location:
Dallas Civil Service Office

Dallas City Hall

1500 Marilla Street, Suite 1-C-South

Dallas, TX 75201


This test will be administered at the following time:
Arrive 15 minutes earlier than the test time stated on your exam notification
Administration of the examination will begin as soon as the exam room doors are closed. Once the exam room doors are closed, NO ONE will be allowed to enter the exam room. Late arrivals will NOT be admitted.
B. What to bring/wear
To take this examination, all applicants must show a photo I.D. If you do not have your photo I.D. at check-in before entering the room, you will NOT be permitted to take the test. Only approved applicants who pass check-in procedures will be permitted to take this test.
Dress comfortably; casual attire is recommended. The exam room may be too hot or too cold for you, thus it may be helpful to wear layers.
C. Prohibited Items
Do NOT bring any communication devices (e.g., cell phones, pagers, laptops, tablets, etc.), personal belongings (e.g., study material, large purses, back packs, water bottles, ear plugs, etc.), or writing utensils (e.g., pencils, pens, highlighters, etc.) to the examination. All required testing materials will be provided. Civil Service is not responsible for personal belongings including writing utensils.
If you bring a cell phone or other communication device, you will be asked to return it to your car, and you will still be subject to the check-in time deadline. For example, if you check in and realize that you forgot to leave your cell phone or other prohibited item in your car, you MUST exit the exam room and place your belongings in your car, and return to the exam room before the exam room doors are closed. It is not sufficient to turn the device off. You must comply with this procedure in order to be admitted. Civil Service is not responsible for any personal items left outside of the testing site. Possession of any communication device or other prohibited item after you have checked in to the test site, and after the exam room doors are closed, will result in your disqualification and removal from the examination. NO EXCEPTIONS.
D. Test Details

All applicants will receive the same standardized test instructions and procedures. The test proctor(s) on site will provide instructions regarding the test (e.g., answer sheet, time, pencils, etc.). Please listen carefully to the test proctor’s(s’) instructions. Any applicant who has questions or concerns during the testing process should direct their questions or concerns to the designated test proctor(s) on site.


All exams have a pre-determined time limit. All exams are closed book. No study material will be allowed at the exam site. Once the examination begins, applicants will have the chance to use the restroom if they need to do so. Test proctors will escort applicants to the restroom. The time applicants spend in the restroom cannot be made up. For example, if an applicant spends 10 minutes in the restroom, the applicant will not get an extra 10 minutes to take the test. The applicant will still be subject to the pre-determined time limit to take the examination.
All applicants will receive the following depending on type of test:
If you are taking a WRITTEN EXAM:


  • One Applicant ID Sheet and Test Security Agreement




  • One Test Booklet




  • One Answer Sheet




  • Note Paper




  • Two Pencils




  • Calculator, if needed

First, all applicants will be required to read and sign a test security agreement. By reading and signing the test security agreement, you are agreeing to not release, discuss, or divulge any information related to the test.


Next, all applicants will receive information on how to complete the answer sheet identification boxes. Following, test proctors will give all applicants important information regarding the next steps in the testing process.
Applicants are NOT permitted to write on the exam booklet, you MUST mark all of your answers on the answer sheet. Test booklets will not be scored. ONLY answer sheets will be scored. On the answer sheet darken the bubbles you choose as your answers to questions. If you change your answer to a question, completely erase your original answer and darken the bubble corresponding to your new answer. While marking your answers on the answer sheet, be sure to double check that your answers on the answer sheet correspond to the correct question in the test booklet. For example, if you mark B on question 8 on the answer sheet, make sure you intended to choose B by looking at question 8 in the test booklet. Mark only your answers; do not make any extraneous or additional marks on your answer sheet.
All applicants will receive note paper. Applicants may use the note paper at their discretion. Note paper can be used to solve test items, take notes on test items, write down test items skipped, etc. All applicants’ note paper(s), used or un-used will be collected upon the completion of the test or at the end of the exam’s pre-determined time limit.

Upon completion of the test or at the end of the pre-determined time limit, all applicants must take their instruction booklet(s), answer sheet, applicant I.D. sheet, note paper, and two pencils to the test proctor. The test proctor will ensure that all applicants have completed the identification boxes on the answer sheet and then applicants will be dismissed.


If you are taking a COMPUTER BASED EXAM:


  • One Applicant ID Sheet and Test Security Agreement




  • Instruction Booklet



  • Two Pencils




  • Calculator, if needed

First, all applicants will be required to read and sign a test security agreement. By reading and signing the test security agreement, you are agreeing to not release, discuss, or divulge any information related to the test.


Test proctors will give all applicants important information regarding the next steps in the testing process.
Applicants are NOT permitted to write on the instruction booklet. You MUST select all of your answers on the computer. ONLY answer choices selected on the computer will be scored. On the computer, select the answer you choose for each test question. If you change your answer to a question, ensure you change your answer to the question before moving forward to the next question in the test. Once you have selected your answer for a question and proceed to the next question in the test, you can go back to the previous question. While selecting your answers on the computer, be sure to double check that your answer is the one you intended to choose for the question.
All applicants will receive note paper. Applicants may use the note paper at their discretion. Note paper can be used to solve test items, take notes on test items, write down test items skipped, etc. All applicants’ note paper(s), used or un-used will be collected upon the completion of the test or at the end of the exam’s pre-determined time limit.

Upon completion of the test or at the end of the pre-determined time limit applicants will be dismissed.


III. CIVILIAN EXAMINATION FORMAT
A. Background Information
A job analysis was conducted for this tested position. A job analysis is the systematic collection of the most important and frequent tasks performed on the job, the tools needed to complete such tasks, the work context in which the tasks are completed, and the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (KSAOs) required to complete such tasks on the first day of the job and at minimum standards. The information collected from the job analysis served as a guideline to construct the test plan for this tested position.
The selection process is designed to provide all applicants with an equal opportunity to compete for this tested position. An objective tool, the examination is one part of the selection process. Applicants whose test scores are at or above the pass point for this test will be placed on an eligibility list. The eligibility list is then provided to hiring managers. Hiring managers may or may not contact you depending on their hiring needs regarding the next steps in the selection process.
B. Test Construction
This exam was constructed by the Civil Service Test Development and Validation Division or Biddle Consulting Group (Criticall).
C. Written Test Format
The test is comprised of multiple-choice questions (A, B, C, or D).
Below, please find examples of the types of items you may find on the examination (correct answer choices are identified in bold):
Example #1 asks applicants to identify the correct answer choice.
Example #1:

If 3 apples cost 10¢, how much 12 apples cost?




  1. 35¢

  2. 20¢

  3. 40¢

  4. 15¢



Example #2:

Which of the following are days of the week?




  1. Saturday

  2. Wednesday

  3. Sunday

  4. September




  1. A and B only.

  2. A, B and C only.

  3. B, C and D only.

  4. A, B, C and D.

IV. STUDY SKILL TECHNIQUES


A. Study Tips
1. Identify Relevant Study Material
In order to prepare for this examination, identify relevant study material. To start the study process, review the position description included in the exam notice. Next, download and review the class specifications for this position and pay particular attention to the a) essential functions and b) knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) needed to perform the essential functions. Remember, the job analysis derives the KSAs and the examination is developed from the relevant KSAs. Thus identifying study material relevant to the essential functions and KSAs from the classification specification may help you prepare for the test. The Civil Service Department cannot endorse or identify any particular publication or resource that may help you prepare for the test.
2. Set Goals and Create a Study Schedule
You may find it helpful to set study goals and a corresponding study schedule to keep you on track. Oftentimes the identified study material may look daunting, but if you set goals for yourself the material will look more manageable. For example, you could set a goal to read a chapter a week and set a corresponding schedule. Research suggests that it is easier to study a large amount of material over a long period of time than it is to cram all of the studying in one weekend. Additionally, the goals and schedule could keep you accountable. If you have a schedule, you will be more likely to follow it than if you have not set any goals.
2. Read the Study Material
Read the identified study material. Test items could be related to the study material you identified. Therefore, to complete the test, it is advised that you read the study material. It is suggested that you read the material more than once. Reading the material more than once helps to better encode the information and catch information originally missed. Lastly, review the information read.
3. Understand the Study Material
As you study, you may find yourself reading and not really understanding what you are reading. When you find yourself doing this or when you find yourself getting bored with what you are reading, take a break. After taking a break, read a paragraph or a few lines at a time before stopping and asking yourself what is it that the author is trying to communicate. Additionally, you could even paraphrase in your own words what you just read to make sure that you have a complete understanding of the content. The bottom line is to make sure you understand what you read.
4. Highlight the Study Material
You may consider highlighting information that you think could be on the exam or find particularly important. When studying the material you can come back to the highlighted areas and make sure you understand the information well.
5. Memorize the Study Material
You may find it valuable to memorize some of the study material. For example, relevant material with rules or numbers may be easier to memorize. You could create a list of terms or concepts that you want to memorize from each study material and then review them in the morning, afternoon, and evening of each day.
6. Take Notes/Make Flash Cards/Create Mnemonic Devices over the Study Material
You may consider taking notes over the information you highlighted. Try summarizing the information in your own words. Review your notes before the test and try to commit the information to memory. Additionally, you could also create flashcards. Write the term or concept on one side and then the corresponding information on the other side. If you are trying to learn the procedures to complete a task, write the task on one side and then the steps to complete the task on the other side. You can take these flashcards with you and study them when you have free time. Furthermore, if you are having particular trouble remembering a term or concept, you could create a mnemonic device --- acronym, rhyme, or any other kind of system to help you remember.
7. Study Groups
You may find it appealing to study and review the study material with a group of people also preparing for the test. A study group could be beneficial to review the material and identify key areas that could be on the test. Your group could also divide the study material among each other and then teach each other the material. Additionally, you and members of your group could develop study questions and quiz each other on them.
8. Develop/Answer Practice Questions
You may find it helpful to develop practice questions over the study material or the essential functions and KSAs. For example, if typing is a relevant skill to the position, identify or create a typing test and take the typing test. Testing yourself over the study material, may help you retain the material. If you are taking a multiple choice exam, developing and answering multiple choice practice questions may help you become comfortable with the testing process. When answering the questions, cover up the answer options and try to answer the question blindly, this strategy could serve as a test to how much information you retained.
V. TEST HINTS AND TIPS
A. General Tips

You need to mentally and physically prepare yourself for this exam. Consider the following suggestions:


1. Rest before the Test
Make sure you get a good night’s rest before the test. You do not want to fall asleep during the test.
2. Eat before the Test
Make sure you eat a nutritious meal before the test. You do not want to be distracted by hunger pangs.
3. Arrive Early
It would be advisable to come earlier than the check-in time to the test site. When leaving for the test site, leave earlier than you usually would to get to your destination, and anticipate traffic conditions on the road and/or parking obstacles.
4. Attitude
Try to keep a positive attitude while taking the test. Maintaining a positive attitude through the testing process will help you get through the process easier and with less anxiety. When taking the test, it may help to encourage yourself with positive statements (e.g., I can do this!).
5. Confidence
Do not panic when taking the exam. Reassure yourself that you are ready to take the exam and answer the questions.
B. Test Tips
1. Ask Questions
Listen carefully to all test instructions. If you do not understand the test proctor(s) instructions or if something is not clear, ask the test proctor(s) before the exam starts.
2. Keep Track of Time
Test proctor(s) will give warnings of the remaining time left to complete the test, but it is advisable that you also keep track of the time. Pace yourself when taking the test; do not spend too much time on a test item so that you do not have enough time to complete the whole test. If you have extra time left over, it is advisable that you review your responses and ensure that you have correctly selected your responses.
3. Do not Panic
If you find yourself coming across test questions that you do not know the answer to, do not panic. Above all, remain calm; you have to be effective in responding to the other test items. If you cannot determine your response to a test question, always guess. Since a blank is scored as incorrect, you might as well take a chance. There is no penalty for guessing and you have a 25% chance of guessing the correct answer. Additionally, if you cannot determine your response, try eliminating wrong answers.
4. Read Carefully
Read each test item carefully and determine exactly what the test question is asking. Pay particular attention to absolutes, such as “always,” “never,” “must,” “all,” “none,” “and,” and “or” in the test item, they mean exactly what they say 100% of the time. Additionally, read and consider all the answer options before selecting your response.
4. Identify your Response
To help prevent second guessing, try to identify the correct answer before looking at the answer options, and then compare your response to the answer options. It may even be helpful to look at the answer options and determine why each one is incorrect/correct.
5. If you are taking a WRITTEN EXAM:
If you skip around, ensure that your response pattern in the test booklet matches your response pattern on the answer sheet. Only the answer sheet will be graded.

VII. SCORES


A. Scores
Barring any technical difficulties, your score will be sent to you in seven to ten business days via the method selected when applying for this position.

B. Process

The examination is machine scored.
C. Review
All applicants have the choice to review their test scores. Please contact the Civil Service Department ((214) 670-5915 between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:15 p.m., Monday thru Friday) to review your test score AFTER you have received your score notice. The request to review your score MUST be made within 30 days from the receipt of your score notice. A review includes Civil Service staff stating the number of items an applicant got correct/incorrect per section.

No information other than what is contained in this orientation guide will be given to any person.



Best wishes on this Civilian Examination.


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