A civil service exam is an examination implemented in various countries for recruitment and admission to the civil service. It is intended as a method to achieve an effective, rational public administration on a merit system for recruiting prospective politicians and public sector employees. The exam varies depending on the type of job you are applying for, and the process and exam look different. The exam can include multiple-choice questions, short answers, and oral components, and can take at least a couple of hours, if not more. The exam is used to determine the rank of all applicants seeking a civil service position, and all applicants are given an equal opportunity to be placed on an employment register, the possibility for an interview, and the potential to be selected. Passing the civil service exam does not guarantee you a job, but it ensures that candidates are serious about pursuing employment and keeps employers from hiring unqualified professionals. Civil service exams are required for certain groups including foreign service officers, customs, some secretarial and clerical, air traffic control, law enforcement, postal service, and more.