A question about Federal Jobs

[matt]

A friend at school who is Learning Disabled and I were discussing federal jobs. One of the things he was saying how many people who are LD work for the government. I said i really don't know, but how can someone who is LD take the Civil Service entrance examination. Does anyone know what the answer is. Thnks Matt

[Leanne]

Matt -
Learning disabled is a very broad term. When I taught high school for learning disabled, it covered everything from dyslexia to ADD, etc. I taught physics, and all of the students I taught went on to college.
I can tell you that my brother, sister, & I all have dyslexia - but I hold a job as a research scientist, my brother manages the computer system for his company, & my sister teaches high school math.
I don't know what type of learning disabilty your friend has, but he very likely could take and pass the test. It really depends on the severity of his particular disability & for what job he is exactly applying. I have also never seen a civil service entrance exam to know the level of difficulty.
I hope I was some help...

[charlie]

And likely those with LDs would take a different test than those without. Students in public school systems with LDs are not required to take the same test as students without LDs or the time constraints are not the same, so one would presume the Federal govt would engage in the same practice.

[erinl]

I work for the federal government and from my experience they are very good at hiring people with all kinds of disabilities. What agency requires a civil service exam? I didn't take one, and I don't know anyone who has.

[masimmons]

I have worked for the feds for 21 years. I don't know if anyone has to take an entrance examination any more. I suggest looking at the Office of Personnel Management's website (opm.gov I believe) to see if they have more information.

[Vanessa]

Hi Matt:
I know certain federal jobs don't require an exam. Other jobs (law enforcement etc) require written test, physical tests, security clearance, background checks etc before you get accepted into a training program (school)Of course it all depends the kind of federal job a person is applying for
This is what the federal web page says:

Tests are required for specific groups including secretarial and clerical, air traffic control, law enforcement, and for certain entry level jobs. The majority — approximately 80% — of government jobs are filled through a competitive examination of your background, work experience, and education, not through a written test.

Mandatory testing for administrative careers has been eliminated. OPM and individual agencies announce professional and administrative job vacancies and interested people request and receive application material through the mail, internet, or fax. Applicants must return a simple questionnaire and a resume or optional application forms. Personnel offices score applications and generate hiring lists within two weeks of the job announcement’s closing date. Agencies have the option to use a written test if they wish. Table 5-1 provides in The Book of U.S. Government Jobs - 7th edition a list of professional and administrative occupations that may be tested. Sample test questions are provided in this chapter. Additionally, Table 5-3 lists over 60 clerical positions that require written tests.