Missouri Civil Service Test Online Preparation & Tips [2025]

Working in Missouri

Missouri, The Show-Me State, is the birthplace of such famous personalities as Chuck Berry, Walt Disney, and Mark Twain. It is also the location for headquarters to Express Scripts, Monsanto, Emerson Electric, Cerner, and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Missouri is a leader in agriculture, producing sorghum, beef, cotton, rice, and eggs. It is also supported by aerospace, food processing, financial services, and beer. The state of Missouri has many natural features that support the tourism industry, and employ workers for the parks department seasonally. The Parks Department is just one of the government departments with job opportunities. Public sector positions in Missouri offer government benefits that include:

• Medical and dental coverage
• Paid parental leave
• Student loan forgiveness
• Retirement plans
• Pension plans

What Is Missouri’s Civil Service Recruitment Process?

Application

Applications for employment with Missouri can be found on the state website. Some cities will allow you to print out the application. To apply, you can make a profile, and fill out applications, or sign up for job alerts.

Missouri’s Civil Service Tests

Missouri uses a Merit system when hiring to prevent cronyism and ensure that hires are made based on qualifications. Most seasonal hires are not hired based on this system because they do not require as much paperwork as full time or classified positions. Most Merit positions will require a standardized written or oral exam.

• Written Exam – This aptitude test will be tailored to the job so you can demonstrate you have the needed skills. These skills may include reading comprehension, writing ability, arithmetic, office management, situational judgment.
• Performance Tests – Some positions may require you to demonstrate certain skills. This could be anything from a typing test or a physical fitness test.
• Oral Interview – Instead of a written exam, some positions may rely on an interview. This may be one on one or with a panel. In a panel interview, each member will take turns asking questions. Oral interviews are often combined with a performance test.

How to Prepare for Missouri’s Civil Service Exams?

The purpose of the exams is to demonstrate that your skills match the qualifications on your application. To ensure you receive a passing score, practice or review any skills that are necessary for the job. Practice your math skills if you know the position you applied for requires a good understanding of numbers. Word puzzles are a good way to practice grammar and reading comprehension. If you know you will be facing a physical test, make sure your fitness levels will meet the requirements. You will not be eligible for a job offer unless you can pass the pre-employment exams, but if you prepare yourself, you will have that job offer in no time.