This is a sample test for the Clerical Assistant Examination. This test illustrates the types and formats of questions you will encounter on the exam. The actual Examination will consist of 90 multiple-choice questions and applicants will have three (3) hours to complete the examination. The examination will assess the following:
1. CLERICAL CHECKING
These questions assess applicants’ ability to distinguish between sets of names, numbers, letters and/or codes which are almost exactly alike. There are three sets of information which may appear in different fonts. Applicants will be asked to compare the information in the three sets and identify whether the sets differ. Applicants must use the directions provided to determine the correct answer.
2. CODING AND DECODING
These questions assess applicants’ ability to use written sets of directions to encode information and use coded information for keeping records. Applicants will be presented with a table of coded information and then be asked to apply a set of coding rules to encode information accurately.
3. FILING
These questions assess applicants’ ability to arrange information into files according to categories specified by the directions in alphabetical, numerical and chronological order. Questions are based on the completed files.
4. READING, UNDERSTANDING AND INTERPRETING WRITTEN MATERIAL
These questions assess applicants’ ability to understand brief written passages. Applicants will be provided with short written passages from which words or phrases have been removed. Applicants will be required to select from four alternatives the word or phrase that logically completes the sentence within the passage when inserted for the missing word or phrase.
5. NUMBER FACILITY
These questions assess applicants’ ability to perform basic calculations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages. These questions do not require the use of a calculator, and calculators will not be permitted at the test center.
6. PREPARING WRITTEN MATERIAL
These questions assess applicants’ ability to apply the rules of English grammar and usage, punctuation, and sentence structure. Applicants will be presented with a series of sentences and must select the sentence that best conforms to standard English grammar and usage, punctuation, and sentence structure.
7. APPLYING FACTS AND INFORMATION TO GIVEN SITUATIONS
These questions assess applicants’ ability to use the information provided and apply it to a specific situation defined by a given set of facts. Applicants are presented with a regulation, policy or procedure similar to what a Clerical Assistant may encounter on the job. Applicants must use this information to answer questions about specific situations. All of the information required to answer the questions is contained in the passages and in the description of the situation.
8. COURT RECORD KEEPING
These questions assess applicants’ ability to read, combine, and manipulate written information organized from several sources. Applicants will be presented with different types of tables, which contain names, numbers, codes and other information, and must combine and reorganize the information to answer specific questions.