How To Apply For A Civil Service Exam

In order to be hired for a Civil Service job, you must be a Philadelphia resident, take and pass a test, and rank high enough to be called in for an interview.

To apply for a Civil Service test...

1. Scroll through the current Civil Service job opportunities listings and identify the exam(s) in which you are interested.  Take note and write down the exam title, exam number, and any additional information you feel you may need.

   
   

2. Review the minimum requirements for those exams you identified in the previous step.  Carefully read the minimum requirements for each of these exams-- only applicants who meet or exceed the minimum requirements as they are stated on the announcement will be allowed to take the test.

   Your application fee (see Step 5 below) will NOT be refunded if you do not meet the minimum requirements.

   
   

3. Get an application blank.  Blank applications are also available from

   • the Employment Application Center on the Concourse level (below street) of the Municipal Services Building, 1401 J.F. Kennedy Boulevard, on Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

   • your local branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia

   • your Personnel Officer (if you are already a City employee)

   
   
   

4. Fill out an application for each exam in which you are interested.  You MUST include in each application the following information;

   • exam title, exam number and specialty (if any)
   • your full name
   • your Social Security Number
   • your mailing address

   Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements (minimum qualifications) for the exam in order to be admitted to the exam.  Your eligibility to take the test will be based upon the information you supply.  It is the applicant's responsibility to fill each application out completely and truthfully.  INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED.

   
   

5. Submit completed application to the Personnel Department.  By mail or in person (Mondays to Fridays, 8:30am-5pm) to...
   
   Personnel Department
   Customer Service
   Municipal Services Building
   16th Floor
   1401 J. F. Kennedy Boulevard
   Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675
   

   A check or money order for $35 made payable to the City of Philadelphia is required for each open-competitive exam you apply for.  This fee is non-refundable.  You may apply to waive this fee with documentation.

   Applications MUST BE RECEIVED by the Personnel Department on or before the exam's CLOSING DATE.  If mailed, applications MUST BE POSTMARKED by the CLOSING DATE.

   Drop boxes for completed applications are located on the 16th floor and the lobby of the Municipal Services Building (MSB).

   It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that his/her application is complete and received by the deadline.

   You will be informed of the test date by mail if you are eligible to compete

   
   

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