How does an applicant know what exams can be requested?
We list all current job vacancies on our website.
Open and Continuous Testing: These are classifications we test for throughout the year, whether there are current vacancies or not.
Current Vacancies: These are classifications for which we have a vacancy. All classifications in this section have a deadline by which an applicant must apply in order to be considered for testing. Applying by the deadline means submitting an online application and an online exam request by the Closing Date on the posting.
How many requests may be submitted at any one time?
Applicants are allowed to submit multiple exam requests.
How long does it take for an exam to be scheduled?
Exams are scheduled based on several factors, such as the volume of exam requests received and the availability of testing rooms. Scheduled exam times will be sent through e-mail approximately 1- 1 1/2 weeks before the exam appointment. These e-mails may end up in Spam or Junk mail folders. Please be sure to check both after submitting an exam request. To ensure receipt of our e-mail, please add cs-employment@neiu.edu to e-mail contacts.
What can applicants bring to the exam?
Applicants must bring a photo ID with them to the exam for verification purposes. Applicants ARE NOT allowed to bring any documents with them to any exam.
How long will the exam take?
Time limits for exams generally range from two to four hours, depending on the exam. The amount of time for the specific exam will be stated on the exam date notification.
Are there any study guides to help prepare for the exam?
The State Universities Civil Service System does not provide study guides, except for those exams in the Accountant Series and Office Support Series. View the study guides.
What's a good score for an exam?
A minimum score of 70 is required to pass an exam. A score of 100 is the maximum an applicant can attain unless Veterans Preference Points are added (see the question “Do veterans of the Armed Forces receive additional exam points?” below). When the applicant receives the exam score, it will include his or her rank on the register at the time the score was entered.
Can an exam be retaken?
An applicant can retake (rewrite) an exam three times during a 12-month period. There must be at least 30 days between rewrites and it must be a title for which we are currently testing.
What if an applicant retakes an exam and receives a lower score?
We always retain the higher score on the register.
How often are exams given?
Exams are generally scheduled Monday through Friday and administered twice a day, at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. All exams are prescheduled.
Are Saturday or evening exams offered?
No. Exams are administered only during normal business hours.
Where is the exam administered?
Exams are administered at Testing & Training Center (TTC), 3420 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago
Is there parking available?
Metered parking is available in front of TTC Building at 3420 W. Bryn Mawr Ave and on Campus.
Are latecomers admitted to the exam?
No.
Can an exam be rescheduled?
Yes. Call (773) 442-5200 or email cs-employment@neiu.edu.
Do veterans of the armed forces receive additional exam points?
Yes, veterans (or eligible relatives) may apply by submitting the Application for Veterans Preference Points (PDF) and supporting documentation to Staff Human Resources. Qualifying veterans may receive 3, 5, or 10 additional points for their eligible exam scores.
Can an exam score be transferred to another state university in Illinois?
An applicant may request to have an active exam score transferred. Check with the receiving institution in advance.
What if an applicant has a conviction?
Having a conviction record is not an automatic bar to employment. Northeastern conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a written contingent offer.
