JobTestPrep provides you with the resources you need to excel in the Irish Civil Service's competitive recruitment process. This preparation package is designed to prepare you for the critical analysis test, job simulation exercise, and competency-based interviews.

 

Administrative Officer Assessment Tests

During the online testing stage of the selection process, you are required to take four aptitude tests: a self-assessment questionnaire, verbal and numerical reasoning tests, and a job simulation exercise. Improve your chances of achieving a Administrative Officer position with JobTestPrep’s online test practice, study guides, and video tutorials.

Self-Assessment Questionnaire

Your first test consists of a self-assessment questionnaire, which is designed to gauge your suitability for the job of Administrative Officer in terms of their personality. The test takes on average 10 minutes to complete, and requires you to read statements about your character and to select how strongly you identify with each characterisation. The statements are divided into four categories: working with others, analysing information, making a contribution and getting things done, and personal commitment. The self-assessment questionnaire is a personality test, and personality test practice is included in our Administrative Officer PrepPack.

Verbal Reasoning Test

The verbal reasoning test is designed to measure your ability to evaluate an argument logically and to understand written passages. In this test you will be required to demonstrate your ability to comprehend passages of text, to make inferences and deductions, and to assess various arguments. You will fill in box A if the statement is true based on the information in the passage; box B if the statement is false based on the passage; and box C if you cannot determine the statement's validity based on the information provided. You must answer 59 questions in 30 minutes. Verbal reasoning practice is included in our Administrative Officer PrepPack.

Numerical Reasoning Test

For the numerical reasoning test, you are asked to answer questions assessing your ability to make correct decisions or inferences from numerical data. You will be presented with statistical tables containing facts and figures, followed by questions relating to one of the tables on the page. You must choose the correct answer out of five possible choices for each question. After you complete all 12 questions, you may view your results and the explanations for each answer. Numerical reasoning test practice is included in our Administrative Officer PrepPack.

Job Simulation Exercise

The job simulation exercise assesses your decision-making skills interpersonal skills, and potential for growth with the Civil Service. The test is comprised of 18 scenarios you might encounter within the Civil Service middle management. Following each scenario, you must evaluate how you would respond to the situation from a list of options presented to you. JobTestPrep's situational judgement test closely follows the material you will encounter in your Administrative Officer job simulation exercise.

Administrative Officer Hiring Process

The recruitment process for Civil Service Administrative Officers is managed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and is comprised of several stages. After completing an initial application, you must complete verbal, numerical, and job simulation online tests.

If you are invited to progress to the next stage, you will participate in a preliminary interview, a presentation exercise, a competitive interview, and any other tests or exercises that are deemed appropriate. Read on to learn about the interviews which follow the online tests.

ICS AO Hiring Process

JobTestPrep will provide you with the resources to prepare for the online tests, interviews, and presentation stages involved in the Administrative Officer hiring process. Start preparing yourself now for the Civil Service's aptitude tests and interviews with our Principal Officer preparation pack.

 

ICS Administrative Officer Practice Tests For You

Get practice tests that follow the content of Irish Civil Service tests. Our practice packs provide a holistic preparation journey, with full-length tests, explanations, score reports, tutorials, and PDF guides. Start practising today and increase your chances of being selected as a Principal Officer. 

 

Administrative Officer Interview Questions

Following the online tests, you will participate in two interviews: preliminary and competitive. Read on and learn about how to prepare for each type of interview.

Preliminary Interview

Your preliminary interview will be conducted face-to-face on site in Dublin. The interview will focus on your career to date, with particular emphasis on how you have demonstrated the following Administrative Officer competencies in your past experience:

Familiarise yourself with the following Principal Officer competencies:

  • Leadership potential
  • Analysis and decision-making
  • Delivery of results 
  • Interpersonal and communication skills
  • Specialist knowledge and expertise
  • Commitment to public service values
  • Motivation for self-development

Before your interview, it is wise to read through each competency and think of achievements during your career in which you demonstrated leadership, project management ability, communication, and good judgement. For example, you can think of a time when you had to make a difficult decision and saw it through, which would encompass judgement and decision making. To prepare for your preliminary interview and practice answering competency-based questions, utilise our Administrative Officer preparation pack.

Competitive Interview and Presentation

The final interview stage consists of a 15-minute presentation on your solution to a management issue, followed by another competency-based interview. You will be given an hour to read a dossier on which to base your presentation. While organising your presentation, make sure to back up each point you make with solid reasoning, and also to consider other points of view so you are able to describe why you did not choose an alternative point. For the interview portion, make sure to draw upon your past experience and to demonstrate the competencies to show your suitability for taking on an Administrative Officer role. Interview practice exercises and study guides are included in our Administrative Officer PrepPack to help you succeed in the recruitment process.

Administrative Officer Frequently Asked Questions

How can I successfully pass my Civil Service tests? 

Before you take your Administrative Officer tests, you will be provided with a Familiarisation programme using the same IT system as used for the test. Ensure that you can access the programme successfully to be assured that the actual test will work as well. 

When taking the tests, it is important that you work in a quiet environment with no distractions, which will allow you to devote your full attention to the questions. It is also key to have a reliable connection to the internet.

To improve your chances of being among those who move on the next stage of the selection process, use JobTestPrep's preparation packages for the Administrative Officer online aptitude tests.

For which parts of the recruitment process will this preparation pack prepare me?

JobTestPrep's Administrative Officer preparation pack will provide you with the interview practice and online test resources to prepare you for the Civil Service's online tests and competency-based interviews.

JobTestPrep is not a part of Irish Civil Service and is not related to them in any way. JobTestPrep offers preparation services for psychometric tests.

What is my main role as an Administrative Officer?

The Administrative Officer grade is the highest entry-level position in the Civil Service. Administrative Officers often work on policy initiatives, research, and analysis. They are employed in most government departments, and the greatest number are in the Department of Finance.

JobTestPrep is not a part of Irish Civil Service, and is not related to them in any way. JobTestPrep offers preparation services for psychometric tests.