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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Step-by-Step

    Applying to Jobs That Require Exams

    Some job vacancies require you to take an exam (either online or in-person) before applying. Follow these steps to apply for an exam, receive your score, and then apply for vacancies that match your qualifications.

     

    Note: Taking the exam does not count as applying to a specific job. You must apply to vacancies separately.

    Key Differences Between Online and In-Person Exams:

    Online Exam

    Take the exam right after submitting your application online.

    In-Person Exam

    Schedule your exam after being approved and visit a test center to complete it.

    1. Go to www.employment.pa.gov and click on the "Open Jobs" tile.
    2. Use the search bar or filters to find the job you’re interested in. If you're looking for a specific exam, search for a job title followed by "EXAM" (e.g., "Caseworker exam").

    1. If you have an account, sign in.
    2. If you don’t have an account, create one by entering your email, a unique username, and a strong password (at least 12 characters, including upper/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols).
      • Agree to the Terms of Service to finish setting up your account.

    1. Find the job exam you're interested in, then click "Apply" to begin.
    2. You have the option to upload your resume. This can save time by pre-populating application fields.
    3. If you don’t upload a resume, you can enter your information manually.

    1. Fill out all required fields, including details about your work experience and qualifications.
      • You must meet the minimum experience and training for the job. Provide as much relevant detail as possible.
    2. Add any required attachments (e.g., transcripts, certifications). These documents will be reviewed to verify your eligibility.
      • If your education is from outside the U.S., provide a foreign credentials evaluation.
    3. You can also add additional skills (e.g., languages, software proficiency) if relevant.

    1. Answer the supplemental questions at the end of the application. These questions are considered part of the exam and help evaluate your qualifications.
    2. Your responses will be verified by evaluation staff to ensure you meet the job’s requirements.

    1. Double-check your application to make sure all information is correct.
      • Note: You won't be able to make changes after submitting.
    2. Once you're ready, click "Certify and Submit".

    What Happens Next?

    Once you submit your application, the process differs slightly depending on the type of exam:

    Online Exam
    • After submitting, you will take the exam online.
    • You'll receive a confirmation email and, if you qualify, you’ll get an email with your score and its expiration date.
    In Person Exam
    • After applying, you’ll receive an email with instructions to schedule your exam at a designated testing center.
    • You can find testing center locations and hours of operation at www.prometric.com/Pennsylvania.
    • Once you take the exam, you’ll receive your results via email.

    1. Once you receive your exam score, you can apply to any vacancies related to that exam.
      • Use the same account you created to log in and apply.
    2. Applying to a vacancy follows the same process as applying to an exam.

    • Once you submit your job application, you’ll receive a confirmation email.
    • Applicants with the top scores may be contacted for further steps by the hiring agency.