Civil Service Fast Stream Assessment Centre

In this guide, you will be able to find and access practice tests, tips and coaching videos for Civil Service Fast Stream assessment centre. 

Useful starting-point resource

  • Click here to download practice tests for Fast Stream verbal and numerical tests.

Get a copy of our Ultimate Assessment Day & Interview Guide here. It includes insider-information, tips and tricks which will help you pass and succeed your assessment centre. 

Civil Service Fast Stream 

The importance of preparation

Before we go into details of the Civil Service Fast Stream, we would like to emphasize the importance of preparing. Preparing is very important not only for any type of tests but also for the Civil Service Fast Stream assessment centre. 

Unfortunately, there are no short cuts to pass and succeed the Fast Stream assessment centre. The only way you could improve your chances is by preparing through a lot of practice. 

There is no such thing as over-preparing. Every minute you prepare the higher your chances will be. As they say, it is better to be prepared than fail. 

How should I prepare?

  • Read and absorb this guide.
  • Check out our “How to Prepare for your Interview or Assessment Centre guide.” It comes with numerous tips and advices which will truly help you with your assessment exams.
  • Go through the competencies exercises below
  • Practice verbal and numerical tests. 

Civil Service Fast Stream Practice Tests

Different employers usually use different test suppliers. This means if you are practicing some tests, you would need to know which test supplier your prospect employer is using. This way, you will be able to familiarize the assessment’s style, content and format. Fast Stream numerical and verbal tests are provided by Cubiks and if you wish to practice, you could access some Cubiks practice tests here

The Assessment Centre Exercises

The Fast Stream assessment centre you will be facing different types of tests and exercises such as:

  • Leadership exercise
  • Written Policy Recommendation Exercise
  • Group Discussion
  • Numerical Reasoning Test
  • Verbal Reasoning Test
  • Interview & E-Tray Exercise

These tests and exercises are standard and there is little to be anxious about with the right preparation. 

Internalize and demonstrate the competencies

One of the most important things you should keep in mind when you are performing the Civil Service Fast Stream is to demonstrate their competencies. Though the list is long, do not worry as we shall explain it later. Here is the list of the Civil Service Fast Stream competencies:

  • Seeing the big picture
  • Changing and improving
  • Making effective decisions
  • Leading and communicating
  • Collaborating and partnering
  • Building capability for all
  • Managing a quality service
  • Delivery at pace
  • Delivering value for money
  • Achieving commercial outcomes 

These competencies must be shown to your assessors during your assessment centre. It could be part of a script during your role playing or incorporate it through other exercises. 

Tip: spare about 60 minutes to review this list of competencies and do the following:

  1. Internalize the language and phrasing. We recommend that you use this type of words as part of your vocabulary during your assessment centre. 
  2. Prepare examples from your past experience where you have shown or demonstrated the competencies of Fast Stream. These examples will help you create an impression and be noticed by the assessors. 

The Civil Service Fast Stream Assessment Centre Exercises

Now let us dive deeper and go into details of each exercise included in the assessment centre. 

The Leadership Exercise 

Your assessor will be your senior manager and you will act as their team leader. You will be provided with a brief which includes issues which you would need to solve. Your aim and goal will be to find solutions to these issues. You will be given 30 minutes including preparation time, role-play and Q&A. 

The Group Discussion

In this section, you and the other candidates will be provided with individual brief and you will need to discuss to get the best result for both you and your group. The assessors will see how you communicate with other members in the group. The group discussion preparation period will last for about 30 minutes while the discussion itself will be 15 minutes. This is a very essential part of the Civil Service Fast Stream assessment centre because it provides insights on your people skills. 

If you wish to get more tips on group exercises, we suggest you read “How to Succeed in Group Exercises”.

The Written Policy Recommendation Exercise

This is another important section of the assessment centre. This test will last for about an hour and 45 minutes. You will be given two tasks and you will have to complete it within the time limit. 

Task 1- you will be provided with information from different sources on two possible projects. You will be asked to analyze both sets and choose which project you will recommend. 

In your written report, we suggest that you show clear arguments for your recommendation. The important thing here is you are able to defend the reason why you chose the project.

Task 2- you will use the information from task 1. You will need to convince the stakeholders of your position. This task will only last for about 15 to 20 minutes. 

The Fast Stream Numerical Reasoning Test

This test is another vital part of your application. Hence, you should practice these tests. In these practice tests, you will find answers and easy to understand explanations. Through practicing, you will learn what your weaknesses are and improve on them. When taking this test, you will have to mind that you are being assessed against other candidates hence, every second counts which means it is important that you practice, practice and practice. 

Click here to get more information on how to pass numerical reasoning tests.

Fast Stream Verbal Reasoning Test

Here is a practice test from Cubiks. Try and practice it to help you pass your assessment centre. 

Also, read our guide on How to Pass Verbal Reasoning Tests.

The Interview and E-Tray

The Civil Service Fast Stream assessment centre interview which will last for 40 minutes. The interview will be competency based. 

For competency based interviews, it is important to know what are you being assessed on. Hence, learn the key competencies and try to incorporate it in your answers and examples. You could deliver this through the STAR method as your framework. 

  • Situation- background of the challenge or problem
  • Task- describe the challenge or problem
  • Action- what was the great thing you did to solve the problem
  • Result- what was the impact of the great thing you did

This is a great way to frame your answers. It would definitely have a huge impact on your assessment. We recommend however that you practice this and say them aloud. 

Showcase your skills 

Provide number of examples that would enhance and demonstrate your skills. 

Be positive 

Yes, no one wants a whiner and a moaner. Try not to complain about anything even as small as traffic or the weather. In the Civil Service Fast Stream assessment centre, positivity is the key. Speak with vigor and with a smile. 

Be yourself 

Your assessor would want to see the real you so show the real you. 

Ask questions:

Asking questions show that you are very much interested and that you have the drive and the hunger to get the role. 

Update your CV before your Interview

One of the biggest mistakes when going to your interview is not improving your CV. Here’s why:

  1. Update your CV before the interview event and take with you a fresh, newly and improved version. One that is tailored to the job or role you would want. 
  2. In interviews, one of the basis of your interview will come from the information on your CV. No matter the interview is competency based or no. You will have to answer the questions based on your CV. 
  3. Your CV is one of the basis in the hiring decision process. It is your CV that they look at when they decide whether to hire you or not. 

The CV is the one that reminds the hiring manager of what your skills and experiences are and what happened during your hiring process. Aside from that, your CV is also your first and last impression. With this, we remind you to make your CV as strong as you could. 

Civil Service Fast Stream Assessment Centre E-Tray

E-tray exercise details and information could be found in the section: How to succeed in E-Tray exercises. For expert advices and tips, click on the link. 

Useful resources

Good Luck and we hope we were able to help you through this guide to succeed in your Civil Service Fast Stream Assessment Centre.