Preparing for City of Chicago Employment Tests - A Guide for Test-Takers

Sep 30, 2026

Guide for City of Chicago pre-employment test-takers covering what to expect, including job knowledge tests and skills assessments. Explains how test content aligns with the specific job posting and may require demonstrating knowledge (e.g., Excel) or completing job-similar tasks. Provides practical preparation strategies such as SMART goal setting, scheduling daily study time, using study groups, and applying testing tips from job descriptions. Includes an illustrative work simulation and a SMART goals example focused on Microsoft Word.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

About the Test Preparation Guide

What Might Be on the Test?

Example for the Position of Baker

Example Job Knowledge Items

Example Skills Assessment Item

Test Preparation Strategies

Testing Tip

Application: Using SMART Goals to Enhance Microsoft Word Skills

Checklist - Before the Test

| | Preparing for City of Chicago Employment Tests: A Guide for Test-Takers | | | --- | --- | --- | | About the Test Preparation Guide
Thank you for your interest in employment with the City of Chicago. This guide provides information on exam preparation and test anxiety. It is intended to provide a general resource for test-takers. It is not specific to one pre-employment test. It also does not cover preparation for job interviews. We hope you will find the information useful.
What Might Be on the Test?
The City of Chicago generally gives two types of pre-employment tests: job knowledge tests and skills assessments. Job knowledge tests ask about the technical knowledge required for the job. They may incorporate multiple choice, true/false, matching, or another type of test item (see example to the right) . The other category of testing often used by the City of Chicago is skills assessment. These tests often involve completing tasks that are similar to those seen on the job.
Test-takers may complete one or both of these pre-employment tests depending on the nature of the job. Refer to the job posting of the position to which you are applying for more information about the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the job. The content of the test will be linked to this information. For example, if a position requires extensive knowledge of Excel, the testing process might incorporate an activity that asks applicants to demonstrate a mastery of Excel.
Example for the Position of Baker
Example Job Knowledge Items | | | | Multiple Choice: How many cups are in one quart?
5 ¼ cups
4 cups
2 cups
3 ½ cups
True/False: Bread always contains yeast True
False | | Matching:
Match the activity with the corresponding tool used to complete the task:
Cutting Rolling pin
Mixing Knife
Flattening Sieve
Straining Whisk | | Example Skills Assessment Item
Work Simulation: With the ingredients in front of you, make a batch of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. You will have 30 minutes to complete this task.
| 1 | | | Test Preparation Strategies There are many different ways to prepare for pre-employment tests. You may want to try out different techniques until you find the best strategies that work for you. Set goals. Use the SMART Framework to think about your learning goals (see next page ) . Make an outline. If you think you will have to explain or summarize information or make a reasoned argument, it may be useful to create an outline of the key points or steps. Find a study buddy. Some test-takers work best when learning in a group environment. Note: this will not work for every testing situation. Pencil it in. Make time to prepare every day, even if it is just thirty minutes. Mix it up. Evidence suggests that learning is enhanced when you cover multiple topics in each session rather than tackling one subject at a time. Teach it. One of the most effective ways of deepening your understanding of a topic is to teach it to someone else. Testing Tip: In order to get a sense of what will be on the test, review the job description listed on the City of Chicago website. What knowledge, skills, and abilities are listed? You can also look at the class specification, which describes the characteristics of the job. [http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dhr/supp_info/job_specifications.html](http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dhr/supp_info/job_specifications.html) Notable Quote: “By varying one’s testing strategies, the actual final exam—the dreaded assessment—isn’t nearly as scary.” - Benedict Carey, author of How We Learn Application: Using SMART Goals to Enhance Microsoft Word Skills You are applying for a position that requires extensive knowledge of Microsoft Word, and the last time you used Microsoft Word regularly was back in 1998. You are aware that since 1998, Microsoft has updated the Word program and that it may be different from what you remember in t

FAQs

What types of pre-employment tests does the City of Chicago use?

The City of Chicago generally uses job knowledge tests and skills assessments. Job knowledge tests focus on technical knowledge for the role, while skills assessments require completing tasks similar to those on the job.

How should applicants prepare their study plan?

Use preparation strategies such as setting SMART goals, making an outline, finding a study buddy when appropriate, and scheduling daily time to study. Mix topics within each session and consider teaching the material to deepen understanding.

How do SMART goals help with preparing for a job requiring Microsoft Word?

SMART goals make learning more structured by defining specific targets, measurable practice timelines, attainable daily schedules, relevant support (like a tutor), and timely deadlines aligned with the assessment date.

Sep 30, 2026

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