Free practice tests for UK public-service careers
A free practice test for each of 20 UK careers in the Civil Service, police, armed forces, fire, prison, border and probation services and intelligence. Every answer explained. Save your results with a free account and read the first set of comprehensive study notes free. Premium adds 3,000 questions, 6 full mock exams, 800 flashcards and 60 key notes per exam.
Civil Service
Civil Service Fast Stream (Graduate Leadership Programme)
The Fast Stream is the Civil Service's leadership development programme: about three to five years of postings in different departments, with training and, on many schemes, a professional qualification, starting on £31,554. Selection runs through two untimed online tests (work-based scenarios and a case study), a half-day online assessment centre (written exercise, oral briefing and a personal development conversation) and, for most schemes, a Final Selection Board.
Diplomatic and Development Fast Stream (FCDO)
The Diplomatic and Development (DD) Fast Stream is the FCDO's five-year graduate leadership route into diplomacy and international development: postings in London and East Kilbride, then overseas, with full mobility required and an optional China Pathway from 2026. You apply through the Civil Service Fast Stream: two untimed online tests, the half-day online assessment centre (FSAC) and an in-person Final Selection Board in London.
Civil Service Executive Officer (EO) and Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Executive Officers are the first rung of Civil Service management, handling casework, delivery and project tasks, and Higher Executive Officers are middle managers who lead teams, analyse data and help develop policy.
Civil Service Administrative Officer (AO) and Administrative Assistant (AA)
Administrative Assistants and Administrative Officers are the Civil Service's entry-level grades, handling enquiries by phone, online and in person, processing cases and claims, keeping records and supporting teams in departments such as DWP, HMRC and the Home Office.
HMRC Officer (Caseworker, Compliance and Customer Service Roles)
HMRC Officers work on tax compliance, casework, customer service, debt management and investigations, collecting the money that pays for public services.
DWP Work Coach (Executive Officer, Jobcentre)
Work Coaches are Executive Officers based in Jobcentres who coach people on Universal Credit into work, manage a caseload and build links with local employers.
Police
Police Constable (England and Wales)
Police constables patrol, respond to calls, investigate crime and safeguard vulnerable people, joining through a degree apprenticeship (PCDA), degree-holder programme (DHEP), the non-degree PC entry programme (PCEP) or after a pre-join policing degree.
Police Sergeant Promotion: NPPF Step Two Legal Exam
The sergeants' exam is step two of the National Police Promotion Framework: a 3-hour, 150-question legal knowledge test on crime, evidence and procedure, and general police duties (including road policing), taken online.
Police Inspector Promotion: NPPF Step Two Legal Exam
The inspectors' exam is step two of the National Police Promotion Framework for sergeants: the same 3-hour, 150-question legal paper format as the sergeants' exam, but with a higher pass mark of 65% and the rank's own blueprint, which leans towards the authorities and supervisory decisions an inspector makes.
Detective Constable: National Investigators' Exam (NIE)
The NIE is the legal knowledge exam that opens phase 2 of the Professionalising Investigations Programme (PIP2), the route to becoming an accredited detective or serious-crime investigator.
Police Call Handler and Contact Officer (999 and 101)
Call handlers answer 999 emergency and 101 non-emergency calls and online reports, assess threat, harm and risk, record the information accurately and decide what response is needed, often while typing and talking at the same time.
Armed Forces
British Army Soldier (Regular Army)
Regular soldiers train for a trade (infantry, engineering, logistics, medical, signals and more) and are paid from the first day of training.
British Army Officer (Regular, via AOSB and Sandhurst)
Army officers lead soldiers from their first post as a Second Lieutenant, usually commanding a platoon or troop of around 30. You apply online, meet a senior recruiter, then attend the Army Officer Selection Board at Westbury: a 2-day Briefing where you learn the planning exercise and are assessed on fitness and practical tasks, then the residential Main Board with aptitude tests, a planning exercise, interviews, discussions, command tasks and fitness tests.
Royal Navy Rating (Regular, Non-Commissioned Sailor)
Ratings are the Royal Navy's non-commissioned sailors, working in engineering, warfare, logistics, medical, aviation and submarine roles.
RAF Enlisted Aviator (Airman / Airwoman, Regular)
Enlisted aviators are the RAF's non-commissioned personnel, working in engineering, air and space operations, cyberspace, intelligence, logistics, medical, ground combat and security, hospitality and people roles.
Fire, Prison & Border
Firefighter (UK Fire and Rescue Services)
Firefighters respond to fires, road traffic collisions, floods and rescues, and spend much of their time on prevention work such as home fire safety visits.
Prison Officer (HM Prison Service, England and Wales)
Prison officers keep prisons safe, secure and decent while supporting prisoners to change.
Border Force Officer (Home Office)
Border Force Officers run immigration and customs controls at UK ports and airports, interview and search passengers, goods and vehicles, protect vulnerable people and use powers of arrest and detention for border offences.
Probation Officer (Trainee Probation Officer, PQiP, England and Wales)
Probation officers assess risk, write reports for courts and parole hearings, and supervise people on community sentences and licence to protect the public and reduce reoffending.
Security & Intelligence
Not sure which career fits you?
Use the career finder on the home page. If you want an office-based government job, start with Civil Service EO and HEO roles; if you want frontline public protection, start with police constable.