APS Entry Level (APS 1-4) Exam Study Guide (2026)
Everything the APS Entry-Level Jobs (APS 1 to APS 4) and the Career Starter Program tests, topic by topic: what each section covers, the facts that come up most, and how to study it. Pair it with the free 15-question practice test.
The exam at a glance
| Questions | Varies by agency and job. The APSC says shortlisting may use video interviews, multiple-choice questions or psychometric tests, and later stages may add a work sample test. The Career Starter Program uses a video interview and a group assessment. Question counts are not published |
|---|---|
| Time | Not published; set by each agency for each recruitment round |
| Passing score | No published pass mark. Panels rate you on merit against the job's requirements; suitable candidates can be placed on a merit list that the agency (and other agencies) can use for 18 months from the Gazette date |
| Format | Online tests and recorded interviews are unsupervised. You may take a copy of your application and notes into an interview, and the APSC says it is fine to take time to think or ask the panel to rephrase a question. Read each agency's rules on AI use |
| Certifying body | Individual Australian Public Service agencies (for example Services Australia, the ATO, Home Affairs, Defence), which advertise on APSJobs under rules set by the Public Service Act 1999 and the Australian Public Service Commissioner's Directions; the Career Starter Program is managed by the Department of Finance |
| Test provider | Online application on APSJobs or the agency's careers portal. Shortlisting may use online multiple-choice or psychometric tests or recorded video interviews taken at home; interviews are virtual, by phone or in person; some bulk rounds use an assessment centre |
Mind map: the whole exam on one screen
Read the complete APS Entry Level (APS 1-4) study notes for “The Job and Eligibility”
Our first full set of comprehensive notes, about 11 minutes of reading: What entry-level APS jobs look like · Classifications and pay · Who can apply · Structured entry programs, a worked exam example, the traps examiners use and a one-minute recap. Create a free account to read it and see how premium notes work before you decide.
1. The Job and Eligibility
Entry-level APS jobs sit at APS 1 to APS 4: service officers, client engagement and contact centre staff, administration and records officers, compliance and processing support. They are advertised on APSJobs and agency portals, alongside structured programs such as the Career Starter Program.
Key facts
- The APS classification ladder runs APS 1 to APS 6, Executive Level 1 and 2, then the Senior Executive Service. Each job ad states the classification and salary range.
- Citizenship: Public Service Act 1999 s22(8) says an agency head must not engage a non-citizen unless they consider it appropriate. Nearly all ads require citizenship, and some agencies check it at the time you apply.
- Jobs can be ongoing (permanent) or non-ongoing (fixed term or casual). Non-ongoing roles are a common first step.
- Career Starter Program (Department of Finance): Year 12 completed in 2025 or being completed in 2026, citizen by November 2026, 12 months full time, from about $54,000 plus 15.4% super (APSJobs also shows $57,000), with a Certificate IV in Government or HR.
- Other entry pathways listed on APSJobs Career Pathways: traineeships, apprenticeships and school leaver programs, internships, cadetships and veteran programs.
- Example pay at the ATO: school leavers start on $58,608 and move to APS 2 ($66,274, up to $73,452); APS 4 runs to $91,199. Pay is set by each agency's enterprise agreement.
Flashcards
Exam tip: Search APSJobs by classification (APS 3, APS 4) and set alerts. Entry rounds for service officers often open in bulk and close within two weeks.
2. Online Tests: Reading and Written Communication
Shortlisting may include online multiple-choice tests or psychometric tests (APSC). For entry roles these commonly check reading comprehension, following written rules, spelling, grammar and plain-English writing. Formats vary by agency and are not published.
Key facts
- Rule-following items give a short procedure and a case. Apply the exact condition: if proof is not received within 14 days, the old record stays.
- Spelling and grammar items often hide one error per option. Check subject-verb agreement (payment has, applications have) and common misspellings (received, process, business, separate, necessary).
- Plain English for clients: acknowledge, explain what is happening, give a timeframe, say what comes next. Avoid jargon such as "as per" and "pending further review".
- Short written tasks may ask you to draft an email or summarise a policy in a few sentences. Use short sentences and active voice.
- Read questions with "not" or "except" twice; they are designed to catch skimmers.
- Australian spelling is expected: organise, behaviour, centre, licence (noun), program.
Flashcards
Exam tip: Read one agency's public letters or web pages and rewrite a paragraph in plainer English. That is close to what writing tasks ask for.
3. Online Tests: Numeracy and Data
Numeracy items for entry roles use everyday office maths: percentages, rates, time, money and reading simple tables.
Key facts
- Percentage change = (new - old) / old x 100. From 1,240 to 1,550 is a 25% rise.
- Convert time to decimals before multiplying: 7 hours 30 minutes = 7.5 hours.
- Rates versus counts: 90% of 3,800 calls (3,420) is fewer calls than 82% of 4,500 (3,690).
- Money: GST is 10% of the price before GST, so a $110 GST-inclusive price contains $10 of GST.
- Averages: total divided by number of items. Check whether the question wants the mean, the total or the difference.
- Estimate first, then calculate; if your answer is far from the estimate, recheck.
Flashcards
Exam tip: Do 10 mental percentage questions a day for a week. Speed with 10%, 25% and 50% makes the rest easy.
Test yourself on these topics
Take the free 15-question APS Entry Level (APS 1-4) test, then save your results to unlock your Readiness Score and the mistakes bank.
4. Situational Judgement and Client Service
Many entry roles are client-facing, so assessments and interviews often present scenarios: angry clients, privacy requests, conflicts of interest, mistakes. The best answers follow the APS Values and Code of Conduct.
Key facts
- Angry clients: acknowledge the frustration, stay calm, move to facts and what you can do. Never promise outcomes you cannot guarantee.
- Privacy: access client records only for an official purpose. Looking up a friend's or ex-partner's record is a breach, even if nothing is disclosed.
Flashcards
Exam tip: For any judgement question, ask: is it honest, is it fair to the client, is it allowed by policy, and would I be comfortable if it were audited?
5. Pre-employment Checks and Security Clearance
Before an offer, agencies verify identity, citizenship and police history and run their own integrity checks. Some roles also need an AGSVA security clearance.
Key facts
- ATO example: 4 identity documents (commencement of identity, government photo ID, evidence in the community, proof of address), a selfie with your photo ID, and consent to a national police check.
- You give your full address history for the past 5 years; if you lived overseas for 12 months or more in that time, you also need overseas police checks.
Flashcards
Exam tip: Order a full birth certificate (not an extract) and find your citizenship evidence now; missing documents are the main cause of delay.
6. Interview and APS Values
Interviews may be virtual, by phone, recorded or in person, usually with a panel of two or more. The APSC says to expect behavioural questions and hypothetical scenario questions.
Key facts
- Behavioural questions: "Tell us about a time when...". Answer with STAR and a clear result.
- Hypothetical questions: "What would you do if...". Describe steps, who you would involve and why, and link to policy and the Values.
Flashcards
Exam tip: Write six STAR stories on index cards: service, conflict, teamwork, mistake, deadline pressure, using a system or data. Most questions can be answered from one of them.
7. Application, Pitch and Selection Criteria
The APSC says your CV alone is rarely enough. Expect to submit a tailored resume plus a pitch or answers to selection criteria, assessed on merit against the job.
Key facts
- Merit (Public Service Act s10A): a competitive comparison of candidates' work-related qualities against what the job genuinely needs, focused on capacity to contribute to the agency's outcomes.
- Resume: usually 2 to 6 pages; personal contact details only (no age or marital status), relevant education, work history newest first with dates, achievements, and referees.
Flashcards
Exam tip: Copy the job's key duties into a table and match one achievement to each. If a duty has no match, that is the gap to fill in your pitch.
8. Starting in the APS
Once you accept an offer you complete onboarding, the APS Code of Conduct obligations start, and new ongoing employees serve probation under agency arrangements.
Key facts
- Code of Conduct (s13) obligations include behaving honestly and with integrity, acting with care and diligence, treating everyone with respect and courtesy, complying with lawful directions, disclosing conflicts of interest, using resources properly and not misusing information.
- Agencies require induction training on privacy, security, fraud and the Values.
Flashcards
Exam tip: Ask your manager in the first month what an APS 4 or APS 5 in your team does differently. Start collecting examples at that level for your next application.
How to pass
- Read the candidate pack and the job's classification first. APS 3 and APS 4 roles expect more independent judgement than APS 1 and 2, so pitch your examples at the right level.
- Most agencies now want a resume plus a one- or two-page pitch rather than long selection criteria. Tailor every application: the ATO warns that generic resumes can limit your chance of being shortlisted.
- Practise reading, spelling, simple maths and client-service judgement questions. Entry roles are heavily customer-facing, so situational judgement items often decide who gets an interview.
- Get on a merit list even if you miss the first job. Lists last 18 months and can be shared with other agencies, so one good round can lead to several offers.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I study for the APS Entry Level (APS 1-4) exam?
Most working candidates need 4 to 8 weeks at 45 to 60 minutes a day. Book your exam once your Readiness Score has stayed at 80 or higher for about a week.
Can I take the APS Entry Level (APS 1-4) exam online?
It depends on the agency. Online application on APSJobs or the agency's careers portal. Shortlisting may use online multiple-choice or psychometric tests or recorded video interviews taken at home; interviews are virtual, by phone or in person; some bulk rounds use an assessment centre. Written and aptitude tests are often online now, but fitness tests, medicals and most assessment days are in person, and interviews may be in person or by video. Check the agency's recruiting website for the current arrangements.
What score do I need to pass the APS Entry Level (APS 1-4) exam?
No published pass mark. Panels rate you on merit against the job's requirements; suitable candidates can be placed on a merit list that the agency (and other agencies) can use for 18 months from the Gazette date. The exam has varies by agency and job. the apsc says shortlisting may use video interviews, multiple-choice questions or psychometric tests, and later stages may add a work sample test. the career starter program uses a video interview and a group assessment. question counts are not published and a time limit of not published; set by each agency for each recruitment round.
What are the most tested topics?
The outline covers the job and eligibility, online tests: reading and written communication, online tests: numeracy and data, situational judgement and client service, pre-employment checks and security clearance, interview and aps values, application, pitch and selection criteria, starting in the aps. Use the free practice test to see which ones you need most.
The premium APS Entry Level (APS 1-4) study path
Premium APS Entry Level (APS 1-4) prep is studied one topic at a time. Each step starts with that topic's key notes and flashcard deck, then its own question sets of 25, so you master one topic before you move to the next. When every topic is strong, the 6 full mock exams show you're ready.
Your step-by-step study path
- 1The Job and Eligibility8 key notes, 100 flashcards, then 375 practice questions in 15 sets of 25Notes free with an account
- 2Online Tests: Reading and Written Communication8 key notes, 100 flashcards, then 375 practice questions in 15 sets of 25Premium
- 3Online Tests: Numeracy and Data8 key notes, 100 flashcards, then 375 practice questions in 15 sets of 25Premium
- 4Situational Judgement and Client Service8 key notes, 100 flashcards, then 375 practice questions in 15 sets of 25Premium
- 5Pre-employment Checks and Security Clearance7 key notes, 100 flashcards, then 375 practice questions in 15 sets of 25Premium
- 6Interview and APS Values7 key notes, 100 flashcards, then 375 practice questions in 15 sets of 25Premium
- 7Application, Pitch and Selection Criteria7 key notes, 100 flashcards, then 375 practice questions in 15 sets of 25Premium
- 8Starting in the APS7 key notes, 100 flashcards, then 375 practice questions in 15 sets of 25Premium
- Final step: 6 full mock exams50 questions each, timed like test day. Pass them, then book your exam.Premium
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Summarized from the recruiting agency's official candidate information and the rules cited, checked November 2026. Confirm current requirements with Individual Australian Public Service agencies (for example Services Australia, the ATO, Home Affairs, Defence), which advertise on APSJobs under rules set by the Public Service Act 1999 and the Australian Public Service Commissioner's Directions; the Career Starter Program is managed by the Department of Finance.