Civil Service Work Strengths Test Question Bank

Related guide: Civil Service Work Strengths Test Example Questions and Answers

Use this question bank to practise all three parts of the Civil Service Work Strengths Test across both official grade versions.

The bank contains 100 original practice questions. They are designed to reflect the format and judgement required by the test, but they are not live Civil Service test questions.

How to use this question bank

Questions 1 to 20 cover workplace preferences. Questions 21 to 70 ask you to rate four actions independently. Questions 71 to 100 ask you to choose the action you would be most likely and least likely to take.

Use the click-to-reveal section on each page to check the assessment or answer before reading the detailed member explanation.

Part 1: Workplace preferences

Choose the response that best reflects your usual behaviour and motivation. These statements do not have a single correct answer.

• Work Strengths Test Question 1 – Checking the evidence before acting (Administrative to Executive Officer; Analytical / Problem Solver)
• Work Strengths Test Question 2 – Finding the cause of a repeated problem (Administrative to Executive Officer; Analytical / Problem Solver)
• Work Strengths Test Question 3 – Building trust with new colleagues (Administrative to Executive Officer; Relationship Builder / Team Player)
• Work Strengths Test Question 4 – Helping the team complete shared work (Administrative to Executive Officer; Relationship Builder / Team Player)
• Work Strengths Test Question 5 – Responding when priorities change (Administrative to Executive Officer; Adaptable / Explainer)
• Work Strengths Test Question 6 – Explaining an instruction in a different way (Administrative to Executive Officer; Adaptable / Explainer)
• Work Strengths Test Question 7 – Planning work before starting (Administrative to Executive Officer; Organiser / Decisive)
• Work Strengths Test Question 8 – Deciding without every detail (Administrative to Executive Officer; Organiser / Decisive)
• Work Strengths Test Question 9 – Considering the people who use the service (Administrative to Executive Officer; Service Focussed / Focussed)
• Work Strengths Test Question 10 – Maintaining quality through repetitive work (Administrative to Executive Officer; Service Focussed / Focussed)
• Work Strengths Test Question 11 – Making sense of conflicting evidence (Higher Executive Officer to SCS 1; Analytical / Problem Solver)
• Work Strengths Test Question 12 – Untangling a complex delivery problem (Higher Executive Officer to SCS 1; Analytical / Problem Solver)
• Work Strengths Test Question 13 – Investing in relationships across teams (Higher Executive Officer to SCS 1; Relationship Builder / Team Leader)
• Work Strengths Test Question 14 – Setting direction for a team (Higher Executive Officer to SCS 1; Relationship Builder / Team Leader)
• Work Strengths Test Question 15 – Changing approach when circumstances shift (Higher Executive Officer to SCS 1; Adaptable / Resilient)
• Work Strengths Test Question 16 – Recovering after a setback (Higher Executive Officer to SCS 1; Adaptable / Resilient)
• Work Strengths Test Question 17 – Making complex information understandable (Higher Executive Officer to SCS 1; Explainer / Influencer)
• Work Strengths Test Question 18 – Building support for a difficult proposal (Higher Executive Officer to SCS 1; Explainer / Influencer)
• Work Strengths Test Question 19 – Turning broad priorities into an organised plan (Higher Executive Officer to SCS 1; Organiser / Strategic)
• Work Strengths Test Question 20 – Considering long-term consequences (Higher Executive Officer to SCS 1; Organiser / Strategic)

Part 2: Effectiveness ratings

Rate each action independently as Counterproductive, Ineffective, Fairly Effective or Effective. More than one action can receive the same rating.

Administrative Assistant to Executive Officer

• Work Strengths Test Question 21 – Resolving two different case totals (Administrative Assistant / Administrative Officer; Analytical / Problem Solver)
• Work Strengths Test Question 22 – Repairing a strained handover relationship (Executive Officer; Relationship Builder / Team Player)
• Work Strengths Test Question 23 – Explaining a process to a confused caller (Administrative Assistant / Administrative Officer; Adaptable / Explainer)
• Work Strengths Test Question 24 – Covering an unexpected staffing gap (Executive Officer; Organiser / Decisive)
• Work Strengths Test Question 25 – Giving a customer a useful case update (Administrative Assistant / Administrative Officer; Service Focussed / Focussed)
• Work Strengths Test Question 26 – Finding the cause of a growing backlog (Executive Officer; Analytical / Problem Solver)
• Work Strengths Test Question 27 – Helping a colleague meet a shared deadline (Administrative Assistant / Administrative Officer; Relationship Builder / Team Player)
• Work Strengths Test Question 28 – Adapting a team to an immediate policy change (Executive Officer; Adaptable / Explainer)
• Work Strengths Test Question 29 – Planning work with linked deadlines (Administrative Assistant / Administrative Officer; Organiser / Decisive)
• Work Strengths Test Question 30 – Improving quality while targets are being met (Executive Officer; Service Focussed / Focussed)
• Work Strengths Test Question 31 – Stopping the same attachment error from repeating (Administrative Assistant / Administrative Officer; Analytical / Problem Solver)
• Work Strengths Test Question 32 – Resolving a rota disagreement fairly (Executive Officer; Relationship Builder / Team Player)
• Work Strengths Test Question 33 – Taking on an unfamiliar task during absence (Administrative Assistant / Administrative Officer; Adaptable / Explainer)
• Work Strengths Test Question 34 – Replanning an event after the venue changes (Executive Officer; Organiser / Decisive)
• Work Strengths Test Question 35 – Maintaining accuracy during repetitive checks (Administrative Assistant / Administrative Officer; Service Focussed / Focussed)
• Work Strengths Test Question 36 – Reconciling conflicting performance reports (Executive Officer; Analytical / Problem Solver)
• Work Strengths Test Question 37 – Including a new colleague in everyday work (Administrative Assistant / Administrative Officer; Relationship Builder / Team Player)
• Work Strengths Test Question 38 – Explaining revised guidance after mistakes (Executive Officer; Adaptable / Explainer)
• Work Strengths Test Question 39 – Prioritising a mixed shared inbox (Administrative Assistant / Administrative Officer; Organiser / Decisive)
• Work Strengths Test Question 40 – Supporting a vulnerable user within the rules (Executive Officer; Service Focussed / Focussed)
• Work Strengths Test Question 41 – Checking a disputed amount before replying (Administrative Assistant / Administrative Officer; Analytical / Problem Solver)
• Work Strengths Test Question 42 – Restoring participation in tense meetings (Executive Officer; Relationship Builder / Team Player)
• Work Strengths Test Question 43 – Making a complex letter accessible (Administrative Assistant / Administrative Officer; Adaptable / Explainer)
• Work Strengths Test Question 44 – Choosing between two urgent requests (Executive Officer; Organiser / Decisive)
• Work Strengths Test Question 45 – Responding to an outdated customer template (Administrative Assistant / Administrative Officer; Service Focussed / Focussed)

Higher Executive Officer to SCS 1

• Work Strengths Test Question 46 – Understanding an apparent service improvement (Higher Executive Officer / Senior Executive Officer; Analytical / Problem Solver)
• Work Strengths Test Question 47 – Rebuilding trust between two delivery teams (Higher Executive Officer / Senior Executive Officer; Relationship Builder / Team Leader)
• Work Strengths Test Question 48 – Updating training after a late policy change (Higher Executive Officer / Senior Executive Officer; Adaptable / Resilient)
• Work Strengths Test Question 49 – Explaining a technical risk to operational managers (Higher Executive Officer / Senior Executive Officer; Explainer / Influencer)
• Work Strengths Test Question 50 – Sequencing work across competing projects (Higher Executive Officer / Senior Executive Officer; Organiser / Strategic)
• Work Strengths Test Question 51 – Deciding what to do with mixed pilot results (Grade 7 / Grade 6; Analytical / Problem Solver)
• Work Strengths Test Question 52 – Addressing a high performer's effect on the team (Grade 7 / Grade 6; Relationship Builder / Team Leader)
• Work Strengths Test Question 53 – Leading through a sudden change in direction (Grade 7 / Grade 6; Adaptable / Resilient)
• Work Strengths Test Question 54 – Building support for an accessible service (Grade 7 / Grade 6; Explainer / Influencer)
• Work Strengths Test Question 55 – Reducing a portfolio after a budget cut (Grade 7 / Grade 6; Organiser / Strategic)
• Work Strengths Test Question 56 – Reconciling different savings claims (SCS 1; Analytical / Problem Solver)
• Work Strengths Test Question 57 – Creating collective ownership among divided directors (SCS 1; Relationship Builder / Team Leader)
• Work Strengths Test Question 58 – Leading during a major service outage (SCS 1; Adaptable / Resilient)
• Work Strengths Test Question 59 – Securing agreement on a common data standard (SCS 1; Explainer / Influencer)
• Work Strengths Test Question 60 – Protecting long-term capability during spending reductions (SCS 1; Organiser / Strategic)
• Work Strengths Test Question 61 – Finding the cause of recurring workflow errors (Higher Executive Officer / Senior Executive Officer; Analytical / Problem Solver)
• Work Strengths Test Question 62 – Including a remote colleague in team decisions (Higher Executive Officer / Senior Executive Officer; Relationship Builder / Team Leader)
• Work Strengths Test Question 63 – Helping a team learn from an unsuccessful pilot (Higher Executive Officer / Senior Executive Officer; Adaptable / Resilient)
• Work Strengths Test Question 64 – Clarifying a policy that is causing delays (Higher Executive Officer / Senior Executive Officer; Explainer / Influencer)
• Work Strengths Test Question 65 – Testing whether a delivery plan is credible (Higher Executive Officer / Senior Executive Officer; Organiser / Strategic)
• Work Strengths Test Question 66 – Looking behind a green supplier measure (Grade 7 / Grade 6; Analytical / Problem Solver)
• Work Strengths Test Question 67 – Restoring a partner's confidence in a programme (Grade 7 / Grade 6; Relationship Builder / Team Leader)
• Work Strengths Test Question 68 – Maintaining direction during restructure uncertainty (Grade 7 / Grade 6; Adaptable / Resilient)
• Work Strengths Test Question 69 – Challenging a misleading programme headline (Grade 7 / Grade 6; Explainer / Influencer)
• Work Strengths Test Question 70 – Responding to an urgent request for national data (Grade 7 / Grade 6; Organiser / Strategic)

Part 3: Most and least likely

Choose one Most likely action and one Least likely action. The two remaining actions are not ranked.

Administrative Assistant to Executive Officer

• Work Strengths Test Question 71 – Checking two different appointment totals (Administrative Assistant / Administrative Officer; Analytical / Problem Solver)
• Work Strengths Test Question 72 – Including a new starter in team handovers (Administrative Assistant / Administrative Officer; Relationship Builder / Team Player)
• Work Strengths Test Question 73 – Explaining a late change to customer guidance (Administrative Assistant / Administrative Officer; Adaptable / Explainer)
• Work Strengths Test Question 74 – Prioritising three competing tasks (Executive Officer; Organiser / Decisive)
• Work Strengths Test Question 75 – Helping a customer use an inaccessible route (Administrative Assistant / Administrative Officer; Service Focussed / Focussed)
• Work Strengths Test Question 76 – Finding the cause of repeatedly returned forms (Executive Officer; Analytical / Problem Solver)
• Work Strengths Test Question 77 – Resolving a personal disagreement about the rota (Executive Officer; Relationship Builder / Team Player)
• Work Strengths Test Question 78 – Adapting when a planned demonstration fails (Administrative Assistant / Administrative Officer; Adaptable / Explainer)
• Work Strengths Test Question 79 – Responding to a delayed delivery of forms (Executive Officer; Organiser / Decisive)
• Work Strengths Test Question 80 – Prioritising an urgent case within a backlog (Administrative Assistant / Administrative Officer; Service Focussed / Focussed)
• Work Strengths Test Question 81 – Investigating a sudden increase in a payment queue (Executive Officer; Analytical / Problem Solver)
• Work Strengths Test Question 82 – Supporting an overloaded team member (Executive Officer; Relationship Builder / Team Player)
• Work Strengths Test Question 83 – Moving a service after an unexpected evacuation (Administrative Assistant / Administrative Officer; Adaptable / Explainer)
• Work Strengths Test Question 84 – Resolving a double-booked room (Executive Officer; Organiser / Decisive)
• Work Strengths Test Question 85 – Responding to repeated complaints about a standard letter (Executive Officer; Service Focussed / Focussed)

Higher Executive Officer to SCS 1

• Work Strengths Test Question 86 – Testing an apparent improvement in a service pilot (Higher Executive Officer / Senior Executive Officer; Analytical / Problem Solver)
• Work Strengths Test Question 87 – Stopping two teams blaming each other (Higher Executive Officer / Senior Executive Officer; Relationship Builder / Team Leader)
• Work Strengths Test Question 88 – Refocusing a team after a programme pause (Higher Executive Officer / Senior Executive Officer; Adaptable / Resilient)
• Work Strengths Test Question 89 – Explaining an accessibility risk before launch (Grade 7 / Grade 6; Explainer / Influencer)
• Work Strengths Test Question 90 – Reprioritising an overcommitted portfolio (Grade 7 / Grade 6; Organiser / Strategic)
• Work Strengths Test Question 91 – Finding why a backlog grows after extra staff arrive (Higher Executive Officer / Senior Executive Officer; Analytical / Problem Solver)
• Work Strengths Test Question 92 – Addressing missed deadlines with an experienced manager (Grade 7 / Grade 6; Relationship Builder / Team Leader)
• Work Strengths Test Question 93 – Replanning after a late policy change (Higher Executive Officer / Senior Executive Officer; Adaptable / Resilient)
• Work Strengths Test Question 94 – Explaining a difficult regional resource decision (Grade 7 / Grade 6; Explainer / Influencer)
• Work Strengths Test Question 95 – Sequencing a cross-department programme (SCS 1; Organiser / Strategic)
• Work Strengths Test Question 96 – Challenging a supplier performance measure (Higher Executive Officer / Senior Executive Officer; Analytical / Problem Solver)
• Work Strengths Test Question 97 – Rebuilding trust with a reluctant partner organisation (Grade 7 / Grade 6; Relationship Builder / Team Leader)
• Work Strengths Test Question 98 – Leading through a critical service disruption (SCS 1; Adaptable / Resilient)
• Work Strengths Test Question 99 – Briefing senior leaders on an uncertain technical risk (SCS 1; Explainer / Influencer)
• Work Strengths Test Question 100 – Preparing for rapid growth in service demand (Grade 7 / Grade 6; Organiser / Strategic)

Members can unlock the complete Work Strengths Test answering strategy below, including how to approach each part, compare close options and adjust your judgement for the grade level.