FAQs

Civil Service is the employment system that establishes entrance, promotions, and other aspects of employment. Civil Service rules incorporate laws against employment discrimination.

First you must pass a test. Tests are given by the Civil Service Commission of the City of Cleveland for jobs where the City expects openings. Persons who pass a test are ranked in order of their score and are referred for interviews by that order.

Anyone who meets the qualifications can take a test, and the tests vary from job to job. The qualifications are stated on announcements published for each job.

If you pass a Civil Service test and rank high enough for an interview you must:

• Be able to prove your identity and show a valid "green card" if applicable
• Meet other requirements such as licenses or certifications, if required for the position

The City of Cleveland is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual preference, religion, age, veteran's status, or disability.
 

Weekly bulletins announcing open tests are available online, distributed to City departments, and posted at the Civil Service Office at Cleveland City Hall. Announcements are also available at local libraries in Cleveland and at many community centers and organizations. 

Once you have identified a test you want to apply for, you can pick up an application at the Civil Service Commission. Or you can download the application where a posting is available. Also:

• You can only apply for examinations when they are open, not before and not after
• You must file by 5 pm on the closing date of the announcement
• You must file separately for separate jobs
• You must include your address and social security number
• There is a $10 filing fee for processing each application
• You must meet the minimum qualifications stated on the announcement
   

Civil Service Commission will review the applications, decide eligibility, and inform candidates about two weeks in advance of the test. If your eligibility is not approved, you will be informed by mail. This period may be lengthy but you will always be notified of the results, usually by mail. The City of Cleveland is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual preference, religion, age, veteran's status, or disability.

Each individual announcement states the type of test you will have to take for that position. For most positions the examinations are multiple choice, job simulations, or oral exams. Occasionally the test is a review of your education and experience.

Eligibility lists last up to two years. You may remain on the list as a potential job candidate for that long starting from the date the Commission establishes the list. If there is an exception to this, a note will be included on the test announcement.

Veterans receive five additional points added to their score. A copy of the candidate’s DD214 with the character of discharge must be presented at the time of filing.

Applicants residing in Cuyahoga and its surrounding counties (Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit) MUST return their applications in person. Others may return an application along with required documentation and $10 filing fee (which can be cash or a money order made out to the City of Cleveland) via the mail (no third party may file for an applicant unless they have power of attorney or are an immediate family member to a person currently on active duty in the military) to:

The Cleveland Civil Service Commission
601 Lakeside Avenue, Room 119
Cleveland, OH 44114

A completed application must be received by the Civil Service Department by the last day of the filing period. If the application is late, incomplete, or the requisite items are not included, the application will be returned or rejected.