FCSC Aptitude Test flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Recruitment versus appointment

Recruitment attracts and assesses candidates for a vacancy; appointment is the formal conferment of the post with conditions of service. Recruitment precedes appointment and does not guarantee it.

Federal Character principle

A constitutional rule requiring appointments to reflect the diversity of the federation. Where merit and qualification are equal, a candidate from an under-represented state may be preferred.

Probationary appointment

An initial appointment subject to satisfactory performance over a stated period. Confirmation follows a positive assessment and is usually communicated in writing.

False credentials consequence

Submission of forged certificates or false declarations voids an appointment and may lead to prosecution. The sanction applies even after confirmation if the fraud is later discovered.

Promotion definition

Movement of an officer to a higher grade with a higher salary. It depends on a vacancy, merit, seniority, and completion of prescribed training or examination.

Acting appointment limit

Acting in a higher post does not confer substantive promotion. An officer may act for an extended period without being upgraded, and acting pay is governed separately.

Promotion committee inputs

The committee weighs the vacancy list, annual performance reports, examination and interview results, seniority, and disciplinary record before recommending candidates for approval.

Refusal of promotion

An officer may decline promotion, but the refusal is recorded and may affect future eligibility. Acceptance or refusal should be documented in writing.

Recommendation versus approval

A recommendation is advisory and proposes a course of action; approval is the formal decision that authorizes it. Only the officer with delegated authority can approve.

Delegated approval limits

The delegation instrument sets monetary and administrative thresholds. Transactions above a level must be escalated to management or the board for approval.

Conflict of interest recusal

An officer with a personal interest in a transaction must declare it and withdraw from recommending or approving it. Undeclared interest invalidates the decision.

Written approval requirement

Financial and personnel approvals must be documented in writing with a reference. Verbal approval is insufficient and cannot support audit or payment.

Due process in discipline

Disciplinary action requires a query, a written response, investigation, a hearing, and a reasoned decision. Skipping a step renders the sanction vulnerable on appeal.

Interdiction meaning

Suspension of an officer from duty pending determination of a serious case. It is not a punishment, and the officer usually receives half salary during the period.

Dismissal versus termination

Dismissal removes the officer for misconduct and bars re-employment in the public service. Termination ends the appointment without that bar.

Right of appeal

An officer may appeal a disciplinary decision in writing to the next higher authority within the prescribed period. The appeal body may uphold, vary, or set aside the decision.

Public Service Rules scope

The rules govern conditions of service, discipline, leave, retirement, and conduct. The Civil Service Handbook gives operational guidance on applying them.

Annual leave rule

Annual leave accrues at the prescribed rate per year of service and requires prior approval. Leave not taken within the permitted period may be forfeited.

Compulsory retirement

Retirement occurs at the prescribed age or after the prescribed years of service, whichever comes first. Notice and documentation follow the rules.

Gift declaration rule

Officers must declare gifts and hospitality received in connection with official duties. Gifts beyond token value are prohibited and may constitute misconduct.

Service charter purpose

A public commitment stating the services offered, the standards of service, and the remedies available. Standards should be measurable and displayed at the service point.

Complaint handling standard

Complaints must be logged, acknowledged within the stated time, and resolved or escalated with reasons. The charter should publish the complaint channel.

Whistle-blower protection

An officer who reports misconduct in good faith is protected from retaliation. Protection does not cover knowingly false or malicious reports.

Least privilege principle

Users receive only the access needed for their duties. Accounts are unique, not shared, and privileged accounts require additional authentication such as multi-factor.

Backup and restore test

Backups are taken at the prescribed frequency and stored separately from production. A backup is only proven when a restore test succeeds.

Incident response sequence

Identify the incident, contain it, eradicate the cause, recover services, and review lessons learned. Each stage is documented for audit.

SMART objectives

Objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Vague objectives cannot be monitored or evaluated against indicators.

Planning cycle stages

Situation analysis, objective setting, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The cycle feeds results back into the next planning period.

Data quality dimensions

Accuracy, completeness, timeliness, consistency, and validity. An indicator is only useful when its data source meets these dimensions.

Accounting equation

Assets equal liabilities plus equity. Every transaction preserves the balance, which underpins the double-entry system.

Cash versus accrual basis

Cash basis records transactions when cash moves; accrual basis records revenue when earned and expenses when incurred, regardless of cash timing.

Bank reconciliation purpose

Explains the difference between the cash book and the bank statement using outstanding cheques, deposits in transit, bank charges, and errors.

Segregation of duties

No single officer should authorize, record, and custody the same transaction. Splitting these functions reduces fraud risk and strengthens internal control.