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Fast Stream Tests study materials
Fast Stream Tests study resources

Fast Stream Tests practice questions

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Question 1Initial application stage

What is the minimum undergraduate degree classification normally required to apply to the Civil Service Fast Stream?

  1. An upper second-class honours degree (2:1)
  2. A first-class honours degree
  3. A lower second-class honours degree (2:2) Correct answer.
  4. Any degree, provided it is from a Russell Group university

Explanation

The published entry requirement for the Fast Stream is a 2:2 in any discipline, or an expected 2:2 for students in their final year. Neither the subject studied nor the institution attended changes this threshold. Higher classifications are welcome but are not required.

Question 2Initial application stage

Which statement best reflects the requirements an applicant must satisfy before applying to the Fast Stream?

  1. They must be under 30 years of age on the closing date of the competition
  2. They must have the right to work in the UK and meet nationality rules Correct answer.
  3. They must already be employed in the public sector
  4. They must hold both a postgraduate qualification and an undergraduate degree before applying

Explanation

Eligibility rests on the Civil Service nationality requirements together with the right to work in the UK. There is no upper age limit and no requirement to be an existing public servant. A postgraduate qualification is not a condition of entry.

Question 3Initial application stage

In a Fast Stream application form, candidates are advised to structure evidence using the STAR technique. What does STAR stand for?

  1. Situation, Task, Action, Result Correct answer.
  2. Strength, Teamwork, Adaptability, Resilience
  3. Situation, Target, Achievement, Review
  4. Skills, Training, Ambition, Reflection

Explanation

STAR is a structure for presenting behavioural evidence: the Situation and Task set the context, the Action describes what the candidate personally did, and the Result states the outcome. It keeps examples concrete and focused on the individual's contribution.

Question 4Initial application stage

Which of these is one of the Civil Service behaviours used in the Success Profiles framework?

  1. Maintaining Procedural Rigidity
  2. Maximising Stakeholder Profit
  3. Prioritising Personal Development
  4. Seeing the Big Picture Correct answer.

Explanation

The behaviours in Success Profiles include Seeing the Big Picture, Changing and Improving, Making Effective Decisions, Leadership, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together, Developing Self and Others, Managing a Quality Service and Delivering at Pace. Applicants are assessed against behaviours such as these throughout the process.

Question 5Initial application stage

A team has a budget of £480,000 and spends 35% of it on staffing. How much is spent on staffing?

  1. £156,000
  2. £312,000
  3. £168,000 Correct answer.
  4. £48,000

Explanation

To find 35% of £480,000, multiply by 0.35, giving £168,000. The remaining 65% of the budget, £312,000, is spent on everything else. Check by noting that the two parts must sum to the original total.

Question 6Initial application stage

Read this passage: 'The online verbal test presents candidates with short passages of text followed by statements. Candidates must decide whether each statement is true, false, or cannot say, based only on the information in the passage. Answers should not draw on general knowledge or personal opinion.' According to the passage, which approach is correct when answering?

  1. Using background knowledge of the civil service to fill gaps in the passage
  2. Choosing 'cannot say' whenever a statement is difficult to interpret
  3. Selecting the answer that best matches the candidate's own view
  4. Judging each statement solely on what the passage states or implies Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage states that decisions must be based only on the information given in the text. Outside knowledge and personal opinion are explicitly excluded, and 'cannot say' should be used only when the passage genuinely does not provide the information.

Question 7Initial application stage

In a situational judgement test, you are asked what you would be most and least likely to do in a work scenario. Which approach is generally most appropriate?

  1. Choose the response that reflects effective behaviour Correct answer.
  2. Choose the quickest option to save time
  3. Choose the option that makes you look most senior
  4. Choose the same type of response for every scenario for consistency

Explanation

Situational judgement tests measure judgement against the behaviours valued in the role, so responses should reflect what would actually be effective in that context. Consistency across different scenarios is not a virtue when the situations differ. There is no credit for appearing senior or for speed.

Question 8Initial application stage

What is the best way to approach a strengths-based element of the Fast Stream assessment?

  1. Answer spontaneously and give genuine examples Correct answer.
  2. Prepare a scripted answer for each strength in advance
  3. Emphasise only the strengths you think the assessors value most
  4. Describe strengths you wish you had rather than the ones you have

Explanation

Strengths assessment looks for authentic engagement: what a candidate does well and enjoys doing. Scripted or invented answers tend to sound flat and are easily probed. Genuine examples give assessors reliable evidence.

Question 9Initial application stage

A candidate has a disability that affects their typing speed. What is the appropriate action regarding the online tests?

  1. Request a reasonable adjustment, such as extra time Correct answer.
  2. Skip the timed sections and ask for them to be waived
  3. Take the test without adjustment and explain the result afterwards
  4. Ask a friend to type the answers on their behalf

Explanation

Reasonable adjustments are available to remove disadvantage connected with a disability and should be requested in advance of the test. Adjustments change how the assessment is taken, not whether it is taken. Having another person complete the test would breach the test rules.

Question 10Initial application stage

Which set of values forms the basis of the Civil Service Code?

  1. Integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality Correct answer.
  2. Innovation, ambition, resilience and delivery
  3. Loyalty, discretion, seniority and obedience
  4. Efficiency, enterprise, competition and growth

Explanation

The Civil Service Code sets out four core values: integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality. The standards of behaviour in the Code follow from those values. Applicants are expected to show an understanding of them.

Question 11Initial application stage

How is the equality and diversity monitoring information collected during a Fast Stream application used?

  1. It determines the order in which applications are sifted
  2. It is used only for anonymous statistical monitoring Correct answer.
  3. It is shared with assessors to inform their scoring
  4. It replaces the need for the candidate to complete the online tests

Explanation

Monitoring data is separated from the assessment process and reported in aggregate so that the fairness of the process can be checked. Assessors make decisions without seeing it. Providing the information does not affect an individual's result.

Question 12Initial application stage

Which sequence best describes the typical Fast Stream selection process?

  1. Final selection board, online tests, application, assessment centre
  2. Online tests, assessment centre, online application, final board
  3. Online application, online tests, assessment centre, final board Correct answer.
  4. Assessment centre, online application, final board, online tests

Explanation

Candidates first complete the application form, then sit the online tests. Those who are successful are invited to an assessment centre, and candidates who pass that stage attend a final selection board.

Question 13Initial application stage

A candidate scores 62, 71, 58 and 69 in four practice tests. What is the mean score?

  1. 64
  2. 66
  3. 65 Correct answer.
  4. 67

Explanation

The mean is the total of the scores divided by the number of scores. The four scores sum to 260, and 260 divided by 4 is 65. The median of this set is also 65, but that is coincidental.

Question 14Initial application stage

A scheme receives 24 applications for every place available. If there are 35 places, how many applications does it receive?

  1. 875
  2. 840 Correct answer.
  3. 960
  4. 720

Explanation

With 24 applications per place and 35 places, multiply 24 by 35. Breaking it down, 24 × 35 = 24 × 30 + 24 × 5 = 720 + 120 = 840.

Question 15Initial application stage

You are working to a tight deadline on a briefing when a colleague asks for help with a task due the same afternoon. Your own work is for a senior manager. What is the most effective first step?

  1. Tell the colleague that you are too busy to help and end the conversation without further discussion
  2. Finish your own briefing without mentioning the competing request to your manager or the colleague
  3. Check how long the colleague's task will take and agree priorities with your manager Correct answer.
  4. Drop your own work entirely and give the colleague your full attention for the rest of the day

Explanation

Effective judgement means establishing the facts about both demands and agreeing priorities with the person accountable for them. This protects the urgent work while keeping the colleague informed. Silently absorbing or refusing the request risks a poor outcome either way.

Question 16Initial application stage

A colleague tells you they intend to include work that was mostly done by a teammate in their own application example. What is the most appropriate response?

  1. Point out that examples must describe their own contribution Correct answer.
  2. Say nothing, because the content of an application is entirely a matter for the individual candidate
  3. Offer to rewrite the example for them so that it sounds more convincing to assessors
  4. Report them formally to the human resources team immediately without speaking to them first

Explanation

Applications must be an accurate account of the candidate's own actions, in line with the value of honesty. The proportionate first step is to raise the issue directly and encourage an accurate description. Escalating immediately or writing the example for them would not be appropriate.

Question 17Initial application stage

Why do employers ask candidates to answer honestly in a work style questionnaire?

  1. Answers are used to rank candidates in strict score order
  2. An accurate profile helps predict fit with the role Correct answer.
  3. Only answers that match the majority are counted
  4. The highest scores are always given to the most modest answers

Explanation

A work style questionnaire compares a candidate's responses with profiles associated with effective performance in the role. A candid profile is informative; a deliberately 'ideal' one distorts the picture and may produce a poorer match. The aim is fit, not a raw ranking.

Question 18Initial application stage

In one recruitment round, 5,600 people applied. One in eight was rejected as ineligible. Of those remaining, 40% did not pass the online tests. How many progressed beyond the online tests?

  1. 4,900
  2. 3,360
  3. 2,450
  4. 2,940 Correct answer.

Explanation

One in eight of 5,600 is 700, leaving 4,900 eligible applicants. Of those, 40% failed, so 60% passed: 4,900 × 0.6 = 2,940.

Question 19Initial application stage

Read this passage: 'The assessment centre includes a group exercise in which candidates discuss a set of options and must agree a single recommendation within a fixed time. Assessors observe the discussion but do not take part. Candidates are assessed on the quality of their contribution to the group's outcome, not on how much they speak.' Which statement is best supported by the passage?

  1. The candidate who speaks most often is likely to score highest
  2. The group may submit more than one recommendation
  3. A candidate can score well while speaking relatively little Correct answer.
  4. Assessors intervene when the group cannot agree

Explanation

The passage states that assessment is based on the quality of contribution to the outcome rather than on airtime, so a quieter candidate who contributes well can score highly. It also makes clear that a single recommendation is required and that assessors do not take part.

Question 20Initial application stage

In a pre-recorded video interview, the candidate is shown a question and given limited preparation time. Which approach is most likely to be effective?

  1. Saying that you would need to check with a manager for every question
  2. Reading a prepared script aloud from notes held off-camera
  3. Giving very short answers to leave time for the next question
  4. Structuring the answer clearly and covering the key points briefly Correct answer.

Explanation

Pre-recorded interviews reward clear structure and concise coverage of the main points within the time available. Reading a script tends to sound inauthentic and is hard to do naturally on camera. Very short or evasive answers give assessors little evidence.

Question 21Initial application stage

You notice that a figure in a briefing due to be published today looks wrong, but the colleague who produced it has left for the day and the deadline is in two hours. What is the most appropriate course of action?

  1. Flag the discrepancy to the duty manager now Correct answer.
  2. Wait until the colleague returns to confirm the figure before doing anything
  3. Publish the briefing and correct the figure later if needed
  4. Remove the data from the briefing without telling anyone

Explanation

Accuracy of published information matters, and the deadline means the issue must be raised immediately with someone who has authority to act. Escalating promptly allows the figure to be checked or the publication handled appropriately. Publishing and correcting later or waiting passively both risk an error reaching the public.

Question 22Initial application stage

What is the purpose of the final selection board in the Fast Stream process?

  1. To repeat the online numerical and verbal tests under supervision
  2. To give candidates detailed feedback on their assessment centre performance
  3. To verify the qualifications declared on the application form
  4. To make the final assessment and match successful candidates to schemes Correct answer.

Explanation

The final selection board is the last stage of the process: candidates are assessed again and, if successful, are matched to a scheme. Feedback is provided separately and qualification checks are handled earlier in the process.

Question 23Initial application stage

When answering a motivation question on the Fast Stream application, what is most likely to strengthen the answer?

  1. Linking your own evidence to the specific scheme Correct answer.
  2. Quoting the Civil Service values without any examples
  3. Listing as many schemes as possible without explaining why
  4. Using general phrases about wanting to help people

Explanation

Motivation answers are stronger when they connect concrete personal experience to the demands of the particular scheme applied for. Breadth of scheme names, generic statements and unattributed values add little. Specificity is what makes the evidence credible.

Question 24Initial application stage

A directorate's annual spending was £2.4 million. The following year it rose by 12.5%, and the year after that it fell by 10% from the new level. What was the spending in the third year?

  1. £2.70 million
  2. £2.16 million
  3. £2.43 million Correct answer.
  4. £2.40 million

Explanation

A rise of 12.5% takes £2.4 million to £2.7 million (2.4 × 1.125). A subsequent fall of 10% gives 2.7 × 0.9 = £2.43 million. The two percentage changes do not cancel out because they apply to different base amounts.

Question 25Initial application stage

A candidate's untimed practice numerical scores are high, but their scores under timed conditions are much lower. Which conclusion is best supported?

  1. Untimed practice should be abandoned altogether
  2. The practice tests must have been marked incorrectly
  3. The candidate lacks the underlying numerical ability for the role
  4. Accuracy is fine but speed under time pressure is the issue Correct answer.

Explanation

When performance is strong without a clock and weaker with one, the difference points to working speed or time management rather than to numerical accuracy. The appropriate response is to practise under timed conditions. Concluding that ability is lacking goes beyond the evidence.

Question 26Initial application stage

Under the Civil Service Code, which value requires civil servants to base advice and decisions on evidence and analysis?

  1. Impartiality
  2. Integrity
  3. Objectivity Correct answer.
  4. Honesty

Explanation

Objectivity requires advice and decisions to be based on evidence and analysis, with the merits of a case considered properly. Impartiality concerns political neutrality, while honesty and integrity concern truthfulness and personal conduct.

Question 27Initial application stage

What does the Civil Service Code's value of impartiality primarily require?

  1. Publishing all internal advice to the public
  2. Acting solely for the government of the day's electoral advantage
  3. Serving the government of the day regardless of personal political views Correct answer.
  4. Avoiding contact with ministers and special advisers

Explanation

Impartiality requires civil servants to serve the government of the day professionally, whatever their own political views. It does not mean avoiding ministers or publishing confidential advice.

Question 28Initial application stage

A training budget of £80,000 is shared equally among 8 team members. If each spends 15% of their share on books, how much does each spend on books?

  1. £1,200
  2. £1,800
  3. £1,500 Correct answer.
  4. £2,000

Explanation

Each person's share is £80,000 divided by 8, which is £10,000. Fifteen per cent of £10,000 is £1,500.

Question 29Initial application stage

A candidate answers 42 of 60 questions correctly. What percentage is that?

  1. 75%
  2. 65%
  3. 72%
  4. 70% Correct answer.

Explanation

To find the percentage, divide 42 by 60 and multiply by 100. This gives 0.7 multiplied by 100, which is 70%.

Question 30Initial application stage

The Civil Service Code states that civil servants must not misuse their official position. This includes using information gained at work for personal benefit or disclosing it without authority. It does not prevent civil servants from holding political views or belonging to a political party. Which statement is supported by the passage?

  1. Civil servants must disclose all official information on request.
  2. Civil servants may use official information for personal benefit.
  3. Civil servants may belong to a political party. Correct answer.
  4. Civil servants must not hold political views.

Explanation

The passage explicitly says the Code does not prevent civil servants from belonging to a political party. It also says official information must not be used for personal benefit or disclosed without authority.

Question 31Initial application stage

You are leading a project and realise a key supplier will miss a delivery date, putting the timeline at risk. What is the most effective first action?

  1. Cancel the project without discussing it
  2. Inform your manager and agree a revised plan with the supplier Correct answer.
  3. Wait until the deadline passes to confirm the delay
  4. Blame the supplier in the next team meeting

Explanation

Early escalation and joint problem-solving are usually most effective when a delivery risk emerges. Informing the manager and agreeing a revised plan keeps stakeholders informed and protects the timeline where possible.

Question 32Initial application stage

What is the main purpose of a strengths-based question in selection?

  1. To assess what candidates enjoy and do well Correct answer.
  2. To check eligibility documents
  3. To test knowledge of civil service procedures
  4. To measure numerical accuracy under time pressure

Explanation

Strengths-based assessment explores what candidates find energising and what they perform well naturally. It is not primarily a test of procedural knowledge or document checking.

Question 33Initial application stage

During an online numerical test, you cannot answer a question after a reasonable attempt. What is the best approach?

  1. Spend more time until you solve it
  2. Guess randomly and move on immediately
  3. Close the test and restart later
  4. Mark it, move on, and return if time allows Correct answer.

Explanation

Timed tests reward effective time management, so a difficult question should not absorb all remaining time. Marking it and returning later preserves the chance to answer other questions.

Question 34Initial application stage

A manager asks you to present a report in a way that omits a known risk. What does the Civil Service Code require?

  1. Include the risk and explain why it matters Correct answer.
  2. Omit the risk but tell a journalist
  3. Refuse all future work from the manager
  4. Follow the instruction because managers set priorities

Explanation

The Code requires honesty and objectivity, so known risks should be presented accurately and clearly. Following an instruction to omit relevant information would conflict with those values.

Question 35Initial application stage

What is an e-tray exercise designed to assess?

  1. Prioritising and responding to written tasks Correct answer.
  2. Physical fitness for office work
  3. Speed of typing only
  4. Knowledge of foreign languages

Explanation

An e-tray exercise presents a set of written items and asks candidates to prioritise, decide and respond appropriately. It assesses judgement and organisation rather than physical fitness or typing speed alone.

Question 36Initial application stage

What is the Civil Service Commission's role in recruitment?

  1. Running all Fast Stream assessment centres
  2. Setting pay for senior civil servants
  3. Writing departmental policy
  4. Ensuring recruitment is on merit and fair Correct answer.

Explanation

The Civil Service Commission safeguards appointment on merit and fair treatment in recruitment. It does not run every assessment centre or write departmental policy.

Question 37Initial application stage

A scheme received 1,200 applications last year and 1,500 this year. What is the percentage increase?

  1. 25% Correct answer.
  2. 20%
  3. 33%
  4. 30%

Explanation

The increase is 1,500 minus 1,200, which is 300. Dividing 300 by the original 1,200 and multiplying by 100 gives 25%.

Question 38Initial application stage

Applicants to the Fast Stream complete online tests before assessment centres. The tests are timed, but candidates who need adjustments can request extra time. Adjustments are considered case by case and do not affect how answers are scored. Which statement is supported by the passage?

  1. Adjustments automatically lower scores.
  2. Extra time may be granted following an individual request. Correct answer.
  3. Online tests are untimed for everyone.
  4. All candidates receive extra time.

Explanation

The passage says adjustments can be requested and are considered case by case, so extra time may be granted. It also says the tests are timed and that adjustments do not affect scoring.

Question 39Initial application stage

You are working in a team where a colleague consistently misses deadlines, affecting your work. What is the most effective first step?

  1. Complain about them in a team meeting
  2. Discuss the issue privately and agree how to improve Correct answer.
  3. Report them immediately to HR without speaking to them
  4. Ignore it and do their work yourself

Explanation

A private, constructive conversation is usually the most proportionate first step in a peer-level issue. It allows the colleague to explain and agree improvements before formal escalation.

Question 40Initial application stage

A directorate spends £250,000 on a project. It is told to cut costs by 8% in the first year and then by a further 5% of the reduced amount in the second year. What is the final budget?

  1. £210,000
  2. £218,500 Correct answer.
  3. £225,000
  4. £220,000

Explanation

An 8% cut leaves 92% of £250,000, which is £230,000. A further 5% cut leaves 95% of £230,000, which is £218,500.

Question 41Initial application stage

In a forced-choice work style questionnaire, what are candidates usually asked to do?

  1. Write a long essay about their career
  2. Rank colleagues by performance
  3. Solve numerical problems under time pressure
  4. Choose between two statements that may both seem desirable Correct answer.

Explanation

A forced-choice questionnaire requires candidates to select between statements, often when both appear positive. This format is designed to reveal preferences rather than allow an obvious 'correct' answer.

Question 42Initial application stage

In a pre-recorded video interview, what is the best use of the preparation time?

  1. Plan two or three key points and a clear structure Correct answer.
  2. Write a full script and read it aloud
  3. Memorise a generic answer for every question
  4. Skip preparation and answer immediately

Explanation

Brief preparation with a clear structure helps answers stay relevant and coherent. Reading a full script can sound unnatural and may reduce clarity.

Question 43Initial application stage

What does a group exercise at an assessment centre typically assess?

  1. Personal political beliefs
  2. Typing speed and accuracy
  3. Ability to work with others to reach a decision Correct answer.
  4. Knowledge of civil service pay scales

Explanation

Group exercises are designed to observe how candidates interact, contribute and move towards a decision with others. They are not intended to test pay knowledge or personal political beliefs.

Question 44Initial application stage

Which action best demonstrates the Civil Service Code value of integrity?

  1. Using official information to help a friend's business
  2. Avoiding all contact with ministers
  3. Changing advice to match the minister's public position
  4. Declaring a conflict of interest before a procurement decision Correct answer.

Explanation

Integrity involves putting public service obligations above personal interests and being open about conflicts. Declaring a conflict of interest before a decision is a clear example of that principle.

Question 45Initial application stage

A team of 12 people is split into groups of 3. Each group handles 40 cases per day. If the team works 5 days, how many cases are handled?

  1. 800 Correct answer.
  2. 720
  3. 600
  4. 960

Explanation

Twelve people split into groups of 3 gives 4 groups. Four groups handling 40 cases each per day gives 160 cases per day, and over 5 days that is 800 cases.

Question 46Initial application stage

What does 'appointment on merit' mean in Civil Service recruitment?

  1. Selecting randomly to ensure fairness
  2. Selecting by ministerial preference
  3. Selecting the candidate with the longest service
  4. Selecting the best candidate against the requirements Correct answer.

Explanation

Appointment on merit means assessing candidates against the requirements of the role and selecting the best available person. It excludes selection by length of service, personal preference or random choice.

Question 47Initial application stage

You experience a technical failure during an online test. What should you do?

  1. Continue and hope it resolves
  2. Ask a friend to finish the test
  3. Retake the test without permission
  4. Contact the test provider or recruitment team as instructed Correct answer.

Explanation

Technical problems should be reported through the official channel so the recruitment team can advise or make appropriate arrangements. Continuing silently or arranging unauthorised help may compromise the test.

Question 48Initial application stage

You are asked to complete a task that conflicts with a legal requirement. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Complete it and raise concerns afterwards
  2. Ignore the requirement because the task is urgent
  3. Ask a junior colleague to do it
  4. Refuse and explain the legal concern to your manager Correct answer.

Explanation

A task that conflicts with the law should not be carried out. Refusing and explaining the legal concern to the manager addresses the issue directly and appropriately.

Question 49Initial application stage

The Fast Stream is a graduate programme. It offers placements in different government departments. Candidates must complete an online application before testing. According to the passage, what must candidates do before testing?

  1. Complete an online application Correct answer.
  2. Obtain a security clearance
  3. Attend an assessment centre
  4. Pass a driving test

Explanation

The passage states directly that candidates must complete an online application before testing. It does not say that assessment centres, security clearance or a driving test come first.

Question 50Initial application stage

Which question is most likely to be asked in a strengths-based interview?

  1. What are the stages of the Fast Stream process?
  2. What is the Civil Service Code?
  3. How do you calculate a percentage increase?
  4. When have you enjoyed solving a complex problem? Correct answer.

Explanation

Strengths-based interviews ask about activities that energise and engage candidates, such as enjoying complex problem-solving. The other questions test procedural knowledge or numerical method rather than strengths.