OPM Written Exams
What is the OPM Written Exam and How Can I Practice?
The OPM Written Exam is a standardized test used by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management to assess candidates for federal jobs. It evaluates skills like reading comprehension, math, reasoning, and decision-making. To prepare, use free OPM practice tests that match your job type—such as clerical, law enforcement, or administrative roles. Practicing under timed conditions helps build confidence and improve your score. With consistent free test prep, you’ll increase your chances of passing and landing a career in the federal government.
OPM Written Exams – What They Are and How to Prepare
If you’re applying for a federal government job in the United States, you may be required to take an OPM Written Exam as part of the hiring process. These exams are developed by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to assess whether applicants have the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to perform in specific civil service roles.
What Are OPM Written Exams?
OPM Written Exams are standardized tests used to evaluate candidates for a wide range of federal positions, including:
Clerical and administrative jobs
Law enforcement and correctional officer roles
Customs and border protection positions
Postal service, technical, and trade jobs
Each written exam is tailored to the position and may test areas such as reading comprehension, grammar, reasoning, arithmetic, data analysis, and job-specific knowledge.
Common Types of OPM Tests
Administrative Careers Assessment Test (ACAT) – For general administrative roles
Clerical Test Battery (CTB) – For entry-level clerical positions
Law Enforcement Aptitude Battery (LEAB) – For police, correctional, and federal enforcement roles
Situational Judgment Tests (SJT) – Used across many positions to evaluate decision-making and behavior
How to Prepare for OPM Written Exams
Know the Test Type: Understand the format and subject areas covered in the exam for your specific job role.
Use Free Practice Tests: Take advantage of free online OPM practice tests to familiarize yourself with the question types and pacing.
Brush Up on Basic Skills: Improve your reading, math, and logic skills using sample questions or prep materials.
Practice Under Timed Conditions: Most OPM exams are timed, so simulate the testing environment as closely as possible.
Sample OPM Writing Exam
You are an administrative officer at a federal agency. Due to unexpected system outages, a scheduled online training session for new employees has been canceled. Your supervisor has asked you to write an email notifying participants of the cancellation, explaining the cause, and providing a new date or next steps.
Write a professional email that communicates this clearly and helps maintain trust and engagement with the new employees.
To: All New Employee Training Participants
Subject: Rescheduling of New Employee Orientation Session
Dear Team,
I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to inform you that the New Employee Orientation session originally scheduled for [insert date] has been postponed due to unexpected technical issues affecting our training platform.
Our IT team identified a system-wide outage earlier today that prevents us from delivering a stable and secure virtual training environment. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we work to resolve the issue.
The session has been rescheduled for [insert new date and time], and we will send a new meeting link and updated agenda by [insert date]. If you are unavailable at the new time, please contact our onboarding coordinator at [email] to explore alternative arrangements.
We’re committed to providing a smooth and informative start to your career with us, and we thank you for your flexibility and patience.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Administrative Officer
[Agency Name]
Tips to Pass the OPM Writing Sample Test
1. Understand the Prompt Fully
Before you start writing, read the prompt carefully. Identify what the question is asking: Are you supposed to inform, explain, persuade, or resolve a complaint? Stick to the purpose.
2. Use a Clear Structure
Follow a basic structure:
Introduction – State the purpose of your message.
Body – Explain the situation, provide necessary details or next steps.
Conclusion – Offer closure, contact info, or next actions.
This is especially important for emails and memos—make them easy to read.
3. Keep a Professional Tone
Use polite, respectful, and confident language. Avoid slang, overly casual phrases, or emotional language. Even when responding to a complaint, remain calm and solution-focused.
4. Be Concise and Specific
Federal agencies value clarity. Don’t ramble. Stick to the point and avoid repeating ideas. Use short paragraphs and simple sentences to enhance readability.
5. Proofread Before Submitting
Spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors can hurt your score. Leave 2–3 minutes to review your writing. Even small mistakes can show a lack of attention to detail.
6. Practice with Free Prompts
Use free OPM writing sample prompts to simulate real scenarios. Practice writing responses within 30 minutes to build speed and confidence.
7. Use Government-Style Language
Review how federal emails or memos are written. Use clear headings, bullet points (when appropriate), and avoid overly technical jargon unless required.
FAQ
Applicants for various federal jobs—such as administrative support, law enforcement, clerical work, postal services, and entry-level professionals—may be required to take the OPM exam as part of the civil service hiring process.
Common exams include:
Clerical Test Battery (CTB)
Administrative Careers Assessment Test (ACAT)
Law Enforcement Aptitude Battery (LEAB)
Situational Judgment Tests (SJT)
OPM Writing Sample
Policies vary, but many candidates must wait several months before reapplying or retaking the test. It’s best to prepare thoroughly the first time to avoid delays in your hiring process.
Use free OPM practice tests to review sample questions, learn the format, and build confidence. Focus on areas specific to your target position, such as clerical speed, analytical skills, or customer service scenarios.
The exam evaluates:
Clarity and organization of ideas
Grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure
Professional tone and formatting
Ability to follow instructions
Relevance to the writing prompt or scenario
It’s judged on clarity, tone, grammar, organization, and how well you address the prompt—much like a judge scores a performance based on technique, creativity, and execution.
