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Examination Schedule

Walk-in services are currently unavailable at all CMS Recruitment and Career Center locations. Please contact the center for an appointment.

Upward Mobility Program testing continues as a call-in scheduling service. All Upward Mobility Program testers must be in possession of a Proficiency Examination Registration form (PER) prior to scheduling an exam. A PER must be presented to the Assessment Center at the time of scheduling in order to reserve a time slot. No walk-in scheduling or services are available.

Important Information

A valid ID is required to take an exam. A photo ID is preferred.

Testing is offered on easy to use touch screen computers. Applicants are allowed at least 90 minutes to answer the questions on automated tests. On tests with a larger number of questions or more complex questions (Human Resources Assistant & Associate; Data Processing Specialist & Administrative Specialist; Disability Claims Adjudicator Trainee; Insurance Analyst II; Revenue Tax Specialist Trainee; Social Services Career Trainee; Telecommunicator Trainee), more time is allowed to complete the exam.

Public use copiers are not available at the Assessment Centers. Therefore, it is important that applicants bring with them copies of their application for each title and test option for which they want to test.

Check in time is no earlier than 30 minutes before the exam. 

Regular office Hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Illinois Relay Center number for Speech/Hearing Impaired persons for all locations is (800) 526-0844.

Note: Our Career Services and Assessment Centers will be closed in observance of all State holidays when State offices are closed.

Recruitment & Career Centers

Chicago Recruitment & Career Center
555 W Monroe, Fourth Floor
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 814-2398 (voice)

Testing times: 9 a.m. and noon

Please note, a government-issued photo ID is required in order to enter the building.

Springfield  Recruitment & Career Center
Capital City Center
130 W. Mason Street, Second Floor
Springfield, IL 62702
(217) 524-1321 (voice)

Testing times: 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

** NOTE: PER THE PERSONNEL RULES AN APPLICANT SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED TO RETAKE A MULTIPLE-CHOICE AND/OR PERFORMANCE EXAMINATION UNTIL 30 DAYS HAS ELAPSED.

ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES, INCLUDING CELL PHONES, MUST BE TURNED OFF PRIOR TO ENTERING THE TEST ROOM. VIOLATORS WILL BE SUBJECT TO DISQUALIFICATION AND/OR REMOVAL FROM THE TEST ROOM.

Examinations may be canceled or limited to certain localities without notice as hiring needs are met.

Unattended Children - To promote safety and security and to assure that testing standards are met, children may not accompany parents or caretakers in the test room during testing. Please review the details of our Unattended Children Policy.

Applicants interested in applying for the Juvenile Justice Specialist Intern title should access the following the Department of Juvenile Justice website for application information: https://idjj.illinois.gov/careers.html.

Applicants interested in applying for the Correctional Officer Trainee title should access the Department of Corrections website https://idoc.illinois.gov/aboutus/trainingacademy.html for application information.

Applications for the Mental Health Technician Trainee title must be submitted to the Department of Human Services, Technician Selection Program, 100 South Grand Avenue East (Lower Level), Springfield, IL 62762, 217/524-1548. People who are hearing impaired can contact the Illinois Relay Center at 1-800-526-0844. Do not send applications for these titles to the CMS Division of Examining & Counseling.

Career Services

State government career counseling services are provided by CMS Recruitment & Career Centers virtually, by mail or via email. Career counseling staff work with you to evaluate your education and experience as well as your employment interests/preferences; salary expectations and geographical location to determine the titles that are the best fit for you. The career counselor will then provide you with a list of potential state position titles for which you may qualify.

Proof of Military Service

Proof of military service, if claimed for additional points added to a passing grade, must be submitted at the time of examination. Applicants submitting proof of military service after the examination will be awarded veterans preference upon verification of the documentation. For information regarding Veteran Preference call Central Management Services Veteran Outreach at (800) 643-8138 (voice), (800) 526-0844 Illinois Relay Center.

Accommodations

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance to participate in the testing process, please contact Disability Services at Springfield (217) 785-1985 voice or Illinois Relay Center at (800) 526-0844 before the date of the test. Learn more about our Disabled Workers Program. 

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