Civil Service Judgement Test (CSJT) The Civil Service Success Profiles Framework Syllabus

The Civil Service Success Profiles Framework syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for The Civil Service Success Profiles Framework in Civil Service Judgement Test (CSJT), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Overview of Success Profiles

   4 topics

   • The five elements of Success Profiles
     • Behaviours, Strengths, Ability, Experience, Technical
   • How elements are assessed and combined
     • Weighting elements per role
     • Why behaviours dominate the CSJT
   • Replacing the old competency framework
     • Shift from competencies to a holistic profile
   • Grade-level expectations
     • Level 1 to Level 6 behaviour indicators
     • Matching response sophistication to grade
2. 2

   The Nine Behaviours

   6 topics

   • Seeing the Big Picture
     • Connecting work to organisational and government goals
   • Changing and Improving
     • Continuous improvement and innovation
   • Making Effective Decisions
     • Using evidence and sound judgement
   • Leadership and Communicating and Influencing
     • Setting direction and engaging others
     • Clear, persuasive communication
   • Working Together and Developing Self and Others
     • Collaboration and inclusion
     • Coaching and capability building
   • Managing a Quality Service and Delivering at Pace
     • Customer focus and standards
     • Prioritisation and delivery under deadline
3. 3

   Strengths and Civil Service Values

   4 topics

   • Understanding strengths
     • Things you do well and enjoy
     • How strengths appear in situational responses
   • The Civil Service values
     • Integrity, Honesty, Objectivity, Impartiality
   • Applying values under pressure
     • Choosing options consistent with the Civil Service Code
   • Aligning answers to behaviours and values
     • Reading scenarios to infer the targeted behaviour

The Civil Service Success Profiles Framework flashcards for Civil Service Judgement Test (CSJT)

20 of 51 cards from the The Civil Service Success Profiles Framework deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What are the five elements of the Civil Service Success Profiles framework?

   Behaviours, Strengths, Ability, Experience, and Technical.

2. Define the 'Behaviours' element of Success Profiles.

   The actions and activities people do that result in effective or superior performance in a role.

3. Define the 'Strengths' element of Success Profiles.

   The things we do regularly, do well, and that motivate us — what energises us and we enjoy doing.

4. Define the 'Ability' element of Success Profiles.

   The aptitude or potential to perform to the required standard — the capacity to learn and apply skills.

5. Define the 'Experience' element of Success Profiles.

   The knowledge or mastery of an activity or subject gained through involvement in or exposure to it.

6. Define the 'Technical' element of Success Profiles.

   The demonstration of specific professional skills, knowledge or qualifications needed to perform a role.

7. What did Success Profiles replace, and roughly when was it introduced?

   It replaced the Civil Service Competency Framework, introduced from 2018.

8. Why was the old competency framework replaced by Success Profiles?

   To create a more flexible, fair and inclusive approach that finds the best person for each role from a range of perspectives, rather than relying only on past competencies.

9. How are the five elements 'combined' in a Success Profiles recruitment process?

   Each role uses a tailored mix of the elements — not every element is used every time; recruiters select those most relevant to the specific job.

10. How are Behaviours typically assessed in selection?

    Through behaviour-based application questions and structured interviews, usually evidenced with the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method.

11. How are Strengths typically assessed?

    Through strengths-based questions (often rapid, less rehearsed) exploring what you enjoy and do well; answers are judged on authenticity and energy rather than a perfect example.

12. How is Ability typically assessed?

    Through online aptitude/ability tests such as verbal, numerical and judgement (situational) tests.

13. How is Experience typically assessed?

    Through the CV, application form questions, and interview discussion of relevant knowledge and track record.

14. How is the Technical element typically assessed?

    Through evidence of qualifications, professional registration, or job-specific technical tests and questions.

15. How many behaviours are there in the Civil Service Success Profiles framework?

    Nine behaviours.

16. List the nine Civil Service behaviours.

    Seeing the Big Picture; Changing and Improving; Making Effective Decisions; Leadership; Communicating and Influencing; Working Together; Developing Self and Others; Managing a Quality Service; Delivering at Pace.

17. What does the behaviour 'Seeing the Big Picture' mean?

    Understanding how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs, focusing on the overall picture and strategic context.

18. What does the behaviour 'Changing and Improving' mean?

    Seeking out and acting on opportunities to improve, being open to change, finding new ways of working and improving efficiency and effectiveness.

19. What does the behaviour 'Making Effective Decisions' mean?

    Using sound judgement, evidence and analysis to make accurate, timely decisions and manage risk.

20. What does the behaviour 'Leadership' mean?

    Showing pride and passion for public service, creating and communicating a compelling vision, and leading by example with integrity and inclusion.

See more The Civil Service Success Profiles Framework flashcards →

Planning The Civil Service Success Profiles Framework for Civil Service Judgement Test (CSJT)

The Civil Service Success Profiles Framework (Civil Service Judgement Test (CSJT)) FAQ