• 80 questions

Office Assistant Practice Test on Clerical Skills

Unofficial clerical questions on the five subject areas of New York State's entry-level clerical test guide; other employers test differently.

Which one of these four words is misspelled: certificate, colleague, convenient or refered?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: 1 to 4 pick, Enter checks.

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Exam mode: 25 questions, no time limit.

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the New York State Department of Civil Service or any other employer. Bank checked October 4, 2026.

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All 80 questions

Spelling 16

  • Which one of these four words is misspelled: accomodate, committee, invoice or schedule? Own question. Subject area: Spelling, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series. Spellings checked against Wiktionary (en.wiktionary.org), 2026-10-04
  • Which one of these four words is misspelled: acheive, reference, relevant or responsible? Own question. Subject area: Spelling, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series. Spellings checked against Wiktionary (en.wiktionary.org), 2026-10-04
  • Which one of these four words is misspelled: agressive, successful, temporary or transferred? Own question. Subject area: Spelling, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series. Spellings checked against Wiktionary (en.wiktionary.org), 2026-10-04
  • Which one of these four words is misspelled: appointment, occured, personnel or supervisor? Own question. Subject area: Spelling, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series. Spellings checked against Wiktionary (en.wiktionary.org), 2026-10-04
Show all 80 questions (76 more)

Spelling, continued

  • Which one of these four words is misspelled: approximately, attendance, available or definately? Own question. Subject area: Spelling, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series. Spellings checked against Wiktionary (en.wiktionary.org), 2026-10-04
  • Which one of these four words is misspelled: beginning, bulletin, business or neccessary? Own question. Subject area: Spelling, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series. Spellings checked against Wiktionary (en.wiktionary.org), 2026-10-04
  • Which one of these four words is misspelled: certificate, colleague, convenient or refered? Own question. Subject area: Spelling, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series. Spellings checked against Wiktionary (en.wiktionary.org), 2026-10-04
  • Which one of these four words is misspelled: committment, grateful, immediately or independent? Own question. Subject area: Spelling, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series. Spellings checked against Wiktionary (en.wiktionary.org), 2026-10-04
  • Which one of these four words is misspelled: concensus, interrupt, knowledge or memorandum? Own question. Subject area: Spelling, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series. Spellings checked against Wiktionary (en.wiktionary.org), 2026-10-04
  • Which one of these four words is misspelled: correspondence, eligible, guarantee or recieve? Own question. Subject area: Spelling, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series. Spellings checked against Wiktionary (en.wiktionary.org), 2026-10-04
  • Which one of these four words is misspelled: courteous, department, description or liason? Own question. Subject area: Spelling, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series. Spellings checked against Wiktionary (en.wiktionary.org), 2026-10-04
  • Which one of these four words is misspelled: efficient, equipment, excellent or goverment? Own question. Subject area: Spelling, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series. Spellings checked against Wiktionary (en.wiktionary.org), 2026-10-04
  • Which one of these four words is misspelled: embarass, experience, February or foreign? Own question. Subject area: Spelling, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series. Spellings checked against Wiktionary (en.wiktionary.org), 2026-10-04
  • Which one of these four words is misspelled: existance, noticeable, official or opportunity? Own question. Subject area: Spelling, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series. Spellings checked against Wiktionary (en.wiktionary.org), 2026-10-04
  • Which one of these four words is misspelled: permanent, posession, procedure or questionnaire? Own question. Subject area: Spelling, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series. Spellings checked against Wiktionary (en.wiktionary.org), 2026-10-04
  • Which one of these four words is misspelled: secretary, signature, sincerely or unforseen? Own question. Subject area: Spelling, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series. Spellings checked against Wiktionary (en.wiktionary.org), 2026-10-04

Alphabetizing 16

  • Four folders are labeled Brennan, Sue; Brenner, Sal; Brent, Sid; and Brenton, Sky. Filed by last name and then first name, which one comes last? Own question. Subject area: Alphabetizing, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Four folders are labeled Calloway, Ines; Callahan, Otto; Caldwell, May; and Calder, Hugh. Filed by last name and then first name, which one comes third? Own question. Subject area: Alphabetizing, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Four folders are labeled Delgado, Marta; Delaney, Mick; Delacroix, Mona; and Delmar, Milo. Filed by last name and then first name, which one comes first? Own question. Subject area: Alphabetizing, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Four folders are labeled Fischer, Greta; Fisher, Gwen; Fishman, Gil; and Fiske, Gus. Filed by last name and then first name, which one comes third? Own question. Subject area: Alphabetizing, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Four folders are labeled Hartley, Rosa; Hartman, Luis; Harland, Dee; and Hartwell, Sam. Filed by last name and then first name, which one comes third? Own question. Subject area: Alphabetizing, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Four folders are labeled Kowalski, Jan; Kowalczyk, Jo; Kowal, Jed; and Kovacs, Jill. Filed by last name and then first name, which one comes second? Own question. Subject area: Alphabetizing, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Four folders are labeled Lindgren, Tove; Lindsay, Mark; Linden, Faye; and Lindqvist, Abel. Filed by last name and then first name, which one comes last? Own question. Subject area: Alphabetizing, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Four folders are labeled Monroe, Tessa; Monro, Ivan; Munroe, Kai; and Moreno, Lena. Filed by last name and then first name, which one comes first? Own question. Subject area: Alphabetizing, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Four folders are labeled Nguyen, Tam; Nguyen, Thanh; Nguyen, Tai; and Nguyen, Tara. Filed by last name and then first name, which one comes last? Own question. Subject area: Alphabetizing, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Four folders are labeled Okafor, Chidi; Okafor, Chika; Okoro, Ada; and Okonkwo, Ben. Filed by last name and then first name, which one comes second? Own question. Subject area: Alphabetizing, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Four folders are labeled Petersen, Olga; Peterson, Amir; Peters, Joan; and Petrie, Colin. Filed by last name and then first name, which one comes last? Own question. Subject area: Alphabetizing, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Four folders are labeled Ramirez, Paz; Ramsey, Ian; Ramos, Eva; and Rambert, Cole. Filed by last name and then first name, which one comes first? Own question. Subject area: Alphabetizing, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Four folders are labeled Sanders, Viv; Sanderson, Van; Sandoval, Val; and Sands, Vera. Filed by last name and then first name, which one comes third? Own question. Subject area: Alphabetizing, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Four folders are labeled Stanton, Ruth; Stanley, Omar; Stafford, Bea; and Stanfield, Guy. Filed by last name and then first name, which one comes second? Own question. Subject area: Alphabetizing, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Four folders are labeled Thompson, Earl; Thomson, Edna; Thomas, Erin; and Thoms, Ezra. Filed by last name and then first name, which one comes first? Own question. Subject area: Alphabetizing, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Four folders are labeled Whitaker, Noel; Whitman, Pia; Whitfield, Raj; and Whitlock, Ana. Filed by last name and then first name, which one comes second? Own question. Subject area: Alphabetizing, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.

Record keeping 16

  • Booking sheet for a meeting room that is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Monday, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. During open hours on Monday, for how long is the room not booked? Own question. Subject area: Record Keeping, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Booking sheet for a meeting room that is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Monday, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For how long is the room booked on the three days in all? Own question. Subject area: Record Keeping, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Booking sheet for a meeting room that is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Monday, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For how long is the room booked on Wednesday? Own question. Subject area: Record Keeping, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Booking sheet for a meeting room that is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Monday, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Monday, how long is the room free between its two bookings? Own question. Subject area: Record Keeping, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Forms processed on four days, Monday to Thursday: Clerk A 24, 26, 22, 28; Clerk B 36, 34, 32, 38; Clerk C 42, 38, 44, 36. How many forms did Clerk A process in all? Own question. Subject area: Record Keeping, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Forms processed on four days, Monday to Thursday: Clerk A 24, 26, 22, 28; Clerk B 36, 34, 32, 38; Clerk C 42, 38, 44, 36. How many forms did the three clerks process on Wednesday? Own question. Subject area: Record Keeping, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Forms processed on four days, Monday to Thursday: Clerk A 24, 26, 22, 28; Clerk B 36, 34, 32, 38; Clerk C 42, 38, 44, 36. What is the daily average for Clerk C? Own question. Subject area: Record Keeping, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Forms processed on four days, Monday to Thursday: Clerk A 24, 26, 22, 28; Clerk B 36, 34, 32, 38; Clerk C 42, 38, 44, 36. What percent of all the forms did Clerk B process? Own question. Subject area: Record Keeping, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Petty cash log: opening balance $150.00; March 3, postage, $18.50 paid out; March 5, coffee supplies, $24.50 paid out; March 9, $60.00 added; March 12, parking, $11.00 paid out. How much was paid out in all? Own question. Subject area: Record Keeping, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Petty cash log: opening balance $150.00; March 3, postage, $18.50 paid out; March 5, coffee supplies, $24.50 paid out; March 9, $60.00 added; March 12, parking, $11.00 paid out. What is the average of the three payments? Own question. Subject area: Record Keeping, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Petty cash log: opening balance $150.00; March 3, postage, $18.50 paid out; March 5, coffee supplies, $24.50 paid out; March 9, $60.00 added; March 12, parking, $11.00 paid out. What is the balance after the March 5 entry? Own question. Subject area: Record Keeping, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Petty cash log: opening balance $150.00; March 3, postage, $18.50 paid out; March 5, coffee supplies, $24.50 paid out; March 9, $60.00 added; March 12, parking, $11.00 paid out. What is the balance after the March 12 entry? Own question. Subject area: Record Keeping, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Supply record for one week, as on hand Monday, issued, received: pens 120, 45, 60; folders 200, 90, 0; toner cartridges 12, 5, 6; envelopes 500, 240, 250. How many envelopes are on hand at the end of the week? Own question. Subject area: Record Keeping, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Supply record for one week, as on hand Monday, issued, received: pens 120, 45, 60; folders 200, 90, 0; toner cartridges 12, 5, 6; envelopes 500, 240, 250. How many items were issued in all during the week? Own question. Subject area: Record Keeping, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Supply record for one week, as on hand Monday, issued, received: pens 120, 45, 60; folders 200, 90, 0; toner cartridges 12, 5, 6; envelopes 500, 240, 250. How many pens are on hand at the end of the week? Own question. Subject area: Record Keeping, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Supply record for one week, as on hand Monday, issued, received: pens 120, 45, 60; folders 200, 90, 0; toner cartridges 12, 5, 6; envelopes 500, 240, 250. What percent of the folders on hand Monday were issued during the week? Own question. Subject area: Record Keeping, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.

Letters and numbers 16

  • A filing code moves every letter the same number of places forward in the alphabet. If B is written as G, how is H written? Own question. Subject area: Operations with Letters and Numbers, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • A filing code moves every letter the same number of places forward in the alphabet. If K is written as Q, how is D written? Own question. Subject area: Operations with Letters and Numbers, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • A filing code moves every letter the same number of places forward in the alphabet. If P is written as W, how is L written? Own question. Subject area: Operations with Letters and Numbers, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • A filing code moves every letter the same number of places forward in the alphabet. If R is written as U, how is E written? Own question. Subject area: Operations with Letters and Numbers, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Five codes were retyped. How many of the retyped codes match the original exactly? EWXFKZ retyped as WEXFKZ; UYWVFT retyped as YUWVFT; BAPCNF retyped as BAPNCF; AJDQKM retyped as AJDQKM; VSFTML retyped as VSFTML. Own question. Subject area: Operations with Letters and Numbers, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Five codes were retyped. How many of the retyped codes match the original exactly? LDFEMH retyped as DLFEMH; GVAWXC retyped as GAVWXC; NLAVEZ retyped as LNAVEZ; VXHQCT retyped as VXQHCT; PRZFXB retyped as PRZFXB. Own question. Subject area: Operations with Letters and Numbers, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Five codes were retyped. How many of the retyped codes match the original exactly? LJ2ADR retyped as LJ2ADR; VF2WB9 retyped as VF2WB9; GNTL53 retyped as GNTL53; L9FA7S retyped as LF9A7S; PMFXUJ retyped as PMFXUJ. Own question. Subject area: Operations with Letters and Numbers, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Five codes were retyped. How many of the retyped codes match the original exactly? W5XGMQ retyped as W5XMGQ; Z4HSD5 retyped as Z4HSD5; JT2PFG retyped as JT2PFG; WXRMDS retyped as WXMRDS; XSQENH retyped as XSQENH. Own question. Subject area: Operations with Letters and Numbers, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • How many times does the pair 25 appear in this row of digits? 822587258596563746515349125148 Own question. Subject area: Operations with Letters and Numbers, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • How many times does the pair 73 appear in this row of digits? 971739869976297867317335157993 Own question. Subject area: Operations with Letters and Numbers, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • How many words in this sentence have a double letter, the same letter twice in a row? "All visitors must sign the book at the front desk and keep a yellow badge on while in the building." Own question. Subject area: Operations with Letters and Numbers, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • How many words in this sentence have a double letter, the same letter twice in a row? "Copies of the budget report are due to the office manager by noon on the last day of March." Own question. Subject area: Operations with Letters and Numbers, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • How many words in this sentence have a double letter, the same letter twice in a row? "Please return the signed attendance sheets to the personnel office before the weekly staff meeting." Own question. Subject area: Operations with Letters and Numbers, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • How many words in this sentence have a double letter, the same letter twice in a row? "The mail room will close early on Friday so that the new sorting shelves can be installed." Own question. Subject area: Operations with Letters and Numbers, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • In this row of digits, how many times does a 6 stand between two odd digits? 361661169991711746822778346126 Own question. Subject area: Operations with Letters and Numbers, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • In this row of digits, how many times does an 8 stand between two odd digits? 435946849365558713499815761549 Own question. Subject area: Operations with Letters and Numbers, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.

Using a directory 16

  • Directory: Abara, Nell, room 204, ext. 3120; Boyle, Tim, room 210, ext. 3187; Cruz, Rosa, room 118, ext. 3342; Dunn, Ed, room 121, ext. 3409; Ellis, Joy, room 215, ext. 3276. Changes: Sam Ortega has joined the office in room 230 at ext. 3398. Tim Boyle and Joy Ellis have traded extensions. Rosa Cruz's last name is now Vega. A caller asks for Rosa Vega. Which extension gets the call? Own question. Subject area: Using a Directory, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Directory: Abara, Nell, room 204, ext. 3120; Boyle, Tim, room 210, ext. 3187; Cruz, Rosa, room 118, ext. 3342; Dunn, Ed, room 121, ext. 3409; Ellis, Joy, room 215, ext. 3276. Changes: Sam Ortega has joined the office in room 230 at ext. 3398. Tim Boyle and Joy Ellis have traded extensions. Rosa Cruz's last name is now Vega. A caller asks for Sam Ortega. Which extension gets the call? Own question. Subject area: Using a Directory, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Directory: Abara, Nell, room 204, ext. 3120; Boyle, Tim, room 210, ext. 3187; Cruz, Rosa, room 118, ext. 3342; Dunn, Ed, room 121, ext. 3409; Ellis, Joy, room 215, ext. 3276. Changes: Sam Ortega has joined the office in room 230 at ext. 3398. Tim Boyle and Joy Ellis have traded extensions. Rosa Cruz's last name is now Vega. A caller asks for Tim Boyle. Which extension gets the call? Own question. Subject area: Using a Directory, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Directory: Abara, Nell, room 204, ext. 3120; Boyle, Tim, room 210, ext. 3187; Cruz, Rosa, room 118, ext. 3342; Dunn, Ed, room 121, ext. 3409; Ellis, Joy, room 215, ext. 3276. Changes: Sam Ortega has joined the office in room 230 at ext. 3398. Tim Boyle and Joy Ellis have traded extensions. Rosa Cruz's last name is now Vega. In which room is Joy Ellis now? Own question. Subject area: Using a Directory, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Directory: Farrow, Lin, room 302, ext. 5521; Gomez, Ana, room 310, ext. 5568; Hale, Ravi, room 306, ext. 5503; Ito, Ken, room 318, ext. 5547; Jensen, Bo, room 301, ext. 5590. Changes: Ravi Hale has moved to room 322 and keeps the same extension. Ana Gomez's name is now Ana Reyes. Bo Jensen's extension is now 5512. A caller asks for Ana Reyes. Which extension gets the call? Own question. Subject area: Using a Directory, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Directory: Farrow, Lin, room 302, ext. 5521; Gomez, Ana, room 310, ext. 5568; Hale, Ravi, room 306, ext. 5503; Ito, Ken, room 318, ext. 5547; Jensen, Bo, room 301, ext. 5590. Changes: Ravi Hale has moved to room 322 and keeps the same extension. Ana Gomez's name is now Ana Reyes. Bo Jensen's extension is now 5512. A caller asks for Bo Jensen. Which extension gets the call? Own question. Subject area: Using a Directory, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Directory: Farrow, Lin, room 302, ext. 5521; Gomez, Ana, room 310, ext. 5568; Hale, Ravi, room 306, ext. 5503; Ito, Ken, room 318, ext. 5547; Jensen, Bo, room 301, ext. 5590. Changes: Ravi Hale has moved to room 322 and keeps the same extension. Ana Gomez's name is now Ana Reyes. Bo Jensen's extension is now 5512. A caller asks for Ken Ito. Which extension gets the call? Own question. Subject area: Using a Directory, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Directory: Farrow, Lin, room 302, ext. 5521; Gomez, Ana, room 310, ext. 5568; Hale, Ravi, room 306, ext. 5503; Ito, Ken, room 318, ext. 5547; Jensen, Bo, room 301, ext. 5590. Changes: Ravi Hale has moved to room 322 and keeps the same extension. Ana Gomez's name is now Ana Reyes. Bo Jensen's extension is now 5512. In which room is Ravi Hale now? Own question. Subject area: Using a Directory, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Directory: Kemp, Sol, room 140, ext. 2214; Lowe, Mia, room 146, ext. 2260; Marsh, Cy, room 152, ext. 2238; Nolan, Fay, room 149, ext. 2291; Osei, Kofi, room 157, ext. 2205. Changes: Mia Lowe and Cy Marsh have traded rooms, and each keeps the same extension. Fay Nolan's extension is now 2277. Kofi Osei now works mornings only, and afternoon calls for Kofi go to Sol Kemp. A caller asks for Fay Nolan. Which extension gets the call? Own question. Subject area: Using a Directory, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Directory: Kemp, Sol, room 140, ext. 2214; Lowe, Mia, room 146, ext. 2260; Marsh, Cy, room 152, ext. 2238; Nolan, Fay, room 149, ext. 2291; Osei, Kofi, room 157, ext. 2205. Changes: Mia Lowe and Cy Marsh have traded rooms, and each keeps the same extension. Fay Nolan's extension is now 2277. Kofi Osei now works mornings only, and afternoon calls for Kofi go to Sol Kemp. At 3:00 p.m. a caller asks for Kofi Osei. Which extension gets the call? Own question. Subject area: Using a Directory, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Directory: Kemp, Sol, room 140, ext. 2214; Lowe, Mia, room 146, ext. 2260; Marsh, Cy, room 152, ext. 2238; Nolan, Fay, room 149, ext. 2291; Osei, Kofi, room 157, ext. 2205. Changes: Mia Lowe and Cy Marsh have traded rooms, and each keeps the same extension. Fay Nolan's extension is now 2277. Kofi Osei now works mornings only, and afternoon calls for Kofi go to Sol Kemp. In which room is Kofi Osei now? Own question. Subject area: Using a Directory, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Directory: Kemp, Sol, room 140, ext. 2214; Lowe, Mia, room 146, ext. 2260; Marsh, Cy, room 152, ext. 2238; Nolan, Fay, room 149, ext. 2291; Osei, Kofi, room 157, ext. 2205. Changes: Mia Lowe and Cy Marsh have traded rooms, and each keeps the same extension. Fay Nolan's extension is now 2277. Kofi Osei now works mornings only, and afternoon calls for Kofi go to Sol Kemp. In which room is Mia Lowe now? Own question. Subject area: Using a Directory, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Directory: Pratt, Gus, room 401, ext. 7718; Quinn, Lea, room 407, ext. 7742; Rossi, Max, room 412, ext. 7705; Shah, Uma, room 409, ext. 7763; Tran, Vy, room 415, ext. 7731. Changes: Max Rossi has left and is off the list. Uma Shah has moved into room 412 and keeps the same extension. Lea Quinn's extension is now 7790. A caller who asks for someone not on the list is given the main desk, ext. 7700. A caller asks for Lea Quinn. Which extension gets the call? Own question. Subject area: Using a Directory, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Directory: Pratt, Gus, room 401, ext. 7718; Quinn, Lea, room 407, ext. 7742; Rossi, Max, room 412, ext. 7705; Shah, Uma, room 409, ext. 7763; Tran, Vy, room 415, ext. 7731. Changes: Max Rossi has left and is off the list. Uma Shah has moved into room 412 and keeps the same extension. Lea Quinn's extension is now 7790. A caller who asks for someone not on the list is given the main desk, ext. 7700. A caller asks for Max Rossi. Which extension gets the call? Own question. Subject area: Using a Directory, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Directory: Pratt, Gus, room 401, ext. 7718; Quinn, Lea, room 407, ext. 7742; Rossi, Max, room 412, ext. 7705; Shah, Uma, room 409, ext. 7763; Tran, Vy, room 415, ext. 7731. Changes: Max Rossi has left and is off the list. Uma Shah has moved into room 412 and keeps the same extension. Lea Quinn's extension is now 7790. A caller who asks for someone not on the list is given the main desk, ext. 7700. A caller asks for Vy Tran. Which extension gets the call? Own question. Subject area: Using a Directory, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.
  • Directory: Pratt, Gus, room 401, ext. 7718; Quinn, Lea, room 407, ext. 7742; Rossi, Max, room 412, ext. 7705; Shah, Uma, room 409, ext. 7763; Tran, Vy, room 415, ext. 7731. Changes: Max Rossi has left and is off the list. Uma Shah has moved into room 412 and keeps the same extension. Lea Quinn's extension is now 7790. A caller who asks for someone not on the list is given the main desk, ext. 7700. In which room is Uma Shah now? Own question. Subject area: Using a Directory, as described in the New York State Department of Civil Service, Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series.

How this list was compiled: Our own questions on the five subject areas described in the New York State Department of Civil Service "Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series" (https://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/test_guides/Clerical_EntryLevel_TestGuide.pdf, listed among the guides for local government examinations at https://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm, read 2026-10-04). Every name, record, directory and row of digits is made up. Answers to the alphabetizing, record keeping, letters and numbers, and directory questions follow from what the question prints; spellings were checked against Wiktionary (en.wiktionary.org) on 2026-10-04. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.

How it works

This office assistant practice test has 80 questions of our own on spelling, alphabetizing, record keeping, operations with letters and numbers, and using a directory. Those are the five subject areas of one public test guide, named below.

Read the full guide

The guide this follows

The New York State Department of Civil Service publishes the Test Guide for the Entry-Level Clerical Series among its guides for local government examinations. It lists five subject areas and a time allowance of 3 hours, and says the examination announcement names the exact subject areas. It names no job title, and other employers set other tests.

Five topics

The Start from menu under the question sets one subject area. The guide says every examination in the series includes operations with letters and numbers.

Paper test

A paper test prints with its answer key. Exam mode draws 25, our number.

  • For alphabetizing, compare last names letter by letter; a shorter name that matches so far files first.
  • For a directory question, apply every change before you look up the person.
  • The Missed pile, under More options, keeps what you got wrong. Clear my progress, under More options, erases what this browser keeps.

Questions and answers

What is on an office assistant test?

It depends on the employer. New York State's guide for its entry-level clerical series lists spelling, alphabetizing, record keeping, operations with letters and numbers, and using a directory. The announcement for your own exam says which subjects it covers.

Is there an office assistant exam questions and answers PDF?

Real exam questions are closed and are not published here. This page's own questions print as a paper test with an answer key, and your browser's print window can save that as a PDF.

How long is the clerical test?

The New York State guide gives its Entry-Level Clerical Series an overall time allowance of 3 hours and does not give a number of questions. Exam mode here draws 25, a number of ours.

Is this the real office assistant exam?

No. Every question was written for this site on the subject areas the guide describes. None comes from a real exam, a test publisher, a prep book or the guide's own samples.

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