Overview
The Civil Service Fast Stream is the UK Civil Service's graduate entry programme, with a number of schemes. Applicants choose their schemes but cannot choose their department or specific role, though the Fast Stream tries to meet location preferences. Different schemes have different eligibility criteria, so check the requirements of each scheme before applying. This page covers the selection process as described on the Civil Service Careers site.
Exam pattern
The selection process has four stages: online tests, additional information, a virtual assessment centre and, for most schemes, a Final Selection Board.
Online tests. There are two untimed tests: work-based scenarios and a case study assessment. You get 7 days from the moment they are made available. The site says they take about an hour and a half in total.
Work-based scenarios measure interpersonal skills. You watch short videos of 12 work situations and rate the effectiveness of several possible actions on a four-point scale.
The case study assessment tests decision-making and adaptability. You take an imaginary role, review 7 pieces of background information and respond to 24 situations.
Additional information. The Fast Stream reviews your application and online test responses. On some schemes you are asked for more information and have 7 days to provide it.
Assessment centre (FSAC). If you pass the earlier stages, you attend an online assessment centre lasting half a day, with three exercises: a written exercise, an oral briefing exercise and a personal development conversation.
Final Selection Board. Candidates who succeed at the assessment centre for certain schemes attend a Final Selection Board, a specialist assessment of skills specific to the scheme. The schemes with a board include Commercial, Diplomatic and Development, Economist, Finance, HR, Operational Delivery, Operational Research, Project Delivery, Property, Risk Management, Science and Engineering, Social Research and Statistics, among others listed on the site. The Government Policy, Cyber Security and Digital schemes have no board.
Important dates
The application window for 2027 entry is open from midday on 8 October 2026 to midday on 5 November 2026. The online tests page states that results should be available in December 2026, and everyone receives feedback whether or not they progress.
How to apply
Apply online in the initial application stage. Register one account with a personal email address (duplicate accounts can lead to withdrawal), choose up to 3 schemes, and provide background information, including diversity questions used for monitoring only. Ask for any reasonable adjustments in this initial application. If you are successful, you need a Google account for onboarding.
After the exam
Successful candidates receive a formal job offer, information about pre-employment checks and details of how they will be placed in their first post from the onboarding team.
Preparation tips
The online tests are untimed, so use the time to read each scenario carefully and answer as you would in real life. Read the assessment centre and Final Selection Board guides the Fast Stream provides before attending.
How many schemes can I apply for?
Up to 3.
Are the Fast Stream online tests timed?
No. They are untimed, but you must finish them within 7 days of their release.