Study Guide: Staff Services Analyst Multiple-Choice Examination

Study Guide:

Staff Services Analyst

Multiple-Choice

Examination

Study Guide and Sample

Test Questions for the

Staff Service Analyst

Written Exam

Published June 2023

Study Guide: Staff Services Analyst Multiple-Choice Examination | Page 2

Study Guide and Sample Test Questions for the Staff Service Analyst Exam

Welcome

Thank you for your interest in the Staff Services Analyst (SSA) classification. This guide

is designed to familiarize and assist you with preparing for the SSA exam. The test

contains 60 multiple-choice items in three content sections: 1) Mathematical

Computations, 2) Reading Comprehension/Data Analysis and Interpretation, and 3)

Written Communication. The sample questions provided in this guide are intended to

give you an idea of the kinds of questions you will encounter in the written test.

However, it is important to note that actual test questions may vary in format and

content.

How Should I Prepare for the Test?

To prepare for the Staff Services Analyst (SSA) online exam, you should study contents

assessed in each section of the test. You will be allowed to use a calculator for this exam.

This exam is available online for you to take at your convenience. Once you start the

exam you will not be able to pause and come back to it. It is recommended that you

ensure you have sufficient time to take the exam and a solid internet connection before

logging on to take the test. Additionally, you should ensure you have a place to take the

exam where you will not be interrupted or distracted and use Microsoft Edge, Firefox,

or Chrome browsers for best outcome. Please note that each exam page will time out

after 20 minutes. Unless you select continue and move to the next page, your

responses will not be saved.

Test-Taking Tips

The SSA exam has a 2 hour and 30-minute time limit, so it is important that you work

quickly, but not so fast as to become careless. Always read all the possible choices

before selecting your answer. If you do not know the answer to a problem, it is usually

best to skip it and move on to the others. Your score will be based on the number of

correct responses. If you are unsure of the answer to a problem, eliminate the answers

you believe are wrong, and mark the choice that is your best response. Above all,

budget your time, pace yourself, and avoid getting bogged down on any single

question.

Test Content

Mathematical Computations – This section of the test measures your skills in the

areas of algebra, geometry, and statistical problem solving.

Reading Comprehension/Data Analysis and Interpretation – This section of the test

is designed to assess your skill in reading, interpreting, and applying written information.

You will be asked to interpret and apply data and information contained in a variety of

written materials, including written passages, tables, charts, and graphs.

Written Communication – This section of the test measures your grammar skills. You

will be asked to read four sentences and identify which sentence has an error in it.

Study Guide: Staff Services Analyst Multiple-Choice Examination | Page 3

Study Guide and Sample Test Questions for the Staff Service Analyst Exam

Answer Sheet

Answers to the following sample questions begin on page 9.

Study Guide: Staff Services Analyst Multiple-Choice Examination | Page 4

Study Guide and Sample Test Questions for the Staff Service Analyst Exam

Sample Mathematical Computations

Questions

Quantitative analysis includes questions in the areas of algebra, geometry, and

statistical problem solving in a variety of problem formats and situations. You will be

provided a calculator for this test. The following are samples of the types of problems

you may find in the SSA examination. However, actual problems will vary in format and

content.

Tips

Tips to remember in solving mathematical problems:

• Read the problem entirely to get a feel for the whole problem.

• List information and variables you identify. Attach a unit of measurement to

the variables (gallons, miles, inches, etc.).

• Define what answer you need, as well as the unit of measurement.

• Work in an organized manner to help you think clearly. Draw and label all

graphs and pictures clearly. Note or explain each step of your process; this will

help you track variables and remember their meanings.

• Look for the "key" words in the question that indicate a certain mathematical

operation.

Algebra

Algebra is a branch of mathematics concerning the study of structure, relation, and

quantity.

Instructions: Read the information provided and perform the calculations necessary to

determine the correct answer.

Quick Call charges 18¢ per minute for long-distance calls. Econo Phone totals your

phone usage each month and rounds the number of minutes up to the nearest 15

minutes. It then charges $7.90 per hour of phone usage, dividing this charge into 15-

minute segments if you used less than a full hour. If your office makes 5 hours 3

minutes worth of calls this month using the company with lower price, how much will

these calls cost?

a. $39.50

b. $41.48

c. $41.87

d. $54.54

Geometry

Geometry is a part of mathematics with questions of size, shape, relative position of

figures, and with properties of space.

Study Guide: Staff Services Analyst Multiple-Choice Examination | Page 5

Study Guide and Sample Test Questions for the Staff Service Analyst Exam

Instructions: Read the information provided and perform the calculations necessary to

determine the correct answer.

The total length of fencing needed to enclose a rectangular area 46 feet by 34 feet is

a. 26 yards, 1 foot

b. 26 2/3 yard

c. 52 yards, 2 feet

d. 53 1/3 yards

Statistics

Statistics is a mathematical science pertaining to the collection, analysis, interpretation

or explanation, and presentation of data.

The clerk who worked in Department A earned the following salaries: $15,105 the

first year, $15,750 the second year and $16,440 the third year. Another clerk who

worked in Department B for three years earned $15,825 a year for 2 years and $16,086

the third year. The difference between the average salaries received by both clerks

over a three-year period is:

a. $147

b. $153

c. $261

d. $423

Study Guide: Staff Services Analyst Multiple-Choice Examination | Page 6

Study Guide and Sample Test Questions for the Staff Service Analyst Exam

Sample Reading Comprehension/Data

Analysis and Interpretation Questions

This section of the test is designed to assess your skill in reading, interpreting, and

applying written information. You will be asked to interpret and apply data and

information contained in a variety of written materials, including written passages,

tables, charts and graphs. The following are samples of the types of problems you may

find in the SSA examination. However, actual problems will vary in format and content.

Tables

Tables are used to represent relationships between data.

Instructions: Use the following table to answer questions 4 and 5:

Cost for Customer Service Training by Region

Region

# of

Employees

Salary

Training

Materials

Training

Facility

Trainer’s

Fee

Total Cost

(cost per

employee)

(cost per

employee)

(flat cost)

Northeast

$27.00

$9.75

$925.00

$550.00

Southeast

$24.75

$9.75

$425.00

$550.00

Central

$24.00

$9.75

$450.00

$550.00

Northwest

$25.50

$9.75

$875.00

$550.00

Southwest

$26.25

$9.75

$850.00

$550.00

If five employees resigned from the Southwest Region, how much would the new

total cost for the Customer Service Training be?

a. $2,631.00

b. $2,674.00

c. $2,713.00

d. $2,732.00

If the Training Facility cost increased by 25% for the Southeast and Northwest

Regions, which of the following regions would cost the MOST to conduct the Customer

Service Training?

a. Northeast

b. Southeast

c. Northwest

d. Southwest

Study Guide: Staff Services Analyst Multiple-Choice Examination | Page 7

Study Guide and Sample Test Questions for the Staff Service Analyst Exam

Graphs

Graphs illustrate comparisons and trends in statistical information. The most used graphs

are bar graphs, line graphs, and circle graphs.

Bar Graphs

Bar Graphs are used to compare various quantities. Each bar may represent a single

quantity or may be divided to represent several quantities.

Instructions: Use the following graph to answer question 6.

Using the chart above, what is the approximate municipal expenditure per capita in

cities having populations of 200,000 to 299,000?

a. $125

b. $175

c. $200

d. $300

Circle Graphs

Circle Graphs are used to show the relationship of various parts of a quantity to each

other and to the whole quantity. Percentages are often used in circle graphs with the

360 degree circle representing 100%. Each part of the circle graph is called a sector.

Instructions: Use the following graph to answer question 7.

Study Guide: Staff Services Analyst Multiple-Choice Examination | Page 8

Study Guide and Sample Test Questions for the Staff Service Analyst Exam

The circle graph above shows the federal budget of $300.4 billion. Based on this

information, what portion of the budget was not spent?

a. 5%

b. 7%

c. 10%

d. 12%

Written Passages

Written passages ask the reader to make conclusions based upon evidence and

reasoning.

Instructions: Read the information provided in the following passage and answer the

question that follows.

From time to time the state makes surplus property available for sale to the public.

This property consists of state property; unclaimed or abandoned personal property and

valuables, except those confiscated in conjunction with drug enforcement activities; and

unclaimed stolen property. The surplus property is disposed of through sale bids,

auctions, and donations.

According to the passage,

a. The state’s personal property brings in the largest sales.

b. Items that are not claimed by their owner will be sold to the public.

c. The state holds regularly scheduled sales of property to the public.

d. Property obtained by drug enforcement activities is sold through the bid process.

Study Guide: Staff Services Analyst Multiple-Choice Examination | Page 9

Study Guide and Sample Test Questions for the Staff Service Analyst Exam

Sample Written Communication Question

This section of the test is designed to assess your ability to effectively address a variety

of situations related to the planning and organizing of projects and work assignments

which you will encounter as an SSA.

Instructions: Select the sentence that contains at least one error in grammar,

punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, or word usage. Do not consider comma or

capitalization errors.

Which of the following sentences contains at least one error?

A. The government spending bill is going to be voted on this afternoon when all

100 representatives are available.

B. The next time the Budget Office has a team meeting your expected to bring the

donuts.

C. Jim was the newest member of the team and had trouble completing sales

calls on his own due to not knowing enough about the company’s products.

D. The longtime associate at the law firm was a great source for historical data on

past cases tried by the firm.

Study Guide: Staff Services Analyst Multiple-Choice Examination | Page 10

Study Guide and Sample Test Questions for the Staff Service Analyst Exam

Answer Sheet

The correct answer is B. The operation is to determine the company with the lower

price then calculate the total cost for the month.

• Facts

o Econo Phone = $7.90 per hour (Minutes are rounded to the nearest 15

minutes increment)

o Quick Call = $0.18 per minute

• Calculations

o Quick Call

▪ Step 1: Convert 5 hours and 3 minutes to total minutes.

• The formula is: number of hours (minutes in an hour) + extra minutes

o 5(60) + 3 = 303

▪ Step 2: Determine the monthly cost.

• The formula is: total minutes (per minute charge)

o .18(303) = $54.54

o Econo Phone

▪ Step 1: Determine the charge for 3 minutes.

• The formula is: (hourly rate ÷ 4) + (number of hours x hourly rate)

then round to the nearest penny.

▪ Step 2: (7.90 ÷ 4) + (7.90 x 5)

▪ Step 3: 1.975 + 39.50 = 41.475

▪ Step 4: Round 41.475 to the nearest penny ($41.48)

• Choose the lowest price.

The correct answer is D. The operation is to determine the perimeter in yards.

• The formula is: 2(length + width)/feet in a yard

o Step 1: 2(46 + 34)

o Step 2: 2(80) = 160

o Step 3: 160/3 = 53.333

o Step 4: Express in fraction (53 1/3)

The correct answer is A. The operation is to determine the average salary for each

clerk, and then calculate the difference between the salaries.

• Step 1: Determine average salary of clerk in Department A.

o The formula is (sum of yearly salaries)/number of years

▪ ($15,105 + $15,750 + $16,440)/3 = $15,765

• Step 2: Determine the average salary of clerk in Department B.

o The formula is (sum of yearly salaries)/number of years

▪ ($15,825 + $15,825 + $16,086)/3 = $15,912

• Step 3: Determine the difference in average salaries.

▪ $15,912 - $15,756 = $147

Study Guide: Staff Services Analyst Multiple-Choice Examination | Page 11

Study Guide and Sample Test Questions for the Staff Service Analyst Exam

The correct answer is D.

• Step 1: In the Cost for Customer Service Training by Region Table, locate the

row for the Southwest Region.

• Step 2: Subtract 5 employees who resigned from the original 42 employees in

the Southwest Region.

o (42 – 5 = 37)

• Step 3: Multiply the new number of employees for the region by the Salary cost.

o (37 x $26.25 = $971.25)

• Step 4: Multiply the new number of employees for the region by the cost for

Training Materials.

o (37 x $9.75 = $360.75)

• Step 5: Add the products from the previous two calculations.

o ($971.25 + $360.75 = $1,332.00).

• Step 6: Add this product to the costs for the Training Facility and Trainer’s Fee.

o ($1,332.00 + $850.00 + $550.00 = $2,732.00).

The correct answer is C.

• Step 1: In the Cost for Customer Service Training by Region Table, locate the

row for the Southeast and Northwest Regions.

• Step 2: Multiply the facility costs for each region by the decimal equivalent of

25% to calculate the increased cost for the training facilities.

o Southeast ($425.00 x .25 = $106.25)

o Northwest ($875.00 x .25 = $218.75)

• Step 3: Add the two products from the previous calculations to the regions

original facility costs to calculate the new facility costs.

o Southeast ($106.25 + $425.00 = $531.25)

o Northwest ($218.75 + $875.00 = $1,093.75)

• Step 4: With the new facility costs for the Southeast and Northwest Regions,

calculate the cost for training by region by performing the following steps:

1. Multiply the number of employees for the region by the Salary cost.

2. Multiply the number of employees for the region by the cost for Training

Materials.

3. Add the products from the previous two calculations.

4. Add this product to the costs for the Training Facility and Trainer’s Fee.

• Step 5: The following are the Total Costs by Region:

Region

Salary

Training

Materials

Training

Facility

Trainer’s

Fee

Total

Cost

Northeast

$999.00

$360.75

$925.00

$550.00

$2,834.75

Southeast

$1,311.75

$516.75

$531.25

$550.00

$2,909.75

Central

$1,320.00

$536.25

$450.00

$550.00

$2,856.25

Northwest

$1,020.00

$390.00

$1093.75

$550.00

$3,053.75

Study Guide: Staff Services Analyst Multiple-Choice Examination | Page 12

Study Guide and Sample Test Questions for the Staff Service Analyst Exam

Southwest

$1,102.5

$409.50

$850.00

$550.00

$2,912.00

• Step 6: From the provided choices, identify the region that will cost the most for

Customer Service Training (Northwest).

The correct answer is B. The middle bar of the seven shown represents cities that

have populations from 200,000 to 299,000. This bar reaches three fourth the way

between 100 and 200. Therefore, the per capita is approximately $175.

The correct answer is B. There must be a total of 100% in a circle graph. The sum of

the other sectors in this scenario is: 17% + 29% + 37% + 10% = 93%

Therefore, the difference between what was budgeted and what was spent is: 100% -

93% = 7%.

The correct answer is B. The passage provides two clues to indicate that unclaimed

items are sold to the public. First, it states that surplus property is “available for sale to

the public.” Second, it states that the surplus property includes unclaimed property.

The correct answer is B. The error is using your instead of you’re.