Office Skills Tests (OSTs)

What are Office Skills Tests and how long are they?

Required Office Skills Tests for a position are indicated by departments. There are several Office Skills Tests:

• Keyboarding (3 minute timed warm-up, 5 minute timed test)
• Data Entry (5 minute timed test)
• Alpha and Numeric Filing (10 minutes each, 20 minutes total untimed test)
• Microsoft Office PowerPoint (30-50 minutes untimed test)
• Microsoft Office Excel (30-50 minutes untimed test)
• Microsoft Office Word (30-50 minutes untimed test)
• 10-Key (3 minute timed warm up, 3 minute timed test)
• Proofreading 1 and 2 (20 minutes each, 40 minutes total untimed test)
• Spelling (20 minutes untimed test)

Where can I take the OSTs and do I need an appointment?

Student applicants go to the Student Employment Office (2024 Ernest L Wilkinson Center - WSC) to take the Office Skills Tests on a walk-in basis. Non-student applicants make appointments to take the OSTs in the same location by calling (801) 422-3563. Times to take the tests are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please note that the office is closed Tuesdays from 10:45 a.m. to noon for University Devotionals and Forums.

May I use Job Service scores?

Utah County residents are to take the OSTs at Brigham Young Universtiy. Non-Utah County residents are to take any required typing tests (online typing tests are fine) and send their scores to our office before midnight of the close date of a position. Test results may be faxed to Staff and Administrative Employment (801) 422-0209 or emailed to staff_employment@byu.edu. Please include your name, job posting title, and job posting number.

May I retake the OSTs?

Yes, you may take the tests at Brigham Young University once per day.

How long are my OSTs scores valid?

Office Skills Tests scores are valid for one (1) year. Please contact our Staff and Administrative Employment front desk at (801) 422-3563 or staff_employment@byu.edu to determine if your scores have expired.