FAST STREAM Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield FAST STREAM facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. UK unemployment was 1.3 million in January 2023. By January 2024, it had risen to 1.45 million. What was the percentage increase, to one decimal place? → 11.5%
2. A senior colleague asks you to adjust figures in a report to make the department's performance look better. What should you do? → Refuse and, if pressured, escalate to your manager or the Civil Service values framework
3. Which word best means 'easily led or influenced'? → Malleable
4. You notice a colleague is struggling emotionally and their work quality has declined. What is the most appropriate first step? → Find a quiet moment to check in with them privately and ask if they are okay
5. The Nolan Principles (Seven Principles of Public Life) were first established in 1995 by which body? → The Committee on Standards in Public Life
6. Identify the odd one out: PARLIAMENT, CABINET, JUDICIARY, MANIFESTO → Manifesto
7. Which of the following correctly lists the four core values outlined in the Civil Service Code? → Integrity, Honesty, Objectivity, Impartiality
8. You are asked to work on a project with a private sector partner. You notice they are cutting corners on a contractual obligation. What do you do? → Raise the issue with your contract manager and document it formally
9. You are working on a confidential policy document when a journalist contacts you directly asking for details. What is the correct action? → Decline to comment and refer them to the press office
10. What is the primary role of the Civil Service Commission? → To uphold the principle of selection on merit through fair and open competition
11. Which pair of words has the most similar relationship: CANVAS : PAINTER as ___ : SCULPTOR? → Clay
12. Which body scrutinises the accounts of government departments and reports to Parliament on value for money? → The National Audit Office (NAO)
13. A senior official delegates a task to you but does not explain the context. What is the best approach? → Ask for the context and purpose so you can make good judgements during the task
14. Which word means 'to make something less severe or harsh'? → Mitigate
15. You are part of a project team and disagree with the approach the team lead has chosen. What is the best action? → Raise your concern constructively in a team discussion or directly with the lead
16. A graph shows staffing levels: 2020=1,200, 2021=1,080, 2022=972. What is the pattern? → 10% decrease each year
17. Which of the following best demonstrates the 'Developing Self and Others' behaviour? → Regularly seeking feedback, acting on it, and coaching team members to grow
18. Which parliamentary mechanism allows MPs to question ministers on the work of their departments? → Oral Questions (Question Time)
19. Output increased from 8,400 units to 9,660 units. What is the percentage increase? → 15%
20. If a department's budget increases from £4,200,000 to £4,830,000, what is the percentage increase? → 15%
21. Which of the following is NOT one of the Seven Nolan Principles of Public Life? → Efficiency
22. A written exercise asks you to recommend a course of action. You should ensure your recommendation is: → Specific, actionable, justified by evidence, and linked to the stated objective
23. What does the Bribery Act 2010 require regarding overseas facilitation payments made by civil servants? → Such payments are generally prohibited, even if they reflect local business custom
24. Which legislation primarily protects civil servants who report suspected wrongdoing in the public interest? → The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998
25. The 'duty of honesty' in the Civil Service Code means a civil servant must do which of the following? → Not deceive or knowingly mislead ministers, Parliament, or others they deal with
26. A member of the public sends an angry complaint about a policy you helped develop. How should you respond? → Acknowledge the complaint professionally and explain the process for formal responses
27. The Civil Service Code sets out the core values that civil servants must uphold. Which of the following correctly lists all four core values? → Integrity, Honesty, Objectivity, and Impartiality
28. Which of the following best describes the role of the Cabinet Secretary in the UK Government? → The most senior civil servant, head of the Civil Service, and secretary to the Cabinet
29. Which word is closest in meaning to 'EQUITABLE'? → Fair
30. If a number is decreased by 20% and the result is 160, what was the original number? → 200