CSS Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the CSS exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📚 CSS Topics to Study (21)
✍️ Sample CSS Questions & Answers
1. What is the first phase of strategic planning?
Strategic planning begins with analyzing the current environment, including internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis).
2. What is a Reduction in Force (RIF) in federal employment?
A RIF is a formal personnel process used when agencies must reduce staff due to reorganization, lack of work, or funding shortfalls, governed by strict OPM regulations on retention standing.
3. Which principle requires that federal agencies spend appropriated funds only for the purposes authorized by Congress?
The Purpose Statute (31 U.S.C. § 1301) requires that federal agencies use appropriated funds only for the specific purposes for which they were appropriated by Congress.
4. What is the role of an Inspector General (IG) within a federal agency?
An Inspector General conducts independent audits and investigations within a federal agency to detect and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, reporting findings to both the agency head and Congress.
5. How should conflicts within a team be addressed?
Team conflicts should be addressed promptly and directly, focusing on the issues at hand rather than personal attributes, to maintain productive working relationships.
6. What is 'interagency coordination' and why is it important in public administration?
Interagency coordination is the collaboration among multiple federal agencies to address policy issues that cut across organizational boundaries, ensuring coherent and effective government action.