HMRC Tax Specialist Programme 2022
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Hi Sabana
Challenges:
1) Steep learning curve - every project, case or task will teach you something new and while there is support in the form of experienced colleagues, you will be expected to do a lot of independent research.
2) The exams are hard so make sure you do not take them lightly.
3) Towards the final 12 months of the course I found it difficult at times to balance my workload (which was starting to look like a G7 workload) and the final requirements of the course.
The positives are far too many to mention. If I had to pick one, it would be the people I work with - Ranging from colleagues who supported me through the course to my training cohort - many of whom are now my good mates. I accepted this scheme on a whim ( versus a big 4 offer which was my preference at the time) - I certainly don't regret the choice I made.
Challenges:
1) Steep learning curve - every project, case or task will teach you something new and while there is support in the form of experienced colleagues, you will be expected to do a lot of independent research.
2) The exams are hard so make sure you do not take them lightly.
3) Towards the final 12 months of the course I found it difficult at times to balance my workload (which was starting to look like a G7 workload) and the final requirements of the course.
The positives are far too many to mention. If I had to pick one, it would be the people I work with - Ranging from colleagues who supported me through the course to my training cohort - many of whom are now my good mates. I accepted this scheme on a whim ( versus a big 4 offer which was my preference at the time) - I certainly don't regret the choice I made.
(edited 2 years ago)
Original post by MCFC_uk
Hi Sabana
Challenges:
1) Steep learning curve - every project, case or task will teach you something new and while there is support in the form of experienced colleagues, you will be expected to do a lot of independent research.
2) The exams are hard so make sure you do not take them lightly.
3) Towards the final 12 months of the course I found it difficult at times to balance my workload (which was starting to look like a G7 workload) and the final requirements of the course.
The positives are far too many to mention. If I had to pick one, it would be the people I work with - Ranging from colleagues who supported me through the course to my training cohort - many of whom are now my good mates. I accepted this scheme on a whim ( versus a big 4 offer which was my preference at the time) - I certainly don't regret the choice I made.
Challenges:
1) Steep learning curve - every project, case or task will teach you something new and while there is support in the form of experienced colleagues, you will be expected to do a lot of independent research.
2) The exams are hard so make sure you do not take them lightly.
3) Towards the final 12 months of the course I found it difficult at times to balance my workload (which was starting to look like a G7 workload) and the final requirements of the course.
The positives are far too many to mention. If I had to pick one, it would be the people I work with - Ranging from colleagues who supported me through the course to my training cohort - many of whom are now my good mates. I accepted this scheme on a whim ( versus a big 4 offer which was my preference at the time) - I certainly don't regret the choice I made.
Thanks that was very insightful
Original post by MCFC_uk
Hi Sabana
Challenges:
1) Steep learning curve - every project, case or task will teach you something new and while there is support in the form of experienced colleagues, you will be expected to do a lot of independent research.
2) The exams are hard so make sure you do not take them lightly.
3) Towards the final 12 months of the course I found it difficult at times to balance my workload (which was starting to look like a G7 workload) and the final requirements of the course.
The positives are far too many to mention. If I had to pick one, it would be the people I work with - Ranging from colleagues who supported me through the course to my training cohort - many of whom are now my good mates. I accepted this scheme on a whim ( versus a big 4 offer which was my preference at the time) - I certainly don't regret the choice I made.
Challenges:
1) Steep learning curve - every project, case or task will teach you something new and while there is support in the form of experienced colleagues, you will be expected to do a lot of independent research.
2) The exams are hard so make sure you do not take them lightly.
3) Towards the final 12 months of the course I found it difficult at times to balance my workload (which was starting to look like a G7 workload) and the final requirements of the course.
The positives are far too many to mention. If I had to pick one, it would be the people I work with - Ranging from colleagues who supported me through the course to my training cohort - many of whom are now my good mates. I accepted this scheme on a whim ( versus a big 4 offer which was my preference at the time) - I certainly don't regret the choice I made.
From what I can tell, and what others have told me the exams aren't too bad as long as you utilise all the study time effectively and the switch away from handwritten papers have certainly helped too. I think the big diff in comparison to the big 4 exam is the time available for study, which I/others find generous/sufficient.
Original post by satoshi1
From what I can tell, and what others have told me the exams aren't too bad as long as you utilise all the study time effectively and the switch away from handwritten papers have certainly helped too. I think the big diff in comparison to the big 4 exam is the time available for study, which I/others find generous/sufficient.
Thanks for the info
Did you go into the TSP straight after uni? Also what was your degree in?
Original post by CivilServant39
I just completed the Judgement Test and scored 'better than 8% of test takers'. I've done tons of the Judgement Tests and never scored so badly. It might be because I have just found out, but it's genuinely very shocking to me to have done quite so poorly. The SJT is always a tricky one and the video interview stage has its pressure, but to fall at the first hurdle and receive such a poor score feels bad. Just needed to get that out there. Hope you all do well. I know people on the TSP and it's a great opportunity. Hard work obviously, but each intake seems to support each other a lot so don't be afraid of the exams.
Since I've worked at HMRC, I've always really wanted to get on the programme. I love being part of HMRC and wanted to try to earn the qualification whilst getting the opportunity to work in a number of departments. I think today might be the day I realised that I'm not good enough. Bit depressing as I kind of rejected looking elsewhere and getting on it has really been the goal of my career the last few years. Oh well.
Since I've worked at HMRC, I've always really wanted to get on the programme. I love being part of HMRC and wanted to try to earn the qualification whilst getting the opportunity to work in a number of departments. I think today might be the day I realised that I'm not good enough. Bit depressing as I kind of rejected looking elsewhere and getting on it has really been the goal of my career the last few years. Oh well.
Well for sure don't take a rubbish CJST score as 'not being good enough'... I would encourage you to have a word with yourself cos that's nonsense :-) You said it yourself, it's a tricky one. I think the issue is that when you've done a few, you see some examples over and over but we have to be aware that depending on what you're applying for, the expectations may be altered. I swear down, first HO job I went for I got 17%... went for the exact same role in another centre a few weeks later (verbal and numerical were banked) and hey presto, 99%. The interesting thing about this was that my case study questions were more or less the same, I just approached it a bit more from the leader / business needs perspective rather than keeping the individual with the problem happy. I really think though that the major difference was in the 20 working style questions that you do first. In my first test (17%) I was slightly more 'easy going', i.e. a fair few 3 and 5 responses. When I did it again, I was braver and bolder with the opposite ends of the spectrum although not to the point of dishonesty. I really think that this is what caused my overall score to change so dramatically!
(edited 2 years ago)
Sooo I just did the tests and got 96 / 94 / 86 which I think is decent? Says on hold now which I believe it will be until the deadline passes if I'm not mistaken. Can someone confirm because I'm sure I read this somewhere - unlike regular EO / HEO recruitment, are all three scores considered together and not just the CJST?
I'm an existing HO and not at all sure if TSP is really for me (can't bear the thought of tax exams) but I figured I'd see how far I get and then cross that bridge if I need to haha! Also doing the Fast Stream atm so I guess I'm just addicted to online tests... something to do when we are still WFH eh?!
I'm an existing HO and not at all sure if TSP is really for me (can't bear the thought of tax exams) but I figured I'd see how far I get and then cross that bridge if I need to haha! Also doing the Fast Stream atm so I guess I'm just addicted to online tests... something to do when we are still WFH eh?!
Original post by satoshi1
From what I can tell, and what others have told me the exams aren't too bad as long as you utilise all the study time effectively and the switch away from handwritten papers have certainly helped too. I think the big diff in comparison to the big 4 exam is the time available for study, which I/others find generous/sufficient.
Most people get through the exams (as did I ) but I found some of the later ones very tricky. I agree with your analysis regarding the big 4 exams. Are you at stage 1 or 2?
Original post by smokeandmirrors
Sooo I just did the tests and got 96 / 94 / 86 which I think is decent? Says on hold now which I believe it will be until the deadline passes if I'm not mistaken. Can someone confirm because I'm sure I read this somewhere - unlike regular EO / HEO recruitment, are all three scores considered together and not just the CJST?
I'm an existing HO and not at all sure if TSP is really for me (can't bear the thought of tax exams) but I figured I'd see how far I get and then cross that bridge if I need to haha! Also doing the Fast Stream atm so I guess I'm just addicted to online tests... something to do when we are still WFH eh?!
I'm an existing HO and not at all sure if TSP is really for me (can't bear the thought of tax exams) but I figured I'd see how far I get and then cross that bridge if I need to haha! Also doing the Fast Stream atm so I guess I'm just addicted to online tests... something to do when we are still WFH eh?!
Wow! well done !! really ! I don't have problems with Num or Ver but the CSJT it is hard for me....how do you do it? do you have a structure? I really can't figure out how to pass that test?
Original post by MCFC_uk
Most people get through the exams (as did I ) but I found some of the later ones very tricky. I agree with your analysis regarding the big 4 exams. Are you at stage 1 or 2?
Fair point, I'm only stage 1 atm. I know others who have gone through it all though. Personally I'm hoping the current online delivery of tutorials stays as I find it much easier to focus at home for a day of study but we will have to see I guess.
Hi, I've done the tests and fingers crossed get to the next stage. I got 94 numerical, 92 verbal, and 84 situational judgement.Can I ask if most people who apply are recent graduates? I graduated over 10 years ago and am looking for a career change and new challenge.
Hi, has anybody started to do the tests for this, and after completing the Verbal test, been invited straight to the SJT? I was expecting to be invited to the numerical test next but it hasn't appeared.
I know that they sometimes use banked scores, and I have done a numerical test for another HO role a few weeks ago in which I scored 99%, so I'm thinking that score may have been banked? However I haven't heard of them using banked scores for the TSP process so I'm a bit confused
and there's nothing on my feedback or application which tells me that they've identified a banked score etc...if anyone could advise I would appreciate it
I know that they sometimes use banked scores, and I have done a numerical test for another HO role a few weeks ago in which I scored 99%, so I'm thinking that score may have been banked? However I haven't heard of them using banked scores for the TSP process so I'm a bit confused
and there's nothing on my feedback or application which tells me that they've identified a banked score etc...if anyone could advise I would appreciate it (edited 2 years ago)
Original post by ne-mo93
Hi, has anybody started to do the tests for this, and after completing the Verbal test, been invited straight to the SJT? I was expecting to be invited to the numerical test next but it hasn't appeared.
I know that they sometimes use banked scores, and I have done a numerical test for another HO role a few weeks ago in which I scored 99%, so I'm thinking that score may have been banked? However I haven't heard of them using banked scores for the TSP process so I'm a bit confused and there's nothing on my feedback or application which tells me that they've identified a banked score etc...if anyone could advise I would appreciate it
I know that they sometimes use banked scores, and I have done a numerical test for another HO role a few weeks ago in which I scored 99%, so I'm thinking that score may have been banked? However I haven't heard of them using banked scores for the TSP process so I'm a bit confused
and there's nothing on my feedback or application which tells me that they've identified a banked score etc...if anyone could advise I would appreciate it I didn't think you could use banked scores either but if you went straight to CSJT that must be what happened? The job advert seems to suggest the direct opposite!
******
Updated Online Tests
Due to an update to the scoring benchmarks for the Civil Service Verbal and Numerical tests, from the 13th October, a new benchmark has been applied and all online tests now must be retaken, regardless of whether you have taken the old test within the last 6 months.
We acknowledge that you may be disappointed if you are asked to retake a test when you had banked a score for it on the previous benchmark.
We are not able to change this decision, and we need to ensure that all candidates are treated equally.
Original post by Georgie2018
Hi, I've done the tests and fingers crossed get to the next stage. I got 94 numerical, 92 verbal, and 84 situational judgement.Can I ask if most people who apply are recent graduates? I graduated over 10 years ago and am looking for a career change and new challenge.
There'll be a mixed bag and every year there are civil servants (esp from HMRC itself) who get onto it as well, so go for it.
Original post by Hertron
Wow! well done !! really ! I don't have problems with Num or Ver but the CSJT it is hard for me....how do you do it? do you have a structure? I really can't figure out how to pass that test?
Um not really? I would say think about the role / grade on offer and adjust accordingly. Like your instinct as a human might be to try and keep a team member happy, but when you think about the wider business goals you might reconsider and see that that option is actually not an effective one overall... you just have to get over the fact that you can't always keep everyone happy. Obviously if you can meet a goal, manage expectations, facilitate collaboration, and keep your team happy all at once then that's probably a decent path to choose haha. I've done probably six of these now and scored between 17 and 99 % lol.
Original post by satoshi1
Fair point, I'm only stage 1 atm. I know others who have gone through it all though. Personally I'm hoping the current online delivery of tutorials stays as I find it much easier to focus at home for a day of study but we will have to see I guess.
Fair enough. Good luck with the course.
Original post by smokeandmirrors
I didn't think you could use banked scores either but if you went straight to CSJT that must be what happened? The job advert seems to suggest the direct opposite!
******
Updated Online Tests
Due to an update to the scoring benchmarks for the Civil Service Verbal and Numerical tests, from the 13th October, a new benchmark has been applied and all online tests now must be retaken, regardless of whether you have taken the old test within the last 6 months.
We acknowledge that you may be disappointed if you are asked to retake a test when you had banked a score for it on the previous benchmark.
We are not able to change this decision, and we need to ensure that all candidates are treated equally.
******
Updated Online Tests
Due to an update to the scoring benchmarks for the Civil Service Verbal and Numerical tests, from the 13th October, a new benchmark has been applied and all online tests now must be retaken, regardless of whether you have taken the old test within the last 6 months.
We acknowledge that you may be disappointed if you are asked to retake a test when you had banked a score for it on the previous benchmark.
We are not able to change this decision, and we need to ensure that all candidates are treated equally.
Panic over, they just emailed me to confirm that they have identified a banked numerical score so progressed me to the SJT. Think I'll leave it til tomorrow to do it with a clear head though - I'm fairly confident with the verbal and numerical tests but the SJT is always a wildcard and I need full brain capacity for it
Original post by smokeandmirrors
There'll be a mixed bag and every year there are civil servants (esp from HMRC itself) who get onto it as well, so go for it.
Thank you
Original post by candyandstripes
If there are any similar HMRC jobs advertised, apply for them just to practise the tests ^^
Thanks for the reply. Is that totally safe to do? Wouldn't I be disqualified or whatever? It seems like cheating
)Original post by squiral
Thanks for the reply. Is that totally safe to do? Wouldn't I be disqualified or whatever? It seems like cheating )
)How on earth would that be cheating?
Original post by satoshi1
How on earth would that be cheating?
It says that verbal and numerical tests are banked, so if I practice them by applying to other jobs and then withdrawing would I still be able to do the tests for the tsp? It says that for 6 months I won't be able to take it again
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