I should have added... once you get through all those tests, they often have a pool of candidates, or merit pool or similar. For some departments like prisons, police and other gov bulk employer, you could end up in the pool for 12 months. If you don't have a high score, the newer smarter guys come along and get called up before you.
Competitive indeed!
I know some cops that could work out that equation and many that couldn't.