Finding a post before sitting the competitive examination. This is the main change brought about by the reform of civil service recruitment, which was adopted on Wednesday 8 July by the parliament and will come into force on 15 September. Until now, candidates wishing to become civil servants had to first pass the general aptitude test (EAG), without knowing whether they would subsequently be recruited. Conversely, candidates applying for a civil service post could apply directly for a job vacancy. This distinction is now being removed. From now on, all candidates will follow the same process: they will start by applying for a job, then sit the general aptitude test as part of that application.
The reform also makes the timetable much more flexible. The general aptitude test will no longer be held only during two annual sessions. Candidates will be able to book a date at any time throughout the year, on working days, which should reduce waiting times and speed up recruitment.
A better comparison of candidates
The assessment of candidates’ knowledge of the three official languages is also changing. This stage, which takes place at the end of the procedure, can be booked online and taken either at the Centre for the Management of State Personnel and Organisation (CGPO) or remotely.
For government departments, this new system should also make it easier to compare candidates. All candidates will now be assessed against the same criteria before sitting the tests specific to the post. Passing the general aptitude test will remain valid for one year. Candidates will be allowed two attempts; if they fail both, they will have to wait a year before retaking the test.
“With these new measures, the Civil Service is strengthening its ability to identify and recruit the talent it needs,” says the Minister for the Civil Service, 
