Cyprus Government Exams 2026: The Complete Guide
The Cyprus Government Exams — officially the “Examinations for Recruitment to the Public Service” (EPD) — are the written examinations through which you earn the right to be appointed to positions in the Cyprus public and wider public sector. They are organised by the Examinations Service of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, with a separate exam per salary scale.
This guide covers how each exam is structured, what the pass mark is, how applications work, and how to organise your preparation — along with free practice tests in verbal, deductive, numerical and abstract reasoning.
Which exams exist and who they are for
Exams are held separately depending on the initial salary scale of the positions. Each exam assesses a different combination of abilities:
| Exam | Typical positions | What is tested |
|---|---|---|
| Scales A2-A5-A7 | Positions requiring a secondary-education diploma (e.g. Clerical Officers) | Verbal, Numerical and Deductive Ability |
| Scale up to A8 | Graduate entry positions (e.g. Officers, scales A8-A10-A11) | Verbal Ability · Abstract/Deductive and Quantitative Ability |
| Scales A9–A11 | Senior scientific/administrative positions | As A8, plus assessment of situations and work scenarios |
When the exams take place: the annual cycle
The cycle repeats every year with a steady rhythm: applications are usually submitted in late May to early June, and the exams are held in the autumn — first for scales up to A7, then A8, and finally A9–A11.
Indicatively, in the 2025 cycle applications ran from 26 May to 5 June and the exams took place on 27 September (up to A7), 25 October (A8) and 13 December (A9–A11). For the official dates of the current cycle, consult the Examinations Service website.
Pass mark and certificate
A candidate passes with an overall score of at least 50% and at least 40% in each part of the exam. Scores are statistically processed and published to three decimal places.
Successful candidates receive a certificate of success, which entitles them to apply for the positions announced within its validity period — as a rule, the announcements of the following calendar year (1 January to 31 December).
How to apply
Applications are submitted electronically through the “Ariadni” government portal, within the dates set by each cycle's official announcement and with the participation fee it specifies. Non-Cypriot citizens may also participate, provided they meet the relevant schemes of service.
How to organise your preparation
The exam is fundamentally an aptitude test — not memorisation. That means performance improves measurably with systematic, timed practice across the four reasoning types:
- Verbal Ability: reading comprehension, spelling, vocabulary, analogies and logical conclusions.
- Numerical/Quantitative Ability: practical arithmetic, percentages, sequences, tables and charts.
- Deductive Ability: syllogisms, logic puzzles, conditional reasoning.
- Abstract Ability: patterns, shapes, diagrammatic reasoning.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the certificate of success for every public-sector position?
For the positions covered by the Examinations for Recruitment to the Public Service, yes — passing the written exam is a prerequisite for applying when a position is announced. Some positions additionally require a Special Written Examination or another assessment process.
How early should I start preparing?
Most candidates need 6–12 weeks of systematic practice. Start with a diagnostic test per section, identify your weaknesses, and always practise against the clock — time pressure is the most common reason candidates lose marks.
Can I sit the exam for more than one scale?
Yes, provided you submit a separate application for each exam and meet the respective qualifications. The exams are held on different dates.
Where can I find official sample questions?
The Examinations Service publishes the syllabus and sample questions per scale at epd.moec.gov.cy. For unlimited timed practice with worked solutions, try the free tests on Kyvernitikos.
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