Cyprus Government Exams for Scales A2-A5-A7
The exam for positions whose initial scale does not exceed A7 of the government payroll mainly concerns positions requiring a secondary-education diploma — most characteristically Clerical Officer positions, the largest recruitment category in the public service.
It is usually the first exam of each autumn cycle and attracts the largest number of candidates — which means ranking is decided on the details: speed, accuracy and familiarity with the question types.
Exam structure
The exam assesses three abilities, each in a separate, timed multiple-choice part:
| Section | What it measures | Indicative duration |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability | Reading comprehension, spelling, vocabulary, logical conclusions | 40 minutes |
| Numerical Ability | Practical arithmetic, fractions, percentages, sequences, tables and charts | 40 minutes |
| Deductive Ability | Syllogisms, patterns, logical sequences | 40 minutes |
Pass mark
The general rule of the recruitment exams applies: an overall score of at least 50% and at least 40% in each part. Because candidates are many and appointments follow ranking order, the goal is not just to pass — it is to rank as high as possible on the list of successful candidates.
How to prepare
- Take a diagnostic test in each of the three sections first, to see where you lose marks.
- Always practise with a timer: 40 minutes per section means just over a minute per question.
- In Numerical, automate percentages, ratios and fraction arithmetic — the most frequent patterns.
- In Verbal, read the question before the passage: you save time by targeting the information you need.
- In Deductive, learn to name the pattern (increase, alternation, reversal) before looking at the options.
Frequently asked questions
Which positions does the up-to-A7 exam cover?
Entry positions with an initial scale of A2, A5 or A7 — as a rule, positions requiring a secondary-education diploma, such as Clerical Officer positions in the public service and the wider public sector.
How many questions does each section have?
The number is set in each cycle's official announcement and can vary. What stays constant is the multiple-choice format and the tight timing — which is why timed practice is decisive.
What score do I need to be appointed?
The pass mark is 50% overall and 40% per part, but appointments follow ranking order from the list of successful candidates. The higher your score, the more announcements realistically concern you.
Practise for scales A2-A5-A7
Verbal, Numerical and Deductive Ability with a timer and a worked solution for every question — start free.
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