Special Written Examination: What It Is and How to Prepare
Beyond the general recruitment exams, Cyprus's candidate-assessment legislation provides that for certain positions or filling procedures a Special Written Examination (Ειδική Γραπτή Εξέταση) is held — a separate written test defined in the relevant announcement.
Its exact syllabus differs per position and announcement. In practice, though, the ability tests it includes are based on the same reasoning types as the general exams — verbal, numerical, deductive and abstract ability — often alongside position-specific subjects.
When a Special Written Examination applies
Whether it is held is determined by the relevant legislation and the position's announcement: that is where the examined subjects, duration, weighting and pass mark are described. Always read the announcement before organising your preparation — it is the only binding source for the specific procedure.
How it relates to the government exams
The general government exams (scales A2–A7, A8, A9–A11) grant the certificate of success that is a prerequisite for applying to covered positions. The Special Written Examination is an additional or alternative stage for specific positions — meaning you may need to succeed in both.
A sound strategy: first build consistent performance across the four reasoning abilities. The same foundation prepares you both for the general exams and for the abilities component of any special test.
How to prepare
- Identify in the announcement the examined subjects and their weighting.
- For the abilities component: timed practice in verbal, numerical, deductive and abstract reasoning.
- For position-specific subjects: study the syllabus the announcement defines (e.g. legislation or technical knowledge for the role).
- Finish your preparation with a full simulation under the test's real timing.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Special Written Examination the same as the government exams?
No. The government exams are the general annual exams per scale. The Special Written Examination is a separate test provided for specific positions or procedures, defined in the relevant announcement.
What kinds of questions does it include?
It depends on the announcement: it usually combines ability tests (verbal, numerical, deductive, abstract) with questions on position-specific subjects.
Does practising on Kyvernitikos cover me?
For the abilities component, yes — the four reasoning types you practise are the same ones that appear in ability tests. Position-specific subjects require separate study based on the announcement.
Build your abilities foundation
The same practice prepares you for the general exams and for the abilities component of any special test — start free.
Start free