Uncertainty persists over public service recruitment examination frequency

On September 14, 2026, the Parliamentary Finance Committee in Cyprus reviewed a proposed bill regarding public service recruitment. During the session, George Papageorgiou, President of the Public Service Commission (PSC), stated that the number of annual entrance examinations remains undecided under the new legislative framework. He explained that the frequency of these tests would depend on the grouping of vacancies decided by the PSC, rather than fixed intervals.

Members of Parliament, including AKEL deputy Andreas Pasiourtidis, expressed significant concern regarding this lack of clarity. Lawmakers have formally requested that the proposed legislation include strict timelines so that candidates can effectively plan for the examination periods. Currently, recruitment follows three general exam categories—scales A2-5-7, A8-10-11, and A9-11-12—alongside specific tests conducted by advisory committees. The new bill aims to grant the PSC more flexibility in managing these processes.

Authorities are now expected to develop a more concrete roadmap to ensure transparency and proper administrative planning. Lawmakers continue to scrutinize the sustainability and efficiency of these procedures, emphasizing that the absence of a defined schedule complicates the hiring process for prospective civil servants.