JEDDAH: The Ministry of Civil Service has introduced an evaluation assessment test for men applying for administration posts at ranks six and seven, to ensure fair competition.

Applications for the test, named “Evaluation 1,” began at the beginning of Ramadan and would end on the 10th of Shawwal, the ministry stated, according to a report in a local publication recently.

According to sources at the ministry, the 105-question test would only be required for new applicants at these ranks. The assessment includes verbal, quantitative and reasoning questions. Those applying for positions at higher ranks would not be subject to testing, said the ministry.

The test is for all men with bachelor’s degrees applying through the Jadarah program, but excludes heath sector jobs. According to sources, women applicants would be excluded at this stage.

The ministry stated that employees currently working in government departments would not be tested, and urged all new applicants to register and book a date and place for their test online via the website of the National Center for Measurement and Evaluation.

The test, which is free of charge, would serve as one of the hiring requirements, which includes scores obtained, among other factors. The ministry said applicants can get information about the content of the three-hour evaluation and sample practice tests online by visiting the “Selection and Evaluation” page on the ministry’s website.