Kazakhstan Launches Fully Digital Civil Service Recruitment from April 1

Starting April 1, Kazakhstan is implementing a completely updated and digitized procedure for recruiting civil servants. The new system aims to enhance the transparency and efficiency of competitive selection by fully automating the entire process.

All candidates must now apply online through the official portal eqyzmet.gov.kz. This digital-first approach is designed to save time and make entry into public service more accessible.

A mandatory online testing phase precedes any competition. Candidates are tested on their knowledge of key legislation, including the Constitution, laws "On Civil Service" and "On Countering Corruption," as well as the Code of Ethics. To pass this test, which consists of 55 questions, a candidate must provide at least 30 correct answers overall and no fewer than five correct answers for each specific legal act.

Candidates also undergo an assessment of personal qualities tailored to different career levels. For leadership positions, ten competencies are evaluated; for non-leadership roles, seven competencies are assessed; and for entry-level positions not requiring work experience, emotional, social, and logical abilities are measured.

The results of these tests remain valid for one year. Candidates may retake the personal qualities assessment up to three times per month. Only the top five highest-scoring candidates are admitted to proceed with the formal competition application via their personal account.

For leadership roles, subsequent stages include writing an essay and participating in a video interview. Applicants for other positions complete practical tasks such as drafting an analytical note or an official letter or processing appeals.

The system automatically calculates all scores. The candidate with the highest total points is declared the winner. In case of a tie, work experience and level of education become decisive factors.

To ensure transparency and objectivity during all general competition stages—except interviews—an automated proctoring system monitors candidates throughout their tests.

A significant change under the new rules is a drastic reduction in processing times. Competitive procedures will now take an average of just five to seven working days, down from the previous 23–30 days.

The reformed system is expected to simplify access to civil service careers while ensuring fairness and helping attract qualified professionals.