Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) in 2026

The coming Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) is tentatively scheduled to be held in Hong Kong on 6 June 2026, or another date within June 2026 if necessary.  The application period will be from 28 March to 10 April 2026.  The application details and an online application system will be available on our webpage at www.csb.gov.hk/eng/cre.html during the application period.  Applicants may choose to take any of the CRE papers in this examination.  Please note that application must be submitted through the online system for the coming CRE.  Applications submitted by post, fax or e-mail will NOT be accepted. 

The CRE is open to all holders of degree (NOT including Associate Degree) or a qualification meeting the entry requirement on professional qualifications for civil service degree or professional posts.  The pool of eligible candidates for civil service jobs requiring an undergraduate degree has been expanded to students in their third year of undergraduate studies (in a four-year curriculum).  Therefore, students who will have attained a degree (NOT including Associate Degree) in the academic years of 2025-26 or 2026-27 may also apply to take the coming CRE.

Attaining a pass result in the BLNST is an entry requirement for all civil service jobs.  The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) has launched the Digitalised Basic Law and National Security Law Test (Degree / Professional Grades) (Digitalised BLNST) since May 2025 providing year-round digitalised examination service at the Recruitment Centre, General Grades Office.  Prospective candidates for civil service posts of degree / professional grades should attend the Digitalised BLNST as soon as possible.  For more details, please visit the webpage of Digitalised BLNST (https://www.csb.gov.hk/eng/dblnst.html). 

General enquiries regarding the CRE and BLNST may be directed to CSB by phone at 2537 6429 or by e-mail to csbcseu@csb.gov.hk.