Overview
Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam Malaysia (SPA), the Public Service Commission, handles recruitment into Malaysia's public service. There is no single SPA exam. Each advertised post has its own scheme of service, requirements and assessment. This page describes the general rules SPA publishes, which apply across posts.
Who can apply
General rules set out by SPA:
You must be a Malaysian citizen.
You must be at least 18 years old on the closing date of the job advertisement.
Academic requirements depend on the post. For posts at the implementation (Kumpulan Pelaksana) level that ask for SPM, SPA's rule for the open SPM certificate is a pass in six subjects including Bahasa Melayu, with two at credit level, plus any subjects the scheme requires. STPM and STAM routes have their own grade rules, listed on the SPA page.
Exam pattern
SPA says it uses a holistic assessment of attitude, knowledge, competence, skills and personality. The methods it names are psychometric tests, tests of job knowledge and skills, competency tests and interviews. Which ones apply depends on the post, and SPA publishes a syllabus page for several schemes.
The psychometric test is a computer-based, self-report test of fit with the job, the organisation and teamwork. SPA says it has no simple pass mark: the best-scoring candidates are called to interview, in a ratio set against the number of vacancies (for example 20 vacancies and 200 interviewees, a 1:10 ratio).
Some uniformed and enforcement posts, such as enforcement, prison, fire, immigration and civil defence officers, also require a physical and senses examination. SPA also lists the National Physical Fitness Test (UKJK).
How to apply
Find posts under Iklan Kerjaya (career advertisements) on the SPA site and apply through the SPA9 application system at spa9.spa.gov.my, within the closing date in the advertisement.
After the exam
SPA's general terms say appointed officers serve a probation period of 1 to 3 years and may have to attend training set by their department. Annual salary increments are not automatic. A starting salary above the minimum may be set based on relevant work experience.
Preparation tips
SPA publishes a psychometric test guide, exam syllabus pages for specific schemes, online-exam tips and an interview guide. Use the page that matches the post you are applying for.
What body runs federal public service recruitment in Malaysia?
Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam Malaysia (SPA), the Public Service Commission.
Is there a pass mark in the psychometric test?
SPA says there is no simple pass or fail. The best-scoring candidates are called to interview, based on a ratio to the number of vacancies.