Overview
The civil service examination (úřednická zkouška) is required under the Czech Civil Service Act (234/2014 Sb.). It has two parts: a general part and a special part tied to a field of service (obor služby). The Ministry of the Interior organises the general part for its own staff and acts as guarantor for six service fields.
Who takes it
State employees take the special part for the field set for their post. A citizen who meets the conditions for entering civil service may also sit it at their own cost.
Exam pattern
| Part | Details |
|---|---|
| General part (obecná část) | Compulsory first part. Must be passed, or an equivalent exam held, before the special part |
| Special part (zvláštní část) | Taken in one service field, in person before an examination board |
The special part is a guided conversation. You draw 3 topic areas out of 20 and get at least 15 minutes to prepare, with unannotated texts of treaties, laws, internal rules or government resolutions for the field allowed. The whole special part lasts at most 60 minutes including preparation. The board tells you the result. Success earns a certificate in the field. Failure earns a written notice.
Service fields at the Ministry of the Interior
The Ministry guarantees internal order and state security, crisis management, civil protection and the integrated rescue system, public administration systems and general internal administration, archives and records, and protection of classified information, plus one field on organisation of civil service matters.
Fees
For self-paid exams, regulation 452/2024 sets 500 CZK for the general part and 2,000 CZK for each special part, as listed on the official sites in 2026. Submitting the application is free. Employer-paid exams are free to the employee. An employee can take up to two special parts a year at the employer's expense for other fields, including one retake.
How to apply
For a self-paid special part, send the request form to the guarantor ministry of the service field. Citizens must show they are at least 18 and hold Czech or EU/EEA citizenship. Employees are registered by their personnel office through the civil service information system.
Preparation tips
Study the published question areas and literature for your field on the government's civil service pages.
Check which service field your post falls under.
How long is the special part?
At most 60 minutes, including preparation.
Can the general part be skipped?
Only if you hold a certificate for an equivalent exam.