What is CRE
The CRE consists of three 45-minute papers, namely Use of English (UE), Use of Chinese (UC) and Aptitude Test (AT), in multiple-choice format. The UE and UC papers assess proficiency in English and Chinese languages respectively whereas the AT paper assesses reasoning abilities. Candidates' results in the UE and UC papers are classified as Level 2, Level 1 or Fail, with Level 2 being the highest. Results in the AT paper are classified as Pass or Fail. Level 2 and Level 1 results of the two language papers and Pass result of the AT paper are of permanent validity.
Grade C or above in Use of English of the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) or in English Language of the General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) (GCE A Level) is accepted as equivalent to Level 2 in the UE paper of the CRE. Grade C or above in Chinese Language and Culture or Chinese Language and Literature of the HKALE is accepted as equivalent to Level 2 in the UC paper of the CRE. Applicants with the above result(s) will not be arranged to take the UE and / or UC paper(s).
Grade D in Use of English of the HKALE or in English Language of the GCE A Level is accepted as equivalent to Level 1 in the UE paper of the CRE. Grade D in Chinese Language and Culture or Chinese Language and Literature of the HKALE is accepted as equivalent to Level 1 in the UC paper of the CRE. Applicants with the above result(s) may wish to take this into account in deciding whether they need to take the UE and / or UC paper(s) having regard to the requirements of the civil service post(s) in which they are interested.
An overall band of 6.5 or above with no subtest score below band 6 obtained in the same sitting in the Academic Module of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) within the 2-year validity period of the test is accepted as equivalent to Level 2 in the UE paper of the CRE. Applicants with the above results may wish to take this into account in deciding whether they need to take the UE paper.
CRE and Civil Service Recruitment
As a general requirement in language proficiency, applicants for civil service posts at degree or professional level are required to obtain either Level 2 or Level 1 in the UE and UC papers in the CRE as stipulated by individual recruiting grades / departments in the relevant recruitment advertisements. Applicants with Level 2 in the UE and UC papers are considered as meeting the general language proficiency requirements of all degree or professional grades. Applicants for some of these posts are also required to obtain a Pass in the AT paper in addition to the requisite results in the UE and UC papers.
Some civil service grades (e.g. disciplined services grades) offer different entry pay points to recruits according to their academic qualifications. Degree holders without the requisite CRE results may still apply for these posts but will not be eligible for the degree pay point.
Persons who wish to apply for civil service posts at degree or professional level should first obtain the requisite CRE results unless otherwise specified in the relevant job advertisements. Applicants may choose to attempt all, any one, or any combination of the papers. Applicants are advised to ascertain the requirements of the civil service post(s) in which they are interested and other examination results accepted as equivalent to CRE results before deciding on which paper(s) they should attempt.
The CRE is held independently of the recruitment process for any civil service post. Persons who wish to apply for civil service vacancies should apply to the recruiting grades / departments directly. The acquisition of the requisite CRE results does not imply that a candidate has fully met the entry requirements of any civil service post at degree or professional level. Vetting of academic and / or professional qualifications will be carried out by the recruiting grades / departments which may also conduct separate examinations / interviews in addition to the CRE.
What is BLT
The BLT is a 20-minute bilingual paper comprising 15 multiple-choice questions. The paper assesses candidates' knowledge of the Basic Law (BL). There is no passing mark set for the BLT and the full mark of the paper is 100.
BLT and Civil Service Recruitment
For the purpose of heightening public awareness of the BL and promoting a culture of learning of the BL in the community, all candidates applying for civil service jobs will be assessed on their knowledge of the BL. Test result will constitute an appropriate weighting in a candidate's overall assessment. However, it will not affect a candidate's eligibility for applying for a civil service job. As a general principle, the main consideration for suitability for appointment remains a candidate's qualifications, experience and calibre. The result of the BLT is of permanent validity. Candidates may, if they wish to, take the BLT again when applications for the next round of tests are called.
The BLT is held independently of the recruitment process for any civil service post. The acquisition of the BLT result does not imply that a candidate has fully met the entry requirements of any civil service post at degree or professional level.
For more details about assessment of BL knowledge in civil service recruitment, please click here.
Eligibility
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holders of degree;
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(b)
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final year students of undergraduate programmes; or
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(c)
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holders of a qualification meeting the entry requirement on professional qualifications for civil service degree or professional posts.
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Examination Format and Sample Questions
Performance Pledges
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Service
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Target
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Notify candidates for CRE and BLT of examination details
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12 calendar days before the examinations
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Issue results of CRE and BLT
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Within one month after the examinations
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Enquiries
Enquiries may be directed to the CSEU by phone at (852) 2537 6429, by e-mail to csbcseu@csb.gov.hk, or by post to Room 718, 7/F, West Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong.
Frequently Asked Questions
