Common Recruitment Examination
Three papers. Forty-five minutes each. The standing requirement for every degree-grade post.
See the factsWhat this assessment actually is.
The Common Recruitment Examination is the threshold. Three papers — Use of Chinese, Use of English, Aptitude Test — each forty-five minutes, each multiple choice. The language papers are graded Level 2, Level 1 or Fail; the Aptitude Test is pass or fail. A Level 2 in both languages opens the door to the degree-grade ranks. The results are permanent, held by the Civil Service Bureau, and accepted across every bureau and department. The 2026 Hong Kong sittings open for application between 25 July and 7 August 2026.
Common Recruitment Examination, in plain terms.
The Common Recruitment Examination is the standing written requirement for every degree-grade civil service post. Three papers — Use of Chinese, Use of English, Aptitude Test — each forty-five minutes, each multiple choice. Results are permanent and accepted across every bureau.
- Use of Chinese — reading, error identification, pragmatics
- Use of English — comprehension, grammar, vocabulary
- Aptitude Test — deductive, verbal, numerical reasoning, data sufficiency, tables and graphs
Source: Civil Service Bureau — CRE and BLNST (Degree / Professional Grades) — https://www.csb.gov.hk/english/recruit/cre/949.html
What candidates ask about Common Recruitment Examination.
What is the CRE?
The Common Recruitment Examination. The standing written threshold for every degree-grade civil service post in Hong Kong. Three papers: Use of Chinese, Use of English, and an Aptitude Test. Forty-five minutes each, multiple choice.
Are CRE results permanent?
Yes. Results are held by the Civil Service Bureau and accepted across every bureau and department. Sit it early; the scores travel with you.
What is a Level 2 in the CRE?
The threshold grade in Use of Chinese and Use of English. A Level 2 in both opens the door to degree-grade posts. Below Level 2 is Level 1 or Fail.
Can I exempt the CRE Aptitude Test?
No. Every degree-grade candidate sits the Aptitude Test. It is pass or fail. The language papers can be exempted by equivalent qualifications; the Aptitude Test cannot.
How often is the CRE held?
Twice a year in Hong Kong, with overseas sittings. The 2026 Hong Kong applications open 25 July to 7 August 2026.
What exemptions exist for the CRE?
HKDSE Chinese Level 5+ or HKALE Grade C+ exempts Use of Chinese at Level 2. HKDSE English Level 5+, GCE A-Level English Grade C+, or IELTS Academic 6.5 exempts Use of English at Level 2. The Aptitude Test has no exemption.
Do I need to be applying for a job to sit the CRE?
No. The CRE is open to the public. You can sit it before you apply for any post and bank the results.
What does the CRE Aptitude Test cover?
Deductive reasoning, verbal reasoning in English, numerical reasoning, data sufficiency, and interpretation of tables and graphs. Forty-five minutes, pass or fail.
How the paper is built.
Use of Chinese (UC)
- When
- 45 minutes
- Form
- Multiple choice
- Grading
- Level 2 / 1 / Fail
- Note
- Reading comprehension, sentence completion, error identification, pragmatics.
Use of English (UE)
- When
- 45 minutes
- Form
- Multiple choice
- Grading
- Level 2 / 1 / Fail
- Note
- Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, error identification.
Aptitude Test (AT)
- When
- 45 minutes
- Form
- Multiple choice
- Grading
- Pass / Fail
- Note
- Deductive, verbal & numerical reasoning, data sufficiency, tables & graphs.
Source: Civil Service Bureau — CRE & BLNST (Degree / Professional Grades)
What candidates overlook.
- HKDSE Chinese Level 5+, HKALE Chinese Language & Culture Grade C+, or equivalent → recognised at CRE Use of Chinese Level 2.
- HKDSE English Level 5+, HKALE Use of English / GCE A-Level English Grade C+, or IELTS Academic 6.5 (no band below 6.0, within two years) → recognised at Use of English Level 2.
- The Aptitude Test cannot be exempted. Every degree-grade candidate sits it.
- Results are permanent. Sit the CRE early; the scores travel with you across every application.
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