Luxembourg Introduces More Flexible Civil Service Recruitment System

On Wednesday 8 July 2026, Luxembourg's Chamber of Deputies adopted two bills reforming the Civil Service recruitment process, introducing a single application pathway for most candidates from 15 September 2026 and modernising the assessment of knowledge of the country's three administrative languages.

According to the ministry, the legislation aims to simplify recruitment procedures, offer greater flexibility to candidates and better meet the staffing needs of ministries and public administrations.

Under the new system, and with limited exceptions, all candidates will follow the same recruitment process by first applying for a specific vacancy before taking the General Aptitude Test (Épreuve d'Aptitude Générale – EAG). Unlike the current system, the test will no longer be taken independently of a job application and will instead form part of the recruitment process itself.

The EAG will be available by appointment on every working day of the year, replacing the previous system of two annual examination sessions. According to the ministry, the change is intended to provide candidates with a smoother recruitment experience and faster communication of results.

Until now, prospective State civil servants were required to pass the EAG before applying for a position, while applicants for State employee posts could apply directly. Under the new approach, all applicants will follow the same recruitment pathway, with eligibility for recruitment as either a civil servant or State employee assessed at the end of the process.

The ministry noted that the reform builds on changes introduced in 2018, when the EAG was first introduced to place greater emphasis on assessing candidates' competencies. It added that the new system will also provide ministries and administrations with a "harmonised method of pre-selection process".

The reform also modernises the assessment of candidates' knowledge of Luxembourg's three administrative languages. Candidates applying for State and municipal civil service positions can now register online and choose to take the final language test either in person at the recruitment centre of the State Centre for Personnel Management and Organisation (CGPO) or remotely.

Serge Wilmes, Luxembourg's Minister for the Civil Service, said: "With these new measures, the Civil Service is strengthening its ability to identify and recruit the talent it needs. By simplifying procedures and offering greater flexibility to candidates, this reform helps build a Civil Service that is more efficient and better prepared for tomorrow's challenges."

The ministry confirmed that the recruitment process will continue to include two stages for civil servant positions: the EAG, organised by the CGPO, followed by a special examination organised by the recruiting administration.

The EAG will remain valid for one year. Candidates may take the test twice; those who fail both attempts will have to wait one year before sitting it again. Those who passed the EAG before the reform enters into force will retain the validity of their result under the rules that applied at the time they passed it.