Liberia’s civil service recruitment process has entered a new era of reform and accountability with the Civil Service Agency (CSA) announcing a full enforcement of merit-based hiring practices through a mandatory computerized examination system.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Thursday, CSA Director-General Dr. Josiah F. Joekai, Jr. outlined sweeping measures aimed at professionalizing public service, including the operationalization of the National Civil Service Testing Center (NCSTC) and the introduction of a mandatory civil service exam for entry into government employment.
“These reforms are not cosmetic. They are systemic. They are intentional and grounded in law,” Dr. Joekai declared. “And most importantly, they are focused on improving how the government delivers.”
Effective Monday, July 28, 2025, the CSA will only process Personnel Action Notices (PANs) from ministries, agencies, and commissions (MACs) that are accompanied by a valid certificate of successful completion of the civil service exam.
“Let me repeat that,” Joekai emphasized, “No PAN will be processed after July 28 without proof that the candidate has passed the civil service examination, in keeping with Chapter 3, Section 3.2.1 of the Standing Orders for the Civil Service.”
According to this regulation, all appointments to the classified civil service must be channeled through the CSA and must be preceded by competitive assessments. A Circular Memorandum has already been issued to Human Resource Directors across government entities, warning that noncompliance will be considered an administrative violation.
The NCSTC was officially launched on October 31, 2024, by Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, who hailed it as “a milestone toward professionalizing the Civil Service and restoring public confidence in government hiring practices.” The new Center represents a dramatic departure from the traditional paper-based recruitment system, replacing it with a computerized and merit-based platform that evaluates applicants’ skills, knowledge, and aptitude.
“The Center introduces an automated testing environment that assesses job applicants based on merit,” Joekai said. “It sets a new national standard for public sector recruitment.”
The testing initiative also supports President Joseph N. Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes accountability, reform, and good governance.
From May 5 to June 20, 2025, the CSA conducted mock examinations to test the system’s readiness. A total of 158 candidates participated—129 males and 29 females. Although the results of these trials did not count, Joekai noted that “the system proved to be very efficient and ready.” Since the official testing began on June 23, a total of 82 candidates have sat for the exam as of July 24—60 males and 22 females.
Dr. Joekai disclosed that the CSA has identified 83 testable positions across government institutions. Candidates for these roles must sit and pass the national exam before being considered for employment.
However, the CSA has outlined clear exemptions under Section 3.2.5, which grants the Director-General discretion to exclude certain categories. The first includes professionals certified by recognized national or international bodies such as medical doctors, nurses, midwives, chartered accountants, auditors, engineers, and certified project management professionals. The second exemption applies to general support staff in non-testable roles such as drivers, dispatchers, gardeners, cooks, janitors, and pages.
“These exemptions are designed to preserve technical integrity while focusing assessment efforts on core roles critical to government performance,” Joekai clarified.
The Director-General expressed profound gratitude to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for providing a Starlink Enterprise internet package, which is ensuring uninterrupted connectivity at the Testing Center.
“This intervention by His Excellency will improve operational efficiency and provide candidates with the best possible testing experience,” Joekai said.
While reaffirming CSA’s commitment to strengthening Liberia’s public workforce, Dr. Joekai cautioned that the government cannot remain the country’s primary employer.
“It is neither sustainable nor economically prudent,” he said. “A thriving economy depends on a vibrant private sector that can absorb a significant portion of the labor force.”
He called on private sector actors, investors, and development partners to champion job creation, especially for the country’s growing youth population. The CSA, he added, is ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Labor, Chamber of Commerce, Liberia Business Association, and other relevant bodies to align workforce readiness with employment opportunities.
Dr. Joekai concluded by reiterating CSA’s commitment to eliminating inefficiencies and ghost names from the government payroll through initiatives such as the Employee Status Regularization Project.
“We will continue to advance a stronger, more transparent, and efficient public service that works for all,” he said, thanking the Ministry of Information for providing the platform to update the public on CSA’s reforms.
