The Federal Government has issued a directive that junior civil servants who fail their compulsory promotion examination three consecutive times may be sacked.
This was made known through a circular from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, under the leadership of Didi Esther Walson-Jack.
According to the directive, the confirmation and promotion examination is not only for career advancement but also a key condition for staying in service. Any officer who fails the exam after three attempts will be required to leave the service.
The government also set a deadline for taking the examination. Civil servants who do not sit for the confirmation test within three years of their first appointment will also be asked to leave.
The circular stated that the policy is in line with existing Public Service Rules and must be followed by all ministries, departments and agencies. Heads of government offices have been directed to enforce full compliance.
The 2026 Confirmation and Promotion Examination, known as COMPRO, will be conducted as a computer-based test. It is meant for newly recruited officers on Salary Grade Levels 01 to 06.
Officials explained that the examination remains a compulsory requirement for junior officers to move forward in their careers and to confirm their appointments.
Registration for the exam has started through the official portal, with eligible officers expected to complete the process online and submit required documents through their respective agencies.
To take part, candidates must have spent at least six months in service and must be nominated by their ministries, departments or agencies. They are also required to provide valid contact details and complete all registration steps.
Any candidate who fails to meet accreditation requirements or misses the scheduled date will not be allowed to take the examination.
The exam will cover areas such as English Language, Public Service Rules, Financial Regulations, General Paper and Computer Literacy.
The COMPRO examination has been part of the federal civil service system for years, serving as a test of competence for confirmation and promotion, although its enforcement has not always been consistent.
