How to Become a Public Employee in Türkiye: Application Process, Requirements and Tips

For many people, becoming a public employee means a secure and stable future in their career. Working in government positions through public sector job listings offers important economic and social advantages. But before taking this step, you need to know the details: how to become a public employee, which application requirements apply and how the KPSS score is evaluated. In this guide, you will learn step by step everything you need to know about civil servant requirements and the public sector application process.

The Basic Steps to Becoming a Public Employee

What Is a Public Employee?

Public employees are people who work in government institutions and organizations and carry out public services. They include civil servants, contract staff and public sector workers. Working conditions, salary systems and the application process can differ for each status.

How Do You Become a Public Employee?

For civil servant and contract staff positions, the answer to how to become a public employee is generally shaped by the KPSS. Candidates take the Public Personnel Selection Exam (KPSS) organized by ÖSYM and can be placed in public positions by making preferences with their KPSS score. Some positions may also require an additional written exam, oral exam or interview. Public sector worker recruitment, on the other hand, is mostly announced through İŞKUR (the Turkish Employment Agency), and some of these recruitments do not require a KPSS score.

How Does the Public Sector Application Process Work?

Preparing for and Applying to the KPSS

The first step for a candidate who wants to become a civil servant is usually to apply for the KPSS. High school, associate degree and bachelor’s graduates take different exams according to their education level. These exams are held every two years, in even-numbered years. In 2026, the KPSS Bachelor’s exam was held on 6 September, the Associate Degree exam on 4 October and the Secondary Education exam on 25 October. Secondary Education results are scheduled to be announced on 19 November 2026.

After the results are announced, candidates apply for suitable positions through the preference guides published by ÖSYM or through institutions’ own public sector job listings.

Documents to Pay Attention to When Applying

The public sector application process usually requires an ID document, a diploma or graduation certificate, a KPSS result document and, for some positions, a health report. Submitting complete and accurate documents is very important for your application to be considered valid.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Civil Servant?

General Requirements

Civil servant requirements are set out in Article 48 of Civil Servants Law No. 657. The basic requirements are:

• Being a citizen of the Republic of Türkiye

• Being at least 18 years old

• Not being deprived of public rights

• Not having a conviction for the crimes listed in the law

• For male candidates, having no obstacle in terms of military service status

• Having no health condition that prevents performing the duty

• Meeting the education requirement of the position

Education and Age Limits

Some public sector recruitment listings may have additional age and education requirements. High school graduates can usually apply for support and office service positions, while bachelor’s graduates can also be placed in positions that require expertise. Always read the specific requirements of each listing carefully.

KPSS Requirements and the Importance of the Exam

Why Is the KPSS Score Important?

The KPSS score is the most decisive factor in a candidate’s placement in the public sector. Institutions set the score type and minimum score for the positions they recruit for, and placements are made according to score rankings. That is why planned preparation before the exam is a big advantage for anyone who wants to become a public employee. After the exam, you can use our KPSS score calculator to estimate your score from your correct and wrong answers.

Group A and Group B Positions

Public recruitment includes Group A and Group B positions. Group A positions are career professions such as assistant expert, assistant auditor or district governor candidate; in addition to the KPSS, these positions usually involve the institutions’ own written and oral exams. For Group B positions, placements are largely based on the KPSS score.

What to Keep in Mind During Public Sector Recruitment

Following Listings and Application Deadlines

For up-to-date public sector job listings, regularly follow the Official Gazette, ÖSYM, İŞKUR and Kariyer Kapısı (kariyerkapisi.gov.tr), the government’s career portal. Since application periods are usually short, make it a habit to check these sources every week so you do not miss any listings.

Preparing for the Interview Stage

Some positions include an oral exam or interview after the application. At this stage, professional knowledge, knowledge about the institution and communication skills are evaluated. A confident attitude and preparation about the institution increase your chances of success in the interview.

Tips for Those Who Want to Become Public Employees

• Beyond the KPSS requirements, try to gain additional skills such as computer literacy, a foreign language or office software.

• Increase your chances by looking at opportunities not only in big cities but also in provincial organizations among public sector job listings.

• Consider gaining private sector experience while waiting for results; this experience both strengthens your CV and gives you an advantage in interviews.

• Remember that becoming a public employee takes patience; the process can be long, but the goal is clear.

Conclusion: Move Forward Step by Step on Your Journey to Becoming a Public Employee

The answer to how to become a public employee lies in patience, planning and the right strategy. Once you meet the civil servant requirements and reach your KPSS score goal, working in a government position becomes possible. During this process, considering private sector opportunities as well keeps your career moving.

Create your profile on İşin Olacak, prepare your CV and take your first step today by exploring job listings that suit you!