The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) will launch the Digitalised Basic Law & National Security Law Test (Degree/Professional Grades) from tomorrow.

Those who wish to take the test can apply to do so through an online application system from 9am tomorrow. The examination will be held from this Friday to July 16.

The format, duration and content of the digitalised examination are identical to those of the paper-based version. The digitalised examination will be conducted by computer at the CSB’s General Grades Office Recruitment Centre.

There will be six examination timeslots per working day, providing sittings for around 60,000 individuals each year.

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung said the digitalisation is another example of applying technology to enhance efficiency, following the digitalisation of applications for designated civil service posts.

She explained that the digitalised examination enables candidates to submit online applications at any time and to sit for the examination at timeslots of their own selection.

“Candidates will no longer be confined to the fixed thrice-per-year examination schedule and the paper-based examination.

“They can also obtain the result through email on the day of examination, which is more convenient and efficient as compared with the previous arrangement of issuing the examination result by post.”

She added that the arrangement not only saves time on paperwork but is also more environmentally friendly.

“This is a win-win situation for both the candidates and the recruiting departments.

“In the long run, we will review the operational arrangement with a view to actively exploring the feasibility of digitalising other recruitment examinations and achieving more savings in expenditure and manpower.”

For the examination to be held on or after July 17, slots will be open for application on a daily basis in accordance with an eight-week advance booking schedule.