Registration dates for the 2026 paper-based cognitive ability test and the Qiyas link

The Education and Training Evaluation Commission in Saudi Arabia has announced the opening of registration for the paper-based cognitive ability test, starting tomorrow, Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Registration will continue until Saturday, April 25, 2026, through the commission's online portal, in preparation for the scheduled tests at the end of April.

Test dates and schedule

The Authority has set April 27 and 28, 2026, as the deadline for conducting paper-based tests at all approved testing centers across the Kingdom. This announcement reflects the Authority's ongoing commitment to administering standardized tests and enhancing the accuracy and reliability of assessment processes for beneficiaries, ensuring the process adheres to the highest quality standards.

What is a cognitive ability test and why is it important?

The cognitive ability test is one of the most important standardized tools used by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in the job selection process for administrative positions in the government sector (civil service system), excluding health and education positions. The test aims to measure a range of cognitive abilities and capacities that an individual possesses to understand relationships between things and events, as well as to make judgments and evaluate life situations.

The test focuses on four key components:

• Verbal ability: The ability to understand the meanings of words, use them effectively, and understand the relationships between them.
• Quantitative ability: The ability to process quantitative information and solve mathematical problems.
• Reasoning ability: The ability to think logically to draw conclusions from specific data.
• Spatial ability: The ability to visually adapt to geometric shapes and two- and three-dimensional images.

The impact of testing on employment and development

This test is of paramount importance both locally and nationally, as it directly contributes to achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 related to enhancing the efficiency of human capital in the public sector. By screening candidates based on their intellectual and cognitive abilities, government agencies ensure the recruitment of highly qualified individuals capable of learning quickly, adapting to changing work environments, and solving complex problems, which positively impacts the quality of services provided to citizens.

Registration method and instructions from the authority

The authority called on all those wishing to take the test to quickly complete the registration procedures through the electronic services portal within the available time period, stressing the need to carefully review the instructions and conditions to ensure acceptance of the application and avoid any technical obstacles that may prevent entry to the test.

The authority has made registration available directly through the electronic link to the "Qiyas" platform (e-services.etec.gov.sa), as part of its integrated digital system aimed at automating services and facilitating easy access to tests for beneficiaries. The authority emphasized that adhering to the specified registration deadlines is essential to guaranteeing a seat on the test, urging everyone not to wait until the last minute of the registration period.