Service Commissions

Find opportunities in the public service through competitive exams and selection.

About the Service Commissions

The Service Commissions of Trinidad and Tobago are autonomous, constitutionally established bodies dedicated to safeguarding the neutrality and merit-based operation of public services. Their mandate includes the Civil, Fire, Prison, Police, Teaching, and Judicial and Legal Services.

Key Ideology

The Service Commissions were entrenched in the 1962 and 1976 Constitutions to ensure independence from political influence. By emphasizing transparency and fairness, they protect public services from nepotism, discrimination, or injustice.

Jurisdiction

Public Service Commission

Civil, Fire, and Prison Services

Police Service Commission

Senior police officers, including Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police, and disciplinary appeals.

Judicial and Legal Service Commission

Legal professionals in public service.

Teaching Service Commission

Recruitment and discipline of educators.

Career Guides and Opportunities

For ‘O’ & ‘A’ Level Holders

Applicants must meet the minimum experience and training and possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined in job specifications. Applications are only accepted in response to advertisements.

Entry-Level Offices Requiring 5 CXC ‘O’ Levels and/or ‘A’ Levels (Math & English Required)

Clerk 1 (Ages 17–23)

Field Interviewer 1

Town Planning Assistant 1

Quantity Surveyor 1

Valuation Assistant 1

Computer Operator

Development Control Inspector

Programmer 1

Engineering Assistant 1 (Technician Diploma)

Petroleum Engineering Assistant 1 (Chemistry/Physics)

Scientific Assistant (Biology/Chemistry/Physics)

Draughting Assistant

Draughtsman 1 (Draughtsman Diploma)

Youth Officer 1

Broadcasting Officer 1

Co-operative Officer 1

Press Officer 1

Additional Entry-Level Offices Requiring 5 CXC ‘O’ Levels and/or Other Qualifications

Community Development Aide

EDP Data Conversion Equipment Operator

Tourist Receptionist (Tobago)

Game Warden

Fisheries Assistant 1 (Biology)

Laboratory Assistant (Science)

Verbatim Reporter 1 (Shorthand 160 WPM)

Clerk Typist (Typing 45 WPM)

Clerk Stenographer 1 & 2 (Shorthand 80 & 100 WPM)

Forest Ranger 1

Statistical Aide

Occupational Therapy Aide (Art)

Career Opportunities Based on Fields of Study

Management: Consumer Advocate, Project Analyst 1, Training Officer 1.

Government: Foreign Service Officer 1, Investigator, Parliamentary Clerk 1.

Medicine/Health: Psychologist, Physiotherapist, Dentist 1.

Natural Sciences: Biochemist, Zoologist, Petroleum Chemist.

Engineering: Civil Engineer, Traffic Engineer, Mechanical Engineer I/II.

Legal: State Solicitor 1, Legal Research Officer, Registrar Industrial Court.

Overview of the Examination Process

The Civil Service Regulations (1965) and Public Service Commission Regulations (1965) mandate examinations for recruitment, appointments, and promotions.

The Examinations and Assessment Unit serves as the Secretariat to the Public Service Examination Board, overseeing all administrative examination-related functions.

Functions Include

Preparing notifications and results letters for candidates.
Organizing venues and logistics for examinations.
Ensuring the safety and security of examination materials.
Sourcing supervisors and invigilators.
Reconciliation of answer booklets and registers post-examination.

Key Details

Location: Fourth Floor, Cipriani Plaza, 52–58 Woodford Street, Port of Spain.

Examination Results: Released within 8–12 weeks of the examination date.

Functions of the Service Commissions

The Service Commissions are responsible for ensuring integrity, fairness, and transparency in the following areas:

Appointments

Based on skill, training, and integrity.

Free from discrimination or political influence.

Promotions

Guided by training, merit, seniority, and promotion exams.

Transfers

Managed according to regulations, with inter-service transfers requiring consultation between Commissions.

Disciplinary Control

Independent oversight of misconduct allegations based on Codes of Conduct and service regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who oversees public service examinations?

The Public Service Examination Board, with administrative support from the Examinations and Assessment Unit, regulates examinations.

How soon are examination results released?

Results are generally released 8–12 weeks after the examination.

What qualifications are needed for entry-level roles?

Most roles require at least 5 CXC ‘O’ Levels (including Math and English). Additional qualifications may apply depending on the position.

Can I apply directly for a public service position

No, applications are only accepted in response to job advertisements.

Where can I find more information on examinations?

Visit the Examinations and Assessment Unit at Cipriani Plaza, 52–58 Woodford Street, Port of Spain.

Explore Opportunities with the Service Commissions

The Service Commissions of Trinidad and Tobago uphold merit, integrity, and fairness in public service recruitment and development.