The Government will dismiss public employees who did not pass the suitability exam

Through Resolution 48/2025 published in the Official Gazette, the national Government formalized that public employees who have not passed the General Knowledge and Skills Evaluation will be dismissed from their positions starting from the second half of 2025.

The measure, driven by the Ministry of Deregulation and State Transformation led by Federico Sturzenegger, aims to "optimize the functioning and transformation of the State".

What the new regulation says

"It is established that, as of July 1, 2025, the subjects included in subsections a) and c) of article 8 of Law No. 24,156 may only hire and/or renew (...)  personnel who have passed the General Knowledge and Skills Evaluation," states article 1 of the resolution signed by Sturzenegger.

This implies that public employees who have not passed the test will not be able to continue in functions under contracts framed in article 93 of the Labor Contract Law (No. 20,744). Additionally, any contractual relationship after June 30 will be automatically annulled if the worker doesn't prove having passed the evaluation.

Who must take the evaluation

The measure affects workers who are already under contract and those seeking to enter public administration. Additionally, the Executive urged state representatives in companies, corporations, and entities with majority state participation to apply similar criteria for their hiring processes.

The test is divided into three profiles: general services, administrative, and professional.  Each candidate has three opportunities to pass it. The evaluations are conducted at the National Institute of Public Administration (INAP), lasting one hour and in a digital format with multiple-choice questions.

A step toward the professionalization of the State

The Government highlights that the initiative seeks to align hiring with  "standards of competence and efficiency," eliminating discretionary appointments without technical support. "The State must have properly qualified personnel to perform the assigned tasks," they noted from the department headed by Sturzenegger.

In December 2024, around 40,000 employees were evaluated as part of the first stage of implementation. The new suitability control scheme is part of the Government's comprehensive plan to restructure public employment under criteria of productivity and transparency.

Control and continuity of the measure

The regulation establishes that, to continue in their positions, employees must pass the evaluation prior to the renewal or signing of contracts. Additionally, the implementation of cross-checks is planned to verify that future appointments respect the required criteria.

Thus, the State advances in a more rigorous selection process, which seeks to reduce the margin of discretion in entering public administration. "It's not just about reducing staff, but ensuring that each official has the competencies that the position requires," they insist from the Ministry.