The MOEX presented an update of its white paper on gender equity in national exams at the 38th meeting of Examination Yuan’s 13th term held June 3. As Examination Yuan President Huang Jong-tsun and Ministers without Portfolio commented, the MOEX is responsible for selecting civil service employees through national exams held on the principles of equality, fairness, and openness. Each year, the national exam system is scrutinized from a human rights perspective and the balance among the needs of the hiring agencies, gender equity, and practical work requirements is ensured in the recruitment process. The current version of the white paper draft requires further revisions to the exact definitions and scope of national exams. A complete version will be announced after expert reviews and further revisions have been made.

Currently, no gender restrictions exist in elementary, junior, and senior civil service and professional and technical examinations, except for special civil service exams whose recruitment quotas and physical fitness requirements for male and female candidates differ at the request of hiring agencies due to practical needs. Only civil service special exams for prison wardens, bailiffs, and correctional facility custodial personnel have different recruitment quotas for male and female candidates. Out of 21 civil service special exams only 8 have a physical fitness test, and only the general police officer exam has different gender-based physical fitness test components and passing standards.

The MOEX will accommodate hiring agencies’ adjustments to work environment and management to ensure gender equity is maintained in national examinations and all civil service posts are filled by individuals with suitable knowledge and skills.