A total of 466 teachers have qualified to work in public educational institutions in Phnom Penh, from preschool to high school, following an examination, according to the Ministry of Civil Service.

The examination was organised for teachers seeking to transfer from other parts of the country to fill staffing gaps in Phnom Penh’s public schools. Of the successful candidates, 20 are preschool teachers, 217 are primary school teachers, 23 are lower secondary school teachers and 206 are upper secondary school teachers.

A total of 1,151 teachers from across the country took the examination to fill 831 vacancies. The multiple-choice test covered psychology and pedagogy, professional teaching standards, lesson planning and model school standards. Candidates were given one hour and 30 minutes to complete the examination.

Teachers who do not secure positions in Phnom Penh have not failed the examination and will not lose their civil servant status. They will return to their original schools and continue to receive their salaries as usual.

The examination organising committee at the Ministry of Civil Service completed the process in three days: the examination was held on October 14, grading took place on October 15, and scores were tallied and results announced on October 16.

Each stage of the process was monitored by the Anti-Corruption Unit and a sub-committee for review and evaluation, alongside observers representing various universities and members of the public. Hun Many, Minister of Civil Service, and representatives from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport also oversaw the process, from the preparation and packaging of examination papers to grading and the announcement of results.

The examination was the first of its kind since the Government suspended nationwide teacher transfers. It followed a census of teachers in Phnom Penh that identified shortages of educators at the preschool, primary, lower secondary and upper secondary levels.

• Tags: civil service exams, public schools