The Education and Training Evaluation Commission in Saudi Arabia announced the start of registration for the paper-based cognitive ability test for 2026, beginning Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The commission clarified that registration will remain open until Saturday, April 25, 2026, in preparation for administering the tests on the dates previously scheduled within its annual operational plan.
General context and importance of the test
This announcement comes as part of the pivotal role played by the Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) as the national body responsible for developing and implementing standardized assessment and evaluation tools in the Kingdom. The Cognitive Abilities Test is one of the most prominent of these tools, designed to measure a range of fundamental cognitive abilities and capabilities in individuals, such as verbal ability, quantitative ability, reasoning ability, and spatial ability. These abilities are considered important indicators for predicting an employee's success in performing their job duties, regardless of the nature of the position they are applying for.
Local impact and its role in Vision 2030
The cognitive ability test is gaining strategic importance at the local level, as it is a prerequisite for applying to many jobs in the public and private sectors, especially administrative positions that do not require a specific specialization. The test aims to achieve the principles of fairness, equality, and equal opportunities for all applicants by providing a unified and objective standard for ranking them. This approach aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which seeks to enhance the efficiency of human capital and develop the government work system to be more effective and productive.
Details of appointments and registration procedures
The authority has designated Monday and Tuesday, April 27 and 28, 2026, as the official dates for the paper-based tests, to be held at approved centers throughout the Kingdom. The authority urges all those wishing to take the test to register within the specified period via the “Qiyas” e-services platform using the following direct link: e-services.etec.gov.sa .
The authority stressed the importance of applicants reviewing all test requirements and instructions before completing the registration process and ensuring the accuracy of the entered data to avoid any problems that might prevent them from taking the test. It also emphasized that adhering to the announced dates is essential to guaranteeing a seat for applicants, given the high demand for the test in each session.
