National Library Reopens Librarian Competency Tests Through December 2026
Jakarta (ANTARA) – The National Library of Indonesia (Perpusnas) has reopened competency tests for functional librarian positions, to be held from October to December 2026. The tests had been postponed since May to align their content, methods and oversight arrangements.
Agus Sutoyo, head of Perpusnas’s Centre for Librarian Development, said the adjustments were made to improve the effectiveness, objectivity and accountability of the examination, which is one of the foundations for librarians’ career development.
“The reopening follows the process of aligning the competency test content and methods, which was carried out to improve the effectiveness, objectivity and accountability of the examinations,” Agus said in a statement in Jakarta on Saturday.
The tests are scheduled for 27–29 October, 17–19 November and 15–17 December 2026. Participants will sit the examination on only one day during each period, according to the schedule assigned to them.
Although the examination will use a digital application and computer-assisted testing (CAT), participants must attend the venue in person and take the test under direct supervision. This is intended to ensure that results reflect participants’ abilities without assistance from others.
Participants must register independently through ujikom.perpusnas.go.id. They must upload the required documents for verification by the Perpusnas secretariat before receiving an examination schedule.
The examination covers technical, managerial and socio-cultural competencies. Candidates from assistant librarian through intermediate expert librarian level will answer 150 questions, while senior expert librarians will answer 200.
The pass mark is 65 for assistant librarians through intermediate expert librarians, and 70 for senior expert librarians. Those who fail may take a remedial test up to twice during the current year.
Perpusnas is also preparing to expand its assessment methods to include portfolios and interviews, which would provide a more comprehensive evaluation of candidates’ experience and professional capabilities. However, neither method will be used in the October–December 2026 period, when results will be determined entirely by the written test.
“The updated testing mechanisms are expected to support librarians’ career development through a more objective assessment system that is aligned with the requirements of the position,” Agus said.