Brazil to Expand Unified Civil Service Exam to States

What Is the CNU Model and Why Does It Matter?

The Concurso Público Nacional Unificado (CNU), nicknamed the "Enem dos Concursos," was held for the first time in 2024. Instead of each government body running its own separate exam, the CNU pools vacancies from dozens of federal agencies into a single test administered simultaneously across hundreds of Brazilian cities.

What Did the Government Just Sign?

During the 136th National Forum of State Administration Secretaries, held in Teresina (Piauí), the Ministry of Management and Public Service Innovation (MGI), the National Council of State Administration Secretaries (Consad), and the organization República.org signed a cooperation letter committing to adapt and spread the CNU's innovations to state and municipal governments.

Does This Mean States Must Adopt a Unified Exam?

No. Participation is entirely voluntary. Governors and mayors are not obligated to follow the model. The agreement creates a cooperation agenda to share expertise, produce studies, and support governments interested in formats inspired by the CNU.

Why Is This Relevant for States and Municipalities?

State and municipal governments frequently struggle to plan, finance, and execute public hiring exams — especially for administrative roles. Consad president Samuel Pontes described the challenge: organizing an exam requires engaging a testing board, managing logistics, attracting qualified candidates, and offering competitive career plans. The federal government's accumulated experience could ease that burden.

Which Governments Have Already Shown Interest?

Minister Esther Dweck mentioned Piauí, the cities of Juiz de Fora, and the states of Bahia and Rio de Janeiro as early interested parties. She stressed, however, that no formal adoptions have been signed yet.