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Last Updated: 11 October 2021

Diploma in Education (DipEd)

3. Selection process

The selection process is made up of 3 components, which may not take place in sequence. The components are:

  • Selection interview
  • Entrance proficiency tests (EPTs)
  • Medical examination
Note: All applicants being considered for teaching of Physical Education will have to take the Physical Proficiency Test (PPT). Learn how you can prepare for the test with the Physical Proficiency Test training guide.

Selection interview

If you are shortlisted, you will receive an interview invitation with the following information:

  • Teaching subjects that you have been shortlisted for
  • Interview details
  • Required documents to bring to the interview

The interview includes a written task, a short presentation and a discussion with the interview panel. If you are shortlisted for teaching a Mother Tongue Language (MTL), you will be required to complete the written task and short presentation in your respective MTL.

Depending on our organisational needs, we might assign you a different subject from what you had applied for. If so, please consider your interest and aptitude in the assigned subjects before accepting the interview invitation.

Entrance proficiency tests (EPT)

You may be required to sit for certain EPTs at the Ministry’s discretion. This does not indicate that you are successful in your application.

You will not need to register for the tests independently. Should you be required to take any, we will make the arrangements and email the following details to you 1 week before the test date:

  • Test date and time
  • Venue
  • Payment details
Note: The test fee is non-refundable; no refund of payment will be given for those who are absent or withdraw from the test. We are also unable to reschedule test dates, except under extraordinary circumstances.
English Language EPT

Who is it for

All applicants, unless exempted.

What is on the test

Speaking component (20 minutes)

You will need to read a passage aloud and deliver a monologue, followed by a few minutes of dialogue with the examiner.

Writing component (100 minutes)

You will need to complete a piece of situational writing (200-300 words) followed by a short expository essay (450 words).

Test format and sample paper for the EL EPT.

Cost

$110 (inclusive of GST)

Test results

You will receive your Statement of Results about 4 weeks after the test date. Test results cannot be reviewed.

Mother Tongue Language EPT

Who is it for

All applicants being considered for teaching of an MTL, unless exempted.

What is on the test

There will be a speaking component and a writing component where you will be tested on your knowledge of:

  • Grammar
  • Vocabulary usage
  • Stylistic features of the language

Cost

$145 (inclusive of GST)

Test results

You will receive your Statement of Results about 4 weeks after the test date. Test results cannot be reviewed.

Physical Proficiency Test

Who is it for

All applicants being considered for teaching of Physical Education.

What is on the test

You will be tested in the following 5 components, and you are required to pass all of them:

  • Agility run
  • Badminton
  • Possession game
  • Gymnastics
  • Swimming
Note: To better prepare yourself for the Physical Proficiency Test (PPT), you may refer to the PPT training guide and video clips for more details on each component.

Cost

$10.70 (inclusive of GST)

Test results

You will receive your Statement of Results about 2 weeks after the test date. Test results cannot be reviewed.

Music Audition

Who is it for

All applicants being considered for teaching of Music.

What is on the test

Music

You will be made to go through an audition which comprises of the following:

  1. Playing prepared pieces of any genre/style, with the combined duration of your pieces falling between 5-10 minutes
  2. Sight-singing of a tune
  3. Harmonising the same tune
  4. Improvising the melody line using the harmonies
  5. A brief interview

Medical examination

You will be required to undergo a medical examination, paid for by the Ministry. Instructions and details will be sent to you in time. Please go for the medical examination as soon as possible to facilitate the processing of your application.

Note: Undergoing the medical examination does not indicate that you have been selected for appointment.

Selection outcome

For those who have gone through the selection interview, you can expect to hear from us within 4 – 5 weeks. If you have not received an update from us on your application status, we seek your understanding. We are still processing your application and will get back to you at the earliest opportunity.

If you are selected for the next step

Should you clear the necessary selection components and are selected, you will receive:

  • An Offer of Appointment to your compulsory contract teaching stint
  • An invitation to attend the appointment briefing

If your application is unsuccessful, we will inform you via email. Alternatively, you can check your application status anytime via Careers@Gov.

Note: Once appointed, you will not be able to change the assigned subject(s) as subject assignment is based on factors such as eligibility and organisational requirements.
Application
Compulsory Contract Teaching Stint