Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There is a wide range of job opportunities available in the Public Service under the remit of the Public Service Commission. These positions are advertised on the Service Commissions Department’s website. The recruitment process follows standard procedures to ensure the selection of qualified candidates.

Qualifications vary depending on the specific position. Each vacancy listing on the website specifies the required academic and professional qualifications for the role.

Persons who are not public officers and who are 50 years of age and above are not eligible to be recruited in the Public Service in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 16 of the Civil Service Regulations.

In accordance with Section 5(1) of the Civil Service Regulations, entry into the Clerical Class shall normally be in the grade of Clerk I, and candidates for appointment to such grade shall not be less than seventeen and not more than twenty-three years of age on the date of appointment, subject to the provisions of subregulation (1A).

Persons who are not under the remit of the Public Service Commission should apply for a Certificate of Good Character, which is to be uploaded to their online application form. A Certificate of Character is valid for six (6) months from the date it is stamped.

(i) A Notice of Vacancy is issued for the submission of applications from public officers who fall under the remit of the Public Service Commission in accordance with Regulation 13 (4) of the Public Service Commission Regulations; and

(ii) An Advertisement is issued for the submission of applications from the general public as well as public officers in accordance with Regulation 15 of the Public Service Commission Regulations.

Before submitting an application, persons are advised to review the minimum training and experience requirements as indicated in the job specification, as outlined in the Advertisement or Notice of Vacancy.

All applicants who submit an application in response to an online advertisement will receive a confirmation email within 24–48 hours of submission. This email serves as proof that your application was successfully received by the Service Commissions Department.

An individual can apply for an office only when an Advertisement is issued or a Notice of Vacancy is issued to public officers. Applications must be submitted using the official online application form available via the Service Commissions Department’s website www.scd.org.tt.

To apply, the following steps should be followed:

1. Go to the Employment Opportunities section on the Service Commissions Department’s website.
2. Select Vacancies for General Public or Vacancies for Public Officers, as appropriate.
3. Choose Public Service (Civil, Fire, Prison).
4. Click on the position you are interested in.
5. Review the Instructions to Applicants.
6. Scroll to Item 6, and click the word “Here” to access the online application form and proceed to complete and submit an application form.

Only online submissions via this process will be considered.

Applicants are invited to utilize any of the methods below to get further information/make enquiries:

1. A request can be forwarded to scd.recuit@gov.tt.; and/or
2. The Recruitment Unit can be contacted at 623-2991-7, EXT 2214 or 2220/1.

It depends on the type of advertisement:

• Advertisements/Notices of Vacancy issued by the Public Service Commission: Permanently appointed officers are no longer required to submit an endorsed/signed section of the application form by the Permanent Secretary or Head of Department.
• Advertisements/Notices issued by Permanent Secretaries/Heads of Department under Regulation 13(5) of the Public Service Commission: Permanently appointed officers are still required to submit promotion application forms signed by their respective Permanent Secretaries/Heads of Department.

Once you submit an application, it goes through several stages of the recruitment process:

1. Screening – Your application is checked to ensure you have completed the form correctly and submitted all required documents as per the checklist.
2. Shortlisting – Only applications that are successfully screened will be assessed against the requirements of the office.
3. Examination/Assessment and/or Interview – Candidates who are successfully shortlisted will be contacted and invited to participate in the relevant assessment(s). Applicants are also encouraged to regularly visit the Service Commissions Department’s website under “Employment” → “Interview and Exam Dates” for updates and feedback.

No. All Advertisements/Notices of Vacancy issued by the Service Commissions Department specify a closing date and time. The online application portal automatically closes at the specified deadline.

An unsolicited application is submitted without reference to an officially advertised vacancy or Notice of Vacancy.

No. Applications are only accepted in response to officially published Advertisements/Notices of Vacancy. The Public Service Commission decided that it would no longer accept unsolicited applications with effect from 17th April, 2007.

The method of assessment (examination and/or interview and/or otherwise) is determined by the Public Service Commission after the shortlisting process is completed. Candidates will be informed of the assessment method through one or more of the following channels:

1. The Service Commissions Department’s website;
2. Email notification; and/or
3. Telephone call.

The Examinations and Assessment Unit of the Service Commissions Department is located on the Fourth Floor, Cipriani Plaza, 52 – 58 Woodford Street, Port of Spain.

Examination dates are published on the Service Commissions Department’s website at www.scd.org.tt and candidates are informed by Notification Letters sent to the address they provide.

No. Only official notices posted on the website are valid. No staff member is authorized to give you this information in advance.

Regularly and notably one (1) day before your scheduled examination to ensure there are no examination updates.

Check to see if your name appears on the official examination list that is posted to the Service Commissions Department’s website. Report any discrepancies to the Examinations and Assessment Unit immediately via email at scdexamsunit@gov.tt.

Notify the Examinations and Assessment Unit of any changes to your name, address, contact number, or email address as soon as possible.

Candidates are assigned to an examination venue based on the address provided in their application. You are responsible for confirming and familiarizing yourself with the location before the examination date.

At least 30 minutes before the scheduled time.

Candidates who arrive late may be admitted up to thirty (30) minutes after the scheduled start time. However, no additional time will be given, and the examination will still end at the scheduled time.

Candidates must submit a formal request addressed to the Director of Personnel Administration, to the attention of the Human Resource Adviser II, Examinations and Assessment Unit, at least three (3) weeks before the examination date.

Candidates who miss the scheduled examination may apply to request to sit a Supplemental Examination, provided they have received an official Notification Letter. To apply, you must:

1. Complete the Supplemental Examination Request Form, available on the Service Commissions Department’s website: www.scd.org.tt, by the specified deadline date.
2. Submit all required supporting documents along with your request. Please note that photos or snapshots of documents are not accepted.

Failure to meet the deadline or provide proper documentation will result in your request being declined.

1. Complete the Supplemental Examination Request Form available on the Service Commissions Department’s website www.scd.org.tt by the specified deadline date.
2. Submit a Medical Certificate by the next working day. The certificate must include:
   1. Doctor’s full name, contact information, and official stamp
   2. Diagnosis and clearly stated sick period; and
   3. Specific dates (no open-ended or vague dates will be accepted)

Failure to submit the form and medical certificate within the required timeframe may result in your request being declined.

Your receipt from the District Revenue Office and a valid form of photo identification (National Identification Card, Driver's Permit, or Passport).

Your own pen (blue or black ink), pencil, ruler, and eraser. Writing paper is provided.

No. Cellular phones, smartwatches, calculators, books, and notes are strictly prohibited.

No. Candidates are not permitted to communicate with each other during the examination. Any attempt to do so may be considered misconduct and will be reported. This could result in disqualification from the examination or disciplinary action.

Candidates are not allowed to write their names on the Examination Script. Candidates are identified by their candidate number only.

You must provide valid supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate, deed poll, or other official evidence) that verify the name change. Failure to provide acceptable proof may result in your being unable to sit the examination.

Results are issued by mail (TTPOST) or via email. A notice will be placed on the website when the results are dispatched.

Yes. Candidates may request a copy of their examination results, but only after four (4) weeks from the official dispatch date. Requests must be submitted via email to scdexamsunit@gov.tt and must include:

1. Full name;
2. Name and year of the examination;
3. Residential address; and
4. A valid form of photo identification (National Identification Card, Driver’s Permit, or Passport) attached to the email.

(i) Civil Examinations: No re-marks or reviews are allowed.

(ii) Fire and Prison Promotional Examinations: You can request a review/re-mark (if you scored at least 35%).

Candidates who wish to request a review or re-mark must follow these steps:

1. Submit a written request within six (6) weeks of the release of results.
2. Pay the fee of $300.00 per component at any District Revenue Office.
3. Forward the request and proof of payment to the Examinations and Assessment Unit through the Chief Fire Officer (Fire Service candidates) or the Commissioner of Prisons (Prison Service candidates).
4. Requests submitted after six (6) weeks or without proof of payment will not be processed.

After an interview, candidates (both successful and unsuccessful) will be informed via electronic mail of the outcome of their interview. The successful candidates will also be informed of their placement on the established Order-of-Merit List.

The timing of your appointment or promotion depends upon the availability of vacant positions, your placement on the Order-of-Merit List, and the Commission’s consideration of the matter.

The Service Commission makes the final appointment decision. The Service Commissions Department facilitates the process by shortlisting, scheduling interviews, and preparing recommendations.

Delays may occur due to verification of qualifications, appeals, judicial reviews, or the volume of applications. The Service Commissions Department manages these processes, but the Commission ensures that appointments comply with constitutional and regulatory requirements.

The processing time for each office varies, and as such, it is not possible to provide definitive timelines.

The Public Service Commission promotes officers in accordance with Regulations 18 and 24 of the Public Service Commission Regulations.

No. By Public Service Commission Circular Memorandum No. 26 of 2014, dated 11th August, 2014, the Commission directed that when an office is advertised, all interested officers must apply, including persons serving in the office in an acting/temporary capacity.

Transfer requests are submitted through your Ministry’s Human Resource Management Unit. The Service Commissions Department coordinates the process, and the Public Service Commission approves the transfer.

To initiate a transfer, follow these steps:

1. Submit a written request through your Human Resource Management Unit for endorsement by the Permanent Secretary/Head of Department.
2. The Service Commissions Department logs the request into a database.
3. Requests are processed based on the date of receipt, with earlier requests being prioritized.
4. A vacancy must be available to accommodate the transfer.
5. Both Heads of the releasing and receiving Ministries/Departments must give their non-objection.

Once the above steps have been completed, the Commission considers the matter and transfers the officer. Regulations 29 to 30 of the Public Service Commission Regulations are also relevant.

A temporary officer is not transferred. However, you can submit a letter requesting a new temporary appointment in another Ministry/Department through your Permanent Secretary/Head of Department (Human Resource Management Unit). Your Permanent Secretary/Head of Department must then forward the original letter of request to the Service Commissions Department along with their necessary comments. Your new temporary appointment is dependent upon the availability of vacancies and the non-objection from both Heads of the releasing and receiving Ministry/Department.

Transfers depend on the availability of vacancies and the non-objection from both Heads of the releasing and receiving Ministries/Departments. Additionally, the high volume of requests for transfers to specific areas, such as Ministries and Departments in the southern areas or locations close to officers’ residences, can further limit available positions.

According to Regulation 48 (3) of the Public Service Commission Regulations, an officer may withdraw their resignation before it becomes effective, provided that the withdrawal is submitted in writing. The Permanent Secretary or Head of Department may accept the withdrawal at any time prior to the resignation’s effective date.

This refers to instances where a person or body that already has official power formally gives part of that power to someone else so they can act or make decisions on their behalf. In this context, Section 129 of the Constitution empowers the Commission, by regulation or otherwise, with the consent of the Prime Minister, to regulate its own procedures. In this regard, by Legal Notice No. 105 of 2006, the Public Service Commission delegated some of its functions to Permanent Secretaries/Heads of Department, the Chief Fire Officer, the Commissioner of Prisons, the Chief Administrator, Tobago House of Assembly, and other senior officials of the Public Service. The Commission retains all functions of its constitutional mandate, which it has not specifically delegated.

Errors must be reported to the Service Commissions Department, which provides oversight and correction protocols. The Commission may review the matter and give its decision and direction.

A representation is a formal written submission by an officer, his/her attorney, or authorized representative, requesting that the Commission review, reconsider, or clarify a decision or action affecting their terms of service. Common areas include:

Representations must be:

• In writing (letter or memorandum) and addressed to, The Director of Personnel Administration.

Representations can be:

• Delivered to the SCD;
• Sent by post; or
• Emailed to the official correspondence address scdcomplaints@gov.tt.

The submission should clearly state:

• Your full name, office and Ministry or Department.
• The decision being challenged.
• The reasons for your objection.
• Any supporting documents or evidence.

Please note that if you are employed in the Public Service, your letter of representation must be submitted through your Human Resource Management Unit and endorsed by your Permanent Secretary or Head of Department.

A complete representation should have:

• Your full name, office, and Ministry/Department.
• Reference number or date of the decision you are challenging.
• Detailed grounds for your representation.
• Copies of any supporting documents (e.g., letters, certificates, Performance Appraisal Reports).
• Your contact information.

Yes. Your attorney, a recognized staff association, or another authorized person may submit on your behalf. If so, you should provide written authorization.

Upon receipt of your letter, a letter of acknowledgement shall be issued by the Complaints Unit, Service Commissions Department.

1. The Service Commissions Department reviews the submission and supporting documents.
2. Depending on the issues raised, the matter shall be placed before the relevant Service Commission (Public, Police, Teaching, Judicial and Legal) for its consideration.
3. A written notification of the Commission’s decision or outcome of your representation will be issued to you.

Timeframes vary depending upon the complexity of the matter and the Commission’s meeting schedule. Some matters may be decided within a few weeks; others, especially those requiring investigation and in-depth research, may take several months.

Yes, but they should be submitted as soon as possible after your initial submission and before the matter is placed before the Commission for its consideration. Indicate clearly that they are supplementary documents for your existing representation and ensure to reference your initial submission.

Yes. Representations and all related documents are handled in confidence and shared only with persons directly involved in the process.

Pre-action Protocol letters should be addressed to the Director of Personnel Administration, Service Commissions Department, #52-58 Woodford Street, Newtown, Port of Spain.

They can be:

• Delivered to the designated Legal Liaison Officer or Registry Section at the Service Commissions Department;
• Sent by post; or
• Emailed to the official Pre-action Protocol/Legal correspondence address; either scdcomplaints@gov.tt or scdcourtservice@gov.tt

To ensure timely and complete responses, Pre-action Protocol letters should include:

• The claimant’s full name and contact details.
• Details of the decision/action being challenged.
• The legal basis of the claim.
• The remedy sought.
• Any supporting evidence and/or relevant dates.

Incomplete Pre-Action Protocol letters may result in requests for clarification before a formal response is issued.

The Pre-Action Protocol rules under the Civil Proceedings Rules (CPR) generally require a response within 28 days of receipt, unless an extension is agreed upon. The Service Commissions Department endeavours to respond promptly but may request additional time for complex matters or where multiple stakeholders must be consulted.

The Service Commission Department will provide:

• Factual background on the decision or action under challenge.
• Copies of relevant policies, guidelines, and correspondence (subject to legal privilege and confidentiality rules).
• Chronologies of events and relevant internal file notes.

The Service Commissions Department will not disclose:

• Legally privileged communications.
• Information exempt under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or judicial confidentiality rules.

• The Department of Civil Law files the necessary defences and/or affidavits.
• The Service Commissions Department’s officers may be called as witnesses to give evidence or explain records.
• The Service Commissions Department ensures compliance with any court orders/judgments for disclosure or procedural timelines.

Yes. Urgent requests should clearly state the reasons and any impending deadlines (e.g., court listing dates). The SCD will prioritise urgent matters, especially where interim relief or injunctions are being sought.

The Director of Personnel Administration is the statutory head and primary point of contact for High Court litigation matters.

In practice:

• Legal correspondence is routed through the Service Commissions Department’s Legal Unit or Legal Adviser, Service Commissions Department.
• For State litigation, coordination is usually done with the Solicitor General, Department of Civil Law, Office of the Attorney General.

Commonly requested documents include:

• Recruitment and promotion policies.
• Interview notes, marking schemes, and scoring sheets (subject to confidentiality rules).
• Disciplinary proceedings’ records.
• Correspondence between the Service Commissions Department and the claimant.
• Minutes of relevant meetings or decisions.
• Job descriptions and role specifications.

High Court documents must be served in accordance with the Civil Proceedings Rules:

• Service is usually effected on the Director of Personnel Administration or an authorized officer at the Service Commissions Department.
• For claims against the State, service is often coordinated with the Solicitor General, Department of Civil Law, Office of the Attorney General which usually represents the Service Commissions Department in legal proceedings.

No. The Service Commissions Department provides factual and documentary support but legal representation in the High Court is undertaken by the Attorneys at the Department of Civil Law and/or External Counsel. The Service Commissions Department’s role is to supply instructions (Statement of Facts), witness statements, and relevant records.

The rules of natural justice are the common law principles of procedural fairness which guide administrative decision-making. They are generally expressed through two fundamental rules:

1. The rule against bias (nemo judex in causa sua) – a person must not be judged by a decision-maker who is biased or has an interest in the matter; and
2. The right to a fair hearing (audi alteram partem) – a person affected by a decision must be given a fair opportunity to know the case against them and to respond before a decision is made.

From these core rules flow several practical requirements of fair procedure, including:

• the right to adequate notice of allegations or issues to be determined;
• the right to make representations before a decision is taken;
• where appropriate, the opportunity to present evidence or call witnesses;
• the right to have the matter heard by an unbiased tribunal;
• a general duty on the authority to act fairly; and
• where fairness or law requires, the provision of reasons for the decision.

The Unit is located at Service Commissions Department, Cipriani Plaza, 52 – 58 Woodford Street, Port of Spain.

Allegations of misconduct or indiscipline against officers in the Public Service are serious because they have potential adverse effects on a public officer’s career and livelihood. For this reason, investigations into allegations of misconduct or indiscipline are conducted in a timely and professional manner.

There are legal implications to the Public Service Commission if the investigation of allegations is not dealt with in accordance with the timelines as laid out in Regulation 90 of the Public Service Commission Regulations Chapter 1:01 of the Constitution.

Chapter VIII of the Public Service Commission Regulations (PSCR).

Section 121 of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The timelines are found in Section 90 of the Public Service Commission Regulations which states:

“(1) Where a report or allegation of indiscipline or misconduct by an officer is received other than a report or allegation of indiscipline to which regulation 85 applies, the Permanent Secretary or Head of Department shall report the matter to the Director for the attention of the Commission and concurrently warn the officer in writing of the report or allegation of indiscipline or misconduct.

(2) An Investigating Officer (IO) shall be appointed by the Director from the Public Service Investigations Unit to investigate the report or allegation.

(3) The investigating officer shall, within three days of his appointment, give the officer a written notice specifying the time, not exceeding seven days from the date of the receipt of such notice, within which he may, in writing, give an explanation concerning the report or allegation to the investigating officer.

(4) The investigating officer shall require those persons who have direct knowledge of the alleged indiscipline or misconduct to make written statements within seven days for the information of the Commission.

(5) The investigating officer shall with all possible dispatch but not later than thirty (30) days from the date of his appointment, forward to the Director of Personnel Administration for the information of the Commission an investigating officer’s report consisting of the original statements and all relevant documents together with his own report on the particular act;…’

The IO is appointed by the Director of Personnel Administration to conduct investigations into allegations of misconduct against public officers. The Investigating Officer initially has 30 days in which to complete her investigation. This time can be further extended by another 30 days (Regulation 90 (5)). Within the 30- or 60-day time limit the IO must, within the first three days of his/her appointment, inform the officer under investigation by way of written notice that he is to provide a written explanation in response to the allegations (Regulation 90 (3)). Falling within the 30-day period is the need for the IO to write to persons who have direct knowledge of the matters complained of, asking them to provide a written statement within seven days.

The disciplinary process can be initiated against officers in the Civil, Prison, Fire in accordance with the Regulations 84 and 84B of the Public Service Commission Regulations, where it becomes apparent that alleged act(s) of indiscipline or misconduct may have/has been committed by an officer in breach of the Code of Conduct.

Preliminary information is gathered, and if it appears that a breach of the respective Code of Conduct is likely to have occurred, an Investigating Officer is appointed to investigate the matter in accordance with either Regulation 90 (2) or 2(A) of the Public Service Commission Regulations.

The Investigating Officer submits the Report to the Director of Personnel Administration for the information of the Public Service Commission for its consideration and decision as to whether there is sufficient evidence in the Report to support the preferment of any disciplinary charge(s) against the Officer.

In accordance with Regulation 90 (6) the Public Service Commission considers the report and decides whether disciplinary charge(s) should be preferred against the officer. Where charges are to be laid against the officer, a Disciplinary Tribunal is appointed to hear the evidence and find the facts in the matter and the officer is informed, in writing, of the preferment of the specific disciplinary charge(s) against him/her and requested to indicate, in writing whether he/she admits or denies the charge(s).

If the officer admits to the charge(s), the Public Service Commission moves to the next stage in the disciplinary process by accepting the guilty plea and inviting the officer to submit representation with respect to the penalty to be imposed on him/her as a consequence of their guilty plea in accordance with Regulation 90 (6) of the Public Service Commission Regulations.

Should the officer deny the charge(s) and submit an explanation(s), the Public Service Commission considers the representation(s) and decides whether the matter should be discontinued or be referred to a Disciplinary Tribunal to hear the evidence and find the facts in the matter, in accordance with Regulation 93 of the Public Service Commission Regulations.

No action can be taken by the Service Commissions Department since the matter was not reported or in our possession. The Human Resource Management Unit of the respective Ministry/Department must now engage the officer and ensure his/her absence is accounted for by the necessary means.

Based on the information provided in the officer’s letter of representation, he/she must provide legitimate documentary evidence to support the reasons for absences.

One possible scenario: if the officer claimed that their absence was due to an illness, the officer must provide documentary evidence from the attending Physician outlining the nature and duration of the illness. For longer periods, a comprehensive breakdown of visits/consultations is required.

All other reasons for absences must be substantiated by relevant documentation by the officer.

The officer is required to first notify the Permanent Secretary or Head of Department regarding the matter. Subsequently, regular updates on the adjourned hearing dates must be provided. Additionally, upon the resolution of the matter, the officer should furnish a Court Extract and/or Notes of Evidence.

In accordance with Section 13 (1) of the Freedom of Information Act, you must complete the established form titled “Request for Access to Official Document(s)” (available on the Service Commissions Department’s website) and submit it:

• By email to scdfoia@gov.tt; or
• Delivered to the Freedom of Information Act Designated Officer at SCD’s Head Office.

Requests should clearly describe the document(s)/information you need and specify the format in which you would like to receive them (e.g., photocopy, electronic copy etc.).

Address your request to the Designated Freedom of Information Act Officer at:

Service Commissions Department
52-58 Woodford Street, Newtown, Port of Spain
Email: scdfoia@gov.tt

In accordance with Section 13 of the Freedom of Information Act, you may request official documents and/or information relating to the functions of the Service Commissions. However, access is subject to exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act, such as documents affecting personal privacy, Cabinet confidentiality, or internal deliberations.

Yes, you are entitled to access your own records, such as:

• Application forms and correspondence relating to your recruitment or promotion.
• Examination scores (if applicable).
• Disciplinary records pertaining to you (access is granted on a case-by-case basis).

Some parts of your file may be withheld if it contains exempt information on other individuals.

Generally, no. Examination scripts, marking schemes, and interview deliberations are protected by confidentiality and are not disclosed unless ordered by the court or where partial disclosure is deemed lawful under the Freedom of Information Act and litigation disclosure rules.

Yes. While the Freedom of Information Act, Chapter 22:02 provides a general right of access to official documents held by public authorities, certain requests cannot be processed or may be refused under the Act.

These include:

1. Requests for documents that do not exist
   The Act applies only to existing documents. Public authorities are not required to create new documents, conduct research, answer questions, or provide explanations.
2. Requests made to bodies not covered by the Act
   Only public authorities listed in the Schedule to the Act are subject to FOIA.
3. Requests that do not sufficiently identify the document sought
   If a request lacks enough detail to enable the authority to locate the document and the applicant does not provide clarification when requested, the application may be refused.
4. Requests for exempt documents
   The Act provides exemptions for certain categories of information, including but not limited to:
   • Cabinet documents
   • Internal working documents (where disclosure would be contrary to the public interest)
   • Law enforcement and investigative records
   • National security and defence matters
   • Documents protected by legal professional privilege
   • Personal information of third parties
   • Commercially sensitive or confidential information
5. Documents already publicly available
   If the information is already accessible to the public, the applicant may be directed to the source.

Each request is assessed in accordance with the provisions of the Act, and in some cases, a public interest test may apply.

If your request is refused or partially granted, you will receive a written explanation in accordance with Section 39 of the Freedom of Information Act, Chapter 22:02, and you may apply to the High Court for a review of the decision.

You may also:

1. Apply to the Ombudsman within 21 days of refusal.
2. Seek judicial review in the High Court if you are not satisfied with the Ombudsman’s outcome.

In accordance with Section 15 of the Freedom of Information Act, the Service Commissions Department must respond within 30 calendar days of receiving your request. The response will state whether access is granted, refused (with reasons), or deferred. In some cases, you may be offered partial access with exempt information redacted.

In accordance with Section 17 (1) of the Freedom of Information Act, no fee shall be charged for submitting a request for access to an official document.

Yes. You can contact the Freedom of Information Act Officer directly by phone or email, as provided in your acknowledgment letter. Please have your letter of acknowledgement when enquiring.

Yes. In accordance with the provisions of Regulation 2 of the Public Service Commission Regulations, officers employed under the Prisons and Fire Services of Trinidad and Tobago are considered under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission.

The Service Commissions Department is the administrative arm that supports the Service Commissions (The Public Service Commission, the Teaching Service Commission, the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, and the Police Service Commission) in carrying out their constitutional functions. It provides technical, advisory, and operational support in recruitment, promotions, discipline, and other Human Resource processes within the Public Service.

The Service Commissions (The Public Service Commission, the Teaching Service Commission, the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, and the Police Service Commission) are independent constitutional bodies established under the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago. They are responsible for appointments, promotions, transfers, discipline, and removal of officers in the Public Service

The Service Commissions Department acts as the secretariat to the various Commissions and thus submits matters for their consideration and approval through the Director of Personnel Administration. The Commissions are constitutional bodies that are entrusted with certain functions.

While the Commission is independent, correspondence is generally routed through the Director of Personnel Administration for processing and record management. All correspondence to the Director of Personnel Administration /Service Commissions Department must be through the respective Permanent Secretary/Head of Department.

The office of Teacher I (Primary) is advertised by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and the Administrator, Division of Education Research and Technology, Tobago House of Assembly. As such, you are to visit the websites of the Ministry and the Division.

The Bachelor of Education, as advised by the Chief Personnel Officer.

One can enter the Teaching Service as follows:

Primary: Upon obtaining the Bachelor of Education, one can be appointed as Teacher I (Primary) and can then move to Senior Teacher, Vice Principal or Principal (Primary).

Secondary: Once you complete the required degree, you can be appointed as Teacher II, Teacher III, or Technical Vocational Teacher I–IV. You can also be appointed to Dean, Head of Department, Vice Principal and Principal once you have completed the Post Graduate Diploma and obtained the experience requirement for the respective offices.

Please refer to the website or the websites of the Ministry of Education and/or the Division of Education, Research and Technology.

(i) Mathematics: Candidates were assessed in March 2022.
(ii) English: Candidates were assessed in May 2019.

(i) Candidates who have been assessed by the Ministry of Education in particular subject areas for Secondary Schools in Trinidad and Tobago are on a database in the Teaching Service (Secondary) according to the dates of their assessment.

(ii) Candidates are then invited for interviews by the Teaching Service Commission (Recruitment Committee) in accordance with the needs of the Ministry of Education in the particular subject areas.

(iii) Successful candidates are then placed on a Priority List which is forwarded to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and the Administrator. Division of Education Research and Technology for selecting candidates to fill offices on a temporary basis in Secondary Schools.

You are required to submit a letter to the Director of Personnel Administration requesting to be re-interviewed, state the subject area and the date of your last interview. You will be contacted.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education or the Administrator, Division of Education Research and Technology will submit a recommendation to the Director of Personnel Administration for the appointment of a teacher in the Teaching Service.

You are required to complete a ‘Request for Documents Form’ and you will be contacted within two (2) business days to collect the documents.

Promotions for Administrative and some delinked offices in the Teaching Service are done via a competitive process:

• The office/s are advertised.
• Candidates are invited to apply for the particular office.
• Once successfully screened/shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview.
• An Order-of-Merit list is established.
• Successful candidates are promoted.

The standard operating procedure as it relates to the promotion of teachers at both Primary and Secondary is as follows:

• Once a vacancy arises the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, communicates the particulars of the vacancy to the Director of Personnel Administration and advertises the office, and in that advertisement, will identify the names of the schools in which vacancies exist.
• Applicants are invited to submit an application for the office.
• All applications are screened utilizing the ‘Instructions to Applicants Checklist’.
• The applications that are successfully screened are shortlisted according to the minimum training and experience requirements as outlined in the Job Specification for the office.
• The applicants who are successfully shortlisted are deemed eligible and invited to be interviewed for the office.
• The applicants who are unsuccessfully shortlisted are deemed ineligible and are informed of the reason/s why they were deemed ineligible for the office.
• Once candidates obtain the pass mark at the interview for the office, they are deemed successful.
• An Order-of-Merit List is established for the office.
• Candidates are informed of their success/failure at the interview for the office
• Promotion exercise will commence.

The remit of the Commission is to appoint/promote teachers in the Teaching Service. However, an upgrade is the movement of an officer from a lower status to a higher status. For example, from the status of Teacher (I) (Secondary) to Teacher II/Teacher III (Secondary). Consequently, an ‘upgrade’ of a teacher is a promotion to a higher office.

Teachers who have completed a degree programme or any other required training courses as specified by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education are then re-assessed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, the re-assessment is then forwarded to the Director of Personnel Administration for the ‘upgrade’ of the Teacher or promotion to the higher office.

The officer needs to satisfy the criteria for the office of Teacher I (Primary) as outlined in the Job Specification and the advice from the Chief Personnel Officer.

The officer has to provide the following information to the Ministry of Education:

1. a copy of their Degree (Bachelor of Education) and Transcript;
2. a copy of their Bridging Programme Certificate (where applicable)

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, will submit the above information together with a recommendation for the appointment (upgrade) of the teacher.

No. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, would make the necessary arrangements to have you medically examined.

Teachers in the Teaching Service must first be appointed in order to be confirmed. The medical certificate is one of the documents required for confirmation of first appointment, together with staff reports which cover the probationary period.

Once the Department is in receipt of your medical certificate of fitness and the staff report which covers the probationary period, the matter will be submitted to the Commission for its consideration. If however, you have not yet been medically examined to determine your fitness for the confirmation of your appointment, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education may approach Cabinet to deem you to have been confirmed in your appointment.

Teachers must apply to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, or the Administrator, Division of Education Research and Technology for transfers from one school to another.

The undermentioned process is to be followed in accordance with the new policy regarding the transfer of officers who hold substantive Administrative officers in the Teaching Service:

• The officer who is desirous of being transferred to another school can apply to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, for a transfer from his/her substantive school to any other school where a similar vacancy exists;
• The officer must state the specific reason/s for transfer;
• The officer be interviewed by the Teaching Service Commission (Recruitment Committee) to determine his/her suitability for the office; and
• Officers who hold Administrative offices in the Teaching Service, that is Senior Teacher, Head of Department, Dean, Vice Principal/Principal, should normally serve at the schools for a period of three (3) years before being considered for a transfer.

Refer to the Ministry of Education.

Refer to the Ministry of Education.

Please click on the link to go to Freedom of Information Act Page.

Copies of appointment, confirmation, permission to retire, temporary appointment and promotion letters can be accessed by teachers. However, any additional records will have to be acquired through the Freedom of Information Act.

(i) You may retire voluntarily at the age of fifty-five years; or
(ii) You may at any time after attaining the age of fifty years and before attaining the age of fifty

Persons can apply for offices in the Judicial and Legal Service in response to the issuance of an Advertisement of Vacancy.

Persons are advised to regularly peruse our website: Employment Opportunities (scd.org.tt)

Applicants are advised to review the Checklist to Applicants (Appendix) when submitting applications in response to an Advertisement of Vacancy issued by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission.

The qualifications required for the office are stated on the Job Specification, the minimum qualification requirements are:

• Bachelor of Law degree (LLB);
• Legal Education Certificate (LEC); and
• Admission to practice Law in Trinidad and Tobago.

(a) Applications are screened in keeping with the specific requirements of the office as outlined in the Job Specification of the office.
(b) Applicants are shortlisted by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission.
(c) Shortlisted applicants are contacted with respect to the recruitment and selection process for the office.

Once shortlisted by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, candidates may be invited to be interviewed/assessed for an office. Candidates are:

• requested to submit an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae and two (2) written recommendations (not more than six (6) months old from the date of the recommendation) and one (1) of which must be from someone within the legal profession.
• requested to complete a Personal History form which will be provided and submit the completed form with one (1) valid form of picture identification such as a National Identification Card, National Driver’s license permit, and, or Passport.
• Interviewed/ assessed by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission or a Selection Board appointed by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission.
• Candidates who are interviewed/assessed are informed in writing at the completion of the process of their results.
• Successful candidates will be placed on an Order-of-Merit List and considered for employment when vacancies arise and that appointment will be made in accordance with Regulation 18 of the Public Service Commission Regulations adopted by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission and in strict order of merit as obtained on the Order-of-Merit List.

Order-of-Merit Lists established by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission are generally valid for one (1) year.

A letter should be written clearly identifying your name (or representative), contact information (electronic mail address and telephone number), reasons of enquiries and documentation or any other supporting information should be provided. All letters should be addressed through the Director of Personnel Administration, Service Commissions Department, 52-58 Woodford Street, Port-of-Spain. Attention: Judicial and Legal Service Commission.

Officers employed in the Judicial and Legal Service should in addition to the above steps, submit their letter through the Permanent Secretary and Head of Department of the Ministry which they are assigned, to allow for the comments of the Permanent Secretary and Head of Department.

Once your letter is received at the Service Commissions Department, the matter will be acknowledged and research will be conducted to gather the requested information/ documents related to the matter.

The matter will be placed before the Judicial and Legal Service Commission together with the comments of the Permanent Secretary or Head of Department where applicable, for its consideration.

Thereafter, the Commission’s decision on the matter will be issued.

Applicants must make their request in writing by completing the ‘Request for Information’ form set out in the schedule:

• The request shall identify the official document, or provide sufficient information so that the document can be identified with reasonable effort.
• The request may specify the form in which the applicant wishes to be given access.
• All requests made pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, 1999, will be acknowledged.
• Upon receipt of a request from the Judicial and Legal Service Commission Unit/Service Commissions Department, research will be conducted and the information/documents requested compiled in relation to the matter.
• The contents of the request will be placed before the Judicial and Legal Service Commission for its consideration.
• Reasonable steps will be taken to notify applicants of the approval or refusal of their requests as soon as practicable but no more than 30 days from the date of receipt of the requests. If the deadline is unable to be met, applicants will be informed in writing and, an extension of time may be requested and a date by which a response may be expected will be indicated.

A letter should be written clearly identifying your name (or representative), contact information (electronic mail address and telephone number), the nature of the complaint and documentation or any other supporting information should be provided.

All letters should be addressed to the Director of Personnel Administration, Service Commissions Department, 52-58 Woodford Street, Port-of-Spain. Attention: Judicial and Legal Service Commission.

Officers employed in the Judicial and Legal Service should, in addition to the above steps, submit their letter through the Permanent Secretary and Head of Department of the Ministry which they are assigned, to allow for the comments of the Permanent Secretary and Head of Department.

Upon receipt of your letter of complaint at the Service Commissions Department, your letter will be filed and research will be conducted to collate the information/ documents in relation to the matter.

The matter will be placed before the Judicial and Legal Service Commission together with the comments of the Permanent Secretary or Head of Department where applicable, for its consideration.

Thereafter, the Commission’s decision on the matter will be issued.

“Confirmation” means a definite act which gives permanence to an appointment after the holder thereof satisfies all the requirements of such appointment. satisfactory medical reports:

• satisfactory probationary reports;
• completion of any other requirements of the office as stipulated in the Job Specification; and
• a recommendation of the Head of Department or Division.

Upon receipt of the required documents, the matter will be placed before the Judicial and Legal Service Commission for its consideration.
Officers will be informed in writing of the Commission’s decision.

A request is to be made in writing to the Permanent Secretary/Head of Department, clearly identifying the reason for the request and the Ministry/Department to which you wish to be transferred. Your letter should be submitted through your Permanent Secretary/Head of Department of your Ministry/Department.

Upon receipt of a request at the Service Commissions Department, your letter will be placed on file and your request will be considered along with those of other officers who requested transfers, on the occurrence of a suitable vacancy.

The Judicial and Legal Service Commission will consider your request for transfer. Offices in the Judicial and Legal Service are specific/peculiar to respective Ministries. In this regard, a request to be transferred to one such office without satisfying the requisite requirements as outlined in the respective Job Specification may not be permitted.