Why more and more Spaniards choose civil service exams
In 2026, approximately 1 in 4 Spaniards has prepared or is preparing for a civil service exam. With more than 40,000 public positions announced annually and the job stability offered by public employment, civil service exams particularly attract young people between 18 and 35 years old.
The most sought-after exams include legal bodies like the State Legal Service and Tax Inspection, administrative bodies of the State and Regional Governments, healthcare (MIR, EIR, FIR), education, and security forces.
How long it takes to pass
The average preparation for a senior civil service exam ranges from 3 to 6 years. Basic or administrative level ones can be passed in 1-2 years with intense dedication. These timelines make the study method critical: no one can maintain motivation for years using only monotonous methods.
Academy vs. self-study
Specialized academies offer updated study material, in-person or online classes, mock exams, and personalized follow-up. Their cost ranges from 1,500 to 5,000 euros annually. They're especially recommended for highly competitive exams.
Self-study allows greater flexibility and financial savings, but requires more self-discipline. Many candidates combine both approaches: academy for the most complex topics and autonomous study for the rest.
Essential digital tools in 2026
Technology has transformed exam preparation. The most useful tools include online test platforms to practice with questions from previous exams, spaced repetition apps to keep already-studied topics fresh, and music learning platforms like LalaLearn.
LalaLearn is especially valuable for exam candidates because it solves the most common problem: the difficulty of retaining large volumes of theoretical information for years. The candidate pastes their study material, chooses the type of learning needed at that moment, and gets a song they can listen to while walking, exercising, or doing other activities. Entering and listening to songs from other candidates is completely free. Creating your own with your specific material has a cost, but multiplies effective study time without additional effort.
Tips for maintaining motivation for years
Motivation is the scarcest resource in civil service exam preparation. Strategies that work: dividing preparation into measurable milestones, celebrating small advances, connecting with communities of other candidates, and varying study methods to avoid monotony.
Candidates who pass in fewer attempts are generally those who have found a sustainable long-term method. Efficiency beats brute effort. The objective is always the same: to pass and get the position.