Bartholomew Fair Daily Home

Introduction
About us
Career
Getting in
Officials

The examinations

To be sure that important government offices were filled with the most capable men, about 600 years ago Sui emperors established a system of examinations to select government officers. When our shining Song Empire arose in 960, the leaders decided that the examination system should be given greater emphasis. Through the use of these examinations, men who are not of the noble class may now aspire to become government officials. The sons of common landowners, even the sons of merchants and artisans, can now bring honor to their families by attaining a government post.

Development of the Civil Service
How the Civil Service operates
The examinations