CACD Diplomata
Concurso de Admissão à Carreira de Diplomata (CACD)
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Concurso de Admissão à Carreira de Diplomata (CACD) is Brazil's competitive entrance examination for the diplomatic career, run by the Rio Branco Institute (Instituto Rio Branco, IRBr) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is aimed at graduates preparing to become career diplomats, and it is one of the most demanding public-service examinations in the country, combining breadth of knowledge with high-level writing and language skills. The exam spans Portuguese language and Brazilian literature, Brazilian and world history, geography, international politics and Brazilian foreign policy, international law, economics, English, and a second foreign language (Spanish or French), followed by written and oral stages. Preparation is best treated as a long project: build a reading schedule across all domains, practise essay writing in Portuguese regularly, keep current on Brazilian foreign policy and international affairs, and work through past papers under timed conditions. Because the exam rewards precise, well-argued prose as much as factual recall, candidates should write constantly and seek feedback. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with the Rio Branco Institute or the Brazilian government; always confirm current rules, dates, and figures in the official edital.
What you'll study
About CACD Diplomata preparation
What is the CACD actually for?
It is the admission process for Brazil's diplomatic career, run by the Rio Branco Institute. Passing it is the route to becoming a career diplomat in the Brazilian foreign service, so the exam tests the general knowledge, writing, and languages expected of a diplomat rather than narrow technical skills.
What is the exam format?
It combines multiple-choice tests, written examinations including an essay, language proficiency examinations, and an oral stage. The exact structure and the sequence of phases are set out in the official edital, so check the current document before planning your preparation.
How many questions and how much time do I get?
Those figures change between editions and are published by the Rio Branco Institute. Rather than rely on second-hand numbers, read the current edital on the institute's official website, which lists the number of items, the duration of each phase, and the scoring rules.
What score do I need to pass, and what does it cost?
Passing thresholds, cut-off scores, and fees are set for each edition and announced officially. Consult the current edital and the Rio Branco Institute's website for the authoritative figures; any number quoted elsewhere may be out of date or simply wrong.
Can I retake the exam if I fail?
Yes, the CACD is not a one-shot examination, and candidates commonly attempt it more than once. The specific rules on attempts and on reusing results from earlier phases are defined in the edital, so verify the current policy there before assuming how a previous attempt affects you.
How difficult is it?
It is widely regarded as one of Brazil's hardest public examinations, mainly because of the breadth of domains, the weight placed on extended written argument, and the need for real fluency in two foreign languages. Candidates typically prepare for many months, often while working or studying.
In what order should I study the subjects?
Start with the domains that take longest to build: Portuguese writing, economics, and international law. Keep a steady weekly rhythm of reading in history, geography, and foreign policy, and maintain English and your second language continuously. Practise essays throughout rather than leaving them to the end.
What are the most common failure modes?
Weak essay structure and poor Portuguese expression eliminate many candidates despite decent factual knowledge. Others neglect the second foreign language, ignore current Brazilian foreign policy, or memorise facts without practising timed writing. Uneven coverage across domains is also a frequent problem.
How current do I need to be on international affairs?
Quite current. Brazilian foreign policy and international politics reward candidates who follow ongoing debates, multilateral negotiations, and regional developments. Read quality journalism and official statements regularly, and connect events to the concepts you study in international law and economics.
Is this page official?
No. This is an independent study resource and has no affiliation with the Rio Branco Institute or the Brazilian government. Use it for orientation and practice, but treat the official edital and the institute's website as the only authoritative sources for rules, dates, and figures.