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About this exam

The Iran Municipalities Exam (آزمون شهرداری‌های ایران) is a competitive recruitment examination used by Iranian municipalities to screen applicants for administrative, technical, and service positions. It is intended for candidates seeking employment in a city hall or affiliated municipal organization, and it typically combines general subjects with material specific to the role being filled. Expect questions on general knowledge and contemporary Iranian affairs, Persian language and literature, Islamic culture and religious knowledge, mathematics and quantitative reasoning, computer and office software skills, urban management and municipal law, civil engineering and urban construction, accounting and public finance, and administrative law and office procedures. The urban management and municipal law section carries the largest share, so it deserves the most preparation time. Because each municipality announces its own recruitment round, the exact question count, time limit, and passing threshold are set in that announcement; the responsible municipal or national civil-service authority publishes the current figure, and candidates should consult its official website rather than rely on second-hand numbers. Effective preparation means reading the official announcement carefully, confirming which sections apply to your job title, working through the stated references for municipal law and administrative procedure, and practising timed multiple-choice sets until your accuracy is stable. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with any municipality or examining body.

What you'll study

Common questions

About Iran Municipalities Exam preparation

Who is this exam for?

It is for people applying to jobs advertised by Iranian municipalities, from clerical and administrative posts to technical and engineering roles. Each recruitment announcement states the required degree, field of study, and any work experience, so read the announcement for the specific post before you start preparing.

What is the format?

The exam is delivered as multiple-choice questions. Each recruitment round publishes its own structure, including the number of questions, the time allowed, and whether negative marking applies. Confirm these details in the official announcement issued by the municipality or civil-service authority handling that round.

How long is the exam and what is the passing score?

Neither is fixed across rounds. The duration and the minimum acceptable score are set by the authority running each recruitment cycle and are published in the announcement and on its official website. Do not plan around figures quoted by preparation courses, because they may refer to a different year or a different municipality.

How difficult is it?

The individual questions are mostly at undergraduate general-knowledge level, but the competition is the hard part. Because results are ranked and only a limited number of candidates advance, a comfortable pass usually requires strong accuracy in the highest-weighted section, urban management and municipal law, rather than average performance everywhere.

Can I retake it if I fail?

Retaking is normally possible by applying to a later recruitment announcement, provided you still meet the age, degree, and other eligibility conditions at that time. Rules on how many attempts are allowed and how previous results are treated vary, so check the current announcement or ask the recruiting office directly.

In what order should I study?

Start with urban management and municipal law because it carries the largest weight, then administrative law and office procedures, which overlaps with it. Add Persian language and Islamic culture next, since they reward steady daily reading. Keep mathematics and computer skills in short, frequent practice blocks, and finish with general knowledge reviewed through current news.

What causes the most lost marks?

The most common causes are neglecting municipal law in favour of easier general subjects, misreading questions that ask for the exception or the incorrect option, and spending too long on calculation problems. Another frequent problem is memorising outdated legal provisions instead of the current text of the relevant laws and regulations.

How should I prepare for the municipal law section?

Work from the current text of the laws and regulations named in the official announcement, and read them article by article rather than through summaries. Build short notes on the powers of the municipality, the role of the city council, and the procedures for permits and enforcement, then test yourself with scenario questions that require applying a rule.

Which references should I use?

Use the reference list printed in the recruitment announcement for that specific round; it is the only authoritative statement of what the questions are based on. General study guides can help with technique, but they are not official and may cover material that is no longer examined. This page is independent and not affiliated with any examining body.