APS Graduate Program vs APS Entry Level (APS 1-4): which career suits you?
The Australian Government Graduate Program is for people with a recent degree: applications open around March for the following year's intake, in streams such as Generalist, Data, Digital, Economist, Legal, HR, STEM and Accounting and Financial Management, with a structured graduate year. Entry-level APS jobs (traineeships, cadetships and APS 1-4 roles on APS Jobs) don't need a degree and are advertised all year. Both are merit-based and use APS Values, pitch or selection-criteria applications, and behavioural interviews.
APS Graduate Program vs APS Entry Level (APS 1-4) at a glance
| APS Graduate Program | APS Entry Level (APS 1-4) | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Australian Government Graduate Program (APS Graduate) | APS Entry-Level Jobs (APS 1 to APS 4) and the Career Starter Program |
| Questions | Generalist Stream: online aptitude tests, then an assessed written pitch, then a one-way online video interview. Agency programs vary (Health: online personality and cognitive assessment, video interview, virtual assessment centre). Question counts are not published | Varies by agency and job. The APSC says shortlisting may use video interviews, multiple-choice questions or psychometric tests, and later stages may add a work sample test. The Career Starter Program uses a video interview and a group assessment. Question counts are not published |
| Time | Not published for the aptitude tests. The Generalist Stream says the assessment stage runs for about two months; DFAT's one-way video interview allows up to 3 minutes per answer | Not published; set by each agency for each recruitment round |
| Passing score | No published pass mark. Each stage is a hurdle: you must perform well to progress, and suitable candidates are placed in a merit pool and matched to agencies (the ATO says its pool is not ranked) | No published pass mark. Panels rate you on merit against the job's requirements; suitable candidates can be placed on a merit list that the agency (and other agencies) can use for 18 months from the Gazette date |
| Format | Unsupervised online tests and recorded video answers, so use a quiet room and a reliable connection. Agencies such as DFAT state that AI tools may not be used during the interview or any assessment; your pitch must be your own work | Online tests and recorded interviews are unsupervised. You may take a copy of your application and notes into an interview, and the APSC says it is fine to take time to think or ask the panel to rephrase a question. Read each agency's rules on AI use |
| Cost | No fee to apply or to sit any assessment | No fee to apply or to sit any assessment |
| Languages | English | English |
| Where | Online application through the AGGP portal on APSJobs or the agency's own careers site; online aptitude or psychometric tests and a one-way video interview taken at home; agency programs may add a virtual assessment centre with a group activity and behavioural interview | Online application on APSJobs or the agency's careers portal. Shortlisting may use online multiple-choice or psychometric tests or recorded video interviews taken at home; interviews are virtual, by phone or in person; some bulk rounds use an assessment centre |
| Level | Australian Public Service | Australian Public Service |
What each exam covers
APS Graduate Program
- The Job and Eligibility
- Aptitude Tests: Verbal and Numerical Reasoning
- Aptitude Tests: Abstract Reasoning and Problem Solving
- The Written Pitch
- Security Clearance and Pre-employment Checks
- Video Interview, Assessment Centre and APS Values
- Application Strategy and Timeline
- The Graduate Year and Beyond
APS Entry Level (APS 1-4)
- The Job and Eligibility
- Online Tests: Reading and Written Communication
- Online Tests: Numeracy and Data
- Situational Judgement and Client Service
- Pre-employment Checks and Security Clearance
- Interview and APS Values
- Application, Pitch and Selection Criteria
- Starting in the APS
Which should you take?
The Australian Government Graduate Program is for people with a recent degree: applications open around March for the following year's intake, in streams such as Generalist, Data, Digital, Economist, Legal, HR, STEM and Accounting and Financial Management, with a structured graduate year. Entry-level APS jobs (traineeships, cadetships and APS 1-4 roles on APS Jobs) don't need a degree and are advertised all year. Both are merit-based and use APS Values, pitch or selection-criteria applications, and behavioural interviews.
Try both, free
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FAQ
What is the difference between APS Graduate Program and APS Entry Level (APS 1-4)?
The Australian Government Graduate Program is for people with a recent degree: applications open around March for the following year's intake, in streams such as Generalist, Data, Digital, Economist, Legal, HR, STEM and Accounting and Financial Management, with a structured graduate year. Entry-level APS jobs (traineeships, cadetships and APS 1-4 roles on APS Jobs) don't need a degree and are advertised all year. Both are merit-based and use APS Values, pitch or selection-criteria applications, and behavioural interviews.
Which is harder, APS Graduate Program or APS Entry Level (APS 1-4)?
APS Graduate Program: generalist stream: online aptitude tests, then an assessed written pitch, then a one-way online video interview. agency programs vary (health: online personality and cognitive assessment, video interview, virtual assessment centre). question counts are not published in not published for the aptitude tests. the generalist stream says the assessment stage runs for about two months; dfat's one-way video interview allows up to 3 minutes per answer. APS Entry Level (APS 1-4): varies by agency and job. the apsc says shortlisting may use video interviews, multiple-choice questions or psychometric tests, and later stages may add a work sample test. the career starter program uses a video interview and a group assessment. question counts are not published in not published; set by each agency for each recruitment round. The longer exam covers more ground, but the harder one is the one further from your daily work. Take both free practice tests to see where you stand.
Can I hold both APS Graduate Program and APS Entry Level (APS 1-4)?
You can usually apply to more than one agency at the same time, and many candidates do. You can only work in one full-time role at once, though, and each agency runs its own tests, checks and merit list, so plan your preparation around the test you'll sit first.
How do I prepare for APS Graduate Program and APS Entry Level (APS 1-4)?
Start with the free practice test for each, then study by topic. Premium is per exam (A$89 a month each), so most people start with the exam they'll sit first and add the second when they're ready.
More comparisons
Exam details are summarized from the recruiting agency's published information as of November 2026. Confirm with the recruiting agency before you book. AusGovCareer is an independent career-prep service, not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency.