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100+ Free ICAC Investigator Written Test Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ICAC Investigator Written Test Exam

2 hours

Time limit for Case Analysis & Reporting paper

ICAC Recruitment Guidelines

40 MCQs

Aptitude Test questions (60 minutes)

ICAC Written Exam Format

20 MCQs

Basic Law & National Security Law Test (30 minutes)

BL&NSLT official spec

53%

Required passing score on the BL&NSLT paper

HK Civil Service Bureau

Free

The ICAC written recruitment tests are free of charge

ICAC Recruitment Policy

100

Practice questions provided in this online prep resource

OpenExamPrep

The ICAC Investigator Written Test is a critical recruitment gate for the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption. It tests case analysis, report writing, aptitude, and knowledge of the Basic Law and National Security Law. This 100-question practice bank helps you master the legal ordinances, investigative powers, reasoning logic, and ethical principles needed to pass the written tests and progress to the Assessment Centre.

Sample ICAC Investigator Written Test Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ICAC Investigator Written Test exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under Section 3 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201), which of the following statements is true regarding a prescribed officer who solicits or accepts an advantage?
A.It is a strict liability offence to solicit or accept any advantage without the general or special permission of the Chief Executive.
B.A prescribed officer only commits an offence if the advantage is solicited as a direct inducement to perform a corrupt act.
C.Prescribed officers can accept any gifts under HK$5,000 without permission, as long as it is from a family member.
D.It is a defense for the prescribed officer to prove that accepting the advantage is customary in their profession.
Explanation: Section 3 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201) prohibits any prescribed officer (such as a civil servant) from soliciting or accepting any advantage without the general or special permission of the Chief Executive. This is a strict liability offence that does not require proof of a corrupt intent or reciprocal favor. The custom of any profession is explicitly disallowed as a defense under Section 19.
2How does Section 4 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201) differ from Section 3 of the same Ordinance?
A.Section 4 requires proof that the advantage was offered, solicited, or accepted as an inducement or reward for an official act, whereas Section 3 does not.
B.Section 4 applies only to private sector agents, while Section 3 applies to all public servants in Hong Kong.
C.Section 4 deals exclusively with the offeror of a bribe, while Section 3 deals exclusively with the receiver of a bribe.
D.Section 4 permits the acceptance of advantages if they are below HK$1,000, while Section 3 has no such threshold.
Explanation: Section 4 of Cap. 201 requires that the advantage be offered, solicited, or accepted as an 'inducement or reward' for performing or abstaining from performing an official act. In contrast, Section 3 is a preventive offence targeting prescribed officers who accept advantages without permission, regardless of whether it was linked to any official action. Both sections apply to public servants, and both hold offerors and receivers liable under appropriate circumstances.
3Under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201), which of the following is explicitly excluded from the definition of an 'advantage'?
A.Entertainment, which refers to food or drink provided for immediate consumption on the occasion.
B.A loan of money, provided it is repaid within 30 days with interest.
C.Any contract for services or employment that is offered at standard market rates.
D.A discount on goods or services that is offered to the general public as part of a seasonal promotion.
Explanation: Section 2 of Cap. 201 defines 'advantage' very broadly to cover money, gifts, loans, employment, and services, but it explicitly excludes 'entertainment'. Entertainment is defined as food or drink provided for immediate consumption on the occasion, along with any related service or accommodation. While entertainment is not an advantage under the law, excessive entertainment is discouraged under civil service guidelines due to potential conflicts of interest.
4Section 8 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201) prohibits which of the following activities?
A.Offering an advantage to a public servant employed by a public body while having business dealings with that public body.
B.An agent accepting an advantage without their principal's permission in the private sector.
C.A public servant using false documents to deceive their government department regarding expenses.
D.A prescribed officer maintaining a standard of living above their official emoluments.
Explanation: Section 8 of Cap. 201 states that any person who, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, offers an advantage to a public servant employed by a public body while having dealings of any kind with that public body, commits an offence. This section is designed to protect the integrity of public procurement, tendering, and regulatory processes. Private sector agency is governed by Section 9, while false documents and unexplained wealth are covered by Section 9(3) and Section 10 respectively.
5To establish an offence under Section 9(1) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201) concerning private sector bribery, which of the following elements must the prosecution prove?
A.An agent solicited or accepted an advantage without the permission of their principal in relation to the principal's affairs.
B.The advantage exceeded a statutory value of HK$500.
C.The principal suffered direct financial loss or damage as a result of the agent's actions.
D.The offeror of the advantage was aware that the agent did not obtain permission.
Explanation: Section 9(1) of Cap. 201 prohibits an agent (typically an employee) from soliciting or accepting an advantage, without the permission of their principal (employer), as an inducement or reward for doing or forbearing to do any act in relation to their principal's affairs or business. There is no minimum value threshold, and the prosecution does not need to show that the principal suffered financial loss or that the offeror had specific knowledge of the lack of permission.
6Under Section 9(3) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201), an agent commits an offence if they use any receipt, account, or other document with intent to deceive their principal. Which of the following is a key feature of this offence?
A.It does not require the offer or acceptance of any corrupt advantage to be established.
B.It only applies if the document contains a false statement regarding a cash transaction.
C.It is a defense to show that the principal was verbally informed of the false statement afterward.
D.It applies exclusively to government officials and prescribed officers.
Explanation: Section 9(3) of Cap. 201 is a distinct offence that prohibits an agent from using any false, erroneous, or defective document with intent to deceive their principal. Crucially, this offence does not require any transfer of a corrupt advantage (bribe) to be proven; the deceptive use of the document in relation to the principal's affairs is sufficient. It applies to private sector agents and does not require the false statement to be about cash.
7Under Section 10 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201), a prescribed officer may be prosecuted for having unexplained wealth. Who carries the burden of proof regarding the explanation of the assets?
A.The accused officer must give a satisfactory explanation to the court as to how they acquired the resources.
B.The prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the wealth was acquired through specific acts of bribery.
C.The ICAC Commissioner must personally certify that no legitimate source of income could explain the wealth.
D.The Chief Executive must issue a declaration that the officer's explanation was unsatisfactory.
Explanation: Section 10 of Cap. 201 creates an offence where a prescribed officer maintains a standard of living or controls pecuniary resources disproportionate to their official emoluments. Once the prosecution proves the disproportion, the burden shifts to the accused officer to provide a 'satisfactory explanation' to the court as to how they obtained the assets. If they fail to do so, they are guilty of the offence. The prosecution does not need to link the wealth to specific bribes.
8What is the maximum penalty for a conviction on indictment under Sections 4, 8, or 9 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201)?
A.A fine of HK$500,000 and imprisonment for 7 years.
B.A fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for 3 years.
C.A fine of HK$1,000,000 and imprisonment for 10 years.
D.Imprisonment for life and confiscation of all personal property.
Explanation: Under Section 12 of Cap. 201, a person convicted on indictment of an offence under Section 4, 7, 8, or 9 is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of HK$500,000 and imprisonment for 7 years. For summary conviction, the maximum is a fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for 3 years. Note that offences under Sections 5 and 6 carry a higher maximum of 10 years' imprisonment (with the same HK$500,000 fine), and Section 10 (unexplained wealth) carries a fine of HK$1,000,000 and 10 years.
9Which of the following bodies is classified as a 'public body' under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201)?
A.The Hospital Authority
B.A private multi-national bank operating in Central
C.A registered charitable clinic run by a private family trust
D.A private residential estate management company
Explanation: Schedule 1 of Cap. 201 lists specified 'public bodies' which include major statutory corporations, utility companies, and public institutions like the Hospital Authority, the MTR Corporation, and universities. Employees of these bodies are considered 'public servants' under the law and are subject to stricter regulations than private sector employees. Private banks, family trust clinics, and private estate management companies are governed under private sector rules (Section 9).
10Which of the following is correct regarding the extraterritorial application of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201)?
A.Section 9 applies if a bribe is offered or accepted outside Hong Kong, provided the agent's principal is in Hong Kong or the act affects Hong Kong business.
B.Cap. 201 has no extraterritorial jurisdiction whatsoever, meaning all corrupt acts must occur physically within Hong Kong borders.
C.ICAC can only prosecute corruption occurring outside Hong Kong if the suspect is a foreign national.
D.Extraterritorial jurisdiction applies only to offences involving international organizations like the United Nations.
Explanation: The Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201) has extraterritorial effect. Specifically, under Section 9, if an agent of a Hong Kong principal accepts a bribe outside Hong Kong in relation to the principal's business, it is triable in Hong Kong. This prevents individuals from avoiding prosecution by simply conducting the corrupt transaction abroad. The jurisdiction does not depend on the suspect being a foreign national.

About the ICAC Investigator Written Test Exam

The ICAC Investigator Written Test is the primary selection hurdle for candidates applying to the Investigator and Assistant Investigator ranks within the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption. The exam evaluates a candidate's bilingual case analysis capability (written statements and case reports), general reasoning aptitude (verbal, numerical, and logical reasoning), thorough understanding of anti-corruption legislation (Cap. 201, Cap. 204, and Cap. 554), and knowledge of the HKSAR Basic Law and National Security Law. This practice bank provides comprehensive prep for all test components.

Assessment

The official multiple-choice portion comprises the Aptitude Test (40 questions) and the Basic Law and National Security Law Test (20 questions). The written portion (Case Analysis & Reporting) lasts 2 hours. This practice bank provides 100 multiple-choice questions covering all written, aptitude, legal, and ethical competencies.

Time Limit

3 hours and 30 minutes total (120 mins case analysis, 60 mins aptitude, 30 mins BL&NSLT).

Passing Score

Competitive based on ranking. The BL&NSLT requires achieving at least 53% (passing grade) to be considered for further selection stages.

Exam Fee

There is no fee to participate in the ICAC recruitment examinations; the process is completely free for applicants. (Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), Hong Kong)

ICAC Investigator Written Test Exam Content Outline

25%

Legal & Regulatory Framework

Key provisions of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201), the ICAC Ordinance (Cap. 204), and the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance (Cap. 554).

25%

Investigative Powers & Procedures

Statutory powers of arrest, search and seizure rules, cautioning suspects, video recording of interviews (VRI), and maintaining the chain of custody.

20%

Basic Law & National Security Law Test

Constitutional structure of the HKSAR, relation to Central government, and national security offences (secession, subversion, terrorism, collusion).

15%

Aptitude Test

Verbal reasoning, numerical calculation, data sufficiency, and logical deductions evaluated under tight time limits.

15%

Professional Ethics & Situational Judgement

Integrity management, conflict of interest declarations, handling official secrets, public relations, and field investigator conduct.

How to Pass the ICAC Investigator Written Test Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Competitive based on ranking. The BL&NSLT requires achieving at least 53% (passing grade) to be considered for further selection stages.
  • Assessment: The official multiple-choice portion comprises the Aptitude Test (40 questions) and the Basic Law and National Security Law Test (20 questions). The written portion (Case Analysis & Reporting) lasts 2 hours. This practice bank provides 100 multiple-choice questions covering all written, aptitude, legal, and ethical competencies.
  • Time limit: 3 hours and 30 minutes total (120 mins case analysis, 60 mins aptitude, 30 mins BL&NSLT).
  • Exam fee: There is no fee to participate in the ICAC recruitment examinations; the process is completely free for applicants.

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ICAC Investigator Written Test Study Tips from Top Performers

1Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the exact text of Cap. 201 (specifically Sections 3, 4, 8, and 9) and Cap. 204 (specifically Sections 10, 10A, and 10C).
2Practice reading and summarizing transcripts in both Chinese and English to prepare for the Case Analysis and Report Writing components.
3Train on numerical reasoning and data sufficiency questions under timed conditions of about 1.5 minutes per question to prepare for the Aptitude Test.
4Review the full articles of the Basic Law (especially regarding HKSAR's status, autonomy, and the judiciary) and the main offences of the National Security Law.
5Approach ethical scenario questions by prioritizing absolute integrity, strict compliance with the law, transparency, and the ICAC's professional code.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the structure of the ICAC Investigator Written Examination?

The examination is divided into three sections: 1) A 2-hour Written Paper on Case Analysis and Reporting (drafting a witness statement in Chinese and a case report in English); 2) A 1-hour Aptitude Test consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions; and 3) A 30-minute Basic Law and National Security Law Test (BL&NSLT) consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions.

Is there a fee to take the ICAC Written Test?

No. The recruitment and testing process conducted by the Independent Commission Against Corruption is completely free of charge for all applicants.

What is the passing score for the ICAC written tests?

The ICAC does not disclose a fixed passing score for the Case Analysis or Aptitude papers, as candidates are ranked competitively for shortlisting. However, for the BL&NSLT, candidates generally must achieve a passing grade (53% or higher) to remain eligible for further recruitment stages.

What are the entry qualifications for the ICAC Investigator rank?

For the Investigator post, candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree from a Hong Kong university (or equivalent), be permanent residents of Hong Kong, have bilingual language proficiency, pass physical fitness tests, and pass the selection assessment panels.

What happens after passing the ICAC written exam?

Candidates who pass the written exam are invited to the Assessment Centre, which includes leadership exercises, group management discussions, and impromptu speaking tasks. Subsequent stages include physical fitness tests, psychometric testing, and a final selection interview.