What Is SKD CPNS? A Complete Guide to TIU, TWK, and TKP

The Seleksi Kompetensi Dasar, or SKD, is the first exam stage you must pass in the Calon Pegawai Negeri Sipil (CPNS), Indonesia’s Civil Service Candidate selection process. After passing the administrative screening, all participants are required to take the SKD, which uses the Computer Assisted Test (CAT) system administered by BKN.

Many participants fail not because they lack ability, but because they don’t fully understand the SKD structure and strategy. This article covers everything you need to know.

SKD CPNS Structure

The SKD consists of three test types, each measuring different aspects:

Material	Number of Questions	Duration	Maximum Score
TWK (Tes Wawasan Kebangsaan), National Insight Test	30 questions	30 minutes	150 points
TIU (Tes Intelegensia Umum), General Intelligence Test	35 questions	35 minutes	175 points
TKP (Tes Karakteristik Pribadi), Personal Characteristics Test	45 questions	45 minutes	225 points
Total	110 questions	110 minutes	550 points

Each question has a weighted score: correct answers earn points, while wrong answers incur no penalty (no negative marking). For the TKP, scores are awarded on a tiered scale. It’s not simply right or wrong, but how well your answer aligns with ASN (civil servant) values.

1. TWK, National Insight Test (30 Questions)

The TWK tests your knowledge and understanding of nationalism, national defense, and Indonesian national insight. Topics covered include:

Pancasila

The history of Pancasila’s formulation
The values embodied in each principle
Implementation of Pancasila in national life

The 1945 Constitution (UUD 1945)

History and amendment process
Key articles that frequently appear
Indonesia’s constitutional system

Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity)

The concept of Indonesian diversity
Tolerance and unity
Conflict and resolution within diversity

Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia (NKRI), Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia

Territory and national borders
System of government
Regional autonomy

Tip: TWK is often considered easy, but many participants stumble because questions require memorizing specific details like years, names of figures, and articles. Make concise notes and review them regularly.

2. TIU, General Intelligence Test (35 Questions)

The TIU measures cognitive and general intellectual ability. It covers three broad dimensions:

Verbal Ability (Analogies, Syllogisms, and Analytical Reasoning)

Analogies: Finding relationships between two words and applying them to another pair.
Syllogisms: Drawing logical conclusions from given premises.
Analytical Reasoning: Analyzing information and drawing conclusions from presented data.

Example analogy:

FOOT : SHOE = HEAD : … a. Helmet b. Hat c. Hair d. Neck

Numerical Ability (Arithmetic, Sequences, Comparisons)

Arithmetic: Basic operations, fractions, percentages.
Number Sequences: Finding patterns in number series.
Comparisons: Comparing two or more quantities.
Word Problems: Applying math to everyday situations.

Figural Ability (Analogy, Differences, Series)

Picture Analogies: Finding relationships between two images.
Differences: Finding the image that doesn’t belong.
Series: Continuing sequential image patterns.

Tip: TIU is the most critical determining factor. Many participants fail the TIU because they’re not familiar with sequence and syllogism questions. Daily practice is very helpful.

3. TKP, Personal Characteristics Test (45 Questions)

The TKP differs from TWK and TIU. There are no completely right or wrong answers here. Each option has a different score, from the most appropriate to the least appropriate in relation to ASN values.

Aspects assessed in the TKP:

Aspect	Example Situation
Integrity	Discovering a coworker committing fraud
Public Service	Handling a complaining citizen
Professionalism	Working under deadline pressure
Teamwork	Conflict within a team
Creativity	Finding solutions with limited resources
Results Orientation	Pursuing targets despite obstacles

TKP Tip: Choose answers that reflect an ideal ASN attitude, prioritizing service, honesty, responsibility, collaboration, and positive thinking. Avoid extreme options (too passive or too aggressive).

SKD Scoring System

Each participant must reach the passing grade (Nilai Ambang Batas) in every category:

Category	General Passing Grade	Cumlaude/Disability Passing Grade
TWK	65	55
TIU	80	70
TKP	166	156
Minimum Cumulative Score	311	N/A

This means: You must pass all three passing grades (TWK ≥ 65, TIU ≥ 80, TKP ≥ 166) simultaneously, with a total score of at least 311, to be declared as having passed the SKD.

Note: Passing grades may differ for certain categories (Papuan candidates, underdeveloped regions, persons with disabilities). Always check the latest regulations from BKN.

Effective Preparation

Based on the experience of successful participants, here are strategies that have proven effective:

Know your weaknesses: Take an initial try-out to identify where you’re weak.
Focus on TIU: TIU has the highest passing grade (80) and is the hardest to improve at the last minute.
Practice questions daily: Consistency matters more than duration. 30 minutes a day is better than 5 hours on the weekend.
Use practice apps: Apps like Kawan CPNS can help you practice anytime with thousands of questions and explanations.
Review the explanations: Don’t just look at your score; understand why your answer was wrong.
CAT simulations: Get accustomed to the timer and time pressure.

Conclusion

The SKD CPNS is not an impossible test, but it requires structured preparation. Understand the format, know your strengths and weaknesses, and practice consistently. With the right approach, you can face the SKD with confidence.

👉 Ready to practice? Try Kawan CPNS, an SKD practice app with thousands of TIU, TWK, and TKP questions and CAT simulations that closely resemble the real test. Available on the Google Play Store.