DHBT (Religious Services Knowledge Test) is the field exam taken within the scope of KPSS by candidates who want to be appointed to posts at the Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet). The 2026 DHBT will take place on Sunday, November 1, 2026; applications will be accepted between September 22 and September 30, 2026. The exam consists of 40 questions and lasts 60 minutes.
Who Needs to Take the DHBT?
A DHBT score is required for candidates who want to apply for positions in the religious services class of the Directorate of Religious Affairs. The main positions include:
- Imam-hatip (Imam)
- Muezzin-kayyim
- Qur'an course instructor
- Other roles within religious services (according to requirements specified in job announcements)
Candidates must meet the educational background requirements in religious studies, such as graduating from an Imam Hatip High School, an associate degree in Theology, or a Faculty of Theology. Exact requirements per position are specified in Diyanet job postings.
Exam Structure: DHBT-1 and DHBT-2
| Section | Number of Questions | Content |
|---|---|---|
| DHBT-1 | 20 | Common to all levels: basic Islamic knowledge (faith, worship, life of the Prophet, ethics) |
| DHBT-2 | 20 | Based on education level: Imam Hatip High School, theology associate, or theology bachelor curriculum |
DHBT-1 questions are identical across all education levels, whereas DHBT-2 questions are tailored to your specific educational background. Candidates get 60 minutes for a total of 40 questions. As with the rest of the KPSS, four wrong answers deduct one correct answer in the DHBT as well.
Crucial Requirement: General Ability - General Culture Session
The DHBT score is not calculated on its own; candidates must also take the KPSS General Ability - General Culture session for their respective education level. Therefore, candidates taking the DHBT in 2026 must attend one of the following sessions depending on their level:
- Theology degree graduates: KPSS Undergraduate — September 6, 2026
- Theology associate degree graduates: KPSS Associate — October 4, 2026
- Imam Hatip High School graduates: KPSS Secondary Education — October 25, 2026
Application periods for these sessions occur before the DHBT. Check out our 2026 KPSS exam schedule post to avoid missing key dates.
DHBT Score Types: P122, P123, P124
Results from General Ability - General Culture and the DHBT are weighted together to calculate three score types based on education level:
- P122 — Secondary Education (Imam Hatip High School graduates)
- P123 — Associate Degree (Theology associate degree graduates)
- P124 — Bachelor's Degree (Theology faculty graduates)
For details on score calculation logic in general, read our guide on KPSS score types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the DHBT and MBSTS the same exam?
No. The DHBT is administered by ÖSYM as part of the KPSS and is used for initial candidate appointments. MBSTS (Professional Knowledge Assessment Exam), on the other hand, is a separate exam conducted by the Directorate of Religious Affairs for its existing staff, used for promotions and internal processes.
How long is a DHBT score valid?
In line with general KPSS rules, DHBT scores remain valid until the next exam (two years). It is best to confirm current rules in the official guide for the relevant year.
Where do I apply for the 2026 DHBT?
Like other KPSS sessions, applications are submitted via ÖSYM AİS (ais.osym.gov.tr). For a step-by-step walkthrough, check out our guide on how to apply for KPSS.
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