Since the Sui Dynasty (581-617), passing a series of examinations led to office in the civil service. It was only in the Song, however, that the examination system came to be considered the normal ladder to success, though even then many took alternate routes.

Despite strenuous debates about issues of examination content, the exam questions were always based on a command of Confucian texts.

Honesty was ensured by such measures as identifying papers by number rather than the candidate's name.

Examination taking could become a lifetime endeavor. Competition was keen from the start, but became intolerable by the end of the Song Dynasty.

Related Web Link
Confucianism and the Chinese Scholastic System [California State Polytechnic University, Pomona] This site Includes a discussion of the Chinese Imperial Examination System, by which qualified scholars were appointed to civil-service positions. Also has links to sections on "Confucianism and the Chinese Scholastic System" and "Ancient Chinese Science and Technology."