The article analyzes joining the administrative civil service in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the civil service in the Russian Federation and consistently studies its diversity. The author gives a description of the classification of posts in the public service of Kazakhstan. The article describes the conditions for joining the civil service in Russia and Kazakhstan. The comparison is made of the qualifications for admission. A detailed description is given to the procedure of the competitive selection in both states. The author illustrates the features of the periodization of the competition process in Kazakhstan. It is stated that in Russia, as well as in Kazakhstan, it is necessary to introduce more explicit qualifications for the posts of different categories and groups. The paper also addresses the problem of formation of the competitive commission. It is shown that there are significant differences in the composition of the competition committee in the countries concerned. The article highlights the advantages and disadvantages in the procedure of the civil service in Kazakhstan. Recommendations are given to improve this procedure in Russia. The author notes that the detailed regulation of the screening technology in the legislation of Kazakhstan has a positive effect on the ordering of the procedure of selection to the public service.