Shikibu-sho was regarded as the most important ministry after Nakatsukasa-sho (Ministry of Central Affairs) among the eight central ministries, because it managed the personnel evaluation system (the Personnel Rating Section was responsible), the code of etiquette, the recruitment and promotion (the conferment of a court rank and appointment to an office), and the award, with administering Daigaku-ryo - an organization for training up government officials.
官人の人事評価制度（人事考課）、礼式、及び選叙（叙位及び任官）、行賞を司り、役人養成機関である大学寮を統括するため、八省の内でも中務省に次いで重要な省とされてきた。