Civil Service Exam Qualifications and Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS for the Civil Service Examination

The following are the qualifications/requirements to be met in order to apply for the Civil Service Exam, otherwise known as the Career Service Eligibility (CSE) Exam for both professional and sub-professional levels. These Information are provided by the Civil Service Commission.

1. Career Service Professional and Sub-professional examinations are open to applicants regardless of educational attainment.

2. Applicants for both levels must:

• Be Filipino citizens, at least 18 years old, and of good moral character;
• Have no criminal record or have not been convicted by final judgment of an offense or crime involving moral turpitude;
• Have not been dishonorably discharged from military service or dismissed for cause from any civilian position in the government; and
• Have not taken the same level of career service examination within three (3) months from last examination taken.

Nowadays, it is easier for anyone to take the exam as long as the minimum requirements are meet. Unlike before, several years ago, a certain degree or educational attainment is also required by law in order for anyone to apply for the exam.

MODES of Taking the Civil Service Examination

The Career Service Examination (Professional and Sub-Professional levels) may be taken through either of the following modes:

1. Paper and Pencil Test (PPT)

     The CSE-PPT is conducted nationwide twice or thrice a year subject to the approval of the Commission. Filing of applications for the CSE-PPT is through the CSC Regional or Field Offices.

     Applicants are advised to refer to the Examination Announcement, which the CSC officially issues for each schedule of the CSE-PPT.

2. Computerized Examination (COMEX), also known as, Computer Assisted Test (CAT)

     The CSE-CAT is conducted at the Civil Service Commission Central Office (CSCCO), IBP Road, Batasan Hills, Quezon City, and in selected CSC Regional Offices (CSCRO) such as CSC-CAR, Baguio City. For the schedule of conduct of CSE-CAT, applicants are advised to coordinate/get in touch with the CSCCO, or the concerned CSCRO. Please visit the CSC website www.csc.gov.ph for the directory of CSC Central and Regional Offices.

Read: Why do a lot of takers fail the civil service exam?

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Fully accomplished Civil Service Examination Form - CS Form No. 100 (Revised September 2016).  The spaces for “Signature of Applicant” and “Right Thumbmark” on the form should be left blank.  These shall be accomplished in the presence of the CSC processor.

2. Four (4) copies of identical I.D. pictures with specifications, as follows:

• Philippine Passport size (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm  or  1.8 inches x 1.4 inches)
• Colored, with white background
• Taken within three (3) months prior to filing of application
• Printed on good quality photo paper
• In standard close-up shot (from shoulder level up with the head and face occupying at least 80% of the picture and with the name tag positioned at approximately 1 inch or 2.54 cm below the chin)
• In bare face (with no eyeglasses or any accessories that may cover the facial features)
• Showing left and right ears
• Taken in full-face view directly facing the camera
• With neutral facial expression, and both eyes open
• With full and handwritten (not computer-generated) name tag in the format: First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name, and Extension Name (if any), and signature over printed name

3. Original and photocopy of any valid ID containing applicant’s clear picture, date of birth, signature, and signature of the authorized head of the issuing agency such as Driver’s License, SSS ID, GSIS ID, Philhealth ID, current Company/Office ID, current School ID, Postal ID, BIR ID, Barangay ID, Voter’s ID, Valid Passport, or Police Clearance (Note: Any other ID not included in the list shall NOT be accepted)

     IDs with lacking information, particularly the applicant’s date of birth, should be supported by NSO-issued Birth Certificate or Birth Certificate authenticated/issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR).

4. Copy of Appointment letter received by the applicant through email  (for Computer Assisted Test)

5. Examination fee of Php 500.00 for the Paper and Pencil Test (PPT), or Php 600.00 for Computerized Exam (COMEX) or Computer-Assisted Test (CAT).

What to Bring on the Day of the Civil Service Exam

• Application receipt and exam slip
• Pencil (Mongol No. 1 or 2 recommended) and Eraser
• Black Ball pen
• Valid IDs
• Most importantly, YOURSELF :D

You should also wear an attire which is comfortable enough for you, however it should also be a decent one and fit for the occasion of the day. You can also bring some chocolates and a bottled water for your tummy, so that you have a backup battery, if ever you feel hunger, for your mind to be re-energized and function well. And my favorite words for you - "The Best Equipped and Skilled Soldier is a Sure Victor in any Battle."

Please see the Civil Service Examination Schedule for your guidance.