Requirements for Professional and Subprofessional Civil Service Exams

The Civil Service Examination (CSE) in the Philippines is administered by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to determine the eligibility of individuals seeking government employment. The exam is divided into two levels: Professional and Subprofessional.

Eligibility Requirements

To take the Civil Service Examination, applicants must meet the following general qualifications:

1. Citizenship

   • Must be a Filipino citizen.

2. Age Requirement

   • At least 18 years old on the date of application.

3. Educational Requirement

   • Professional Level: At least a Bachelor’s degree (graduates and college-level individuals may apply).
   • Subprofessional Level: At least a high school graduate or completed vocational courses.

4. Good Moral Character

   • Must not have been convicted of any crime or offense involving moral turpitude.

5. Previous Examination Status

   • Must not have failed the same exam four times (applies to both levels).
   • Must not have been dishonorably discharged from government service.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Fully Accomplished Civil Service Exam Application Form

   • The form is available on the CSC official website or at any CSC office.

2. Valid ID (Original and Photocopy)

   • Any government-issued ID such as:
     • Philippine Passport
     • Driver’s License
     • UMID (Unified Multi-Purpose ID)
     • Postal ID
     • PRC License
     • Voter’s ID
     • PhilSys ID (National ID)
     • Barangay ID (only if no other valid ID is available)

3. Recent Passport-Sized Photo (4 Copies)

   • Must have a white background and applicant’s name tag.
   • Must be taken within the last three months.

4. Examination Fee

   • ₱500 for both Professional and Subprofessional levels.

5. Certificate of Retention/Reacquisition of Philippine Citizenship (if applicable)

   • Required for dual citizens under R.A. 9225.

Examination Schedule and Filing Period

• The CSC announces exam schedules on their official website and social media pages.
• Filing of applications is on a first-come, first-served basis until slots are filled.
• Applicants are encouraged to apply early as slots are limited.

Examination Scope

The Civil Service Examination covers various subjects depending on the level:

Professional Level

• Verbal Ability (English & Filipino)
• Analytical and Logical Reasoning
• Numerical Ability
• General Information (Philippine Constitution, Government Code, Environmental Laws, etc.)

Subprofessional Level

• Verbal Ability (English & Filipino)
• Clerical and Numerical Ability
• General Information
• Filing and Clerical Operations

Examination Day Guidelines

• Arrive at least 1 hour before the exam starts.
• Bring the Notice of Admission (NOA) and valid ID.
• Use only black ballpen (no gel pens, pencils, or markers).
• Follow the dress code (no sleeveless shirts, shorts, or slippers).
• Electronic devices and calculators are not allowed inside the examination room.

Passing Grade and Results

• The passing score is 80% for both Professional and Subprofessional levels.
• Results are released 60 days after the exam and can be checked on the CSC website.
• Passers receive a Certificate of Eligibility, which is a requirement for applying to government positions.

Final Thoughts

Passing the Civil Service Exam is the first step towards securing a stable career in the government sector. To improve chances of success, applicants should review thoroughly, understand the exam format, and prepare all requirements ahead of time.

For the latest updates, always refer to the official CSC website: https://www.csc.gov.ph.

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Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on publicly available guidelines from the Civil Service Commission. Applicants should verify with CSC for the latest updates and requirements.