Preparation Guide for the Civil Service Exam 2023

The Civil Service Examination (CSE) in the Philippines is a competitive examination for those who aspire to become professional civil servants in the Philippine government. The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has already announced the schedule for the Career Service Exam – Pen and Paper Test (CSE-PPT) for 2023.

The CSE-PPT is a written examination that covers a range of topics, including General Information, Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Clerical Operations, and Logic. Passing the Career Service Examination is a requirement for appointment to eligible positions in the Philippine government and is considered a benchmark for career advancement in the civil service.

Purpose of Philippine Civil Service Exam

 In the Philippines, taking the Civil Service Examination (CSE) is a requirement for anyone wishing to work as a professional or semi-professional civil servant in the Philippine government. The exam is formulated to assess the candidate's knowledge, skills and proficiency in various areas including general information, English proficiency, mathematical abilities, and logical thinking.

By passing the CSE, an individual certifies that he or she has the necessary qualifications to serve the Philippine government and its citizens in a professional capacity. The exam is also considered a benchmark for career advancement in public service and can give individuals an edge when applying for government jobs and promotions.

CSE not only provides opportunities for individuals to demonstrate their abilities, but also helps ensure the integrity and efficiency of Philippine civil servants by setting high standards for those working in the government. This, in turn, helps build public confidence in the Philippine government and its ability to meet the needs of its citizens. 

Who are Qualified to take the Civil Service Exam?

 To be eligible to take the civil service exam, prospective candidates must fulfill the requirements outlined by the Civil Service Commission:

1.The candidate must be a Filipino citizen residing in the Philippines.

2.The applicant must be not below 18 years of age on the application date.

3. The applicant must have good moral character.

4. He/she must not have criminal record or have not any verdict related to crime involving moral turpitude, drug addiction, and/or examination irregularity.

5. Applicants with an outstanding criminal or administrative case are still allowed to pass their civil service exam application and can be recognized civil service eligible if they passed.

6. However, if proven guilty, civil service eligibility might be forfeited, as stated in the existing Civil Service Law decision.

7. The candidate has previously worked for the government and has not been dishonorably discharged or otherwise dismissed from a civilian or military position.

8. The applicant has not taken the CSE within the last three months prior the examination date.

Filipinos who maintain dual citizenship can also apply to take the CSE. They need to secure and submit a copy of their Certificate of Retention or Reacquisition of Philippine Citizenship released by the Bureau of Immigration.

The CSC is stringent in enforcing these rules. If in case a CSC online application has already been processed, the applicant will then be forbidden from taking the civil service exam and the fees paid shall be forfeited once grounds for disqualification are found

What is the Difference between Professional Civil Service and Sub-Professional Civil Service?

CSE has two types and it all depends on the qualifications of the applicants.

Career Service SubProfessional Eligibility

For this type of civil service exam, after passing the exam, you will be awarded the Commercial Service subspecialty, which qualifies you to work in first level government positions, including clerical, commercial, craft and custodial positions. Level 1 position require less than four years of college education. So, even if you don't have a bachelor's degree, if you clear this test, you are already eligible to work in the government.

Professional Civil Service Exam

Unlike the sub-professional civil service exam, the professional civil service exam qualifies for first- and second-level government positions. This civil service exam offers a wide range of jobs from clerical to executive jobs. However, applicants for the Professional Civil Service Examination must complete a four-year college degree.

Requirements for Philippines Civil Service Exam

1. Application Form

• A properly accomplished application form, named CS Form No. 100, Revised 2016.

• The Signature and the Right Thumb mark of the appicant shall be left blank as per instruction of CSC as this will be accomplished in the presence of CSC representative/ processor.

2. ID Picture

• Completed application form (CS Form No. 100 if applicable).

• Four (4) ID photos. Passport size with white background and must be taken within 3 months prior to application.

• Must have a handwritten name tag showing the signature over the printed full name format.

3. Valid ID

• With a clear picture

• Date of Birth and Signature must be in the valid ID

• Original and Photocopy of the following documents

• Driver’s license, PRC License ID, SSS ID, GSIS ID, Voter’s ID, BIR ID, Philhealth ID, Postal ID, Current company ID, Current School ID, Police Clearance, Barangay ID.

4. PSA Birth Certificate

• If the applicant’s ID does not state his or her birth date, he or she must bring an authenticated birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

5. Examination Fee

• You have to pay Php 500.00 for the examination fee. Bring your official receipt with you during the examination day.

Where To Obtain The Philippines Civil Service (PCS) Application Form?

The civil service application form can be downloaded from the CSC website or you can visit the nearest CSC regional or field office.

Date of filing:  From May 15, 2023 to June 14, 2023. 

Exam date:  Exam (CSE-PPT) on August 19, 2023.

What is the Pass Rate for Professional Civil Service and Sub-Professional Civil Service Exam?

To be able to be considered eligible and pass the civil service exam, you must obtain a maximum score of 80% or higher.

Exam Day Reminder

The actual exam starts at 8:00 am but candidates should be at the test center one hour before due to pre-exam activities. Candidates arriving after 7:30 am will not be admitted.

Passing the civil service exam is only one of the qualifications and requirements if you want to work in the public sector. You must also meet the education, training, experience, and competency requirements set forth by the recruiting department. However, passing the exam is a good place to start.

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