Civil service exam in the Philippines is one of the most taken eligibility examinations locally. Passing any type of civil service exam can definitely give you an edge in your career.
If you’re working on government or planning to work in our government, being a civil service exam passer will ultimately give you the high chance of getting hired and/or promoted. Some or most of the government position in the Philippines require passing the civil service examination.
This short article will provide you a complete guide about all the things you need to know in taking civil service exam in the Philippines.
Types of Career Service Examination
In taking Civil Service Exam in the Philippines, we do have two levels as identified by the Civil Service Commission. The 2 levels are the professional and sub-professional levels.
Before there were different requirements for the two levels but right now according to the updates in CSC website, professional and sub-professional career service examination are open to applicants regardless of educational attainment.
Modes of career service Exam
1. Paper and Pencil Test(CSE PPT)
This is the classic and manual mode of career service examination. It happens twice or thrice a year depending on the schedule approved by the Civil Service Commission.
In this exam, you have to answer the exam questionnaire and put your answers in the answer sheet manually by shading the correct answer using a pencil. This exam can be filed and take in CSC regional and field offices. This was the exam I took and passed before.
2. Computerized Examination(CSC COMEX)
This is the new mode of exam introduced by the Civil Service Commision after suspending the Computer-Assisted Test(CAT) in 2013.
On this mode of exam, you have to register online on the official csc comex webiste, set a schedule and appear on the date of examination on the CSC Comex testing center.
Civil Service Exam Requirements
- Fully accomplished Application Form. Download here
- 4 copies of I.D picture(passport size, colored with a white background, taken within 3months prior to application, with name tag)
- Original and photocopy of valid ID(with signatures and personal information)
- Copy of appointment letter (CSC COMEX)
- Examination fee(P500 for CSE PPT and P600 for CSC COMEX)
Schedule of Civil Service Exam in the Philippines
As mentioned, civil service exam for professional and sub-professional level happens twice or thrice a year. CSC or Civil Service Commission released an announcement of the schedule.
Civil Service Exam schedule for 2018:
- March 18, 2018 (Application Period: November 2016 – January 31, 2018)
- August 12, 2018 (Application Period: April 10, 2018 – June 22, 2018)
Topics covered in Civil service exam
Professional and Sub-Professional
- Vocabulary
- Grammar and correct usage
- Paragraph organization
- Reading comprehension
- Analogy
- Logic and numerical reasoning
- General information questions on Philippine Constitution
- Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (R. A. 6713)
- Peace and human rights issues and concepts
- Environment management and protection
How to apply for Civil service exam in the Philippines
1. Paper and Pencil Test(CSC PPT)
Filing of applications for the CSE-PPT is through the CSC Regional or Field Offices. You can check the list of CSC regional offices here. Bring all the requirements mentioned above and file the application at the CSC regional office near you.
2. Computerized Examination(CSC COMEX)
As mentioned above, you need to register on the official csc comex portal. After registration, you need to reserve an examination slot and then confirm the slot given, once confirmed you’ll receive the details of the exam like the time and date, testing center, slot number etc.
The COMEX is administered in sixteen (16) Testing Centers across the country. All CSC Regional Offices (CSCROs) and the Central Office serve as Testing Centers. You can take the COMEX in your preferred Testing Center.
How to check the results of Civil service exam
1. CSE-PPT
Results of the CSE-PPT are usually released forty-five (45) days after the examination. The names of passers shall be posted at the CSC website.
2. CSE COMEX
Results of the CSE-COMEX are usually released within two weeks after the examination. It shall be released officially through the posting of the list of passers in the CSC website.
I hope this short article provided the information you need to know about the civil service exam in the Philippines. After knowing the requirements and procedures, you can now go ahead and file the application.
Review the covered topics mentioned above ahead of time so you can pass if not perfect the exam.
To our success, cheers!
Hi Billy,
Thank you for sharing this article. Everything in this post is really helpful the tips and advice’s really helps in choosing which exam will you take. All the information from top to bottom is helpful.
Thank you for sharing this again.
You’re welcome! God bless! 🙂
Good day, may I know if does taking civil service have a limit, how many attempts, this is one of the basic questions, thanks and more power.
As far as I know, none. You can take again on the next schedule if you didn’t passed. Thanks!
good day sir. If I apply for a civil service examination in the province. can I take the exam in manila?
As far as I know, you’ll take the exam in the area that covers the same district where you file it. Thanks!
Hi Guyz, do you have a reviewer for CSC, can i ask for a copy heres my email g_cute17@yahoo.com. thank u and Godbless
Blessed day!… is the answer sheet number and the booklet number should be same?…
It should unless there is a new policy I’m not aware of. Thanks!
hi guiz do you have a reviewer for CSC?. .can you send me a copy here’s my email jessielle.ramirez@yahoo.com. .thank you and godbless
Sorry Jessica I don’t have those now. I took the exam years ago. Thanks!
file:///C:/Users/station-3/Downloads/Documents/MSA%20Training%20Program.pdf
click this link
Hi! Where can i find the specific locations in manila where i can file? i only find testing centers po eh
Hi Jeremy, you may check this link. Hope it helps. Thank you.
Is professional cs exam exclusive for graduate individuals only?
Nope. Right now, both are open regardless of educational attainment. Thanks!
Why is there an exam for this?
Is this the other way to help people?
good day po. If I apply for a civil service examination in the province and then I passed the exam can I apply work in manila?
Hi im a teacher now. What is the benefit of taking the civil service examination for professionals?
Hello! I was just wondering if there’s anything else that needs to be done after passing the exams. I took the exam, passed it, and then… nothing. I didn’t get any email or text or any instructions and such. So…. what happens after taking the exam? Thanks!
Hello Mavis, it depends on your goal of taking the exam. If it’s for employment, you can then add it to your resume. Another thing you can do is to get a authenticated copy of the results on the CSC Main office(though it may take a while). Thanks!
Hi im so excited this coming april 17,2016 for taking the cse ppt.this is my second time for taking this test.. And have confident to be pass this exam..
My friend told me that.. Need to use a computer pencil. Is this true?
how about the erasures ? I reviewed my answers during my extra time and i changed some of them . do it affects my score ? They said that if there is an erasure ,it will jump 10 items during checking .. How True ? thanks
i tried registering online. but when i go to the site, it says that “Your connection is not private
Attackers might be trying to steal your information from http://www.comex.csc.gov.ph (for example, passwords, messages, or credit cards). NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID”
is it normal? is it safe to register thru that site?
Hi Billy, do you have any idea if the Civil Service Certificate has an expiration? Can you please give details if you have. Thank you.
Hi Kat, it will not expire. Thanks!
Hi po can I take the CS sub.I have 46 unit 2years in colleges.thank
Yes Carmina. Thanks!
Can I also take the CS sub I have 42 units
hi may i ask if ano n po nian gagawin if may result n po? tatawag po ba sila or pupunta po kme sa office nila?
Hi… Can it put CSPE or career service professional eligible at the last part of my name?
I learned that the exam covers 170 items and the first 20 items are about examinee’s details, does the 20 items already bonus? Thanks
Hello. I passed the professional exam last april 2016 in manila. How can i get the certificate or a proof that I passed the exam? Thank you.
You need to go to the main office but it take a year before the records finally get there. Thanks!
hi good morning. I have finished the 2 years in college but not yet graduated cause my course is 4years.can I take the exam for professional?
helo po paano po kung gusto mo palitan ng professional ung sub pro na apply mo sa civil service pwede po b un kasi sa sept1 pa nman po deadline
You need to take that exam Jeffrey. Thanks!
Could you please send the needed passport size picture for CSE.? What does it look like? (They said it should have name tag)
Just a regular passport size Khia. If you go to a photo studio, they know it already. Thanks!
After passing the exam…is it possible to take say example PNP exam??
Badly need answer..plz?
Yes as far as I know as long as you are qualified to take the Napolcom exam. Thanks!
After po mapasa yung exam ano po posible na trabaho at san pwede mag apply?
Mostly government because this is the exam or certification they required on most of the positions. THanks!
Hi Billy, Just want to ask, if CSE have age limit?
It was indicated that you should be atleast 18 yrs old. Thanks!
Hi Billy, Just want gaano katagal yung exam. Maghapon ba?thanks!
Only 90 mins I think. Thanks!
*Just want to ask ☺️
Hi I am Mr. Florendo, and an Agriculturist, I passed the Career Service Professional April 7, 1993 and worked for private company for 10 years and now 8 years as Government Employee as Agriculturist, the limitation of CSC is we cant used it for promotion? iM still an OIC-Municipal Agriculturist till now Is there any new Laws or CSC Memo cercular to address my promotion is there anyone from civil service commission to answer my Query Your Reply would be of great help for my promotion..
Respectfully:
Mr. Eduardo C. Florendo
Hi Sir Eduardo, I am not related to CSC but as far as I know promotion depends on your upper leader and or management. In most positions in government CSC certification are used to weigh the candidates but still it is up to the recommendation of your supervisor or department leader. Thanks!
You did not specify what was limited by CSC that you cant use on your promotion. Please clarify first.
Dear Sir Bily,
Good day! i am David Gannaban, 26 years old of Barangay Sisim Alto, Tumauini, Isabela, working as Barangay Secretary for 3years up to this date. cant i also qualify to civil service examination? and what requirement cant i bring?
Thank you and God bless….
regards, David
Hi David, anyone can take the exam. Just follow the links on the article and check all the information on the CSC website. Thanks!
Hi sir Billy!
Just want to ask if yung na-issue ba sa atin na mga certificates ay may expiration? Required ba na every year ka magrenew? May nakalagay po kasi sa certificate na valid one year from the date of issue pero pag nagsi-search ako sa net, walang related articles sa renewal nun. Di ko tuloy sure if pwede na magproceed sa application ko sa gov’t agencies or luwas ako QC para mag-renew. Please enlighten me. (haha!)
Thanks in advance!! ❤❤❤
Once you passed, there’s no expiration. You can use that forever. You may want to have a authenticated copy from CSC though. Thanks!
Hi Billy, I am living in FB Harrison Strreet Pasay City. Do you have any idea where I can file my CSE nearby? Thanks for your help.
hello billy!!! i just wanna ask if i will get a csc id/license after passing the cse?? i took cse 2 years ago… and luckily passed it….
I don’t have ID Angrlyn but I claimed a Authenticated copy at the CSE main office in QC. Thanks!
Good evening Billy!! Thanks for replying!!
hi billy, may i ask if the civil service exam questionnaires are the same who takes simultaneously in the other regional CSE testing place…
Hi. Just want to know how long is the exam? I see that it’s usually divided into 3 parts. What is the time allotment per part of the exam? Thanks.
Tanong po, may kailangan po ba sagutin sa exam or puwedeng titigan ko lang?
May tanong lang ako. Makaya ba magkuha ng exam ang isang foreigner?
Not entirely sure. I think it’s only for Pinoys!
good morning sir. i am a 2nd year civil engineer student and i just want to have a work rather than studying too long ….and that I want to apply the civil service examination. if ever I pass the exam, will there be a good job opportunity for me. thank you sir!
….and sir, when will be the nest schedule for CS…i am from Ilagan Isabela
Hello, what is the benefit of civil service passer if you are going to work in abroad. Does it mean I can also work on their government?
Not really Kaisy. They have different civil service commission and different sets of exam. Thanks!
does it require educational attainment before taking the exam??
just wanna know.. thanks 😉
3rd yr. student na po ako. ask ko lang ilang units ba ang kailangan para magtake ng civil service ?
I am a bachelors degree of education. is it acceptable for us to take a CSE and can we work in a government agency without teaching?
i suggest you finish your studies first for you to have more opportunities being stated that you are a civil engineering student.
Hi, what is the appropriate exam (subproff.or proff?) to take for a private employee like me?Im a college grad and had an employment background with a private company for 10yrs already. Thanks!
Hi, Sir Billy.
Does the eligibility expires like the professional license nowadays (year 2018) or is it lifetime?
hi ask ko lng po if okay pong kumuha agad ng professional exam s civil service or mas maganda po agad n kumuha muna ng sub professional?
Hi Billy,
I took the civil service exam years back (cannot remember the year) and passed the exam as indicated in the letter sent to me. However, that letter is now missing and most probably gone. How can I get or even apply for eligibility card? Can they trace my name in their system?
Appreciate if you can advise.
Thanks,
Sam
I applied for subprof and I want to change it to professional instead. Is that possible?