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The Philippine Civil Service Exam, formally referred to as the Career Service Exam, stands as a pivotal qualification assessment administered by the Civil Service Commission. Its successful completion opens the doors for individuals to engage in full-time, permanent employment within the Philippine government.

This biannual examination comes in two tiers - Professional and Sub-professional. Opting for the Sub-professional level equips you for clerical and entry-level roles, whereas conquering the Professional level not only awards you 2nd level eligibility but also paves your way towards supervisory and managerial positions (2nd level positions).

The choice between the Professional and Sub-professional levels lies in your hands.

Everyone is qualified to take the Civil Service Examination regardless of your educational attainment as long as you met the following:

• You must be a Filipino citizen, at least 18 years of age at the time of filing the application.
• You must be of good moral character, have no criminal record, or have not been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude.
• Must not have been dishonorably discharged from the military, police, fire, or jail service or even dismissed for cause from any civilian position in the government.
• Must not have taken the same level of career service examination either through PPT or CSC Computerized Examination (CSC COMEX) within three (3) months from the last examination taken.

The content of the Civil Service Exam varies based on whether you are opting for the Professional or Sub-Professional level. For those taking the Professional level, the subjects comprise Numerical Ability, Analytical Ability, Verbal Ability, and General Information. Conversely, the Sub-Professional level entails Numerical Ability, Clerical Ability, Verbal Ability, and General Information. Explore the specifics outlined below:

To pass the test, an examinee should get a general rating of at least 80%.

For 2025, here's the schedule:

For you to be allowed to take the Civil Service Examination, follow the steps below:

1. Go to the nearest Civil Service Commission Office. They are open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00PM (except for holidays).
2. Submit the Requirements
   • Application form
   • 4 identical ID pictures (passport size, white background)
   • Original and photocopy of school, company or government issued IDs
     • Passport
     • Driver's License
     • SSS ID
     • GSIS ID
     • Philhealth ID
     • Current Company/Office ID
     • Current School ID
     • Postal ID
     • BIR ID (TIN)
     • Barangay ID
     • Voter's ID
     • Police Clearance
   • PSA birth certificate (if ID has no birth date)
   • Pay registration fee at the cashier (Php 500.00)
3. Wait for your school assignment (examination venue).
4. Take the test on the designated day. (Remember to bring all the requirements and follow all the required protocols on the examination day. Check our FAQs to get the list)
5. Wait for the result.

Yes. You can take the Civil Service Exam regardless of your educational attainment.

The school assignment is available two weeks before examination day at the CSC website www.csc.gov.ph.

During the examination, you should wear proper attire (sleeveless shirt/blouse, short pants or slippers are not allowed). White polo or polo shirt is advised to be used.

The use of calculators as aids during the exam is prohibited. When candidates sit for the Civil Service Examination, they are expected to rely solely on their mental calculations and problem-solving skills without the assistance of electronic devices like calculators.

The following items should be brought during the CS Examination:

• Valid ID
• Original PSA Birth Certificate
• Application Receipt with Official Receipt
• Notice of Assignment
• Black ballpen
• Clear transparent container (for water or any food)

Important Reminders on the day of the examination

• No ID, No Exam.
• Testing venue is opened at 6:00am. Gates are closed at 7:30am.
• Failure to take the exam on schedule means forfeiture of examination fee and slot.
• Gadgets, calculators and any printed materials are not allowed.

The following list comprises all individuals exempted from taking the Civil Service Examination:

• Bar and Board Exam Passers (in accordance with RA 1080)
• Barangay Health Workers (pursuant to RA 7883):
  • Candidates should possess at least two (2) years of college education leading to a college degree and five (5) years of active and satisfactory service in their respective fields.

• Barangay Officials (based on RA 7160, Local Government Code of 1991):

  This category includes:

  • Barangay Captain
  • Sangguniang Barangay Members
  • Sangguniang Kabataan Chairmen
  • Barangay Treasurers
  • Barangay Secretaries
• Barangay Nutrition Scholars (based on PD 1569):
  • Individuals should have engaged in at least 2 years of active and effective nutrition services and other health-related activities.
• Electronic Data Processing Specialists (based on CSC Resolution No. 90-083, Jan. 22, 1990):
  • Those who have passed System Analysis and Design, Java, Microsoft Access, or Microsoft Visual Basic.
• Foreign School Honor Graduates (based on CSC Resolution No. 1302714, Dec. 17, 2013):
  • Including Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude distinctions.
• Honor Graduates (based on PD 907, Mar. 11, 1976):
  • Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude honors are considered.
• Sanggunian Members (based on RA 10156):
  • Including Sangguniang Bayan, Sangguniang Panlungsod, and Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
• Scientific and Technological Specialists (based on PD 997):
  • Encompassing Natural Sciences (Astronomy, Biological Sciences, Geological Sciences, Meteorology, Oceanography, Physics/Applied Physics) and Engineering Sciences.
• Skills Eligibility (based on CSC MC No. 11, s. 1996):
  • For roles such as plant electricians, automotive mechanics, heavy equipment operators, laboratory technicians, carpenters, draftsmen, shine curators, plumbers, and others.
• Veterans Preference Eligibility (based on EO No. 132, s. 1948, and EO No. 790, s. 1982):
  • This includes the veteran, their spouse, and their children.

Individuals who pass the CSE are granted permanent positions. Consequently, they become eligible for customary benefits such as SSS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth, holiday pay, and more.(Non-permanent or job order employees do not have access to these privileges.)

You are allowed to take the civil service exam as many times as necessary. It's important to note, however, that you can only attempt the same level of the exam once every three months.

Civil Service eligibility does not come with an expiration date. Moreover, government agencies tend to favor this certification when considering candidates for positions.