2024 Civil Service Exam Requirements, Schedule, and Filing Procedures
What is Civil Service Exam?
The Civil Service Exam (CSE), also known as the Career Service Examination is administered by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). This exam is conducted twice a year to test whether an applicant is eligible to work in the government.
There are two types of CSEs
1. Sub-Professional Level
This level is aimed toward applicants eyeing first-level government positions, which includes clerical and administrative work. The test has a time limit of two hours and 40 minutes and features 165 items that cover the following topics:
2. Professional Level
This exam type, on the other hand, is designed to allow passers to apply for both first- and second-level government positions. This includes job opportunities for both clerical and managerial posts.
Unlike the sub-professional level, an examinee taking up the professional exam must be a graduate of a four-year course. In terms of the actual test, the time limit is longer (three hours and 10 minutes), with 170 items that cover the following topics:
Additionally, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has also implemented a special job placement program called the Brightest for the Bureaucracy Program (BBP), which aims to invite young people with exceptional qualifications to join various public services. These individuals are those who have received high ratings in the CSC and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) exams or are honor graduates, among others.
Who is eligible to take the civil service exam?
- A Filipino citizen with excellent moral character, at least 18 years old.
- Has no criminal record or has not been convicted of an offense or crime involving moral turpitude by final judgment.
- Has not been dishonorably discharged from military service or fired for a reason from any government civilian employment. Has not gone the same route
- The level of career service test must be taken within three (3) months of the previous examination.
When will be the next Civil Service Exam?
The schedule of the Civil Service Exam would depend on the mode of the exam you are trying to apply for:
Paper and pencil test (CSC-PPT) schedule
-TBA-
Please be advised that Civil Service Commission limits the number of applicants who can take the exam. They follow a first-come, first-served basis policy, filing your applications early is a must.
Furthermore, these schedules can also change without prior notice. Always get the latest updates regarding the schedules for the civil service exams.
Computerized examination (CSC-COMEX)
The Civil Service Commission also conducts the CSC-Comex in some Regional Offices or in Central Office.
Through the Civil Service Commission’s Central Office, the exam is administered several days throughout the months of February, April, May, and June. The schedule of the sub-professional exam, however, is only allotted for two days.
Keep in mind that these schedules may change. Be always updated with the Civil Service Commission through their online platforms.
What are the requirements for Civil Service Exam?
Applicants who want to take the test must prepare the following documentary requirements for filing for the civil service exam. Once you’ve completed the necessary requirements, you may file your application at the nearest CSC Regional Office or CSC Field Office of your choice.
1. Filled out civil service exam application form
You can download the civil service exam application form here.
Take note: Leave “Signature over Printed Name of Applicant” and “Right Thumbmark” blank. You may only fill these spaces in the presence of a CSC processor.
2. Four (4) copies of ID pictures
The pictures must meet the following requirements:
- Passport size (1.8 inches x 1.4 inches / 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm)
- Colored ID picture
- With white background
- Must be taken within 3 months before the application
- All copies must be printed on high-quality photo paper
- Face and head must occupy 80% of the photo with the name tag placed 1 inch below the chin
- The name tag must be handwritten and distinctively shows the applicant’s signature over the printed full name; it must follow this format: First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name, and Extension Name (if applicable)
- Computer enhancement on facial features is NOT allowed
- Accessories such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, etc. are not allowed
- Both ears must be visible
- The applicant must be directly facing the camera
- Eyes should be open
- A neutral facial expression only
3. Valid ID card (Original and photocopy)
The valid ID card must show the applicant’s complete name, birthdate, clear picture, signature, as well as the signature of the issuing agency’s head or representative.
You can find the complete list of valid IDs accepted by the Civil Service Commission.
Suppose your valid ID does not indicate your date of birth. In that case, you will be required to submit an original photocopy of your birth certificate duly issued by either the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or the Local Civil Registry (LCR).
4. Certification of Retention/Reacquisition of Philippine Citizenship (Original and photocopy; only if applicable)
This document is required from all applicants with dual citizenship to prove their eligibility to take the exam. The Bureau of Immigration issues this.
5. Examination fee
- Php 500 for the paper and pencil test
- Php 680 for the computerized examination
6. Appointment letter copy sent to your email (only if applicable)
This is only applicable to those taking the computerized exam.
Where and how to apply for the Civil Service exam?
Paper and pencil test (CSC-PPT) application
1. Download the application form and fill in all the necessary information EXCEPT for your signature and thumbprint.
2. Go to your local Civil Service Commission Regional Office (CSCRO) or Field offices to file your application.
- Wear proper attire upon the application date. A sleeveless shirt/blouse, short pants, and slippers are not allowed.
- The Civil Service Commission follows a first-come, first-serve basis policy, so it would be wiser to submit your application once the application season begins.
3. Add your signature and thumbprint on the application form once you are with a CSC processor or Action Officer.
4. Submit the application form for review.
- If you qualified, you would be redirected to the cashier to pay the examination fee. Otherwise, the personnel will inform you why you’re disqualified to take the test.
5. Return to the Action Officer with the official receipt of your application and your processed application form. You will then be provided with essential examination reminders and the examination receipt slip.
Computerized examination (CSC-COMEX) online application
The civil service exam online application instructions are laid out accordingly below:
1. Go to the CSC-COMEX website and click the “Sign Up Now” button to create an account.
2. Fill out the username and password section – then continue adding the necessary information on the next pages. This will include your personal, education, employment, eligibility, and other important information.
3. Read the “Terms and Conditions” and tick the box below once you’ve finished. Follow the CAPTCHA instructions and click “Submit”.
4. Check the verification link sent to your email to activate your new COMEX account.
5. Log in to your account, and on the next page, click the “Reserve a Slot Now!” button to view the available examination schedules.
6. Select your preferable date and testing center and click “Reserve”.
7. Print out the “slot reservation” confirmation sent to your email. Bring this printout on the day of the examination.
What should I bring to the Civil Service Exam?
Paper and pencil test (CSC-PPT)
1. Know where you have been assigned to take the test. Check your exam venue’s Online Notice of School Assignment (ONSA).
2. Make sure to fill in the requested information on the corresponding fields. Once your ONSA is displayed, print it out and bring it on your examination day. If you’re having trouble accessing the ONSA, you may call the CSC Office where you filed your application.
3. Make sure to visit the examination venue at least two days before the exam to familiarize yourself with the area. This will help you to schedule your commute so that you will get to the venue on time on the day of the examination.
Bring the following:
- Receipt application with CSC Official Receipt (if available).
- Notice of School Assignment (printed copy).
- Black pens and pencils.
- Water or your preferred beverage (except alcohol) is placed in a clear bottle or container. You can also bring something to eat like biscuits or candies. Every food item you’ll bring shall be subject to inspection by the proctor or room examiner.
- Original and photocopy of the ID card you presented during the application. Don’t forget this since CSC strictly implements its No ID, No Examination policy. Make sure your ID card displays your date of birth, or you’ll need to bring an original copy of your birth certificate issued by the PSA.
- DO NOT bring printed materials or gadgets that may help in answering the exam. All these should be kept in your bag and surrendered to the room examiner before the exam starts.
Computerized examination (CSC-COMEX)
1. Go to the testing venue on the time and date of your examination as indicated on the ONSA.
2. Submit the documentary requirements mentioned earlier to the processing area for verification. Present any valid IDs listed below (original and photocopy):
- Philippine passport
- Driver’s license
- SSS ID
- Philhealth ID
- Voter’s ID
- NBI clearance
- PRC license
- Postal ID
- BIR ID
- Current company ID or school ID
- Barangay ID
- Police clearance certificate
Similarly, with the paper-and-pencil test, ensure your ID card displays your date of birth, or you’ll need to bring an original copy of your birth certificate issued by the PSA.
3. Once verified, go to the cashier and pay the exam fee, Php 680.
4. Present the receipt to the CSC processor or action officer.
5. Get your CSID and proceed to the waiting room.
6. Sign the picture-seat plan and the attendance sheet after the orientation.
What to do while waiting for Civil Service Exam?
To review is the best thing to do while waiting for the examination day. Here are some ideas on what to do.
1. Gather your paperwork
Organize all necessary paperwork for the test day, such as valid IDs, examination slips, and receipts. You will need this on the examination day.
2. Review
Don’t be too confident and don’t rely on your stock knowledge. Read the exam’s scope and get some study resources. This site offers FREE civil service reviewer, you can download and study them. Remember that if you don’t prepare, you’re planning to fail.
CSE REVIEWER
You can download FREE CSE reviewers here.
3. Wait for ONSA’s announcement
The ONSA or Online Notice of School Assignments will be released on the CSC website about two weeks before your test date. This is where you will learn about the actual location of the examination.