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A Complete guide about Civil Service Exam in the Philippines

Last updated on February 11, 2018 | by Billy

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.

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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:

  1. March 18, 2018 (Application Period: November 2016 – January 31, 2018)
  2. 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!


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Comments

  1. UniversityInCebu says

    September 29, 2015 at 11:14 AM

    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.

    Reply
    • Billy says

      September 29, 2015 at 4:50 PM

      You’re welcome! God bless! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Eljhon says

    January 11, 2016 at 10:26 AM

    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.

    Reply
    • Billy says

      January 11, 2016 at 12:00 PM

      As far as I know, none. You can take again on the next schedule if you didn’t passed. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Diego says

        January 27, 2016 at 1:24 PM

        good day sir. If I apply for a civil service examination in the province. can I take the exam in manila?

        Reply
        • Billy says

          January 27, 2016 at 4:13 PM

          As far as I know, you’ll take the exam in the area that covers the same district where you file it. Thanks!

          Reply
  3. GA says

    January 26, 2016 at 2:39 PM

    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

    Reply
  4. mary grace vallo says

    February 1, 2016 at 6:20 PM

    Blessed day!… is the answer sheet number and the booklet number should be same?…

    Reply
    • Billy says

      February 2, 2016 at 3:26 PM

      It should unless there is a new policy I’m not aware of. Thanks!

      Reply
  5. jessica ramirez says

    February 2, 2016 at 4:36 PM

    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

    Reply
    • Billy says

      February 2, 2016 at 5:03 PM

      Sorry Jessica I don’t have those now. I took the exam years ago. Thanks!

      Reply
    • krizelle says

      August 27, 2016 at 11:21 AM

      file:///C:/Users/station-3/Downloads/Documents/MSA%20Training%20Program.pdf
      click this link

      Reply
  6. Jeremy Alexandrea Reyes says

    February 10, 2016 at 1:11 AM

    Hi! Where can i find the specific locations in manila where i can file? i only find testing centers po eh

    Reply
    • Billy says

      February 10, 2016 at 7:12 AM

      Hi Jeremy, you may check this link. Hope it helps. Thank you.

      Reply
  7. Kaycee says

    February 19, 2016 at 1:40 PM

    Is professional cs exam exclusive for graduate individuals only?

    Reply
    • Billy says

      February 19, 2016 at 2:20 PM

      Nope. Right now, both are open regardless of educational attainment. Thanks!

      Reply
  8. Oliver Casimero says

    February 22, 2016 at 4:54 PM

    Why is there an exam for this?

    Reply
  9. Oliver Casimero says

    February 24, 2016 at 5:49 PM

    Is this the other way to help people?

    Reply
    • Marieliese says

      May 10, 2019 at 4:05 PM

      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?

      Reply
  10. Joy says

    February 25, 2016 at 9:15 PM

    Hi im a teacher now. What is the benefit of taking the civil service examination for professionals?

    Reply
  11. Mavis says

    March 28, 2016 at 2:22 PM

    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!

    Reply
    • Billy says

      March 28, 2016 at 8:40 PM

      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!

      Reply
  12. bernalyn says

    April 9, 2016 at 8:26 PM

    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..

    Reply
  13. bernalyn says

    April 9, 2016 at 8:31 PM

    My friend told me that.. Need to use a computer pencil. Is this true?

    Reply
  14. Joyce says

    April 18, 2016 at 9:14 AM

    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

    Reply
  15. Charles says

    May 13, 2016 at 12:28 PM

    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?

    Reply
  16. kat says

    May 20, 2016 at 11:10 PM

    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.

    Reply
    • Billy says

      May 22, 2016 at 11:27 PM

      Hi Kat, it will not expire. Thanks!

      Reply
  17. carmina says

    May 24, 2016 at 10:26 PM

    Hi po can I take the CS sub.I have 46 unit 2years in colleges.thank

    Reply
    • Billy says

      May 25, 2016 at 12:22 AM

      Yes Carmina. Thanks!

      Reply
  18. kiel says

    May 27, 2016 at 4:02 AM

    Can I also take the CS sub I have 42 units

    Reply
  19. Aien says

    May 28, 2016 at 7:43 AM

    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?

    Reply
  20. Avelino Payot says

    May 30, 2016 at 10:48 AM

    Hi… Can it put CSPE or career service professional eligible at the last part of my name?

    Reply
  21. Trina says

    June 5, 2016 at 3:51 PM

    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

    Reply
  22. marl jon s. de vera says

    July 4, 2016 at 7:39 PM

    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.

    Reply
    • Billy says

      July 9, 2016 at 11:12 PM

      You need to go to the main office but it take a year before the records finally get there. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Tj says

        October 27, 2016 at 10:37 AM

        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?

        Reply
  23. jeffrey says

    July 5, 2016 at 9:22 PM

    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

    Reply
    • Billy says

      July 9, 2016 at 11:10 PM

      You need to take that exam Jeffrey. Thanks!

      Reply
  24. khia says

    July 9, 2016 at 4:51 PM

    Could you please send the needed passport size picture for CSE.? What does it look like? (They said it should have name tag)

    Reply
    • Billy says

      July 9, 2016 at 11:03 PM

      Just a regular passport size Khia. If you go to a photo studio, they know it already. Thanks!

      Reply
  25. Elteo says

    July 18, 2016 at 10:13 PM

    After passing the exam…is it possible to take say example PNP exam??
    Badly need answer..plz?

    Reply
    • Billy says

      July 19, 2016 at 3:18 PM

      Yes as far as I know as long as you are qualified to take the Napolcom exam. Thanks!

      Reply
  26. Kim says

    July 30, 2016 at 7:38 PM

    After po mapasa yung exam ano po posible na trabaho at san pwede mag apply?

    Reply
    • Billy says

      August 2, 2016 at 6:26 AM

      Mostly government because this is the exam or certification they required on most of the positions. THanks!

      Reply
  27. Jhe says

    August 25, 2016 at 7:17 AM

    Hi Billy, Just want to ask, if CSE have age limit?

    Reply
    • Billy says

      August 27, 2016 at 7:35 PM

      It was indicated that you should be atleast 18 yrs old. Thanks!

      Reply
  28. Yen says

    September 4, 2016 at 9:00 PM

    Hi Billy, Just want gaano katagal yung exam. Maghapon ba?thanks!

    Reply
    • Billy says

      September 7, 2016 at 6:32 AM

      Only 90 mins I think. Thanks!

      Reply
  29. Yen says

    September 4, 2016 at 9:00 PM

    *Just want to ask ☺️

    Reply
  30. Mr. Eduardo C. Florendo says

    September 9, 2016 at 8:46 PM

    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

    Reply
    • Billy says

      September 10, 2016 at 11:59 PM

      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!

      Reply
    • Harold says

      January 13, 2017 at 10:52 AM

      You did not specify what was limited by CSC that you cant use on your promotion. Please clarify first.

      Reply
  31. DAVID L. GANNABAN says

    October 7, 2016 at 6:04 AM

    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

    Reply
    • Billy says

      October 7, 2016 at 7:07 AM

      Hi David, anyone can take the exam. Just follow the links on the article and check all the information on the CSC website. Thanks!

      Reply
  32. Edvernelyn says

    October 23, 2016 at 8:59 PM

    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!! ❤❤❤

    Reply
    • Billy says

      October 25, 2016 at 3:31 PM

      Once you passed, there’s no expiration. You can use that forever. You may want to have a authenticated copy from CSC though. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Orly says

        May 2, 2017 at 9:06 AM

        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.

        Reply
  33. angrlyn abat says

    December 8, 2016 at 9:36 PM

    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….

    Reply
    • Billy says

      December 8, 2016 at 10:08 PM

      I don’t have ID Angrlyn but I claimed a Authenticated copy at the CSE main office in QC. Thanks!

      Reply
      • angelyn abat says

        December 23, 2016 at 9:37 PM

        Good evening Billy!! Thanks for replying!!

        Reply
  34. Roxanne says

    December 27, 2016 at 4:55 PM

    hi billy, may i ask if the civil service exam questionnaires are the same who takes simultaneously in the other regional CSE testing place…

    Reply
  35. J says

    March 5, 2017 at 10:39 PM

    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.

    Reply
  36. Rodrigo says

    March 7, 2017 at 1:01 AM

    Tanong po, may kailangan po ba sagutin sa exam or puwedeng titigan ko lang?

    Reply
  37. Kevin says

    June 10, 2017 at 2:51 PM

    May tanong lang ako. Makaya ba magkuha ng exam ang isang foreigner?

    Reply
    • Billy says

      June 11, 2017 at 8:45 AM

      Not entirely sure. I think it’s only for Pinoys!

      Reply
  38. Jesse Embat says

    September 7, 2017 at 9:49 AM

    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!

    Reply
  39. Jesse Embat says

    September 7, 2017 at 9:54 AM

    ….and sir, when will be the nest schedule for CS…i am from Ilagan Isabela

    Reply
  40. Kaisy says

    September 19, 2017 at 7:13 AM

    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?

    Reply
    • Billy says

      September 20, 2017 at 10:28 PM

      Not really Kaisy. They have different civil service commission and different sets of exam. Thanks!

      Reply
  41. anonymous says

    October 24, 2017 at 10:48 PM

    does it require educational attainment before taking the exam??

    just wanna know.. thanks 😉

    Reply
  42. nikko says

    February 18, 2018 at 10:48 PM

    3rd yr. student na po ako. ask ko lang ilang units ba ang kailangan para magtake ng civil service ?

    Reply
  43. Mary Love says

    March 15, 2018 at 2:02 PM

    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?

    Reply
  44. Shine says

    March 21, 2018 at 10:45 AM

    i suggest you finish your studies first for you to have more opportunities being stated that you are a civil engineering student.

    Reply
  45. Ann says

    April 16, 2018 at 10:04 AM

    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!

    Reply
  46. Mich says

    June 14, 2018 at 11:49 AM

    Hi, Sir Billy.
    Does the eligibility expires like the professional license nowadays (year 2018) or is it lifetime?

    Reply
  47. andy says

    September 14, 2018 at 3:10 PM

    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?

    Reply
  48. Samuel Tiu says

    September 23, 2018 at 6:13 AM

    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

    Reply
  49. Nina says

    May 23, 2019 at 12:43 PM

    I applied for subprof and I want to change it to professional instead. Is that possible?

    Reply

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