CSC Civil Service Exam 2024: Schedule and Requirements

Many Filipinos aspire to work full-time and permanently for the government. Working in the government as a permanent employee provides job security, a solid retirement package, and a competitive salary in comparison to comparable employment in the public sector. It’s one thing to join the public service, but becoming a regular employee is a much bigger challenge. To become a regular employee of a government agency, you must first pass the Civil Service Exam, which is a tough test that many applicants fail.

What is the Civil Service Exam?

The Civil Service Commission conducts the Civil Service Exam, formally known as the Career Service Exam-Pencil and Paper Test (CSE-PPT), twice a year. It aims to establish a Register of Eligibles (RoE) from which certification and appointment to first- and second-level positions in the government service are derived. There are two civil service exams: the CSE-Professional and Sub-Professional levels. The former will grant you second-level eligibility, which qualifies you for a second-level position. In contrast, the latter allows you to apply for government clerical and custodial service positions.

If you are planning to take the civil service exam, either at the professional or sub-professional level, please see the schedule below, which includes the requirements needed to file your application.

Civil Service Exam 2024 Schedule

Just like in previous years, the CSC will conduct two exams for the Professional and Non-professional level in 2024. Here is the tentative schedule for the March and August 2024 Career Service Examination-Pen and Paper Test (CSE-PPT):

Please note that the Civil Service Exams for March and August 2024 have limited slots for applicants. To secure your spot, apply as soon as possible. The CSC Regional/Field Office may close the application process before the deadline if they reach the maximum number of applicants.

Civil Service Exam Requirements

Here are the documents you need to apply for the Civil Service Exam, regardless of the level of exam you are taking:

• Fully-accomplished application form (CS Form No. 100, revised September 2016). Download it and print it on long bond paper.
• Four (4) copies of passport-sized (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm or 1.8 inches x 1.4 inches) I.D. pictures with handwritten name tags legibly showing signature over printed full name (please refer to the pictures below)
• Original and photocopy of any of the valid ID cards accepted for the civil service exam
• Original and photocopy of birth certificate (if birthdate is not indicated on your valid ID)
• Examination fee of PHP 500.00

How to Apply for the Civil Service Exam?

The application process varies across different regions. Some regions only accept applicants with a valid appointment, while most CSC regional offices accept walk-in applicants. To learn more about the application process in your region, please refer to the list below:

• Civil Service Commission- NCR
• CSC- Region XI (Davao Region)

You must personally file the Civil Service Exam application at the CSC Regional Office (CSC RO), or at any of the CSC RO’s Field Offices where you intend to take the examination. Check the Civil Service Commission Office Directory to find the CSC Office near your area.

Only applications with a COMPLETE set of the documentary requirements mentioned above must be submitted to the CSC Regional or Field Office. Please be reminded that proper attire should be worn during the filing of the application. SLEEVELESS SHIRT/BLOUSE, SHORTS/SHORT PANTS, and SLIPPERS are NOT allowed.

Submit the completed application form without affixing a signature and thumbprint. After reviewing and evaluating your application form, the CSC officer will require you to affix your signature and thumbprint. He or she will verify your examination records through their E-Retaker or DIBAR System to check if you are really qualified to take the exam. If qualified, he or she will advise you to pay the examination fee to the cashier. Upon receipt of the examination fee, CSC personnel will issue an official receipt and examination slip.

Civil Service Exam Qualifications

For those who are currently working as non-elected public servants or intend to do so, the Civil Service Commission in the Philippines administers the civil service examination. Passing the examination means having the eligibility to have the chance of promotion, regularization, or getting a position in the government. There are requirements and qualifications to meet in order to take the test, just like with any other government examination. If you want to know if you are qualified, check the details below:

• 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.
• You can apply regardless of your educational attainment, as long as you meet the qualifications above.

What’s Next After Filing the Application?

Now that you have already filed your application for the Civil Service Examination, maybe you’re wondering what to do next. Here are some tips:

1. Prepare your documents

Organize all the documents needed during the examination, e.g., valid IDs, examination slips, and receipts. They will come in handy when your CSC Regional or Field Office requires them from you. Do not lose them!

2. Review, review, and review

Do not rely solely on your stock knowledge. Know the scope of the exam and gather review materials. You can also use our free online civil service reviewer with mock examinations to get the exposure you need to the actual tests you will take. Remember that by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

3. Wait for the ONSA

The ONSA, or Online Notice of School Assignments, will be posted on the CSC website around two weeks before the date of your exam. This is where you will get details on the exact venue of the examination. DO NOT wait until the last minute to check the ONSA. Coordinate with your Regional or Field Office early if you have questions about your venue, preventing you from getting lost on the exam day. Take note that the CSC will not be able to address your queries during the weekend (the exam is on a Sunday).

For exam-specific concerns, please email your questions to the CSC Examination, Recruitment, and Placement Office at erpo_ead_07@yahoo.com and erpo.ead.2014@gmail.com. You may also call them at Tel. # (02) 951-2578 or (02) 931-8163.

When is the Release of the Results?

The Civil Service Exam result will be available on the official website of the Civil Service Commission within sixty (60) working days after the examination. However, the results may come out earlier or later than the expected release date without prior notice from the CSC.