Government job is often a stable job and pays better than most private companies here in the Philippines. Benefits, bonuses and retirement packages are often generous. Security of tenure is almost guaranteed to a fault. No wonder why so many Filipinos are aiming to get in the government.
That is why hundreds of thousands take the civil service exams yearly so they can get a headstart when applying for government jobs.
In this guide, we will help you learn everything about the civil service exams - from schedules, updates, requirements, and application process.
- 2025 Civil Service Exams Schedule and Updates
- How is the civil service exam administered?
- What are the types of civil service exams in the Philippines?
- Who are allowed to take the civil service exams?
- Who are exempted from taking the civil service exams and automatically granted civil service eligibility?
- What are the civil service exam application requirements?
- How to apply for the civil service exams?
^ 2025 Civil Service Exams Schedule and Updates
- The Civil Service Commission announced last October 3, 2024 that next year's civil service exams will be held on March 2, 2025 and August 11, 2025. It also announced the schedules for Career Service Examination for Foreign Service Officer (CSE-FSO) and Basic Competency on Local Treasury Examination (BCLTE).1
- They are also targetting to launch the Civil Service Digitized Examinations before the end of 2024. This could be fully implemented as early as next year.2
Read more: Civil Service Examinations Complete Schedules for 2025 (Official Announcement as of October 3, 2024)
^ How is the civil service exam administered?
There are two ways the civil service exam is conducted in the Philippines:
- Pencil-and-paper test (CSC-PPT)
- Computerized examinations (CSC-COMEX)
The CSC-PPT is the traditional way of taking the civil service exams where examinees will go to their assigned testing centers nearest to them and involves manual shading of their answer sheets.
The CSC-COMEX was implemented in line with pushing for digitalization of the civil service exams. However, it will be replaced by the Civil Service Digitized Examinations (CSDEx) starting next year and will be much more accessible and easier to take than the current computerized examinations.
^ What are the types of civil service exams in the Philippines?
There are two types of civil service exams that are being offered which differs in the type of eligibility it will grant once passed:
- Subprofessional Civil Service Exam
- Professional Civil Service Exam
It may seem logical to take the subprofessional civil service exam first before proceeding to the next one. However, it is not a requirement for any aspiring civil servant to take both as one can simply take the professional civil service exam.
The only main difference is that those who pass the professional civil service exams can make you qualify for any level of jobs in the government as long as you are qualified whereas passing the subprofessional civil service exam qualifies only for entry-level government positions.
While it is true that the professional civil service exam can be a lot more difficult, as long as you have prepared well, you can pass the civil service exam.
Read more: March 2025 Civil Service Exam Reviewer [Free Tips, Reviewers and Downloads]
^ Who are allowed to take the civil service exams?
All civil service exam applicants must meet the following qualifications:
- A Filipino citizen
- At least 18 years on the date of filing the application
- Those who were able to file their application but found to be below 18 years of age before examination day shall be immediately disqualified to take the test.
- Those who were able to file their application and take the civil service exam but found to be below 18 years of age, the test will be cancelled and the results will not be processed
- Of good moral character
- Has not been convicted by final judgment of an offense or crimes related to drug addiction, drunkenness, examination irregularity, dishonesty or involving moral turpitude, or disgraceful or immoral conduct
- Has not been dishonorably discharged from the military, or dismmised from any civilian government position
- Has not taken the same level of Career Service Examination, either through pencil-and-paper-test (PPT) or other test modes, within three (3) months before the date of examination. See example prohibition period below:
- March 2, 2025: December 2, 2024 to March 1, 2025
- Applicants holding dual citizenship under R.A. 9225 (Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003), and other recognized citizens of the Philippines under Sec. 1, Article IV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, may apply and take the examination as long as they meet the neccessary requirements
- Applicants who have pending administrative and criminal cases can still take the civil service exams and granted eligibility if they pass. However, if found guilty of their cases, their eligibility shall be immediately cancelled based on the penalties under existing Civil Service Law and Rules
Please take note that once your application is filed, it can no longer be withdrawn including the examination fees you have paid whether your are allowed or disqualified from taking the civil service exams.
^ Who are exempted from taking the civil service exams and automatically granted civil service eligibility?
Under different special laws and resolutions, some individuals are exempted and may opt not to take the civil service exams as they are automatically granted civil service eligibility.
The following are exempted from taking the Civil Service exams and granted career service professional eligibility:
- All passers of bar examination and professional board examinations given by the Supreme Court of the Philippines and the Professional Regulation Commission, as set forth in CSC Resolution No. 90-1212
- All passers of marine deck and engine officers examinations (RA No. 10635) given by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)
- All passers of Career Service Examination for Foreign Service Officer
- Honor Graduate Eligibility under P.D. 907
- Those who graduated Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude or Cum Laude, in their baccalaureate degree, regardless of the number of years of completion either from conventional mode of learning or open distance learning (ODL)
- Those who graduated from school year 1972-1973, and thereafter for conventional mode of learning; or from school year 2015-2016, and thereafter for ODL
- Those who graduated in:
- Private Higher Education Institution in the Philippines with baccalaureate/bachelor’s degree recognized by the CHED
- State/Local College or University with baccalaureate/bachelor’s degree included in its charter, or baccalaureate/ bachelor’s degree duly approved by its Board of Trustees/Board of Regents
- For honor graduates through ODL, open university/college/institution recognized by the CHED as a degree-granting HEI. The said university/college/institution should have at least level III accreditation or CHED equivalent in the programs offered in the conventional classroom or traditional mode of learning, pursuant to Section 3 (g) of R.A. No. 10650.
- Scientific and Technological Specialist Eligibility under P.D. 997
- Sanggunian Member (2nd Level) Eligibility under R.A. No. 10156
- Foreign School Honor Graduate Eligibility under CSC Resolution No. 1302714
- Veteran Preference Rating Eligibility (Professional) under E.O. no. 132 s. 1948 and E.O. No. 790 s. 1982
The following are exempted from taking the Civil Service exams and granted career service subprofessional eligibility:
- Barangay Officials (Barangay Captain, Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman, Sangguniang Barangay regular members, and the Barangay Treasurers and Secretaries appointed by the Barangay Captain) eligibility under R.A. No. 7160
- Barangay Health Worker (completed a least 2 years of college, accredited by the Local Health Board, and served for at least 5 years) eligibility under R.A. No. 7883
- Barangay nutrition scholars (have at least 2 years of continuous nutrition services and other related activities) eligibility under P.D. 1569
- Sanggunian Member (1st Level) eligibility under R.A. No. 10156
- Veteran Preference Rating Eligibility (Subprofessional) under E.O. no. 132 s. 1948 and E.O. No. 790 s. 1982
^ What are the civil service exam application requirements?
Please make sure to prepare the following requirements before filing your application.
1. Fully accomplished application form - CSC Form No. 100
Make sure to accomplish the latest version (2023) of the civil service application form. Make sure to also check if the form is for the professional or subprofessional exam. Download it here or from the CSC website and make sure to print it on a legal-sized bond paper:
Here are the forms for the two civil service exams:
- CS Form 100 Revised 2023 - Career Service - Professional
- CS Form 100 Revised 2023 - Career Service - Subprofessional
Make sure to print at least two copies each so you can practice filling it up to ensure you don't make any errors.
Please also do not affix your signatures and thumbmarks on the application form as you have to do it infront of the CSC officer that will process your application.
2. Four (4) pieces of identical I.D. pictures
Your I.D. pictures must comply with the following specifications:
- Philippine passport picture size (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm or 1.78" x 1.38")
- Taken within the last three (3) months prior to filing of application
- Colored, with white background and printed on good quality photo paper (does not peel off)
- Standard close-up shot (from shoulder level up with the head and face occupying at least 80% of the picture and with the name tag positioned at approximately 1 inch or 2.54 cm. below the chin)
- Bare face (no eyeglasses; no colored contact lens; no headdress, no bandana, or any accessories that may cover the facial features; facial features not computer enhanced)
- Muslim women applicants wearing or with head covering should show their forehead, and left and right ears but without necessarily removing their head covering
- Showing left and right ears
- Taken in full-face view directly facing the camera
- Neutral facial expression and both eyes open
- With handwritten (not computer-generated) name tag legibly showing signature over printed full name which includes: Given Name, Middle Initial (if any), Last Name, and Extension Name (if any)
See the sample I.D. picture here from the Civil Service Commission Caraga Office:
3. Original and photocopy of any of the following accepted valid I.D. cards:
Please take note all other I.D. cards NOT included in the list shall NOT be accepted.
- Driver's License/Temporary Driver's License (LTO O.R. must be presented together with old Driver's License; O.R. alone is not allowed)
- Student Driver's Permit
- Philippine Passport
- PRC License
- SSS I.D. (UMID)
- GSIS I.D. (UMID)
- Voter's I.D./Voter's Certification
- BIR/Taxpayer's I.D. (ATM type/TIN card type with picture)
- PhilHealth I.D. (must have the bearer's name, clear picture, signature and PhilHealth number)
- Company/Office I.D.
- School I.D.
- Police Clearance/Police Clearance Certificate (with picture)
- Postal I.D. (new Postal I.D.)
- Barangay I.D.
- NBI Clearance
- Seaman's Book
- HDMF Transaction I.D.
- PWD I.D.
- Solo Parent I.D.
- Senior Citizen's I.D.
- CSC Eligibility Card (note: Implemented only beginning with the May 3, 2015 CSE-PPT)
- Philippine Identification (PhilID) card (Based on Republic Act No. 11055 and Executive Order No. 162, s. 2022)
4. Other additional requirements
For certain cases, the following rules will apply:
- In case the I.D. does not show your date of birth, applicants will be required to present an original and photocopy of Birth Certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority, or the Local Civil Registry.
- For those who are dual Filipino citizens, they are required to present an original and photocopy of Identification Certificate (IC) issued by the Bureau of Immigration to prove their citizenship.
- In case applicants only have an expired I.D. card and only as a last option, it can be used/presented/submitted during the filing of application as long as the expiry date of the I.D. card is within the current year of the exam. For example, for civil service exams taking place on 2025, only I.D. cards that expired in 2025 will be accepted.
5. Examination Fee
For the upcoming 2025 civil service exams, the examination application fee is at five hundred pesos (500.00).
^ How to apply for the civil service exams?
The application process may vary and will depend on the process that your nearest CSC Regional or Field Office will announce. In 2024, many CSC offices did not accept walk-in clients and instead implemented an online appointment system where applicants must reserve a slot before they proceed with in-person application filing.
We have compiled a list of how to apply for different regions and field offices across the Philippines for the 2025 Civil Service Exams. (to be added soon!)
Read more: A Complete Guide on How to Apply for the March 2025 Civil Service Exams at different CSC Regional and Field Offices
But in general, here's what your application process will look like for those who will take the Paper-and-Pencil Test.
1. Download and fill out the corresponding application form.
Fill up everything except for those reserved for the CSC officer and do not affix your signatures and thumbark. Here is the download link to the forms we provided earlier or download them at the CSC website.
- CS Form 100 Revised 2023 - Career Service - Professional
- CS Form 100 Revised 2023 - Career Service - Subprofessional
2. Check first your nearest CSC regional or field office and if they require you to reserve a slot using an online appointement system or if walk-in applicants will be accepted.
This is to avoid getting hassled especially if you need to make an online appointment first. Almost every province has a CSC regional or field office.
Read more: Civil Service Commission Official Regional and Field Offices Directory
3. Go to your nearest CSC regional or field office for your application.
Please also make sure to always go early as your slot will be forfieted in you are late or there will be an early cut-off for applicants if they have reached the quota that they can accommodate.
Make sure to wear the proper attire when filing your application. Applicants wearing sleevless shirts or blouses, slippers and shorts will not be allowed.
4. Wait in line and listen to any additional instructions that they will provide.
Sometimes, they give out additional reminders such as making sure you got the complete and correct application form, if you have been able to properly fill it out, or if your requirements are complete.
Please also follow the instructions on where to enter, exit or fall in line so that the entire process will be orderly.
5. Submit your application and pay the examination fee.
CSC officers will ask you to sign the application form in front of them as well as affix your thumbmark on it. They will also usually check if you missed out anything on the application form or if your I.D. picture complied with CSC guidelines before accepting it and sending you over to the cashier for payment.
Again, the examination fee is Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00).
At this point, they may also inform you of the details of the examination center. If this is still unavailable, the CSC will announce it later and you can check it through the Online Notice of School Assignment (ONSA) where the test venue will be.
6. Secure your examination permit
After paying, the cashier will give you an official receipt and tear out the application receipt from your form which will serve as your exam permit. Make sure the details are correct and keep these in a safe place.
On the other hand, the CSC has yet to announce the application process for the CSDEx and other rules related it. We will update this as soon as they release the rules.
That's it. If you have any questions or clarifications, please don't hesistate to contact us by commenting below or through our Facebook page. You can also go to your nearest CSC office or contact them via their official social media channels.
Good luck!
Sources:
- ^ (2024, October 14). Civil Service Examinations Complete Schedules for 2025 (Official Announcement as of October 3, 2024). Pinoy Education Resources. Retrieved October 30, 2024, from https://pinoyeducationresources.blogspot.com/2024/10/civil-service-examinations-complete-schedules-2025.html
- ^ (2024, November 2). CSC targets launch of digitized exams by end of 2024. Pinoy Education Resources. Retrieved November 10, 2024, from https://pinoyeducationresources.blogspot.com/2024/11/csc-targets-launch-of-digitized-exams.html
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Attribution
Pinoy Education Resources by Pinoy Education Resources is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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