Discover Top 10 Tips on How to Ace the Civil Service Exam

Those looking for job opportunities in the Philippine government often ask, what is the civil service exam and what are the civil service exam requirements?

The Philippine Civil Service Examination is a required exam for anyone wanting to join the government on a permanent basis. It is administered by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and is a means of assessing a person’s qualifications to serve in the civil service.

What is the Philippine Civil Service Exam?

The Philippine Civil Service Examination (CSE), more formally known as the Career Service Exam, is conducted twice a year by the CSC. The test determines those qualified to work in public service and helps ensure that only the most capable are able to serve in the government.

Among the basic civil service exam requirements are: 

• the test-taker must be a Filipino citizen
• at least 18 years old
• no criminal record
• no record of dismissal from military or government service
•  has not taken the same-level exam within the last three months before the exam date.

The written examination is known as the pen-and-paper test or CSE-PPT. It is taken by filling out a test booklet and answer sheet. To apply to take this exam, you must submit your requirements to the CSC regional or local field office nearest your area. 

Visit the CSC website to find out what these requirements are, which may change depending on circumstances.

In certain extraordinary instances, such as the pandemic, or in case of someone living in a remote area, the CSC may provide a computerized examination (COMEX). The exam is given via computer. The application to take the exam this way may be done through the CSC website’s COMEX portal. However, the applicant must still make a personal appearance at the CSC office to register their biometrics.

Who Are Exempt From Taking the Civil Service Exam?

Exempted from taking the civil service exam because of special laws are, according to the CSC website:

• Bar and Board exam passers
• Honor graduates such as those with summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude honors (under Presidential Decree No. 907)
• Barangay officials (under Republic Act No. 7160)
• Barangay health workers (under Republic Act No. 7883)
• Barangay nutrition scholars (under Republic Act No. 1569)
• Electronic data processing specialists
• Scientific and technological specialists (under Presidential Decree 997) in the natural sciences, engineering sciences, mathematics and information and communication technology, and other disciplines (food science and environmental science);
• Those with skills eligibility under Categories I and II

Why Do You Need to Take the Civil Service Exam?

For those wishing to work for the government, taking the CSE is a requirement for obtaining a permanent position. Other types of government jobs such as contractual, casual, coterminous, job order, and consultancy do not require that one pass the CSE. However, these jobs are not permanent and one may be dismissed from the service depending on the circumstances.Those who have passed the CSE, however, are eligible to apply for and be given “plantilla” item jobs in any government agency. These jobs are permanent and have security of tenure, and offer the full spectrum of benefits such as paid leaves, bonuses, health benefits, and others.

It is therefore to your advantage to take and pass the CSE because government service offers a wider range of opportunities and better benefits than even the private sector in many cases.Also read:  The Ultimate Guide to Securing a Job in Government  

It is advisable that college students and new graduates take the CSE even before applying for government jobs while their studies are still fresh in their minds because this could be an advantage when taking the exam.

What Are the Types of Civil Service Exam?

There are two CSE test levels: Professional and Sub-Professional.

Professional

Those qualified to take the Professional CSE are those who have finished a four-year college course.  Exam passers are eligible to apply for first-level and second-level government positions such professional, scientific, managerial, technical, and higher posts of clerical jobs.

The Professional exam consists of 170 items with a time limit of 3 hours and 10 minutes. The questions, in English and Filipino, cover the following topics:

Verbal ability 

This includes: vocabulary (word meaning and sentence completion); grammar and correct usage (error recognition and sentence structure), and correct/logical reasoning of thought processes (paragraph organization and reading comprehension).

Numerical ability

This includes: number sequence, basic operations, and word problems.

Analytical ability 

Word analogy and logical reasoning (identifying assumptions, drawing conclusions, logic, and data interpretation).

Subprofessional

Those who have finished high school or have not completed a four-year college course may take the Sub-professional CSE. This is a requirement for those working in clerical, trades, crafts, and custodial work in public offices.

The Subprofessional exam consists of 165 items, in English and Filipino, with a time limit of 2 hours and 40 minutes. The questions cover verbal ability, numerical ability, and clerical ability (filing and spelling).

What to Know About Both Tests

Both tests also have general information questions about the Philippine Constitution, Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713), peace and human rights issues and concepts, and environment management and protection.The passing grade for both tests is 80%. Cheating is considered a violation of Republic Act No. 9416, and may lead to the filing of an administrative case and/or criminal persecution.

How Do You Prepare for the Exam?

After applying to take the civil service exam and obtaining your schedule and venue, it’s time to prepare yourself to take the test.Here are 10 tips to help you do your best and ace the exam:

1. Be informed on what to review.

Depending on whether you are taking the Professional or Subprofessional CSE, find out the exam coverage. This will help you determine the materials to tackle. Do your research about these topics. Among the ways to brush up are to take a review class or buy a civil service exam reviewer, available in major bookstores and online. Printed reviewers are divided into the sections that the CSE may cover. However, these are not officially accredited by the CSC and at best can serve as a rough guide.

2. Make your own study aids.

Using the practice tests and reviewers and other sources as a guide, make your own study aids such as flashcards and reviewer notes. Because you wrote or made them yourself, you will gain more familiarity with the material. Study a topic every day. Even if you are busy, set aside some time each night, say, 30 minutes to an hour.

3. Practice taking tests.

Dozens of studies have found that using practice tests and quizzes can help you learn and remember material better. Use civil exam reviewers to practice your test taking skills. Time yourself when taking practice tests to check if you can finish the exam on time or if you need more work on understanding questions and deciding on answers.

4. Ask the advice of those who’ve taken the test.

Find out who among your friends and relatives have taken the civil service exam, and ask them to give you advice on what the test covered, how to prepare, and their experience at the testing center. Their tips can help you prepare yourself.

5. Research the testing venue.

Check your route to make sure you reach the testing site on time. Be on the lookout for traffic advisories. Make sure you properly estimate the time of your commute so that you can arrive at the testing site at least an hour before the test starts to have time to accomplish pre-test registration and documentation.

6. Prepare yourself physically.

The day before the test, sleep early so that you can wake up early and make it to the testing center at least one hour before the test starts. Don’t eat a heavy meal the night before to avoid indigestion. On testing day, eat a good breakfast but avoid the foods that trigger your stomach problems, if any. Be sure to hydrate! Drink lots of water and avoid alcohol.

7. Prepare yourself mentally.

It’s normal to be nervous before taking an important exam, but being on edge can add to your stress and prevent you from concentrating. Stay calm, relaxed, and confident – you got this! Just do your best and remember to stay focused.

8. Read and follow exam instructions.

It is crucial to read and understand the exam instructions carefully, such as shading, not writing on the question sheet, and so on. Not following instructions can cost you points or even the entire exam. 

9. Manage your time well.

The examiners set a time limit for you to answer the different sections of the CSE. Make sure you can pace yourself effectively so that you have enough time to answer all the questions. Don’t spend too much time on one question; if you can’t readily answer it, move on to the next. After you get to the end of the section, return to the unanswered questions if you still have time. This way you won’t get stuck on one question and fail to answer others that you could have easily completed.

10. Check your answers after you’re done.

If you still have time, go over your answer sheet and check your answers. This allows you to catch any potential mistakes that you may have made, and gives you the chance to double- check your work.

At the end, remember that it’s not make-or-break -- you can always take the exam again next time.

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