Top 10 Government Exams to Help You Start Your Civil Service Career

Every year, thousands of jobseekers take the most common exam for government jobs. This is the Civil Service Exam given by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). It seems most Filipinos find government work ideal. In fact, a Jobstreet survey done in the mid-2010s found that 80% of Filipinos would like to work as a civil servant.

Why Filipinos want to work in the government

Job Security

Private organizations need to make profit. This means that economic downturns can cause them to fail. In effect, they may downsize employees or shut down. On the other hand, government agencies rarely close down. This gives their employees job stability.

Retirement Benefits

If you work for a private organization, your retirement plan would depend on the Social Security System (SSS) and your employer. But being a government employee entitles you to a retirement plan from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). Plus, you can opt to receive pension as a lump sum or as monthly payments.

Also read: 3 reasons why government employees will be having a merrier Christmas

Career Growth

You can still use the credentials you’ve gained from your government in other departments. Even if you change employers, you can still enjoy the same benefits while working and during retirement.

Other benefits:

• Work-life balance
• The chance to directly help communities
• Other benefits (health insurance, salary bonus, travel for work, etc.)
• Career development through free workshops and seminars

Top 10 Exams for Government Jobs

But before enjoying the benefits of working in the public sector, you must first be a  civil servant. Do this by taking these qualifying exams:

1. Civil Service Commission (CSC) Examination

You can get most civil service jobs through the CSC Exam. Conducted twice a year, the test is divided into two categories. First is the Sub-Professional Exam given to first-level jobs. These involve mostly clerical and administrative work. The second type is the Professional Exam. This is for other posts, including managerial roles.

Take the first step by downloading the exam application form at the CSC website.

2. Fire Officer Examination (FOE)

This exam is for aspiring Fire Officers in the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Applicants should be Filipino citizens and have a bachelor’s degree from recognized institutions. They must be physically and mentally fit, have no criminal record, and are 21 to 35 years old. 

3. Penology Officer Examination (POE)

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) gives this exam to future jail officers. The nationwide exam accepts applicants on a first come-first served basis. Additionally, CSC Professional Exam passers no longer need to take the POE to apply.

4. Career Service Examination for Foreign Service Officer (CSE-FSO)

The CSE-FSO targets those who want to be diplomats under the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Applicants should be degree holders, and have had professional experience or further studies of at least two years. There is no age limit for this exam. But it has earned the reputation of being one of the hardest government exams.

5. Philippine National Police (PNP) Entrance Examination

Given by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), this exam is for those applying as patrol officers. Meanwhile, PNP employees who want to advance their positions can take the Promotional Examinations. NAPOLCOM also offers the Police Executive Service Eligibility Examination (PESE) for Police Colonel, Police Brigadier General, Police Major General, Police Lieutenant General and Police General.

6. Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Entrance Examination

Take this exam if you want to be part of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). When you pass, you qualify for the Office Candidates Course. Once finished, take the Officer Preparatory Course, which trains you to become an AFP leader.

7. Basic Competency on Local Treasury Examination (BCLTE) and Intermediate Competency on Local Treasury Examination (ICLTE)

With the support of the CSC, the Department of Finance conducts the BCLTE for aspiring local treasury officers. Meanwhile, the ICLTE is for those who want to be promoted. Both exams measure the candidates’ knowledge in good fiscal governance and local public financial management.

8. Department of Energy Qualifying Entrance Examination (DOE-QEE)

DOE, which is in charge of all activities concerning energy, conducts a battery of tests for its applicants. The Human Resource Management Division and Accredited Assessment Centers administer this exam. The DOE-QEE tests candidates’ “knowledge, skills, aptitude, personality and competence for a particular position.”

9. Department of the Interior and Local Government Pre-Qualifying Exam (DILG PQE)

If you want to be part of DILG, which helps local government units (LGUs) distribute public service, then take the DILG PQE. This series of tests will assess your knowledge and skills in language, logical reasoning, math and other subjects

10.  National Qualifying Exam for School Heads (NQESH)

The Department of Education (DepEd) gives the NQUESH, also called the Principal’s Test. Passers can be Principals and Assistant Principals in the country’s public elementary and secondary schools. According to the DepEd, a school head is “a person responsible for the administrative and instructional supervision of the school or cluster of schools.” Candidates must possess leadership skills in education, people management, and strategy building.

How to Take the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Exam

As the most common exam for government jobs, the CSC exam is worth studying for when you want to have a civil service career. If you’re applying, you must:

• Be a Filipino citizen, at least 18 years old, and of good moral character;
• Have no criminal record or have not been convicted by final judgment of an offense or crime involving moral turpitude;
• Have not been dishonorably discharged from military service or dismissed for cause from any civilian position in the government; and
• Have not taken the same level of career service examination within the last three (3) months.

Take this exam in two ways:

• Pen-And-Paper Test (PPT) is the traditional way of taking the test. Here, you shade circles using a black ballpoint pen. Results come out 60 days after the exam.

• Computerized Examination (COMEX) lets you take the exam on a computer at a registered CSC testing center. While this option is pricier, you can get results a week after taking the exam.

Online Requirements for CSC exam

Submit the following requirements at the CSC regional office or the field office which manages your assigned testing center:

• Application form downloaded from the CSC website and printed on legal-size bond paper
• 4 identical ID photos
• Original and photocopy of valid government-issued ID

If you chose COMEX, bring your reservation receipt on your exam day. 

Enjoy a Career in Civil Service!

The civil service path can be exciting. Getting a government position takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. 

For an overview of the different agencies, explore government jobs at Jobstreet.

Ready to build a meaningful career? #LetsGetToWork by creating or updating your profile. For more jobs, visit Jobstreet or download the Jobstreet app on Google Play or the App Store. 

Finally, for more tips and news, check out our Career Tools and  Career Resources Hub.