(UPDATED) The Civil Service Exam, also known as the Career Service Examination-Pen and Paper Test (CSE-PPT), administered by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), is an assessment that evaluates your knowledge and skills required for various positions in the Philippine government. It's a mandatory requirement for most government jobs and is divided into two levels - Professional and Subprofessional, each with specific eligibility criteria.
If you're interested in working for the Philippine government, taking the CSE-PPT is a must. The exam allows you to showcase your abilities and prove your competence in the field. Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria set by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) can take the exam.
To prepare for the CSE-PPT 2023, you must understand the exam schedule, requirements, and application process. So if you're a recent graduate, unemployed, or a working professional seeking a career change, taking the CSE-PPT can be a significant step towards your professional journey.
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Schedule of Civil Service Exam
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| Calendar of Civil Service Examination for 2023. As of May 15, 2023, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has announced a rescheduling of the application period to run from May 22 to June 21. The date of the examination has also been moved to August 20. Photo: CSC |
The Civil Service Exam for 2023 has two schedules:
- March 26, 2023; and
- August 20, 2023 (application period: May 22 to June 21, 2023).
Take note that there are two levels of the exam: the Career Service Examination-Pen and Paper Test (CSE-PPT) for the Professional Level and the Subprofessional Level. This examination is open to anyone who is at least 18 years old, regardless of their level of educational attainment.
The Professional Level examination assesses abilities in verbal, numerical, and analytical reasoning, in addition to general knowledge.
On the other hand, the Subprofessional Level examination evaluates numerical, clerical, and verbal abilities, along with general knowledge. These areas are designed to measure critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
The expected release date for the test results is slated for November 3, 2023.
Requirements for the Civil Service Exam
If you plan to take the exam, here are the qualification requirements you need to meet:
- You must be a Filipino citizen.
- You must be at least 18 years old on the date of application.
- You must have a good moral character.
- You must not have been convicted of an offense or crime that involves moral turpitude, immoral conduct, dishonesty, examination irregularity, drunkenness, or drug addiction.
- You must not have been dishonorably discharged from military service or dismissed from any government civilian position for cause.
- You must not have taken the same level of Career Service Exam within three (3) months before the date of the examination.
Aside from the qualifications, you need to submit the following documents to the CSC office or upload them to the online application portal:
- A passport-size I.D. photo with your name tag and signature (check https://bit.ly/PictureSpecs for specifications).
- A valid I.D. card (front and back).
- A duly accomplished Certificate of Consent (downloadable at https://bit.ly/CSC_ConsentForm).
- Proof of full vaccination (if applicable).
- A birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority or the Local Civil Registry (for applicants without a date of birth on their I.D. card).
Make sure to comply with the requirements before filing your application.
How to Apply Online for Civil Service Exam?
You can apply online through the CSC Online Civil Service Examination Application System (OCSEAS) website. However, you need to wait for the registration to open before proceeding with your application.
(For the next Civil Service Exam on August 13, 2023, the application period is from May 15 to June 14, 2023. You will have only one month to apply, depending on the available slots.)
Here are the steps that you need to follow:
Step 1 - Create an account or log in to the CSC OCSEAS portal
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| To begin applying for the exam, visit https://ocseas.csc.gov.ph/ and choose your region to create or log in to your account. |
To apply for the Civil Service Exam, go to https://ocseas.csc.gov.ph/ and select your region first. From there, you can create an account or log in to the CSC OCSEAS portal. If you're a new user, sign up for an account and activate it within one hour after registration (you will receive a confirmation email for activation of your account).
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| If you do not have an account yet, sign up and enter the required information. Then, click the button to continue. |
Once you have an account or have logged in, update your profile with accurate personal information such as your full name, date of birth, and place of birth. Ensure that the information you provide matches the details on your PSA-issued birth certificate.
Step 2 - Choose your exam type and test center
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| Select your exam type and test center in your dashboard when the application period is open. Click "Proceed" to continue. |
Once CSC allows applicants to apply for a slot, select your preferred exam type (Professional or Subprofessional) and test center carefully. Remember that you cannot transfer to another test center or exam type after submitting your application.
Read and comply with the Admission and Application Requirements before clicking "Proceed." Next, read and follow the important reminders before clicking "Apply Now."
Note: Fill out your personal information accurately and completely, as any discrepancy in your full name, date of birth, and place of birth may disapprove your application. Review the details you entered and click "Save and Proceed." Finally, select the CSC Field Office, where you will submit your application from the dropdown list.
Step 3 - Upload the required documentary requirements
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| You must upload the required documents. Make sure that you have either a scanned copy or a clear photo of the documents showing all the necessary requirements. |
Upload the necessary documents to the online portal once prompted. These include a passport-sized I.D. picture, a valid I.D. card, a Certificate of Consent, proof of full vaccination (if applicable), and a birth certificate (if needed). Click "Upload Documents" once you have uploaded everything.
Note: You must finish the application process, including document upload, within one hour, or your application will be canceled.
Step 4 - Check the status of your application through your OCSEAS account
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| You must check the status of your application. If you are verified, secure your Personal Appearance date after submitting your online application. |
After submitting your online application, regularly check its status on your OCSEAS account's dashboard. Once verified, schedule an appointment and choose your preferred date of Personal Appearance to pay the examination fee and submit the required documents.
Select the earliest possible date to secure a slot. Failure to set an appointment within 48 hours of verification cancels your application. Be available on your chosen date for your appearance, as venue transfer is prohibited. Download and print the application form with the name of the CSC Evaluating Officer reflected, and print it back-to-back on Legal-size bond paper.
Note: The CSC will evaluate and act on your online examination application within five (5) working days. Failure to appear before 5:00 p.m. on your appointment date will result in automatic cancellation, requiring you to reapply (subject to availability of slots).
Step 5 - Submit hard copies of requirements on appointment date at CSC office
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| You need to go to the CSC office on your appointment date and submit the required hard copies of documents, and you must pay a fee of ₱500. |
On your appointment date, go to the CSC office and submit the hard copies of the following requirements: system-generated application form, four passport-size I.D. pictures, Certificate of Consent, original and photocopy of valid I.D., birth certificate, and proof of full vaccination (if applicable).
Incomplete requirements will result in disapproval of your application. Only those with an appointment will be entertained. Pay the examination fee of ₱500. After payment, the CSC Evaluating Officer will give you your application and CSC Official Receipts.
That's it! Once you have completed all the steps, you must prepare for the exam. Remember to comply with all the qualification requirements and basic health and safety protocols, including wearing face masks. Good luck!
Learn more about the Civil Service Exam below:
𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝘀 | 𝟮𝟲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗖𝗦𝗘-𝗣𝗣𝗧 Please view each photo and carefully read the captions available. For...
Posted by Philippine Civil Service Commission on Tuesday, 14 March 2023
Tips for Preparing for the ExamPreparation is key to passing the Civil Service Exam 2023. Here are some tips to help you prepare well:
- Get a reviewer – Reviewing for the exam is the most effective way to prepare for it. You can purchase a reviewer from bookstores or online. A reviewer will help you familiarize yourself with the questions that will be asked in the exam.
- Create a study schedule – Plan out your study schedule and stick to it. This will help you cover all the topics covered in the exam.
- Practice time management –The Civil Service Exam is a timed exam. You must practice time management to ensure you finish all the questions within the given time.
- Take practice exams –Taking practice exams will help you get used to the format of the exam and the types of questions that will be asked.
- Know the exam coverage – Be familiar with the topics covered in the exam, and focus your studying on those areas.
What topics are covered in the examination?
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| Civil Service Exam scope and coverage. Photo: CSC |
The examination scope is divided into two levels: Professional and Subprofessional.
Professional Level includes the following topics in English and Filipino:
- Verbal Ability (grammar and correct usage, vocabulary, paragraph organization, and reading comprehension)
- Numerical Ability (basic operations and word problems)
- Analytical Ability (word association, identifying assumptions and conclusions, logic, and data interpretation)
- General information related to Peace and Human Rights Issues and Concepts, Environment Management and Protection, the Philippine Constitution, and Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (R.A. 6713)
The Subprofessional Level includes the following topics in English and Filipino:
- Verbal Ability (grammar and correct usage, vocabulary, paragraph organization, and reading comprehension)
- Numerical Ability (basic operations and word problems)
- Clerical Ability (filing and spelling)
- General information related to Peace and Human Rights Issues and Concepts, Environment Management and Protection, the Philippine Constitution, and Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (R.A. 6713)
You can view the latest announcement regarding the Civil Service Exam scheduled for August 20 here:
Conclusion
Taking and passing the Civil Service Exam is an important step in pursuing a career in government service in the Philippines. By understanding the requirements, preparing well, and applying properly, you can give yourself the best chance of success.
We encourage you to start preparing early, use a reviewer to guide your study, and make sure you meet all the requirements before applying. With the right mindset, dedication, and effort, you can ace the Civil Service Exam and launch your career in public service. —iTacloban/AJ Yes