How to Take the Civil Service Exam

Just recently the Civil Service Commission (of the Philippines) released the schedule for the 2016 Civil Service Examination. In line with this, I figured why not write about my experience in taking the said test? I mean, sharing is caring, right? So, this post is basically about who are qualified to take the test, the application process, what to expect during the test and the result itself.

There are two categories in the Civil Service Eligibility Examination; the Professional and the Sub-Professional. So what's the difference and which one should you take?

The Professional is usually taken by anyone with a four-year college degree while the Sub-Professional can be taken by anyone, even if you are currently attending school. The passing rate (80%) is the same for both categories but the Professional category covers more subject than that of the Sub-Pro.

Qualifications
First things first, you have to be a Filipino citizen and of legal age. You must be of good moral character, a very upstanding member of the community (ahmm, not really). Just as long as you don't have any criminal record nor have you been dishonorably discharged from military service and the like. Being dismissed from any civilian position in the government also disqualifies you from taking the test. If you've previously taken the test and did not make the cut, you cannot take it again for another three months or so. Educational attainment is not a big deal here. Though, I've read somewhere that it was previously required to attend at least two years of college (hmm).

(Click here for other details.)

Application Process

You need to fill up the CS Form 100 (Revised November 2012), you can get a copy from the CSC Regional Office or Field Office or  you can also head to the official website and download the form from there. Four (4) colored  passport size (1.8 inches x 1.4 inches) pictures with white background is required. Keep in mind that you have to have your picture taken bare face (no make-up, sorry!) with your ears visible and of a neutral expression. It is a close-up shot of which 80% of the picture is your face, your name tag should be positioned an inch (2.54 cm) below your chin.

**Name tag should be handwritten in the format of First Name, Middle Initial, Family Name. Your signature is then placed over the printed name.

Bring original and photocopies of any valid identification cards such as your company ID, School ID, driver's license, SSS ID or any government-issued IDs (GSIS, PAG-IBIG, PhilHealth, Voter's ID, TIN ID, etc), postal ID, valid passport, barangay clearance or police clearance are also accepted.

Head on to wherever you intend to take the test to pass your requirement and pay for the examination fee (I took mine in Laguna, so I went to the Regional Office there while my sister took hers in Manila, so she passed her requirements in the main office). The examination fee is Php 500.00 for the CSE-PPT (Paper and Pencil Test) and Php 600.00 for the CSE-CAT (Computer-Assisted Test).

Someone would review your application and have you sign and thumb print the form. So don't do it beforehand! You will then be directed to pay the fee and a stub and receipt will be given to you. If I remember correctly, your examinee number will also be given to you, it's important as it will be asked during the exam.

(For CSE-CAT, refer here)

What to Expect 

You will later be notified of where you are going to take the examination through an application receipt or a Notice of School Assignment (NOSA). You can also check out the Online Notice of School Assignment (ONSA). In my case, I opted to call the office, since the exam was just a few days away and I still did not know which building and classroom I was supposed to go!

Don't be too lax. Read everything you can about current events, the government and the like. Moreover, I strongly suggest you refresh your basics in English, Filipino and my favorite subject Math (not!). Study but don't cram! Keep in mind that everything should always be in moderation.  I also made sure to watch local news every night and kept abreast with what is happening in the government.

I used this reviewer along with some other Math reviewers.

As for me, during my breaks, I went to church and offered prayers and candles. It's not that I'm very pious but the act itself was very calming to me. Besides, Math and I, we have a love-hate relationship, so we needed a bit of time apart!

Test Coverage 

For Professional: English, Filipino vocabulary, grammar, correct usage, paragraph organization, reading comprehension, analogy, logic, numerical reasoning

For Sub-Professional:  English, Filipino vocabulary, grammar, correct usage, paragraph organization, reading comprehension, clerical operations, numerical reasoning

For both: Philippine Constitution,  Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employee (R. A 6713), Peace and Human Right Issues and Concepts as well as Environment Management and Protection

D-day

Be sure that you come ahead of time so that you can have ample time to review or look for your designated room. But I suggest you visit the school and the room where you will be assigned to take the test days before, so that you won't get lost and waste precious time.

Make sure that you have with you the application receipt or the Notice of School Assignment (NOSA), the IDs you presented when you were processing your application, black or blue ballpen (bring extra, just in case!), number 1 or 2 lead pencils and erasers.

Make sure that you are dressed accordingly as well (some of the proctors are really strict). You don't need to go overboard though, just refrain from wearing sleeveless, short pants and slippers. Your bag and other personal belongings (mobile phone, etc) are not allowed so if you can just forgo bringing them, the better.

Result

Since this test is pretty much a big deal, it gets a lot of media attention. So you could just check out any reliable resource online to check if you made the cut or head on to the website and key in your name, examinee number, type of test you took among others to see your rating. Supposedly, you will receive a missive informing you that you passed (I didn't get any though, but I did receive a letter online and just printed it out for filing purposes).

I took the test on October and received a heads-up that I passed sometime in late November, I was a point or so over the benchmark, which was totally unexpected on my part! I checked online as well just to make sure my Kuya wasn't pulling my leg or anything. I ended up downloading the whole list, for keepsake!

Once, you confirmed your rating and the fact that you passed sank in, head on to the office where you filed your application and secure your CoE (Certificate of Eligibility). Make sure you bring with you the receipt and the extra picture. I think you also have to fill up something too (can't remember the other details, sorry!)

 

And if ever you did not pass, don't despair! There is no limit in taking the test, just make sure that three months have passed before taking the next one. Console yourself with the fact that it is after all a very difficult test and getting an 80% isn't easy pickings!

Here's an info-graph from the Official Gazette to help you.

Hope this helps. Good luck!