What It Is For
The CSE creates a Register of Eligibles. Passing may qualify you for first-level or second-level government positions, provided you also meet the job's education, experience, training, and competency requirements.
About the exam
Understand the Civil Service Exam before you review.
The Civil Service Examination is an eligibility exam for people who want to qualify for many government career service positions. Passing it gives you eligibility, but it does not automatically guarantee a government job.
80.00
Minimum general rating needed to qualify for eligibility.
170
Professional level items, answered within 3 hours and 10 minutes.
165
Subprofessional level items, answered within 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Who Can Take It
Applicants generally must be Filipino citizens, at least 18 years old on the filing date, of good moral character, and not disqualified by final judgment, dismissal, or dishonorable discharge. Qualified applicants may take the CSE regardless of educational attainment.
Professional Level
- Best for technical, professional, and administrative second-level positions.
- Covers verbal ability, numerical ability, analytical ability, and general information.
- Commonly chosen because it gives broader eligibility.
Subprofessional Level
- Best for clerical, trades, crafts, custodial, and first-level positions.
- Covers verbal ability, numerical ability, clerical ability, and general information.
- Useful when the target job requires subprofessional eligibility.
Passing Is Eligibility, Not Automatic Employment
Passing the CSE satisfies the eligibility requirement for many government positions, but each job may still require a degree, experience, training hours, competencies, and an interview or selection process.
What to Study
The exam is broad and time-pressured, so preparation should build speed, accuracy, and familiarity with recurring question patterns.