The Civil Service Exam: Step by Step guide Application, Requirements, and Schedule
Taking the civil service exam will require months of preparation from reviewing to gathering all the necessary requirements for filing a civil service exam.
Here is the master guide to ultimately help you in passing the test.
When is the Civil Service Exam?
According to Civil Service Commission, Regional Office VIII, the Career Service Exam- Pencil and Paper Test (CSE-PPT) for the general public will be on June 19, 2022.
The schedule of the Civil Service Exam would depend on the mode of the exam you are trying to apply for:
Paper and pencil test (CSC-PPT) schedule
The Civil Service Commission conducts examinations for the CSC-PPT twice a year which is usually scheduled in the months of March and August.
You can start applying a few months before the release date of the examination which will be processed by the Civil Service Commission Regional and Field Offices.
For example, if you plan to take the civil service exam by March, the civil service exam online applications will be open from November of the previous year until the last day of January. However, if you choose the month of August to take your civil service exam, applications will be open from May until the last day of June.
Take note, that for both schedules, the Civil Service Commission puts a limit on the number of applicants who can take the exam. Thus, following a first-come, first-served basis policy. This further highlights that filing your applications early on is a must.
Additionally, these schedules can also shift without prior notice. So it is best to get the latest updates when it comes to the schedules for the civil service exams. For the latest information, you can follow the Civil Service Commission through either their Facebook page or website.
Computerized examination (CSC-COMEX)
The CSC-Comex, however, is conducted by the Civil Service Commission through its several Regional Offices or its Central Office.
Through the Civil Service Commission’s Central Office, the exam is administered several days throughout the months of February, April, May, and June. The schedule of the sub-professional exam, however, is only allotted for two days.
Keep in mind that these schedules may change in the future. So you will need to get updated with the Civil Service Commission through their online platforms.
Civil service exam qualifications and application requirements
Applicants who want to take the text must prepare the following documentary requirements for filing for the civil service exam. Once you’ve completed the necessary requirements, you may file your application at the nearest CSC Regional Office or CSC Field Office of your choice.
1. Filled out civil service exam application form
You can download the civil service exam application form here.
Take note: Leave “Signature over Printed Name of Applicant” and “Right Thumbmark” blank. You may only fill these spaces in the presence of a CSC processor.
2. Four (4) copies of ID pictures
The pictures must meet the following requirements:
- Passport size (1.8 inches x 1.4 inches / 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm)
- Colored ID picture
- With white background
- Must be taken within 3 months before the application
- All copies must be printed on high-quality photo paper
- Face and head must occupy 80% of the photo with the name tag placed 1 inch below the chin
- The name tag must be handwritten and distinctively shows the applicant’s signature over the printed full name; must be following this format: First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name, and Extension Name (if applicable)
- Computer enhancement on facial features is NOT allowed
- Accessories such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, etc. are not allowed
- Both ears must be visible
- The applicant must be directly facing the camera
- Eyes should be open
- A neutral facial expression only
3. Valid ID card (Original and photocopy)
The valid ID card must show the applicant’s complete name, birthdate, clear picture, signature, as well as the signature of the issuing agency’s head or representative.
You can find out the full list of valid IDs accepted by the Civil Service Commission.
If your valid ID does not indicate your date of birth, you will be required to submit an original as well as the photocopy of your birth certificate duly issued by either the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or the Local Civil Registry (LCR).
4. Certification of Retention/Reacquisition of Philippine Citizenship (Original and photocopy; only if applicable)
This document is required from all applicants with dual citizenship as a means to prove their eligibility to take the exam. This is issued by the Bureau of Immigration.
5. Examination fee
- Php 500 for the paper and pencil test
- Php 680 for the computerized examination
6. Appointment letter copy sent to your email (only if applicable)
This is only applicable to those taking the computerized exam.
Where to apply for the Civil Service exam?
Paper and pencil test (CSC-PPT) application
1. Download the application form and fill in all the necessary information EXCEPT for your signature and thumbprint.
2. Go to your local Civil Service Commission Regional Office (CSCRO) or any Field offices to file your application.
- Wear proper attire upon the application date. Sleeveless shirt/blouse, short pants, and slippers are not allowed.
- The Civil Service Commission follows a first-come, first-serve basis policy so it would be wiser to submit your application once the application season begins.
3. Add your signature and thumbprint on the application form once you are with a CSC processor or Action Officer.
4. Submit the application form for review.
- If qualified, you will be redirected to proceed to the cashier to pay the examination fee. Otherwise, the personnel will inform you why you’re disqualified to take the test.
5. Return to the Action Officer with the official receipt of your application, along with your processed application form. You will then be provided with important examination reminders, as well as the examination receipt slip.
Computerized examination (CSC-COMEX) online application
The civil service exam online application instructions are laid out accordingly below:
1. Go to the CSC-COMEX website and click the “Sign Up Now” button to create an account.
2. Fill out the username and password section – then continue adding the necessary information on the next pages. This will include your personal, education, employment, eligibility, and other important information.
3. Read the “Terms and Conditions” and tick the box below once you’ve finished. Follow the CAPTCHA instructions and click “Submit”.
4. Check the verification link that has been sent to your email in order to activate your new COMEX account.
5. Log in to your account and on the next page, click the “Reserve a Slot Now!” button so that you can view the examination schedules available.
6. Select your preferable date and testing center and click “Reserve”.
7. Print out the “slot reservation” confirmation that has been sent to your email. Bring this printout on the day of the examination.
What should I bring on the Civil Service Exam?
Paper and pencil test (CSC-PPT)
1. Know where you have been assigned to take the test. Check the Online Notice of School Assignment (ONSA) to know your exam venue. If you end up confused, you can read our full guide here.
2. Make sure to fill in the requested information in the corresponding fields. Once your ONSA is displayed, print it out and bring it on your examination day. If you’re having trouble accessing the ONSA, you may call the CSC Office where you filed your application.
3. Make sure to visit the examination venue at least two days before the exam so you can familiarize yourself with the area. This will help you to schedule your commute so that you will get to the venue on time on the day of the examination.
Bring the following:
- Receipt application with CSC Official Receipt (if available).
- Notice of School Assignment (printed copy).
- Black pens and pencils.
- Water or your preferred beverage (except alcohol) is placed in a clear bottle or container. You can also bring something to eat like biscuits or candies. Every food item you’ll bring shall be subject to inspection by the proctor or room examiner.
- Original and photocopy of the ID card you presented during the application. Don’t forget this since CSC strictly implements its No ID, No Examination policy. Make sure your ID card displays your date of birth or else you’ll need to bring an original copy of your birth certificate issued by the PSA.
- DO NOT bring printed materials or gadgets that may help in answering the exam. All these should be kept in your bag which will be surrendered to the room examiner before the exam starts.
Computerized examination (CSC-COMEX)
1. Go to the testing venue on the time and date of your examination as indicated on the ONSA.
2. Submit the documentary requirements mentioned earlier to the processing area for verification. Present any valid IDs listed below (original and photocopy):
- Philippine passport
- Driver’s license
- SSS ID
- Philhealth ID
- Voter’s ID
- NBI clearance
- PRC license
- Postal ID
- BIR ID
- Current company ID or school ID
- Barangay ID
- Police clearance certificate
Similarly, with the paper-and-pencil test, make sure your ID card displays your date of birth or else you’ll need to bring an original copy of your birth certificate issued by the PSA.
3. Once verified, go to the cashier and pay the exam fee, Php 680.
4. Present the receipt to the CSC processor or action officer.
5. Get your CSID and proceed to the waiting room.
6. Sign the picture-seat plan and the attendance sheet after the orientation.
Paper and pencil test (CSC-PPT)
1. Know where you have been assigned to take the test. Check the Online Notice of School Assignment (ONSA) to know your exam venue. If you end up confused, you can read our full guide here.
2. Make sure to fill in the requested information in the corresponding fields. Once your ONSA is displayed, print it out and bring it on your examination day. If you’re having trouble accessing the ONSA, you may call the CSC Office where you filed your application.
3. Make sure to visit the examination venue at least two days before the exam so you can familiarize yourself with the area. This will help you to schedule your commute so that you will get to the venue on time on the day of the examination.
Bring the following:
- Receipt application with CSC Official Receipt (if available).
- Notice of School Assignment (printed copy).
- Black pens and pencils.
- Water or your preferred beverage (except alcohol) is placed in a clear bottle or container. You can also bring something to eat like biscuits or candies. Every food item you’ll bring shall be subject to inspection by the proctor or room examiner.
- Original and photocopy of the ID card you presented during the application. Don’t forget this since CSC strictly implements its No ID, No Examination policy. Make sure your ID card displays your date of birth or else you’ll need to bring an original copy of your birth certificate issued by the PSA.
- DO NOT bring printed materials or gadgets that may help in answering the exam. All these should be kept in your bag which will be surrendered to the room examiner before the exam starts.
Computerized examination (CSC-COMEX)
1. Go to the testing venue on the time and date of your examination as indicated on the ONSA.
2. Submit the documentary requirements mentioned earlier to the processing area for verification. Present any valid IDs listed below (original and photocopy):
- Philippine passport
- Driver’s license
- SSS ID
- Philhealth ID
- Voter’s ID
- NBI clearance
- PRC license
- Postal ID
- BIR ID
- Current company ID or school ID
- Barangay ID
- Police clearance certificate
3. Similarly, with the paper-and-pencil test, make sure your ID card displays your date of birth, or else you’ll need to bring an original copy of your birth certificate issued by the PSA.
4. Once verified, go to the cashier and pay the exam fee, Php 680.
5. Present the receipt to the CSC processor or action officer.
6. Get your CSID and proceed to the waiting room.
7. Sign the picture-seat plan and the attendance sheet after the orientation.
Disclaimer
All information posted above is courtesy of the Civil Service Commission. This article has been made for dissemination purposes only. Should you have further clarification, we recommend calling them at their hotline or visiting their nearest CSC Regional Office.
Questions
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