Civil Service Exam (CSE) Frequently Asked Questions

Preparing for the Career Service Examination (CSE) can be confusing, especially regarding eligibility rules, registrations, and exam schedules.

Here are clear answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Civil Service Exam in the Philippines.

General & Registration Questions

Who is eligible to take the Civil Service Exam?

Any Filipino citizen who:

• Is at least 18 years of age at the time of application filing.
• Has good moral character and has not been convicted of any crime or administratively dismissed from government service.
• Has not taken the same level of CSE within the last three months.
• There is no educational requirement; even high school graduates can take the exam.

What is the difference between Professional and Subprofessional levels?

• Professional Level: Required for second-level government positions (technical, professional, and managerial jobs). The exam has 170 items and includes Analytical Reasoning.
• Subprofessional Level: Required for first-level government positions (clerical, secretarial, administrative helper jobs). The exam has 165 items and includes Clerical Operations instead of Analytical Reasoning.

What are the registration requirements?

Applicants must submit:

1. A fully accomplished CSC Personal Data Sheet or application form (obtain templates in our Forms Hub).
2. Valid government-issued IDs.
3. Four passport-sized ID photos with name tags following strict requirements (see our ID Picture Maker).
4. Registration fees (currently standard at Php 500.00 for paper-based tests).

Grading & Test Day Questions

What is the passing score?

To pass the CSE, you must achieve an overall score of 80.00%. There is no minimum score per individual section, but your total average must meet or exceed 80%.

Can I use a calculator during the exam?

No. Calculators, smartphones, smartwatches, and any electronic arithmetic aids are strictly forbidden in the testing room. You must perform all math scrap calculations manually using pencil and paper.

• Tip: Build your mental math speed by practicing calculation-heavy quizzes in our Exam Reviewer.

Official Government Verification Reminder

Civil Service registration windows, exam dates, list of testing centers, and health safety protocols change regularly. ToolBayan is an independent review site and is not affiliated with the Civil Service Commission (CSC). We recommend visiting the official CSC website (links available in our Agency Directory) to read the official bulletins before filing.