This guide is intended to help examinees prepare for the examination. Always refer to the latest official announcements of the issuing agency since examination schedules and requirements may change.
Quick Exam-Day Reminder
Gates close strictly at 7:45 AM. No ID, No Exam policy is active. Shading requires a black ballpoint pen only (no pencils). No calculators allowed.
Handbook Topics
About the Examination
The Career Service Examination (CSE) - Pen and Paper Test (PPT) is conducted twice a year by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to establish eligibility for technical, clerical, and administrative roles. It has two levels: Professional (170 items, 3 hrs 10 mins, for managerial & technical positions) and Subprofessional (165 items, 2 hrs 40 mins, for clerical positions). Passing score is 80.00%.
Things to Prepare
Locate your testing venue physically at least one day before the exam. Do not rely solely on navigation apps on the morning of the exam.
Check your Online Notice of School Assignment (ONSA) 1 to 2 weeks before the test.
Prepare your plain white shirt/top and slacks/jeans the night before.
Pack your transparent plastic folder with your ONSA permit, valid ID, and writing materials.
What to Bring
Printed ONSA Notice of Assignment (or equivalent Exam Permit).
Original Valid government-issued ID (preferably the same one used during filing).
Original PSA Birth Certificate (only if your valid ID lacks your birth date).
Several black ballpoint pens (gel, sign, friction pens, or pencils are NOT allowed).
Water and snacks in clear transparent containers (remove all labels).
What NOT to Bring
Pencils (pencils are not used for shading in the current CSE-PPT).
Mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, bluetooth devices, cameras, or recording gadgets.
Calculators of any kind.
Cheat sheets, blank papers, notebooks, or review booklets.
Opaque storage bags, backpacks, heavy purses (must be left in front of the room at your own risk).
Reporting Time, Room & Attire
Reporting Time
Examinees are advised to be at their designated testing center by 6:30 AM. Testing room gates close at exactly 7:45 AM. Latecomers will not be admitted under any circumstances.
Room Assignment Reminder
Verify your room and building details using the Online Notice of School Assignment (ONSA) on the CSC portal. Check lists posted at the gates of the testing center on the morning of the exam.
Dress Code
Decent smart casual attire, preferably a plain white shirt or top. Sleeveless shirts, short pants, ripped jeans, tokong pants, and slippers are strictly prohibited. Long hair must be tied in a ponytail to ensure your face is fully clear for verification.
Answer Sheet Practice
Practice shading your answer sheet beforehand to avoid wasting valuable minutes during the real examination. Use our sample answer sheets to build muscle memory and increase your test speed.
Use a black ballpoint pen only to shade all answer sheets and text grids.
Shade each circle completely and firmly. Do not leave white spots inside or go beyond the borders.
To change an answer, draw an "X" mark over your previous choice and shade the new answer. You are allowed only one choice change per test item.
Correction fluids, correction tape, and erasers are strictly prohibited. Stray markings on boundaries must be avoided.
Arriving late: Assuming gates remain open past 7:45 AM.
Bringing pencils: Shading with a pencil is no longer supported and can result in zero marks.
Mismatched IDs: Presenting an ID that is expired or has a name that does not match the registration record.
Leaving blanks: There is no negative marking, so guessing is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the ONSA portal is down?
If you cannot access ONSA, visit the local CSC field office where you applied. You can also report directly to the testing venue at 6:00 AM on exam day with your application receipt, as proctors carry manual master lists.
Can I use scratch paper?
No. You are not allowed to bring or use separate scratch papers. You can use the blank spaces inside your test booklet for calculations.
Additional Notes
Always double check local CSC field office announcements for regional announcements and venue modifications.
Official Resources
Use the official portals below to verify latest examination cycles, updates, and verify exam statuses:
This handbook details reference guidelines for CSE exam-day prep and is compiled from official archives. Users should verify details before exam day. Found inaccuracies? Let us know!
