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. Shading requires a black ballpoint pen only (no pencils). No calculators. Plain white top preferred.
Handbook Topics
About the Examination
The Penology Officer Examination (POE) is administered by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in coordination with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). Passing this exam awards the Penology Officer Second Class Eligibility required for JO1 recruitment and promotions inside the BJMP.
Things to Prepare
Verify room and school assignment on the CSC ONSA portal.
Conduct an ocular inspection of your assigned school.
Ensure you have a black ballpen (bring extra pens).
What to Bring
Printed ONSA notice.
Original valid ID card.
Original PSA Birth Certificate (only if ID lacks date of birth).
Several black ballpoint pens.
Water and snacks in clear transparent containers.
What NOT to Bring
Pencils.
Mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, bluetooth devices, cameras.
Calculators of any kind.
Notes, review sheets, or reference books.
Reporting Time, Room & Attire
Reporting Time
Arrive at the testing center by 6:30 AM. Testing gates close at exactly 7:45 AM. Late arrivals will not be allowed.
Room Assignment Reminder
Verify your room assignment using the ONSA portal prior to exam day.
Dress Code
Smart casual attire, preferably a plain white shirt or top. Sleeveless shirts, shorts, ripped jeans, tokong pants, and slippers are prohibited. Long hair must be tied in a ponytail.
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.
Shade circles completely and firmly using a black ballpen only. Do not use pencils.
To change an answer, draw an "X" mark over your previous choice and shade the new answer circle. You are allowed only one choice change per test item.
Correction fluids, correction tape, and erasers are prohibited.
This handbook details reference guidelines for POE exam-day prep and is compiled from official archives. Users should verify details before exam day. Found inaccuracies? Let us know!
