Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the Civil Service Exams

You have probably heard about the Civil Service Exams, but do you have any idea what it is about?

Here are top 10 things you should know about the Civil Service Exams:

Contents:

1. You need civil service eligibility to work in the government.

You have to pass the exams and get civil service eligibility if you want to find a stable job in the government.

Gone were the days when the government accepts those without eligibility, then just let them take the tests later on.

2. There are two levels of Civil Service Exams.

Depending on what position you are planning to have in government service and your qualifications, you can either take the following:

Professional (must complete a Bachelor’s Degree) to qualify for
first-level positions as well as second-level scientific, technical, and professional positions up to Division Chief level
Sub-professional exams (at least college level) to qualify for first-level jobs, such as clerical, trades, crafts, and custodial service positions

3. There are two different modes of Civil Service Exams.

You can take either of the following modes:

Paper and pencil test (CSC-PPT) or ballpen-based
Computerized examination (CSC-COMEX)

The coverage will actually be the same on either mode; however, the PPT basically makes use of paper with circles you shade while the COMEX is a computerized exam. You have the freedom to choose which mode you’re comfortable to use, but the COMEX is really best for computer-savvy exam takers.

4. Not everyone is qualified to take the Civil Service Exams.

Did you know that the Civil Service Exams are only available for Filipino citizens?

You must also be at least 18 years old on the date of filing to be qualified to take the test.

There are many other reasons why you might not be qualified to take the test. Check out our in-depth article about this topic.

5. Some people are exempted from taking the Civil Service Exams.

Aside from the people who are not allowed to take the exams, there are also many who don’t need to take the Civil Service Exams. These include board exam passers, those who graduated with Latin honors, and others.

6. You can apply for the Civil Service Exams online.

Did you know you can actually apply for the tests online? This applies to the COMEX which is really the easiest and fastest option.

7. You’re not allowed to bring calculators to the testing room.

While calculators might be allowed in many board exams, such are prohibited inside testing rooms for the Civil Service Exams.

8. You can get jail time for cheating in the Civil Service Exams.

Thinking about cheating to pass the exams? Don’t! Aside from automatically flunking the test, you could actually get jail time and have to pay a fine if you’re caught!

Photo credit: The Chronicle of Higher Education

9. The exam results could come out in as fast as 1 week for the COMEX.

While the PPT results come out in about 40 days, COMEX results are out in just a week! That’s another advantage of this exam mode.

10. A civil service eligibility is not a guarantee you’ll get a job/position in the government.

While some people find it easy to pass the Civil Service Exams, having a civil service eligibility is not a guarantee that you’ll get the job or position you are applying for.

However, it is a requirement that you must fulfill before you are even considered for the position; thus, it is still important that you take the test and pass it!

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