The Civil Service Commission (CSC) administers the Career Service Examination (CSE), grants civil service eligibility, and sets policies for hiring and promotion in Philippine government positions.
The CSE has two levels:
- Subprofessional: eligibility for first-level (clerical) posts
- Professional: eligibility for first- and second-level (technical and professional) posts, except those that need a license
Both are open to Filipino citizens at least 18 years old, pass at a general rating of 80.00, and cost ₱500.
What it means for you:
- Most permanent government posts need civil service eligibility
- Eligibility doesn't expire once earned
- The CSC also recognizes other eligibilities, such as RA 1080 (PRC board and bar passers) and PD 907 (honor graduates)
- The CSE is held twice a year: the next sittings are 14 March 2027 (applications from 2 November 2026) and 8 August 2027
Common touchpoints:
- Filing your CSE application
- The exam at your assigned testing center
- Checking results and ratings online
- Using your eligibility in government job applications