CSE Professional (Career Service Examination — Professional Level) is the higher-level civil service eligibility exam run by the CSC. Passing gives Career Service Professional eligibility, valid for first-level (clerical) and second-level (technical and professional) posts, except those that need a professional license.
Exam format:
- 150 scored multiple-choice items, plus 20 personal-data questions
- 3 hours 10 minutes, on paper
- Verbal Ability (English and Filipino), Analytical Ability, Numerical Ability, General Information
Pass mark: general rating of 80.00. Fee: ₱500. Who can take it: Filipino citizens at least 18 years old.
Next sittings: 14 March 2027 (applications from 2 November 2026) and 8 August 2027.
Recent pass rates: 14.79% in March 2025 and 16.18% in March 2026.
What it means for you:
- Eligibility doesn't expire once earned
- PRC board and bar passers already have eligibility under RA 1080 and usually don't need the CSE