Civil Service Exam 2023: Everything You Need to Know

Most Filipinos who don’t want to work abroad aspire to land a stable government job, hopefully. This is why many decide to attempt to pass the civil service examination. This year is no exception, so this article gives you everything you need about the upcoming Civil Service Exam 2023.

It is understandable why many Filipinos prefer a government job over a career in the private sector. The benefits usually enjoyed by permanent government workers include a much higher salary than in the private sector, actual job security, regular bonuses and salary increases, fast career growth, and a real retirement plan. Of course, even before hiring, you need civil service eligibility, meaning you must pass the civil service exam. And unlike the civil service exams in the 20th Century, the exams given today aren’t done just as a formality. The civil service exam has a realistically dismal passing rate, meaning that most examinees do not pass the exam.

When is the Civil Service Exam Scheduled?

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) will conduct the Civil Service Exam 2023 in March and August 2023. These examinations are open to the general public. Those examinees of the canceled March 2020 CSE-PPT (Pencil-Paper-Test) were already scheduled to take the exam in March 2023, so long as they did not ask for a refund. For those who have taken the March exam, the results will be released on May 25, 2023.

The application period for the coming August exam is between May 15 and June 14, 2023. Results will be released on October 12, 2023.

What is Civil Service Exam in the Philippines?

The civil service or career service examination is a board exam-like test created and administered by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to determine those eligible for government jobs. There are two civil service types of exams: professional and sub-professional.

Those who pass the professional civil service exam may be accepted for first-level positions (clerical) or second-level positions (technical, executive, and managerial) in the government. Sub-professional exam passers can be obtained only for clerical or first-level government jobs.

Exam applicants can also choose from two modes: manual pen-paper-test (PPT) or computerized examination (COMEX). Both exams differ in how the application is filed, the cost of the examination fee, when the text is scheduled, how the exam is taken, and the speed of test result release.

However, both exams have the same difficulty level, time limit, and several test questions.

How to Apply Civil Service Exam

Processing of examination application for Pen-Paper-Test (PPT) – Professional or Sub-professional level

You must go to the nearest CSC office or where you intend to take the exam. They are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with no noon break.

Requirements for civil service exam:

1. Fully accomplished CS Form No. 100 (Revised Sept. 2016) application form. Note that the spaces for “Signature of Applicant” and “Right Thumb Mark” on the form should be blank. These should be done in the presence of the CSC processor. You can download the application form from the official CSC website.

2. Four (4) copies of identical pictures:

Philippine passport size (1.8 inches x 1.4 inches)
Colored with white background
Printed on good quality photo paper
Standard close-up shot, name tag position approximately 1 inch below the chin (shoulder level up to head and face occupying at least 80% of the picture)
Full-face view directly facing camera and bare face with no eyeglasses or other accessories that may cover facial features.
Neutral facial expression (not smiling) with both eyes open
Clearly showing left and right ears.
Not computer enhanced

Full and handwritten (not computer-generated) name tag in format. First name, Middle initial, Last name, and any Extension name, with a signature above the printed name

The picture should be taken within the last three (3) months before application filing

3. Original and photocopy any valid government-issued ID such as driver’s license, SSS or UMID card, GSIS ID, PhilHealth ID, Postal ID, BIR ID, Barangay ID, Voter’s ID, valid passport, or Police Clearance. Other IDs like company/office IDs are also accepted. However, if the applicant’s date of birth is missing, it should be supported with a Birth Certificate issued and authenticated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

When visiting the CSC office, wear proper attire. Sleeveless shirts/blouses, short pants, and slippers are not allowed.

Each office has a daily quota for the number of applicants they can process. Thus, applicants are on a first-come-first-served basis. Although an application period is indicated, applications can be received as early as four months before the examination date. It is advisable to file your application as early as possible and to arrive at the CSC office before it opens in the morning.

After you affix your signature and thumbprint on the application form before the CSC or action processor/officer, the application form and requirements will be checked if you qualify. If you are qualified, the form is returned so you can pay the civil service exam fee of P500 at the cashier.

After payment, return to the processor/officer with the official receipt and processed application form. You will be given an examination receipt slip and important examination reminders.

Processing of examination application for Computerized Examination (COMEX) – All levels

1. Access the CSC-COMEX website and click “Sign Up Now” to create an account.

Note: The website lacks an SSL certificate; hence, no “https” appears before the URL. Users may encounter a privacy error page after clicking the sign-up button. To move forward, click “Advanced” and “Proceed to www.comex.csc.gov.ph (unsafe).”

Create a username and password and fill out all requested information on the subsequent pages, such as personal, educational, employment, eligibility, and other important information. Note: For the address, provide full spellings instead of abbreviations such as “Brgy.” or “St.” Any abbreviations will cause an error message.

2. Read the “Terms and Conditions” and check the agree box when finished. You can also check the following box to receive e-mail updates regarding examination schedules and other reminders. Type the captcha code in the designated box and click “Submit” to complete the application.

3. Click the verification link to your e-mail to activate your COMEX account.

4. Log in to your account using your username and password.

5. Click “Reserve a Slot Now!” on the next page to view the examination schedules.

6. Select your preferred examination date and testing center. You can use the search filter to limit the results to a specific date, testing center area, and all available slots. If a desired examination schedule and venue are available and selected, click “Reserve a Slot.” You can also click “View Details” to get more information.

7. Print the application form and reservation slot and submit this, plus the original and photocopy of a valid ID, at the nearest CSC office in your area.

8. Pay the civil service exam fee for COMEX of P680.

9. Have your photo, fingerprints, and electronic signature captured.

What is Next After Filing the Application?

1. Prepare all pertinent documents for exam day

Organize all needed documents for exam day, such as valid IDs, examination slips, and receipts. They will be required by the proctor or field officer. Do not lose them.

2. Review properly

You must rely on more than stocked knowledge. Some licensed and registered review centers offer civil service review classes for several weeks. You can also buy a certified and approved civil service reviewer from a bookstore or look for online civil service reviewers with mock exams to give you a feel for the test.

3. Take note of the ONSA

The Online Notice of School Assignments (ONSA) is posted on the official CSC website two weeks before the exam date. This is where you can find the complete details on the exact examination venue. Do not delay checking out the ONSA. If you have questions or clarifications, contact the CSC office as early as possible. Since the exam is scheduled on a Sunday, the CSC can only address inquiries on that day. Check out the venue before the exam so you don’t get lost in transit and know exactly where your classroom is.

Conclusion

Armed with this knowledge, you are now equipped with the tools to face and conquer the civil service exam 2023! You’ll want to use your time wisely and focus on studying what will pay off – after all, getting a high score is the key to unlocking your future success in the federal government. With some strategic preparation and diligent revision, you can ensure that your determination is the only thing standing between you and that new job title