Knowing how to pass and prepare for the Civil Service Exam (CSE) can be a challenging yet rewarding journey. While there’s no definite and perfect practice to this, with the right strategies and insights, you can enhance your chances of success and secure a position in public service. In this blog, we’ll be sharing six practical Civil Service exam tips gathered online from the experiences of previous exam takers in the Philippines who have successfully passed to help you ace the test!
Whether you’re a college student looking for credentials or a private sector employee thinking about changing careers, these tips can help you pass that exam. So, to learn tips and tricks on how to pass the Civil Service Exam, keep reading!
Benefits of a Civil Service Exam Passer
Before we delve into the practices exam passers did, it’s important to know why taking the Civil Service exam is a wise decision.
The CSE has several benefits that can serve its passers. This includes enhanced credentials, entitlement to permanent roles in the public sector, and access to higher-paying government jobs for those who pass the Professional level.
- Additional credentials: Being a CSE passer enhances your professional qualifications. This recognition can open doors to various career opportunities, as employers often value the discipline and knowledge demonstrated by those who have successfully passed the exam, even if you don’t plan to work in the public sector.
- Entitled to permanent positions in the public sector: If you’re a CSE passer, you’re automatically entitled to regular and permanent government jobs. This means that you have SSS or GSIS, Pag-Ibig, Philhealth, holiday pay, and other benefits. More importantly, job security.
- Opportunities for higher-paying government positions: If you pass the Professional level, you’re open to higher-paying government positions. If you’re working in the government and yearning for a better job in the sector, there are also other CSEs to boost your ranking.
Civil Service Exam Passing Score
So, what is the score cut-off for the Civil Service Exam? According to the Civil Service Commission (CSC), passers should get a general rating of at least 80. The exam’s scope for the SubProfessional level is as follows (in English and Filipino):
- Numerical ability
- Basic operations
- Word problems
- Clerical ability
- Filing
- Spelling
- Verbal ability
- Grammar and correct usage
- Vocabulary
- Paragraph organization
- Reading comprehension
On the other hand, the Professional level consists of (in English and Filipino):
- Numerical ability
- Basic operations
- Word problems
- Analytical ability
- Word association
- Identifying assumptions and conclusions
- Logic
- Data interpretation
- Verbal ability
- Grammar and correct usage
- Vocabulary
- Paragraph organization
- Reading comprehension
Moreover, both exams include general items on the following topics:
- Philippine Constitution
- Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713)
- Environment Management and Protection
Tips on how to pass the CSE Professional and SubProfessional levels
If you’re looking at how to pass the Civil Service Exam, here are six handy tips for you to keep in mind. These tips were gathered from passers who shared their experiences and tricks on social media.
Tip #1. Take the Exam as Early as You Can
As passers emphasized, many took the exam when they had enough credits during college. This allowed them to have a fresher memory of the topics included in the exam. Some even say that stock knowledge plays a significant role in the CSE. So, reviewing for the exam while in school also has its perks
Tip #2. Use Reviewers and Practice Tests
First on this list of Civil Service Exam tips is investing in reviewers. This doesn’t necessarily mean buying the most expensive one on the market. Some say that the reviewers they bought online or at local bookstores sufficed.
Takers also say that taking the mock practice exams really helped them. So, when choosing a reviewer, make sure to buy one with practice questions to simulate the exam day. You can also utilize flashcards to help you remember tough information and formulas for the numerical ability.
Tip #3. Take Practice Exams With a Timer
When using reviewers with mock exams, one passer highlighted the importance of simulating the exam’s experience. This included answering mock questions under timed conditions. The Professional level has 170 items and a three-hour and ten-minute limit. On the other hand, the Subprofessional has 165 items and two hours and 40 minutes to complete.
Also, take note that you should divide your study periods smartly for all the test coverages. From English comprehension, grammar, mathematical and logic problems, and involved national topics as listed above.
Tip #4. Utilize Free Online Resources
Another example of the tips to pass the Civil Service Exam is to maximize free online resources as supplementary to your reviewers. This is especially important if you’ve graduated for a while now and need a refresher on the topics mentioned above. Some of the resources Redditors listed included:
Another one of the Civil Service Exam tips is to look up tutorials or refresher videos on YouTube about the topic that you really need to review.
Tip #5. Minimize Distractions Before the Exam
One passer who had already been working in the private sector for a while shared that they didn’t review much for the exams. They emphasized the importance of proper sleep and eating healthy meals before the exam. Furthermore, the passer added that arriving early on time would help you not to panic because you arrived late or near the exam time.
Tip #6. Get Enough Sleep Days Before the Exam
Another Redditor shared that sleeping early the day before the exam helped. While sleeping early has benefits in general, it comes in handy for exams. On the other hand, a Facebook user shared that getting enough sleep two to three nights before the exam is beneficial.
A well-rested mind is sharper and can better focus on questions. So, if you’re looking at how to pass the Civil Service Exam, proper rest is as important as reviewing and preparing for the test. Moreover, enough rest helps you be punctual on the exam day.
Reminders Before, During, and After taking the Civil Service Exam
Now that we’ve tackled the tips to pass the Civil Service Exam, here are a few reminders to keep in mind before, during, and after. This includes:
- Before
- Prepare all your documents and requirements at least a day before your exam date, such as your application receipt, valid ID, and a black ballpoint pen
- Preparing your exam attire, preferably a white shirt and jeans. Examinees wearing sleeveless shirts or blouses, shorts, or ripped jeans will not be permitted to enter the exam site.
- Double-check your exam site, and if you still cannot find yours a week before the exam site, immediately visit the CSC Regional Office or Field office in your area.
- During
- Listen to the instructions attentively.
- Read and analyze each question carefully.
- Make sure you’re shading the corresponding number to the problem you’re answering.
- Divide your time wisely. So, if you find a question hard, skip it for the meantime, you’re on a time limit.
- Don’t overthink and remain calm and focused. Trust in your preparation process.
- After
- After your exam, double-check the targeted release of exam results date
- Once you’ve passed, you can then claim your Certificate of Eligibility (Coe). Passers should personally claim these, and it costs one hundred per copy for security paper. However, copies of the CSC stationery are free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you’re looking at how to pass the Civil Service Exam, here are a few questions you might have.
What happens if I fail the Civil Service Exam?
You can retake the exam as there is no limit on the number of attempts. However, focus on reviewing weak areas and improving your test-taking strategies for better results next time.
How much is the application fee for the Civil Service Exam?
The fee is typically PHP500, but it’s best to confirm with your local CSC office as fees may vary.
How can I know if I passed the Civil Service Exam?
Results are usually posted on the CSC website about 60 days after the exam. You can also check the bulletin boards at CSC regional offices.
Are calculators allowed during the Civil Service Exam?
No calculators or other electronic devices are permitted during the exam. You’ll need to rely on your manual computation skills.
Can I take the Civil Service Exam online?
The CSC has introduced the COMEX (Computerized Examination System) in certain locations. This allows applicants to take the exam digitally instead of the traditional paper-and-pencil format.
Sources: (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7)
Keep Reading: Civil Service Exam Reviewer with Answer Keys (2024)
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