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A Certificate of Eligibility is a document issued by the Philippine government’s Civil Service Commission (CSC) that proves that you are a Career Service Professional or Sub-professional. It’s a commonly required certificate if you wish to apply for most government positions. For people wanting to serve in the government, how will you file for a Certificate of Eligibility for CSC?

What is the CSC?

The Civil Service Commission was established under Executive Order No. 292. Their general function is to maintain, secure control, and dispose of government personnel records in the region; act on complaint/administrative cases falling within the territorial jurisdiction of the regional office.

Issuance of Certification of Eligibility (Walk-in only for lost certificates)

Service Availability:

Monday to Friday, starting at 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, without a noon break

Who can avail of the service:

1. People who misplaced or lost their Certificate of Eligibility (due to fire, theft, flood, etc.)
2. People who do not have their Certificate of Eligibility (submitted COE to the agency, did not receive their certificate, etc.)
3. People who wish to replace their Certificate of Eligibility (correction of personal information or old/torn/worn-out certificate, etc.)

Requirements:

1. Declaration Form (DF) and Eligibility/Examination Records Request Form (ERRF)
2. One piece 1 x 1-inch picture with a full name tag and signature attached before taking a photograph. Additionally, the following information must also be present:
   • The signature must be above the printed name;
   • The photograph should have been taken within three months before the filing of the request for Certification of Eligibility;
   • A Scanned or computer-generated photo/name/signature will not be accepted;
3. A Certification fee of Php 100.00 per copy
4. If the requesting party works/lives abroad, two valid Identification (ID) Cards are required.

• Copy of passport; and
• Copy of one (1) Identification Card

Both need to be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consular Office.

Note: A Valid ID must contain the applicant’s clear picture, Birthdate, personal signature, and the authorized head of the issuing agency’s signature.

Examples of these IDs are the Driver’s License, SSS ID, GSIS ID, Philhealth ID, current Company/Office ID, current School ID, Postal ID, BIR ID, Barangay ID, Voter’s ID, Valid Passport, or Police Clearance. Any ID not included in the list shall NOT be accepted.

Special Requirements:

1. PSA-Issued Marriage Contract for women who married after taking the examination

Requirements if the request is filed through a representative:

1. Authorization Letter/Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
2. A valid Identification Card of the representative

What is the Civil Service Exam?

The Civil Service Exam is conducted twice a year by the CSC (Civil Service Commission) to determine whether or not an applicant is eligible to work in the government. 

There are two types of CSEs: 

1. Sub-Professional Level

This is aimed at applicants eyeing first-level government positions, which include clerical and administrative work. The test has a time limit of two hours and 40 minutes and features 165 items that cover the following topics:

• General Information
• Clerical Operations
• English
• Mathematics

2. Professional Level

On the other hand, this exam is designed to allow passers to apply for both first- and second-level government positions. The scope of this job includes opportunities for both clerical and managerial posts.

Unlike the sub-professional level, an examinee taking the professional exam must be a graduate of a four-year course. In terms of the actual test, the time limit is longer, with 170 items that cover the following topics:

• General Information
• Analogies 
• Logic Reasoning
• English
• Mathematics

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has also implemented a unique job placement program called the Brightest for the Bureaucracy Program (BBP), which aims to invite young people with exceptional qualifications to join various public services. These individuals have received high ratings in the CSC and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) exams or are honor graduates, among others.

Also Read: Civil Service Exam Reviewer with Answer Keys (2024)

Who is qualified to take the Civil Service Exam?

An interested applicant must meet the following Civil Service requirements to qualify:

• Is a Filipino citizen 
• Is at least 18 years old 
• Has no criminal record
• Has no dismissal record from military or government service
• Has not taken the same-level exam within the last three months before the exam date

Under special laws, some individuals are exempt from taking the exam, including honor graduates and barangay officials. View the complete list of exemptions on the CSC website.

Types of Examination in the Civil Service Exam

There are two options for taking the CSE:

1. Pen-And-Paper Test (PPT) is the traditional test method, in which you have to shade circles using a black ballpoint pen. The test will cost ₱500, and the results will come out 60 days after the exam.
2. The Computerized Examination (COMEX) lets you take the exam using a computer at registered CSC testing centers. While this option is on the pricier side than the PPT (requiring a ₱680 fee), the applicant can expect the exam results a week after the examination.

Requirements for the Civil Service Exam

• Application form: To get started, fill out the CSE form available for download via the CSC website or at any CSC Regional or Field Office.
• Recent ID photos: Prepare four colored, passport-sized ID photos with a white background. The applicant should take these photos within three months before applying and include a handwritten tag with your name and signature at the bottom.
• Valid ID: Ready an original copy and photocopy of your valid IDs like driver’s license, NBI clearance, and Philippine passport. You may view the complete list of valid IDs here. 

For examinees going for the COMEX mode, you must bring your reservation receipt on your exam day. 

Applying for the Civil Service Exam

For the Pen and Paper Test

Submit your completed application form to the CSC office of your choice. (You may check this directory to find the closest to you.) Once at the office, you will be asked to sign and stamp your thumbprint on the form. When your application is accepted, pay the test fee at the cashier, where they will also give you your examination slip. 

For OCSEAS

Sign up via the CSC OCSEAS website. Once you complete the online form, click the link sent to your email to activate your OCSEAS account. Then, log in to your account and edit your profile. Once done, select a slot for where, when, and what type of CSE you intend to take, and click “Proceed.”

You’ll then be redirected to the Oonline CS Form No. 100, so enter the required details. After submitting, choose your preferred CSC Office for your personal appearance, and upload the required documents.

Make sure to check your email and OCSEAS account to know the status of your application. Once your application is approved, the stauts will change to “For Payment.” You’ll have 48 hours to choose your preferred date of personal appearance and pay the application fee.

Be at your preferred CSC office on your scheduled appointment to ensure your exam slot.

Also Read: GUIDE: How to Check CSC Rating

Tips Before, During, and After the Civil Service Exam

Study the listed coverage.

Take the time to review the topics included in the CSE. As this is a test that will gauge your eligibility for public service, brush up on the following topics:

• Philippine Constitution
• Environment Management and Protection
• Peace and Human Rights Issues and Concepts
• The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees

Prepare the requirements two nights before the exam.

Remember to bring your exam receipts and confirmation slip on the exam day. Also, be sure to have a valid ID, preferably the one you presented during the application filing, as the CSC has a strict No ID, No Exam policy.

As of 2022, you will also need to bring proof of vaccination, whether original or digital. In addition, you must present a negative RT-PCR, saliva, or antigen test result if you are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. 

Be Punctual

Testing venues open at 6:00 AM and close by 7:30 AM, so be there early. You may visit the site beforehand to familiarize yourself with how to get there without rushing or getting lost.

Bring extra writing materials.

CSC only allows black ballpoint pens for PPT. Exam rooms prohibit gel, sign, fountain, friction, or colored pens. Avoid any issues, and pack an extra set of black ball pens just in case.

Observe the proper dress code 

The CSC requires all examinees to dress appropriately for the exam. Exam rooms do not allow slippers, shorts, short pants, or sleeveless tops. Of course, don’t forget your face mask.

 Wait for the results patiently.

All that’s left to do now is wait. The CSC will issue a Certification of Eligibility if you pass the examination one month after the announcement of the exam results. When claiming, bring a valid ID and your application receipt.

Good luck! – WhatALife!/Vaughn

Source: (1), (2), (3), (4), (5)

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Keep Reading: List of Passers August 2022 Civil Service Exam Results – Professional Level