Civil Service Exam — Professional Level Reviewer
Earn your second-level civil service eligibility and open the door to clerical, technical, and supervisory jobs in government.
Overview
The Career Service Examination – Professional Level is the Civil Service Commission's pen-and-paper test (CSE-PPT) for Filipinos who want to work in government. It measures verbal, numerical, and analytical ability, plus general knowledge of the Philippine Constitution, the Code of Conduct for public servants (R.A. 6713), peace and human rights, and environmental protection.
Passing gives you the Career Service Professional Eligibility — a second-level eligibility valid for first-level (clerical) and second-level (technical, including executive/managerial) government positions that do not involve the practice of a profession and are not covered by special laws. Your name is also included in the CSC Register of Eligibles, which some private employers use as a reference.
The exam is given twice a year, usually in March and August. You need a general rating of at least 80.00 to pass, so steady, focused review really pays off.
Who should take it
- College students and graduates who plan to apply for government jobs (e.g., Administrative Officer, clerk, analyst, or other second-level positions)
- Current government employees in contractual, job-order, or temporary status who need eligibility for a permanent appointment or promotion
- Subprofessional eligibles who want to qualify for higher, second-level positions
- Filipinos aged 18 and above who want a lifetime credential that also strengthens a private-sector résumé
- Note: Bar and PRC board passers (R.A. 1080) and holders of comparable eligibilities (e.g., Honor Graduate Eligibility under P.D. 907) are already considered eligible and may opt not to take this exam
Exam format
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Filipino citizen (dual citizens under R.A. 9225 and those recognized as citizens under Art. IV, Sec. 1 of the Constitution may apply with supporting documents)
- At least 18 years old on the date of filing of application
- Of good moral character
- Not convicted by final judgment of an offense involving moral turpitude, disgraceful or immoral conduct, dishonesty, examination irregularity, drunkenness, or drug addiction
- Not dishonorably discharged from military service or dismissed for cause from any civilian government position
- Has not taken the same level of Career Service Examination (PPT or other test mode) within three months before the exam date — for the 14 March 2027 exam, that means not between 14 December 2026 and 13 March 2027
- Has not previously taken and passed the Professional level of the Career Service Examination
Requirements
- Fully accomplished Application Form — CS Form No. 100, Revised 2023 (Career Service-Professional), available at CSC Regional/Field Offices or downloadable from csc.gov.ph; may be printed on legal-size bond paper
- Four (4) identical colored passport-size ID photos (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm), white background, taken within the last 3 months, close-up from the shoulders up, bare face showing both ears, with a HAND-HELD name tag showing your handwritten signature over printed full name
- Original and photocopy of one accepted ID (e.g., PhilID/ePhilID, passport, driver's license, UMID, PRC ID, postal ID, voter's ID or certification, school or company ID, NBI or police clearance, barangay ID, PWD, solo parent, or senior citizen ID). An ID that expired within CY 2026 is accepted only as a last resort.
- Examination fee of ₱500.00
- If your ID has no date of birth: original and photocopy of your PSA- or Local Civil Registry-issued Birth Certificate (PSA e-Certificate accepted)
- For dual citizens: original and photocopy of the Identification Certificate issued by the Bureau of Immigration
Fees
How to apply
- 1Check that you meet all qualifications, especially the 3-month rule if you recently took a civil service exam.
- 2Download CS Form No. 100 (Revised 2023, Career Service-Professional) from csc.gov.ph or get a copy at any CSC Regional/Field Office, and fill it out completely.
- 3Prepare four identical passport-size photos with a hand-held name tag (handwritten signature over printed name), your accepted ID with a photocopy, and the ₱500 exam fee.
- 4Contact the CSC Regional or Field Office where you want to take the exam (by phone or email) to learn its filing mode — walk-in, appointment, or online — and the remaining slots. Filing for the 14 March 2027 exam opened 02 November 2026 and continues until slots are filled.
- 5File your application and pay the fee. Keep your Application Receipt and CSC Official Receipt; you will write your Examinee Number on them on exam day.
- 6About two weeks before the exam, check the CSC exam advisory and the Online Notice of School Assignment (ONSA) on csc.gov.ph for your testing venue. If you still don't know your venue one week before the exam, call your CSC office.
- 7After the exam, check the List of Passers on csc.gov.ph and get your individual rating through OCSERGS (Online Civil Service Examination Result Generation System) using your Examinee Number.
Schedule
As of October 2026
The next CSE-PPT (Professional and Subprofessional) is on Sunday, 14 March 2027. Filing started 02 November 2026 and runs continuously until slots are filled, so apply early. The second 2027 exam is set for 08 August 2027, with filing from 10 May 2027. CSC normally holds the CSE-PPT twice a year — the second Sunday of March and the second Sunday of August.
Where to apply & take the exam
Applications are filed at the CSC Regional Office or Field Office in the area where you want to take the exam. Each region has its own testing centers (e.g., Quezon City, Manila, Makati, Taguig, and Pasay in NCR; Cebu City, Davao City, Iloilo City, Cagayan de Oro, Baguio City, and many more).
Tips to pass
File early. Since 2026, slots are filled on a first-come, first-served, continuous basis — popular testing centers in NCR and big cities can run out well before the exam.
Practice math WITHOUT a calculator. Calculators (including watch calculators) are banned, so drill fractions, percentages, and long division by hand for 15–20 minutes a day.
Budget your time: 150 scored items in about 3 hours means roughly 1 minute per item. Skip the hard ones first, mark them in your test booklet, and come back later.
Never leave an item blank. Eliminate obviously wrong choices and make your best guess before time runs out.
Don't skip Filipino. Verbal Ability is in English AND Filipino — review rin/din, ng/nang, and common Tagalog vocabulary.
Read the 1987 Constitution articles that matter most for public servants: Article II (State policies), III (Bill of Rights), VI–VIII (the three branches), IX (Constitutional Commissions), and XI (Accountability of Public Officers).
Memorize the eight norms of conduct under R.A. 6713 and its key timelines: act on requests within 15 working days, and file your SALN on or before April 30.
Use a simple 6–8 week plan: weeks 1–2 basics and math, weeks 3–4 verbal and analytical, weeks 5–6 general information, last 2 weeks full timed mock exams.
Visit your assigned school the day before. Be at the venue by 6:30 a.m. — gates close at exactly 7:45 a.m. and late examinees are not admitted.
Bring: your original accepted ID (photocopies and phone photos are not accepted), black ball pens only, your Application Receipt/Official Receipt, and a small hand sanitizer. Clear water bottles and biscuits are allowed after inspection.
Dress properly — plain white shirt is preferred. Sleeveless tops, shorts, ripped jeans, and slippers are not allowed, and long hair must be tied.
Use only the test booklet for scratch work. Writing on scrap paper, your receipt, your skin, or the answer sheet margins can get your exam cancelled. Shade your Examinee Number correctly.
CSE Professional sample questions with answers
Try these, then tap to reveal the answer. Want more? Take the full free practice test.
1. Verbal Ability
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in CAPITAL letters. The new supervisor was known for her TACITURN manner during meetings, rarely speaking unless asked directly.
- A.Talkative
- B.Hostile
- C.Reserved
- D.Cheerful
Show answer
Answer: C. Reserved — Taciturn means habitually quiet or reserved in speech. The clue is 'rarely speaking unless asked directly.'
2. Numerical Ability
Simplify: 3/4 + 2/3 − 1/6
- A.1 1/6
- B.1 1/3
- C.1 1/4
- D.1 5/12
Show answer
Answer: C. 1 1/4 — Use the LCD 12: 9/12 + 8/12 − 2/12 = 15/12 = 1 3/12 = 1 1/4.
3. Analytical Ability
BOOK is to LIBRARY as PAINTING is to ______.
- A.Gallery
- B.Artist
- C.Canvas
- D.Frame
Show answer
Answer: A. Gallery — A library is the place where books are kept and displayed for the public; a gallery is the place where paintings are kept and displayed.
4. General Information
Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, what is the term of office of the Chairman and Commissioners of the Civil Service Commission?
- A.Six years with one reappointment
- B.Five years with reappointment
- C.Seven years without reappointment
- D.Until they reach 70 years old
Show answer
Answer: C. Seven years without reappointment — Article IX-B, Section 1(2) provides that the Chairman and Commissioners serve a term of seven years without reappointment.
5. Verbal Ability
Choose the word that best completes the sentence. The committee will not approve the request ______ the applicant submits all the required documents.
- A.because
- B.unless
- C.although
- D.since
Show answer
Answer: B. unless — 'Unless' means 'except if' — approval happens only if the documents are complete. The other connectors express cause or contrast, which do not fit the condition.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next Civil Service Exam (Professional)?
The next CSE-PPT is on Sunday, 14 March 2027. Filing began on 02 November 2026 and continues until the slots are filled. The next one after that is on 08 August 2027, with filing starting 10 May 2027.
How much is the exam fee?
₱500.00, paid when you file your application at the CSC Regional or Field Office.
What is the passing score?
You need a general rating of at least 80.00. Only the 150 test-proper items are scored; the 20 EDQ items ask about your personal data.
Can I use a calculator?
No. Calculators of any kind, phones, smart watches, books, and other aids are prohibited. Bringing or using them can lead to cancellation of your exam and possible charges under R.A. 9416 (Anti-Cheating Law).
I failed the last exam. When can I retake it?
You may retake the same level after three months. For the 14 March 2027 exam, you are not allowed if you took the same level (PPT or digital) between 14 December 2026 and 13 March 2027.
What jobs can I apply for if I pass?
The Career Service Professional Eligibility covers first-level (clerical) and second-level (technical, including executive/managerial) government positions that do not involve the practice of a profession and are not covered by special laws. You still need to meet each position's other qualifications.
Does the CSC have official reviewers or review centers?
No. CSC does not hold review classes, publish review materials, or accredit any review center. Practice materials like this one are independent study aids.
I'm a PRC board passer. Do I still need to take this exam?
Not necessarily. Under R.A. 1080, Bar and PRC board passers are automatically considered civil service eligibles, so you may opt not to take the CSE.
Official sources
- CSC — Examination Announcement No. 06, s. 2026 (14 March 2027 CSE-PPT, signed 21 Oct 2026)
- CSC — Examination Announcement No. 05, s. 2026 (Calendar of CSE-PPT for CY 2027)
- CSC — Examination Advisory No. 02, s. 2026 (exam-day reminders, items and time limit)
- CSC — Examination advisories page
- CSC — Central Office contact directory
- CSC — NCR Regional Office directory
- CSC — Application forms (CS Form No. 100)
LearnDigitalPH is an independent review platform, not affiliated with or endorsed by Civil Service Commission (CSC). Practice questions are original and are not actual exam items. Requirements, fees and schedules can change — always confirm with the official agency before applying.