4 Tips to Make Math Easier to Pass in Civil Service Exams

Most examinees would say that Math was the most difficult part of the Civil Service Exams. That might
be true, but this does not mean that you just give up and leave everything to fate. There are some tips
to help make Math easier to pass.

1. Practice Basic Math

While there’s analogy, logic, sequence or series, and some geometry questions, Math in the Civil Service
Exams only covers basic topics. There are no calculus or advanced geometry or other higher-level Math.
Instead, many of the questions will be about real-life problems, including loans, buy and sell, and
business.

Try your best to practice basic Math – and practice doing it fast.

2. Be Quick

No matter what type of Civil Service Exam you are taking, there’s a time constraint. This means that
there is a time limit; you should submit the exam papers at the end of this time. You actually have
around 3 minutes to answer each item. So, be quick!

3. Don’t Spend Too Much Time on One Question

Always keep in mind that the exam has a time constraint. Do not spend too much time on one difficult
question. You have to answer as many as you can. Don’t over-analyze the questions.

If you’re having a hard time on one item, skip it first. You can take note of that item so you can get back
to it after you’re done with the exam.

4. Trust Your Instincts

If the exam feels like it has too many difficult questions, trust your instincts. Pick the answer that you
think is the best. If the time is almost up and you still have a lot of blanks, speed-read on the questions
and pick a letter.

You’re better off having an unsure answer for an item than a blank. Who knows? Perhaps the unsure
answer you picked was actually the correct one? Leaving the item blank wouldn’t give you a chance to
earn a point!
5+ Reminders for Civil Service Exam Takers
Ready to take the Civil Service Examination? Good luck!

But before you head off to your testing center, make sure to go through the following reminders for Civil
Service exam takers:

REMINDERS for takers of the Career Service Examination – Paper and Pencil Test (CSE-PPT):

1. Check Your School and Room Assignment

Make sure to check where you will be taking the exams – the name and location of the testing center,
plus your room assignment ahead of time. You don’t want to get lost on the day of your exams or arrive
at the wrong testing center.

You can find such information via the Online Notice of School Assignment (ONSA), available a few weeks
before the exam date.

If unable to access the ONSA, make sure to call or visit the Civil Service Commission (CSC) regional office
you filed your application at.

2. Arrive Early at the Testing Center

The gates to the testing centers are usually closed at 7:30AM. Make sure to arrive early and find your
room assignment as quickly as you can, to give you time to settle in and be prepared for your exam.

It is actually better if you check out the testing center and your room assignment the day before the
exam date to familiarize yourself with the place and to know where you will take the test.

You don’t want to arrive at the right testing center on time but be late for the test, anyway, as you were
still scrambling to find where room assignment might be.

3. Bring a Valid ID

The CSC strictly implements the “No ID, No Exam” policy. Make sure to bring a valid ID. Choose from any
one (1) of the following, in alphabetical order:

Barangay ID

Bureau of Internal Revenue/Taxpayer’s ID (ATM type/TIN card type with picture)

Civil Service Commission Eligibility Card

Company/Office ID

Driver’s License/Temporary Driver’s License (Land Transportation Office O.R. must be presented
together with old Driver’s License; O.R. alone is not allowed)/Student Driver’s Permit

Government Service Insurance System ID

HDMF Transaction ID
National Bureau of Investigation Clearance

Passport

PhilHealth ID (must have the bearer’s name, clear picture, signature, and PhilHealth number)

Police Clearance/Police Clearance Certificate

Postal ID

Professional Regulation Commission License

PWD ID

School ID

Seaman’s Book

Senior Citizen’s ID

Social Security System ID

Solo Parent ID

UMID

Voter’s ID/Voter’s Certification

Note: It is best if you could present the same valid ID you used while filing the application; but you can
still present a different one. Just make sure it is not expired.

4. Proper Attire Should Be Observed

On the exam day, wear proper attire.

Exam takers are not allowed to wear sando or short pants, sleeveless shirt or blouse, and slippers or
sandals. Wear closed shoes.

You attire need not be formal but make sure it appears decent and professional.

5. Only Bring the Allowed Items

Calculators and cellphones are strictly not allowed during the exams. You are only allowed to bring the
following:

Black ballpens

Lead pencils no. 1 or 2

Eraser

Sharpener
Clear bottled water

You can also bring the Official Receipt/Application Receipt and/or the NOSA but these are actually
optional.

6. Make Sure to Carefully Check Your Personal Details

Before you start your exams, make sure to check the personal details on the examiner’s data sheet.

Exam takers are given time to check for discrepancies and make the necessary corrections before the
exams begin.

Good luck!
Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the Civil Service Exams
You have probably heard about the Civil Service Exams, but do you have any idea what it is about?

Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the Civil Service Exams

You have probably heard about the Civil Service Exams, but do you have any idea what it is about?

1. You need civil service eligibility to work in the government.

You have to pass the exams and get civil service eligibility if you want to find a stable job in the
government.

Gone were the days when the government accepts those without eligibility, then just let them take the
tests later on.

2. There are two levels of Civil Service Exams.

Depending on what position you are planning to have in government service and your qualifications, you
can either take the following:

Professional (must complete a Bachelor’s Degree) to qualify for

first-level positions as well as second-level scientific, technical, and professional positions up to Division
Chief level

Sub-professional exams (at least college level) to qualify for first-level jobs, such as clerical, trades,
crafts, and custodial service positions

3. There are two different modes of Civil Service Exams.

You can take either of the following modes:

Paper and pencil test (CSC-PPT) or ballpen-based

Computerized examination (CSC-COMEX)

The coverage will actually be the same on either mode; however, the PPT basically makes use of paper
with circles you shade while the COMEX is a computerized exam. You have the freedom to choose which
mode you’re comfortable to use, but the COMEX is really best for computer-savvy exam takers.

4. Not everyone is qualified to take the Civil Service Exams.

Did you know that the Civil Service Exams are only available for Filipino citizens?

You must also be at least 18 years old on the date of filing to be qualified to take the test.

There are many other reasons why you might not be qualified to take the test. Check out our in-depth
article about this topic.

5. Some people are exempted from taking the Civil Service Exams.

Aside from the people who are not allowed to take the exams, there are also many who don’t need to
take the Civil Service Exams. These include board exam passers, those who graduated with Latin honors,
and others.

6. You can apply for the Civil Service Exams online.

Did you know you can actually apply for the tests online? This applies to the COMEX which is really the
easiest and fastest option.

7. You’re not allowed to bring calculators to the testing room.

While calculators might be allowed in many board exams, such are prohibited inside testing rooms for
the Civil Service Exams.

8. You can get jail time for cheating in the Civil Service Exams.

Thinking about cheating to pass the exams? Don’t! Aside from automatically flunking the test, you could
actually get jail time and have to pay a fine if you’re caught!

9. The exam results could come out in as fast as 1 week for the COMEX.

While the PPT results come out in about 40 days, COMEX results are out in just a week! That’s another
advantage of this exam mode.
10. A civil service eligibility is not a guarantee you’ll get a job/position in the government.

While some people find it easy to pass the Civil Service Exams, having a civil service eligibility is not a
guarantee that you’ll get the job or position you are applying for.

However, it is a requirement that you must fulfill before you are even considered for the position; thus,
it is still important that you take the test and pass it!
Passing Rates in Professional and Subpro Levels of Civil Service Exam |
Things You Need to Know

What is the passing rate for the professional and subprofessional levels of the Civil Service Exam?

The passing rate for the Civil Service Exam in all levels is 80%. This means that you have to get at least
80% to pass the test.

Getting a score below that rating simply means you failed the test and need to retake the exam.

Professional and Subpro Levels of Civil Service Exam

While knowing the Civil Service Exam passing rate is important so that you can try to target how much
you will get in the exams.

You can’t really guess what items will come out unless you have an idea from review centers or exam
reviewers you can find online.

Civil Service Exam, Professional Level

Test questions: 170

Score needed to pass: 136

Time allotted: 3 hours and 10 minutes

With a total of 190 minutes, you only have roughly a minute to answer each test question. That is why it
is important to come well prepared with some basic knowledge of what to expect so you won’t be
rattled once you are at the testing center.

Read each test question as quickly but also as carefully as you can; then, choose the answer you think if
best or what you have remembered from your review.

Take note that calculators are not allowed inside the testing center. Don’t have to worry because the
numerical questions won’t really require one.
And if you’re stumped over a question, just pick an answer and move on to the next one.

The Civil Service exam covers the following subjects, English and Filipino:

Analytical Ability (Professional Level Only)

Word association (Single word and paired-analogy approach)

Identifying assumptions and conclusion

Logic

Data interpretation

Verbal Ability

Grammar and Correct Usage

Vocabulary

Paragraph Organization

Reading comprehension

Numerical Ability

Basic Operations

Worded Problems

Number Series and Sequence

General Information

Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (R. A. 6713)

Environment management and protection.

Peace and human rights issues and concepts

Philippine Constitution

Civil Service Exam, Sub-Professional Level

Test questions: 165

Score needed to pass: 132

Time allotted: 2 hours and 40 minutes

With just 160 minutes to take the sub-professional exam, you have a little less than 1 minute to spend
on each test question.

The good news is that the sub-professional exam is supposedly easier than the professional exam.

The exam covers subjects similar to the professional exam but does not include the Analytical Ability.

Instead of that subject, the sub-professional exam covers Clerical Ability.

10 Helpful Civil Service Tips & Techniques To Pass The Exam

The Civil Service Examination is a necessary test that you must pass if you are planning on finding a job
the government.

Those who were able to enter government service in the past, back when the exam wasn’t required yet,
have to still pass this now or else they won’t be eligible for the promotion.

While there are people who easily breeze through the exams, there are also many who fail.

Here are tips that will help you pass the Civil Service Exam.

1. Study the coverage.

An aptitude test, the Civil Service Examination covers a wide range of basic subjects from English to
Math to General Information.

Read up on the subjects

You don’t necessarily have to read the books for each subject from cover to cover. Just try to review and
recall what you have learned when you were in school.

Vocabulary – Words won’t be that complicated, most are commonly used and found in the daily news,
articles, etc.

Word analogy – Study on your bridging sentences

Grammar– Review on subject and verb agreement, modifiers, conjunctions, etc.

Paragraph Organization – Paragraph structures, transition words, etc.

Reading Comprehension – Learn how to look for the main idea, the message of the paragraph, etc.

Math – Remember your PEMDAS (Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition,

Subtraction), interest and percentages, word problems, etc.

Number Series – Prime or Odd Numbers, Squares or Cubes, Pattern in differences, Complex Patterns

General Information – Read up the parts of the Philippine constitution about environmental
conservation, indigenous people, and territorial disputes.
Logic – Most of it will be on “Finding the best assumption and best conclusion” questions

Don’t worry because the Math tests won’t cover advanced Math topics like Calculus and Mathematical
Physics, but expect basic Math topics, Algebra, and some Geometry. English topics will cover basic
grammar and spelling rules.

For subprofessional level, expect that clerical topics will be included while analogy and logic are covered
in the professional level.

2. Don’t rely on luck.

Study! A number of people believe that the Civil Service Examination is ‘easy’; thus, they just rely on luck
or ‘tsamba’. While that’s alright if you’re not in a hurry to pass, considering the tests is offered annually,
it is still best to study hard and know what to expect so you could pass the test.

3. Eat well to think well

An empty stomach means an empty mind. So that you can focus on the exam itself, make sure your
stomach has good food that won’t keep you distracted.

4. Bring all the requirements.

On the day of the exams, make sure you bring all the requirements as the proctors won’t let you
proceed without these.

Refer to the list given to you after you applied for the exams, but the basic requirements are:

Valid ID with picture

Application receipt

Official receipt

Dark lead pencils, sharpener, eraser and/or ballpens

Notice of school assignment

5. Try your best to answer all questions.

While taking the test, if you think one question is really difficult to answer, don’t waste your time trying
hard to find the best answer for that one.

Just pick a letter and go to the next question. While that’s relying on luck, at least you won’t be wasting
precious minutes over something you aren’t sure about.

6. Allocate your time

Because the exam is long, we suggest that this is how you take the exam.

2 hours – Comprehending and answering questions you are SURE of

1 hour – Answering/ Guessing questions you AREN’T SURE of

10 minutes – Double checking if you’ve missed out a question and re-shading those that aren’t properly
shaded

7. Don’t panic if you’ve made a mistake

If you shaded a wrong number, just place an X on top of it and shade the correct answer. NOTE: Only
one X is allowed per number

8. Relax

You studied and prepared for this. Just take it easy and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

9. Don’t give up.

If you didn’t pass the test, don’t give up so easily. You can learn from your mistakes.

If you were not able to review before taking this test, then you already have an idea about what to
expect the next time you take the exams.

10. Pray
Follow these tips and good luck in your examination!
FAQ: Can a High School or K-12 Graduate Take the Civil Service
Exams?

Good news! The Civil Service Exam is open to everyone, as long as you meet the other requirements set
by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), you can take the test.

Question: Can a high school graduate or K-12 graduate take the Civil Service Exam?

There is no educational requirement in taking the Civil Service Exam! This means that even if you are just
a high school graduate or K-12 graduate, you can take the test and become eligible for a government
job.

This means that even if you haven’t finished elementary, you can still take the test! Of course, while it is
possible for you to take the test even without completing high school or even elementary, passing the
test is a different thing.

Remember that you still have to pass the test to get eligibility. But you can enroll in review classes or
find online resource materials to help you review for the Civil Service Exam.

Question: What are the Civil Service Exam Requirements?

Even if you can take the test without presenting any diploma, you must still qualify for the Civil Service
Exam with the following requirements:

Filipino citizen;

At least 18 years old on the date of filing of application;

Of good moral character;

Has not been convicted by final judgment of an offense or crime involving moral turpitude, or
disgraceful or immoral conduct, dishonesty, examination irregularity, drunkenness, or addiction to
drugs;

Has not been dishonorably discharged from military service, or dismissed for cause from any civilian
position in the government; and

Has not taken the same level of Career Service Examination, regardless of mode, within the last three
months before the date of examination (three-month prohibition period).
Question: Can I find a job in the government after passing Civil Service Exam?

Technically, you are eligible to be accepted in any government position that is within your eligibility;
however, most jobs also require a certain level of education. You have to check the requirements for
that particular job.

Also, you’ll be competing with other applicants who might be more qualified for the job based on their
educational attainment and related working experience.

FAQ: Can a High School or K-12 Graduate Take the Civil Service Exams?

Good news! The Civil Service Exam is open to everyone, as long as you meet the other requirements set
by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), you can take the test.

Question: Can a high school graduate or K-12 graduate take the Civil Service Exam?

Question: What are the Civil Service Exam Requirements?

Question: Can I find a job in the government after passing Civil Service Exam?

Question: Can I take the Professional Test without an elementary diploma?

Question: Can a high school graduate or K-12 graduate take the Civil Service Exam?

There is no educational requirement in taking the Civil Service Exam! This means that even if you are just
a high school graduate or K-12 graduate, you can take the test and become eligible for a government
job.

This means that even if you haven’t finished elementary, you can still take the test! Of course, while it is
possible for you to take the test even without completing high school or even elementary, passing the
test is a different thing.

Remember that you still have to pass the test to get eligibility. But you can enroll in review classes or
find online resource materials to help you review for the Civil Service Exam.

Question: What are the Civil Service Exam Requirements?

Even if you can take the test without presenting any diploma, you must still qualify for the Civil Service
Exam with the following requirements:

Filipino citizen;

At least 18 years old on the date of filing of application;

Of good moral character;

Has not been convicted by final judgment of an offense or crime involving moral turpitude, or
disgraceful or immoral conduct, dishonesty, examination irregularity, drunkenness, or addiction to
drugs;

Has not been dishonorably discharged from military service, or dismissed for cause from any civilian
position in the government; and

Has not taken the same level of Career Service Examination, regardless of mode, within the last three
months before the date of examination (three-month prohibition period).

Question: Can I find a job in the government after passing Civil Service Exam?

Technically, you are eligible to be accepted in any government position that is within your eligibility;
however, most jobs also require a certain level of education. You have to check the requirements for
that particular job.

Also, you’ll be competing with other applicants who might be more qualified for the job based on their
educational attainment and related working experience.

Question: Can I take the Professional Test without an elementary diploma?

Again, yes! Even the professional test is open for everyone because the sub-professional and
professional levels do not refer to educational attainment but the jobs you could work for in the
government.

However, it might be more difficult to pass the professional exam if you haven’t completed, say, your
elementary education. But if you feel that you can pass the test, then you are welcome to try.
Who Can Take? Who are Exempted? Civil Service Exams

Passing the Civil Service Exams will give you Civil Service eligibility. This is the reason why the Civil
Service Exams are important if you are planning to find a stable job in the government service.

Who Can Take? Who are Exempted? Civil Service Exams

Passing the Civil Service Exams will give you Civil Service eligibility. This is the reason why the Civil
Service Exams are important if you are planning to find a stable job in the government service.

However, although a Civil Service eligibility is a major requirement before anyone can work in the
government, the Civil Service Exam is not really for everyone. Meaning, not everyone is allowed to take
the test – and not everyone needs to take the test.

Who Can Take the Civil Service Exams?

In general, as long as you are college level and meet the requirements listed below, you can take the
Subprofessional Civil Service Exam. This makes you eligible for clerical, trades, crafts, and custodial
service positions.

Meanwhile, you need to be at least a college graduate of a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree before you can take
the Professional Civil Service Exam. Passing this test makes you eligible for up to second-level scientific,
technical, and professional positions up to Division Chief level.

Who Can Take? Who are Exempted? Civil Service Exams

Meanwhile, you need to be at least a college graduate of a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree before you can take
the Professional Civil Service Exam. Passing this test makes you eligible for up to second-level scientific,
technical, and professional positions up to Division Chief level.

Aside from those degree qualifications, only the following people can take the Civil Service Exams:

Filipino citizen

At least 18 years old on date of application

With good moral character; no pending case or conviction

Has not been dishonorably discharged or dismissed from civilian position or military service

Has not taken any type of Civil Service Exam within the last 3 months before the exam date

Take note that Filipinos with dual citizen can still apply for the exam; but they have to submit a copy of
the Certification of Retention/Reacquisition of Philippine Citizenship from the Bureau of Immigration.

Who are Exempted from Taking the Civil Service Exam?

Good news! You don’t have to take the Civil Service Exams if you qualify under these eligibilities which
automatically exempts you from taking the test:

College graduates who passed the licensure board examinations administered by the Professional
Regulation Commission

College graduates who passed the bar exams administered by the Supreme Court

College graduates with Latin honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude) from a
reputable private educational institution or state/local college or university in the Philippines

College graduates with Latin honors from a reputable foreign school verified by the DFA

Science and Technology Specialists who completed a bachelor’s degree in any Scientific field of
specialization and earned a Master’s/Doctorate Degree or has least 3 years of continuous
research/teaching experience

Those who completed their terms of Office as Mayor, Vice Mayor, Governor, Vice Governor, and regular
Sanggunian Members of the Sangguniang Bayan, Sangguniang Panlungsod, and Sangguniang
Panlalawigan

Barangay officials who completed their terms of office, such as the Barangay Captain, Sangguniang
Kabataan Chairman, regular members of the Sangguniang Barangay, plus Barangay Treasurers and
Secretaries appointed by the Barangay Captain

Barangay health workers who completed at least 2 years of college education, have been accredited by
the Local Health Board, and have rendered voluntary service to the community for at least 5 years

Barangay nutrition scholars or volunteer workers who have rendered at least 2 years of continuous
nutrition services and other related activities like family planning, mental feeding, backyard food
production, sanitation, and community health

Individuals who have passed the training courses or proficiency tests on Systems Analysis and Design
and/or Computer Programming courses (Visual Basic, Java, or MS Access) conducted by the Information
and Communications Technology Office (ICTO)
Veterans are also entitled to a unique career service eligibility

Take note that for skilled workers whose jobs and qualifications could not be measured by written tests,
their eligibility is granted after completing at least 1 year of very satisfactory work performance. This
applies to jobs like the following:

automotive mechanics

carpenters

draftsmen

heavy equipment operators

laboratory technicians

plant electricians

plumbers

shrine curators

Skills eligibilities, however, are not equivalent or comparable to Career Service Subprofessional and
Professional eligibilities.