Civil Service Exam requirements

All applicants must meet every item below (Announcement No. 06, s. 2026, Section B):

1. Filipino citizen
2. At least 18 years old on the date of filing — if you file but are found under-age before exam day, you are disqualified and the fee is forfeited; if you take the test and are later found non-compliant, the exam is cancelled
3. Of good moral character
4. Not convicted by final judgment of an offense involving moral turpitude, or of disgraceful or immoral conduct, dishonesty, examination irregularity, drunkenness, or addiction to drugs
5. Not dishonorably discharged from military service, or dismissed for cause from a civilian government position
6. Has not taken the same level of Career Service Examination, through PPT or other test modes, within three (3) months before the exam date. For 14 March 2027 that window is 14 December 2026 to 13 March 2027
7. Has not previously taken and passed the same level being applied for, through PPT or other test modes

The announcement also notes that approval may be recalled if a disqualification is found, and fees paid are forfeited. Dual citizens under R.A. 9225 (and others recognized as Philippine citizens under the Constitution) may apply if they present the required papers and meet the other rules. Applicants with pending administrative or criminal cases may take the exam, but their eligibility can be cancelled if they are later found guilty.

From Examination Announcement No. 06, s. 2026, Section C. Our CS Form No. 100 guide has the full photo rules and I.D. list:

The form is available at CSC Regional and Field Offices and on csc.gov.ph. Our CS Form No. 100 guide has the direct downloads and walks through each field. How you file depends on your Regional Office: CSC eServe, CSC OCSEAS, or the Lingkod Bayani Kiosk in Caraga. See the filing modes by region.

Education. The seven-item qualification list in Announcement No. 06 does not include a minimum educational attainment. Some government positions do require a degree — that is a job qualification standard, separate from being allowed to take the exam.

Already passed that level? Item 7 means you do not retake the same level through PPT or other modes. If you passed Subprofessional, you may still take Professional, since it is a different level.

Failed before? You may take the same level again if your last attempt falls outside the three-month window. For 14 March 2027, that means not between 14 December 2026 and 13 March 2027.

Bar, board, or special eligibilities. The announcement notes that R.A. 1080 (Bar and PRC board exams) and several special-law eligibilities, including honor-graduate eligibility under P.D. 907, may mean you can opt not to take the CSE. That depends on your case — read the announcement and ask CSC.

Being allowed to take the exam is separate from which eligibility you earn when you pass:

• Professional eligibility is second-level, appropriate for first- and second-level positions within CSC's stated scope.
• Subprofessional eligibility is first-level, appropriate for first-level (clerical) positions.

Read Professional vs Subprofessional before you choose. Honor graduates and board passers may not need the exam at all — see other ways to get civil service eligibility.