7 tips to pass Civil Service Exam in the Philippines

If your dream is to work for the government, the Civil Service Exam (CSE) is an essential stepping stone. The CSE is a prerequisite examination for many government positions. It can be challenging but also rewarding once you ace it. Many strive to become civil service passers because they want to pursue a stable career in public service, while others also look forward to the fulfilling benefits the job offers.

Do I qualify for the CSE? To qualify for the CSE, here are the admission requirements:

• Filipino citizen
• At least 18 years old on the date of filing of application
• Has good moral character
• Has not been convicted by final judgment of an offense or crime involving moral turpitude, disgraceful or immoral
• conduct, dishonesty, examination irregularity, drunkenness, or addiction to drugs; and has not been dishonorably
• discharged from military service or dismissed for cause from any civilian position in the government.

Passing the Civil Service Exam can be challenging but also rewarding if you wish to work in the government. Photo Courtesy: The Summit Express

If you’re preparing for the Civil Service Exam, we have listed a few tips and guides that could help you.

1.) Research the type of exam you want to take.

To be prepared, do as much research as you can about the Civil Service Exam. First, you need to understand the two types of exams and their coverage: Professional and Sub-Professional.

Professional

This type of exam is for those who are interested in applying for first-level and second-level government positions, such as managerial, professional, technical, and other high-position clerical jobs. For this exam, you need to be a 4-year college graduate and should prepare for a more comprehensive exam that consists of 170 items. The time limit is also longer at 3 hours and 10 minutes.

It includes subject areas and coverage such as:

• English, including grammar, vocabulary, verbal, written communication, reading comprehension, etc.
• Mathematics, including numerical and word problems
• Analytical and logical process
• General knowledge, including Philippine Constitution, history, current events, etc.

Sub-Professional

This type of exam can be taken by high school graduates who aim for a first-level government service job such as custodial or clerical work. This is also less complex than the professional type and focuses on the basics, such as:

• Verbal ability
• Numerical ability
• Clerical ability

2.) Gather review and study materials.

Once you’ve chosen the type of CSE suitable for you, you can start looking into your study and review materials. There are many credible books available in major bookstores and online. If you are looking for study materials, choose one that has been divided per section or topic so you can review and memorize them easier. You might also find a copy of old exam materials; these can also be very useful so you can familiarize yourself with the format.

You can also invest in enrolling in a review center. However, there are also free courses that might help you online. You can also join study and support groups to keep you motivated and engaged. Many CSE passers also shared that creating their own review materials rather than reading one helped them memorize better.

3.) Create a study schedule.

Like any other test, there’s no easy way but to study hard. Take some time every day to study at least 30 minutes and be consistent. It also helps if you can study one topic each night rather than studying all at the same time. It’s best to know which are your weak areas and take the extra time and resources to learn more about them. For instance, if history is not your strength, give it an extra 30 minutes every day.

4.) Take mock exams and learn test-taking skills.

There are several resources where you can take mock exams. There are several online, and those you can purchase in bookstores. When taking the CSE, sometimes knowledge isn’t enough. You also need some skills to manage your time and ability. Here are some of the test-taking skills that might help you:

• Time management: pace yourself when answering an exam. Don’t take too much time with one question, and allot some time for review.
• Learn to prioritize: If you find a section where you can answer the most corrections, finish that first.
• Quick reading: Learn active reading or skim reading. This is especially helpful for paragraph reading and comprehension exercises.
• Elimination method: For multiple questions, start eliminating clear, obvious wrong answers until you’re left with 2 options, narrowing the correct answer. Analyze and choose carefully the one that fits best.

5.) Stay updated with current events.

Keeping up with the news and current events is also a way of studying for the CSE. Also, familiarize yourself with basic government and laws.

6.) Ask questions and learn from a CSE passer.

If you know someone who has passed the Civil Service Exam, try to ask about the coverage and what to expect.

7.) Prepare, rest well, and remain positive.

Prepare well and study well before the exam to help ensure you are well-rested and confident. Believe in yourself and visualize success to motivate you for the exam.

In the end, preparing for the Civil Service Exam is also a journey about having the right mindset and preparing well. Stay committed, keep being motivated, and stay focused. Believe in yourself and never give up. With hard work and dedication, you will reach your goal of becoming a Civil Service Exam passer!

— Sally, The Summit Express