Civil Service Exam Requirements 2026: Complete List
Quick answer
To apply for the Civil Service Exam you need CS Form No. 100, four identical ID photos with a hand-held name tag, one accepted ID (original + photocopy) and the PHP 500 fee. You must be a Filipino citizen, at least 18 on the filing date, and not yet have passed the same level. The list is the same for the Professional and Subprofessional levels.
What are the requirements?
Who can apply
- A Filipino citizen of good moral character.
- At least 18 years old on the day you file.
- No final conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, exam irregularity, drunkenness or drug addiction.
- Not dishonorably discharged from the military, and not dismissed for cause from a government job.
- Not taken the same level of the exam within the 3 months before exam day.
- Not yet passed the same level of the Career Service Exam.
Dual citizens under RA 9225 may apply if they show the right papers. People with pending cases may take the exam, but a guilty verdict can cancel the eligibility.
What to submit
- CS Form No. 100, Revised 2023, for your level, filled out and signed.
- Four identical ID photos that meet these rules:
- Passport size: 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm.
- Colored, white background, printed on good photo paper.
- Taken within 3 months before you file.
- Shoulder-up close-up, with your head and face filling at least 80% of the photo.
- Bare face: no eyeglasses, colored lenses, headdress or edits. Both ears must show.
- A hand-held name tag about 1 inch below your chin. It shows your handwritten signature over your printed full name.
- One accepted ID, original + photocopy. Government IDs on the list include the PhilID or ePhilID, passport, driver's license, PRC ID, SSS ID, UMID, voter's ID and postal ID. School, company and barangay IDs, NBI and police clearances, and PWD, solo parent and senior citizen IDs also count.Original + photocopy
- PHP 500 exam fee.
Only if it applies to you:
- PSA or local civil registry birth certificate, original + photocopy, if your ID has no birth date.Original + photocopy
- Bureau of Immigration Identification Certificate, original + photocopy, if you are a dual citizen or a recognized Filipino citizen.Original + photocopy
Banned on exam day
- Calculators of any kind, including watch calculators.
- Phones, smartwatches and any gadget that can record or take photos.
- Books, dictionaries and other printed materials.
- Scratch work on paper, skin or clothing.
How much does it cost?
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Exam fee | PHP 500 | Professional or Subprofessional level |
Where do you apply?
At the CSC regional or field office that covers your chosen testing center. Filing steps, online and walk-in, are in our application guide.
- Apply on the official website: https://csc.gov.ph/
What are the common problems and how do you fix them?
Photo rejected
Retake it. The name tag must be hand-held, with a handwritten signature, and both ears must show.
ID not on the CSC list
Use another ID. CSC rejects IDs that are not on its list.
Expired ID
As a last resort, CSC accepts an ID that expires within the exam year.
Unsure which level to take
Professional covers clerical and technical government jobs. Subprofessional covers clerical jobs only.
Frequently asked questions
What are the requirements for the Civil Service Exam?
CS Form No. 100, four identical ID photos with a hand-held name tag, one accepted ID with a photocopy, and PHP 500.
Do I need a college degree to take the Civil Service Exam?
No. The CSC qualifications cover citizenship, age, conduct and past exams, not education.
What is the age requirement for the Civil Service Exam?
You must be at least 18 on the day you file. Applicants found underage lose the exam fee.
How many photos do I need for the Civil Service Exam?
Four identical passport-size photos (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm), in color, taken within the last 3 months.
Can I bring a calculator to the Civil Service Exam?
No. Calculators of any kind are banned, including watch calculators.
Is the National ID accepted for the Civil Service Exam?
Yes. CSC accepts the PhilID card and the paper ePhilID. The digital National ID is accepted after a check on everify.gov.ph.
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