About the Civil Service Exam
Professional Level
- For graduates of 4-year courses
- Required for professional positions
- 170 items, 3 hours 10 minutes
- Passing rate: 80%
Subprofessional Level
- For high school graduates
- Required for clerical positions
- 165 items, 2 hours 40 minutes
- Passing rate: 70%
Fresh Questions Every Time
Our questions are constantly updated and randomized. No two quiz sets are the same, ensuring a unique learning experience each time you practice. This helps you prepare more effectively by exposing you to varied question formats.
Choose a Category to Review
Select a topic to start practicing
Numerical Ability
Basic math, problem solving, number series
Topics Covered (9)
- Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division
- Fractions, Decimals, Percentages
- Algebra and Equations
- Number Series and Patterns
- Word Problems
- Ratios and Proportions
- Average, Median, Mode
- Time, Distance, Speed
- Work and Rate Problems
Verbal Ability
Vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension
Topics Covered (9)
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Analogies
- Sentence Completion
- Grammar and Syntax
- Spelling
- Paragraph Organization
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary Building
- Idiomatic Expressions
Analytical Ability
Logic, reasoning, pattern recognition
Topics Covered (9)
- Syllogisms
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Interpretation
- Pattern Recognition
- Sequences and Series
- Cause and Effect
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Problem Analysis
Clerical Ability
Filing, coding, alphabetizing
Topics Covered (8)
- Alphabetical Filing
- Numerical Filing
- Coding and Decoding
- Name and Number Checking
- Table Reading
- Attention to Detail
- Data Sorting
- Office Procedures
General Information
Philippine Constitution, government, current events
Topics Covered (9)
- Philippine Constitution
- Government Structure
- Philippine History
- Current Events
- National Heroes
- Government Agencies
- Laws and Policies
- Geography of the Philippines
- Filipino Culture and Values
Your Complete Guide to Passing the Civil Service Exam
Kumusta, future government employee! If you're reading this, you've already taken the first step toward your dream career in public service. The Civil Service Examination (CSE) is your gateway to thousands of government positions across the Philippines, and with the right preparation strategy, you can absolutely pass this exam. Let's break down everything you need to know.
Understanding What You're Up Against
Before diving into study strategies, let's be real about what the CSE actually tests. This isn't just about memorizing facts—it's designed to measure your aptitude for government work. The exam evaluates your ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and handle the kind of logical and clerical tasks you'll encounter in public service.
For the Professional Level, you'll face 170 items in 3 hours and 10 minutes. That's roughly 1 minute and 7 seconds per question—tight, but manageable with practice. You need to score at least 80% to pass. The Subprofessional Level gives you 165 items in 2 hours and 40 minutes with a 70% passing rate.
Here's the truth many reviewers won't tell you: the exam isn't designed to trick you. It's designed to see if you can perform under pressure with accuracy. Your preparation should focus on building both speed and precision.
The 30-Day Preparation Strategy That Actually Works
Week 1: Foundation Building
Start with diagnostic tests in each category. Don't study yet—just take the quizzes here to identify your weak spots. Most examinees discover they're strong in one or two areas but struggle in others. Maybe you're great at Verbal Ability but freeze when you see Number Series problems. That's completely normal. Use this week to map out where you need the most work.
Week 2-3: Intensive Category Review
Now you know your weaknesses. Attack them head-on. If Numerical Ability is your nemesis, spend 45 minutes daily on math problems. Don't just solve them—understand the patterns. Number series questions, for example, usually follow predictable patterns: adding/subtracting constants, multiplying, or alternating operations. Once you recognize the pattern types, these questions become almost automatic.
For Verbal Ability, read! Read anything—news articles, essays, even social media posts with proper grammar. Pay attention to how sentences are constructed. The more you expose yourself to correct English usage, the more "wrong" answers will feel obviously wrong during the exam.
Week 4: Full Simulation Mode
This is crunch time. Take full-length practice exams under real conditions. Set a timer. No distractions. No bathroom breaks in the middle. Treat every practice session like the actual exam day. Your brain needs to get comfortable with sustained focus for 3+ hours.
Category-by-Category Winning Strategies
🔢 Numerical Ability
This section trips up many examinees, but here's a secret: you don't need to be a math genius. Most problems test basic arithmetic, percentages, and pattern recognition.
- • Master the "plug and check" method for algebra problems
- • For number series, always check differences between consecutive terms first
- • Memorize common fraction-to-decimal conversions (1/4 = 0.25, 1/8 = 0.125, etc.)
- • Practice mental math daily—calculating change, splitting bills, etc.
📝 Verbal Ability
Vocabulary and grammar are skills you build over time, but there are shortcuts for the exam itself.
- • Learn root words, prefixes, and suffixes—they unlock hundreds of words
- • For analogies, identify the relationship first before looking at choices
- • In reading comprehension, read the questions first, then the passage
- • Watch out for "absolute" words in grammar (always, never)—they're often wrong
🧠 Analytical Ability
Logic questions seem intimidating, but they follow strict rules. Learn the rules, and you'll crack them consistently.
- • For syllogisms, draw Venn diagrams—it makes relationships visual
- • Eliminate impossible answers first to narrow down choices
- • In data interpretation, double-check units and labels on graphs
- • Practice spotting logical fallacies in everyday arguments
📂 Clerical Ability
This is pure attention to detail. Speed and accuracy matter equally here.
- • For alphabetizing, focus on one letter at a time, left to right
- • In name/number checking, use your finger or pencil to track
- • Practice coding exercises until the rules become automatic
- • Don't rush—one mistake here is harder to catch than in other sections
🇵🇭 General Information
This section covers Philippine Constitution, government, and current events. It's the most "studyable" part of the exam.
- • Focus on the Bill of Rights (Article III)—questions frequently come from here
- • Know the three branches of government and their key functions
- • Memorize the qualifications for President, Senator, and Representative
- • Review the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials (RA 6713)
- • Stay updated on current events 1-2 months before your exam
- • Know basic Philippine geography—regions, capitals, landmarks
Exam Day Survival Guide
You've prepared for weeks. Now it's time to execute. Here's how to maximize your performance when it counts.
The Night Before
Stop studying by 6 PM. Prepare your documents: valid ID, examination permit, pencils (at least 3), and eraser. Eat a light dinner. Sleep by 9 PM—your brain consolidates learning during sleep.
Exam Morning
Wake up 2-3 hours before the exam. Eat a balanced breakfast—protein and complex carbs, not sugar that will crash later. Arrive at the venue 30-45 minutes early. Use the restroom before entering.
During the Exam
Answer easy questions first—build momentum and confidence. Mark difficult items and return later. Don't spend more than 2 minutes on any single question. Trust your first instinct on uncertain answers.
Time Management: Your Secret Weapon
Here's a pacing strategy that works for the Professional Level (170 items in 190 minutes):
| Section | Items (approx.) | Suggested Time | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability | 40 items | 40 minutes | Read quickly, trust instincts |
| Numerical Ability | 40 items | 50 minutes | Skip long computations, return later |
| Analytical Ability | 30 items | 40 minutes | Draw diagrams when needed |
| Clerical Ability | 30 items | 25 minutes | Work carefully, avoid errors |
| General Information | 30 items | 20 minutes | You either know it or you don't |
| Review Time | — | 15 minutes | Check marked items, verify shading |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't Do This:
- ✗Cramming the night before—your brain needs rest to perform
- ✗Spending too long on one difficult question
- ✗Changing answers without a strong reason
- ✗Leaving items blank (there's no penalty for wrong answers)
- ✗Panicking when you encounter unfamiliar question types
Do This Instead:
- ✓Study consistently over weeks, not hours
- ✓Mark and skip, then return with fresh eyes
- ✓Trust your first instinct—it's usually right
- ✓Answer every item—make educated guesses if needed
- ✓Stay calm, breathe, and use elimination techniques
You've Got This, Kabayan!
Every year, thousands of Filipinos pass the Civil Service Exam—and there's no reason you can't be one of them. Remember, this exam is a door, not a wall. It's designed to be passed by those who prepare seriously and approach it with the right mindset.
The fact that you're here, reading this guide and practicing with our reviewers, already puts you ahead of many examinees who just wing it. Keep practicing, stay consistent, and trust the process.
Kayang-kaya mo 'to! Your future in public service starts with passing this exam. Now go practice!