Who Can Take the CSE?
Comprehensive guide to determine your eligibility for the Civil Service Examination based on your background, age, and current situation.
Who Can Take the Exam?
Fresh Graduates
Recent high school or college graduates seeking government employment
Career Shifters
Private sector employees looking to transition to government service
Unemployed Individuals
Job seekers wanting to enter government service
Government Employees
Current government workers seeking career advancement
Specific Scenarios
College Student (Final Year)
Can take the exam in their final year, but must graduate before appointment
Requirements:
- • Certification of enrollment in final year
- • Expected graduation date
OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker)
Can take exam during vacation/break in the Philippines
Requirements:
- • Valid passport
- • OEC/Exit clearance
- • Philippine address for correspondence
Senior Citizen (60+ years)
No age limit, special accommodations available
Requirements:
- • Senior citizen ID
- • Medical clearance
- • Request for accommodations
Person with Disability
Full accommodations provided, special testing conditions
Requirements:
- • PWD ID
- • Medical certificate
- • Specific accommodation requests
Foreign Citizen
Must be Filipino citizen to take CSE
Requirements:
- • Must acquire Filipino citizenship first
Minor (Under 18)
Must be at least 18 years old on exam date
Requirements:
- • Wait until 18th birthday
CSE Taker Demographics by Age
18-25 years
Fresh graduates and young professionals
26-35 years
Career shifters and early professionals
36-45 years
Mid-career professionals
46+ years
Senior professionals and career changers
Quick Eligibility Check
Answer these questions to check your eligibility:
Common Misconceptions
❌ False Beliefs:
- • Only fresh graduates can take the exam
- • You must be unemployed to apply
- • There's an age limit for taking CSE
- • You can only take it once
✅ Truth:
- • Anyone meeting basic requirements can apply
- • Even employed people can take the exam
- • No maximum age limit exists
- • You can retake as many times as needed
CSE Basics
Get to know all the basics of the Civil Service Exam.