Professional vs Sub-Professional: what is the difference?
Choose the level that matches the positions you want. Professional eligibility is generally required for roles that involve professional, technical, or scientific work; Sub-Professional eligibility covers clerical, trades, and support roles.
| Professional (2nd level) | Sub-Professional (1st level) | |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal ability | Yes | Yes |
| Numerical ability | Yes | Yes |
| Analytical ability | Yes | Usually not emphasized |
| Clerical operations | Lighter | Yes — emphasized |
| General information | Yes | Yes |
| Typical use | Professional/technical posts | Clerical/support posts |
What subjects are on the Civil Service Exam?
Across both levels, the exam measures these competency areas. Each links to a focused subject guide with original practice questions.
- Verbal ability — vocabulary, grammar and correct usage, and reading comprehension (in English and Filipino).
- Numerical ability — word problems, fractions, percentages, and ratios.
- Analytical ability — number series, logic, and reasoning (Professional level).
- Clerical operations — filing, alphabetizing, and attention to detail (Sub-Professional level).
- General information — the 1987 Constitution, RA 6713 Code of Conduct, peace and human rights, and environmental management.
How is the Civil Service Exam scored?
Your result is reported as a general weighted average, and you must reach at least 80% to pass and earn eligibility. There is no deduction for wrong answers, so you should answer every item — an educated guess can only help your score.
Who can take the Civil Service Exam?
General requirements typically include being a Filipino citizen, being at least 18 years old, having good moral character, and not having any disqualifying record. Specific documentary requirements and age or residency details are set by the CSC and can change.
Exact coverage weights, item counts, time limits, and eligibility rules are determined by the Civil Service Commission and may change between exam cycles. Always verify current requirements with the official CSC. This page is for review purposes only and is not affiliated with the CSC.
Frequently asked questions
How many items are on the Civil Service Exam?
The exact number of items and the time limit are set by the CSC and can vary. For preparation, focus on accuracy and pacing across all subject areas rather than a fixed item count, and practice with full-length timed mock exams.
Is the Civil Service Exam in English or Filipino?
Verbal ability is tested in both English and Filipino. The rest of the exam uses language you would encounter in everyday government and office settings, so building comfort in both languages helps.
Which level should I take, Professional or Sub-Professional?
Pick the level required by the positions you are targeting. If you want professional or technical government roles, take the Professional level; for clerical and support roles, the Sub-Professional level is usually sufficient.
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