MANILA, Philippines – Government workers who failed the Civil Service Examination may qualify for up to 10 additional points under the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) Career Service Eligibility–Preference Rating (CSE-PR) policy.
The program allows qualified personnel who obtained a failing rating of at least 70.00% to apply for additional points based on their length of government service and work performance, potentially helping them reach the required passing mark of 80.00%.
However, the grant is not automatic. Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and submit complete documents within six months from the release of their examination results.
The policy was established under CSC Resolution No. 2600729, which took effect on October 2, 2026.
Who Can Apply for CSE Preference Rating?
The CSE-PR policy covers the following government personnel:
- Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) workers
- Casual, contractual, and coterminous employees
- Category III and IV workers under CSC Memorandum Circular No. 10, series of 2013
- Career service employees with first-level eligibility
- Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP) from the AFP, BFP, BJMP, BuCor, PCG, PNP, and NAMRIA Hydrography Branch
- Temporary employees
- Government Internship Program (GIP) beneficiaries
Eligible applicants must also satisfy the following four requirements.
Four Requirements to Qualify
1. At least five years of government service
Applicants must have accumulated at least five years of qualifying government service as of the application date. Service may be full-time or part-time, across one or more government agencies, and may combine eligible employment categories.
2. A failing examination rating of at least 70.00%
Applicants must have taken the Career Service Examination at the Professional or Subprofessional level and obtained a rating of at least 70.00% but below the passing mark.
The covered examinations begin with the March 8, 2026 CSE for JO, COS, casual, contractual, coterminous workers and MUP, and the August 9, 2026 CSE for temporary employees and government interns.
The policy also covers subsequent examinations, subject to the applicable rules.
3. At least a Very Satisfactory performance rating
Applicants must have obtained at least a Very Satisfactory (VS) rating, or its equivalent, in their latest or available two performance-rating periods immediately preceding the application.
4. Application within six months
Applicants must submit the prescribed CSE-PR application form and complete supporting documents within six months from the release of their examination results. Late applications will be disapproved.
CSC Preference Rating Application Deadlines
Applicants should take note of these deadlines:
| Examination schedule | Results released | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| March 8, 2026 CSE-PPT | May 18, 2026 | November 18, 2026 |
| August 9, 2026 CSE-PPT | October 5, 2026 | April 5, 2027 |
The March 2026 examination deadline applies to qualified personnel covered by that examination schedule. Temporary employees and government interns are eligible only for examinations beginning August 9, 2026.
The six-month period is counted from the official release of the examination results. Applicants should ensure the CSC receives their complete applications before the deadline.
How Many Additional Points Can You Get?
Qualified applicants may receive up to 10 preference points, depending on their length of government service and work performance, subject to CSC evaluation and approval.
The final rating indicated in the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is capped at 80.00%. Applicants should not assume they will automatically receive the maximum additional points.
The resulting eligibility will correspond to the Professional or Subprofessional level, as applicable. Its effectivity date will be the date the CSC Regional Office approves the application.
CSE-PR Documentary Requirements
Applicants must prepare the common requirements and the additional documents applicable to their employment category.
Common requirements
All applicants must submit the following:
- Completed application form: CS Form 101-CSE-PR (Revised June 2026).
- Three identical ID pictures: Passport size (4.5 cm × 3.5 cm), taken within the last three months, with a white background. The photographs must show both ears, a bare face, and a handwritten name tag bearing the applicant's signature and complete printed name.
- Valid ID: Original and photocopy of at least one CSC-accepted ID, such as a National ID, passport, driver's license, PRC license, SSS ID, GSIS UMID, or other ID included in the official list.
- Birth certificate: Original and photocopy of the NSO- or PSA-issued or authenticated birth certificate. Additional Local Civil Registrar documentation may be required if the certificate is illegible or a negative certification has been issued.
- Marriage certificate, if applicable: Required for married female applicants who began using their husband's surname after taking the examination but before filing their application.
- Report of Rating: Printed copy generated through the Online Career Service Examination Result Generation System (OCSERGS) or the applicable CSC result-generation facility.
- Name-change documents, if applicable: Relevant CSC or court order, resolution, or decision for a name change other than one resulting from marriage.
- Authorization documents, if filed through a representative: An authorization letter and the original and photocopy of the representative's valid ID.
The CSC's official list governs which IDs are accepted. Digital National IDs are subject to authenticity verification. For IDs without the holder's signature, additional specimen-signature requirements may apply.
Additional documents by employment category
JO, COS, casual, contractual, coterminous workers and temporary employees:
- Notarized Certificate of Actual Services Rendered covering the qualifying service period.
- Certified true copies of employment contracts, appointments, or other proof of employment.
- Notarized performance ratings or equivalent documents for the latest or available two rating periods, showing at least Very Satisfactory performance.
Military and Uniformed Personnel:
- Notarized Certificate of Actual Services Rendered covering the qualifying service period and applicable details of honorable service or separation.
- Certified true copies of appointments, special or general orders, Statement of Service, or other acceptable proof of appointment or promotion.
- Notarized performance ratings or equivalent documents showing at least Very Satisfactory performance for the required rating periods.
- A notarized Certificate of No Pending Case for personnel in active service, or a notarized Certificate of Honorable Dismissal for those no longer in service.
Government interns:
- Notarized Certificate of Actual Services Rendered covering the qualifying internship period.
- Certified true copies of appointment documents, contracts, or other proof of engagement.
- Notarized performance ratings or equivalent documents showing at least Very Satisfactory performance for the required rating periods.
The CSC's prescribed forms and certification rules should be followed when preparing these documents.
Where and How to File the Application
Applications must be submitted to the appropriate CSC Regional Office or Field Office with jurisdiction over a government agency where the applicant is or was assigned or stationed, or where the applicant filed to take the examination.
The CSC recognizes the following filing methods:
- Personal filing – The applicant submits the documents directly. This is recommended because the CSC may interview the applicant about their qualifications.
- Through a representative – An authorized representative submits the documents with an authorization letter and valid ID. Approved applicants must still personally appear to receive and accept their COE.
- Through a conduit CSC Regional Office – Applicants living or working far from the authorized office may file through the nearest CSC Regional Office. Processing may take longer.
- Registered mail or courier – Applicants send the application and required documents to the appropriate CSC Regional Office.
- Email – Applicants submit scanned copies of the application, supporting documents, and proof of payment. Original documents may be required during evaluation or before the COE is issued.
Regardless of the filing method, the official receipt or acknowledgment date must fall within the six-month application period.
How Much Is the Application Fee?
The CSC prescribes the following fees:
| Fee | Amount | Payment schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation fee | ₱200 | Upon filing |
| Processing fee | ₱300 | Only upon approval |
| Total if approved | ₱500 |
Applications sent through a conduit CSC office or by registered mail or courier must follow the prescribed payment instructions, including the applicable Postal Money Order or check requirements.
For applications submitted through email, applicants must include scanned proof of payment and follow the receiving CSC office's instructions.
Where to Download the CSE-PR Application Form
Applicants may download CS Form 101-CSE-PR (Revised June 2026) through the official CSC website:
Download the CSE-PR Application Form
For complete guidelines, documentary requirements, and filing instructions, applicants should consult the CSC website or coordinate with the appropriate CSC Regional or Field Office.
Final Reminder
The CSC Preference Rating offers qualified government workers an opportunity to obtain Career Service Eligibility despite falling short of the regular examination passing mark. However, applicants must meet the five-year service requirement, obtain at least a 70.00% examination rating, have the required performance ratings, and file complete documents on time.
Eligible workers covered by the March 2026 CSE should take note of the November 18, 2026 deadline, while those covered by the August 2026 examination should file by April 5, 2027.
Approval remains subject to CSC evaluation, and the final rating reflected in the Certificate of Eligibility cannot exceed 80.00%.
— The Summit Express
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