MAASIN CITY (PIA) -- Over the past five years or so, anyone aged 18-65 years old may take the Career Service Examination (CSE) even without the scholastic attainment that used to be required.

This was revealed by Provincial Director Lysander Navales of the Civil Service Commission - Southern Leyte during a recent Kapihan sa PIA interview.

Unlike before wherein would-be takers had to finish at least 72 units in college, or had completed a degree course prior to taking the CSE, those pre-requisites were already waived.

Even a high school graduate may take the civil service test, but that does not mean automatic employment in a government office should one passes the exam, because the hiring agency has lined up several qualifying procedures that are still to be complied, Navales explained.

He said even differently-abled individuals can have the test, and if he or she needs an assistant, the CSC office will provide.

This year, there are two schedules for the CSE pen and paper tests, on March 26 for the first semester, and on August 13 for the second semester, where the online filing starts on May 15 until June 13, and the filing fee remained at P500.

Examination venue is still at Saint Joseph College (Maasin), and Navales expressed gratitude to the school for always accommodating the said exam.

The passing percentage has remained at 80%, a rate unchanged since the 1980s, Navales also said. (LDL/MMP/PIA Southern Leyte)