Professional vs. Sub-Professional: Which Should You Take?
Both levels of the Civil Service Exam earn you civil service eligibility, but they test different skills and open different jobs. Here's how they compare, and how to choose the right one.
The short answer
Take the Professional level if you're aiming for second-level government positions, which usually also need a bachelor's degree. Its eligibility covers first-level positions too.
Take the Sub-Professional level if you're aiming for first-level positions, such as clerical work.
Side-by-side comparison
| Professional | Sub-Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Items | 170 | 165 |
| Time limit | 3 hrs 10 mins | 2 hrs 40 mins |
| Shared subjects | Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, General Information | |
| Only on this level | Analytical Ability | Clerical Ability |
| Eligibility earned | Career Service Professional | Career Service Subprofessional |
| Positions covered | First- and second-level | First-level |
| Passing rating | At least 80.00 for both levels | |
What each level qualifies you for
Government positions in the career service are grouped into levels. The two that the Civil Service Exam covers are:
- First-level positions: clerical, trades, crafts, and custodial work that requires less than four years of college.
- Second-level positions: professional, technical, and scientific work that requires at least four years of college, up to the Division Chief level.
Sub-Professional eligibility covers first-level positions. Professional eligibility covers both first- and second-level positions.
Keep in mind: passing gives you eligibility, not a job. You still need to meet each position's education, experience, and training requirements. Jobs that need a professional license, such as nursing or engineering, follow their own rules.
How the two exams differ
Both levels share Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, and General Information. Verbal Ability is given in English and Filipino. The difference is in the fourth subject:
Professional only
Analytical Ability
Word analogies, logic, assumptions and conclusions, data interpretation, and abstract reasoning.
Sub-Professional only
Clerical Ability
Filing, alphabetizing, other clerical operations, and spelling.
The pace is different too. On the Professional level you get about 1 minute and 7 seconds per item. On the Sub-Professional level you get a little under a minute per item.
Which one should you take?
Choose Professional if
- You have a bachelor's degree, or will soon
- You want professional, technical, or supervisory roles
- You want one eligibility that covers both levels
Choose Sub-Professional if
- You're aiming for clerical, trades, or custodial jobs
- You don't plan to apply for second-level positions
- You're stronger at clerical tasks than analytical reasoning
Since Professional eligibility already covers first-level positions, you won't need to take the Sub-Professional exam as well. Remember that you can't take a level you've already passed, and you must wait three months before retaking the same level.
Practice for your level
Pick Professional or Sub-Professional in the app, and it shows only your subjects and mock exam.
Sources
- Civil Service Exam 2027: Schedule, Requirements, and Application (TOPNOTCHER PH)
- Presidential Decree No. 807 (Civil Service Decree of the Philippines), Section 8
TOPNOTCHER CSE Reviewer is an independent reviewer and is not affiliated with the Civil Service Commission.