Math, analytical portions prove toughest in CSE

MANILA, Philippines – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) yesterday blamed the high casualty rate among Civil Service Examination (CSE) takers on their inability to pass parts of the tests that deal with analytical and mathematical skills.  

In the Professional level, CSC Examination, Recruitment and Placement Office chief Director III Lorelei Cabatu told The STAR takers had most difficulty with the analytical part of the test, where the examinee had to interpret data or situations.

While she could not provide an actual question from the test as an example, Cabatu said analytical questions include word pairing, data analysis, and logic.

In the Sub-Professional level, examinees found the numerical or mathematical skills part most difficult, followed by general ability questions.

Cabatu said the high casualty rate among those who took the November 2009 CSE can also be attributed to the high standards set by the Constitution and the Administrative Code of 1987 when it comes to employing only the “best qualified” people.

“On that meritocracy principle, employment opportunity should be open to all and should be measured through a highly competitive examination,” she explained.

According to her, the fact that only one out of 10 passed the CSE tests is a positive indicator of how strict the screening process is for those who want to work in government.

Cabatu said passing the CSE does not mean automatic employment, because hiring is at the discretion of the appointing authority and depends on other qualifications such as education, training, and experience.

She further attributed the low percentage of passers to the increase in the number of those taking the CSE since the CSC relaxed its educational requirements for applicants in 2002, which resulted in a “come one, come all” situation.

Cabatu said those who pass the Professional level test can hold positions as high as division chief or managerial positions that are not appointed by the President.

Those who pass the Sub-Professional examination, on the other hand, can hold first level positions in government, which are mostly clerical jobs that fall under Salary Grade 9.

On April 25 and Oct. 17 this year, Cabatu said the CSC will again administer CSE tests to thousands of applicants nationwide.

Of the 62,389 individuals who took the November 2009 tests, only 6,334 or 10.15 percent passed. –Michael Punongbayan (The Philippine Star)