The CSC said it is scheduling three batches of examinations in 2007, and the first is set on March 11. The deadline for submission of applications is Feb. 9.

Adams Torres, regional director of the CSC in northeastern Mindanao (Caraga Region), said that the second batch of examination is scheduled on July 22, 2007, and applicants must submit their application forms on or before June 22.

The last batch of test in 2007 is set on Oct. 28, and the deadline for the submission of application forms is Sept. 28, Director Torres said.

The region’s CSC chief also said that acceptance of applications is on a firstcome-first-served basis.

"We only entertain those who come earlier or before the deadline set by this office," Director Torres said.

"Applications may no longer be accepted before the deadline if there are already enough number of applicants," Torres said.

He also said the examination covers English and Filipino vocabulary, grammar and correct usage, paragraph organization, reading comprehension, spelling, clerical operations, and numerical reasoning.

The professional and sub-professional examinations will also cover general information on the Philippine Constitution, Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (R.A. 6713), Peace and Human Rights issues and concepts, and Environment Management and Protection.

In a statement, Torres said the examination establishes a register of illegibles from which certification and appointment to the second- and first-level positions in the civil service will be made, provided the illegibles meet the qualifications and other requirements of the positions.

Qualified applicants for admission must be at least 18 years old on the date of filing the application, a Filipino citizen, and must be of good moral character.

The applicant must not also have been convicted by final judgment of an offense or crime involving moral turpitude, or of disgraceful or immoral conduct, dishonesty, examination irregularity, drunkenness or addiction to drugs.

Applicants holding civilian positions in the government and in military service must have not been dishonorably discharged from the service.

Applicants with pending administrative and/or criminal cases may take the examination and would conferred the eligibility if they pass it.

However, this is without prejudice to the outcome of their pending cases. If they are found guilty of grave offenses, their eligibility would be cancelled based on the penalties stated in the decision and pursuant to Section 58 (a) of the Uniform Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service and CSC Resolution No. 010659, dated March 22, 2001.

An applicant may also qualify to take the examination if he/she has not taken the same level of civil service examination in less than three months or has not failed the same examination for four consecutive times.

As part of application requirements, applicants must accomplish properly the prescribed examination application form or the CS Form No. 100-A, Revised 2005.

They must also submit four latest and identical passport-size ID pictures with a full name tag that includes the surname, first name and middle initial taken within three months before the date of filing of the application. (Mike Crismundo)