More than 100,000 individuals are set to take the Career Service Examination-Pen and Paper Test (CSE-PPT) and the Intermediate Competency on Local Treasury Examination (ICLTE) on Sunday, Aug. 7, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) said.
Of the total of 148,312 individuals expected to take exams, 125,640 examinees or 84.96% of the total number will take the CSE-Professional test while the rest will take the Subprofessional level in 67 testing centers nationwide. Meanwhile, 435 examinees will be administered with the Intermediate Competency on Local Treasury Examination (ICLTE).
“We urge all examinees to read Examination Announcements No. 10 and 11 which are already posted in the CSC’s website for all the important reminders as well as to access the required health declaration forms. We have to work together in taking the necessary precautions to avoid the risk of COVID-19 infection in our testing centers,” CSC Chairperson Karlo Nograles said in a statement.
He clarified that those without a face shield on exam day shall not be denied entry to the testing venue. He added that examiners/test administrators and examinees alike who prefer to use a face shield as an added protection against COVID-19 may do so CSC emphasized that, as part of implementation of minimum public health standards, wearing of face mask by both examiners/test administrators and examinees shall be strictly required and observed at all times, except in the following conditions: during admission when examinees shall be asked by the admitting room examiner to temporarily remove their face mask to check, establish and ensure the identity of the examinee; with the examinee wearing back the face mask as soon as identity has been established; and when drinking/taking snacks which shall be done outside the testing room upon request and approval by the room examiner.
CSC also reminded that like with the previous implementation, the upcoming exams will also strictly observe the “No ID, No Exam” policy. Examinees must present a valid ID card on examination day, preferably the same ID card presented during the filing of application. The CSC also requires vaccinated examinees to present the original or a digital copy of their vaccination card/proof of full vaccination, such as the VaxCert; while those unvaccinated or partially vaccinated must present a negative RT-PCR, saliva, or antigen test result. Fully vaccinated individuals coming from local government units requiring RT-PCR, saliva, or antigen testing must also present a negative result.
“The CSC has put in place, upon consultation with the IATF, several health and safety protocols to protect the examinees, as well as the proctors and examiners, against COVID-19. We appeal for everyone’s cooperation to ensure the safe and successful conduct of the upcoming CSE Professional and Subprofessional exams,” Nograles said.
Meanwhile, the CSC reminded that examinees must submit a Health Declaration Form pre-accomplished not earlier than one day or within 24 hours prior to exam day. It added that examinees who were not able to submit a Certificate of Consent during the filing of application must also bring one on exam day.
On the other hand, CSC further stated that only black ball pens may be used in answering the test, and that examinees shall not be allowed to share or borrow ball pens as a health precaution.
Examinees may opt to bring alcohol or hand sanitizer that is not more than 100 mL in size, as well as candies or biscuits and water. However, drinking will only be allowed outside the testing room, upon the approval of the Room Examiner.
They are also advised to visit or conduct an ocular inspection of their assigned school/testing venue at least one day before the exam to be familiar with the location, available means of public transport, and the amount of travel time needed considering the traffic situation.