The Civil Service Commission (CSC) continues to waive fees for Certificates of Eligibility (COE) to encourage fresh graduates and first-time jobseekers to apply for government positions.
In a statement on Monday, July 1, CSC Chairperson Karlo Nograles said the initiative is in line with Republic Act (RA) 11261, also known as the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act (FTJAA), which exempts first-time jobseekers from paying fees for essential pre-employment documents.
“We all know how overwhelming it can be to apply for a job for the first time, especially when completing documentary requirements. Offering free pre-employment documents to qualified first-time job seekers not only makes government services more accessible but also expands employment opportunities for Filipinos," Nograles said.
Under CSC Resolution No. 2000363 issued in February 2020, first-time jobseekers who have passed the Career Service Examination or obtained civil service eligibilities through special laws are eligible for one free original and authenticated copy of the COE.
To qualify, applicants must present a barangay certification confirming their status as first-time job applicants and actively seeking employment.
Qualified individuals can obtain their COE at no cost from any of the 16 regional offices of CSC nationwide.
However, additional copies beyond the free issuance are subject to standard fees: P100 per original copy and P50 per authenticated copy.
“If the CSC records indicate that an individual had applied for a COE in the past but has not yet been employed, and is still eligible for the benefits provided by the FTJAA, they may still be granted the COE without any charge,” the CSC pointed out.
Meanwhile, first-time jobseekers are encouraged to report back to their barangay after securing employment.