The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has updated the qualification standards for first-level government positions, formally allowing high school graduates, including those who completed Junior High School (Grade 10) and Senior High School (Grade 12) under the K to 12 program, to enter government service.

The change was made official through CSC Resolution No. 2500229, promulgated on March 6, 2025.

In a statement on Thursday, May 8, the CSC explained that the resolution revises the educational requirements for entry-level government jobs to reflect the structural reforms introduced by the K to 12 Basic Education Program, which was implemented nationwide in 2012.

The key amendments to the educational requirements include the following:

Positions that previously required a high school graduate now accept either a high school graduate (before 2016) or those who have completed Grade 10/Junior High School starting in 2016. 

Positions that required a high school graduate or completion of a relevant vocational or trade course now recognize high school graduates (before 2016), Grade 10 completers (starting in 2016), or individuals who have completed a relevant vocational or trade course. 

For positions that required completion of two years of college, the new requirements now accept those who have completed two years of college (before 2018) or Grade 12/Senior High School (starting in 2016). 

For roles that required two years of college or high school graduation with a relevant vocational or trade course, the revised standards now also recognize candidates with two years of college (before 2018), high school graduates with relevant vocational or trade courses (before 2018), Grade 12 graduates under the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) track, or Grade 10 completers with relevant vocational or trade courses (TESDA NC II) starting in 2018.

First-level positions typically involve clerical, trade, craft, custodial, or other sub-professional work in supervisory and non-supervisory roles. 

However, the revised educational standards do not apply to positions that require specific higher education degrees or the practice of professions governed by board regulations.

The CSC also emphasized that applicants must still meet other qualification requirements for each position, such as relevant training, experience, and eligibility, to be considered for appointment.

Appointments to government positions also remain at the discretion of the appointing officer or authority, under existing civil service law, rules, and regulations.