Civil Service Exam Passing Score: what 80 means and how CSE results work
One number decides it: a general rating of 80.00. Here is what that means, how many people reach it, and what happens after the results come out.
The passing score: 80.00
You pass the Civil Service Exam (CSE) with a general rating of at least 80.00, computed by the CSC from your scores in all the graded subjects.
- There's no curve and no quota. Everyone who reaches 80.00 passes, whatever the others score.
- Only graded items count. The Examinee Descriptive Questionnaire (EDQ) at the start doesn't affect your rating.
- A blank is a sure zero. Answer every item; make your best guess on the ones you're unsure of.
Practice scores in any reviewer, ReviewTayo included, are estimates to guide your study. Only the CSC's rating is official.
How hard is it?
| Exam | Passed | Took the exam | Passing rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2026 | 48,735 | 307,489 | 15.85% |
| August 2026 | 34,719 | 240,972 | 14.41% (as reported) |
That's about 1 in 7 examinees. The exam isn't impossible; it's long, timed, and covers a lot. Most people who pass prepared for months, practiced under the real time limit, and fixed their weakest subject instead of polishing their best one.
When and how to check the results
The target release for the March 2027 exam is May 11, 2027. The list of passers is posted on the CSC website, and you can check your own rating online through the CSC's results page.
- Have your examinee number and your name as written on your form.
- Use only the CSC's official website and Facebook page; ignore results lists from unknown pages.
- Expect heavy traffic on release day; if the site is slow, try again later.
After you pass
- Passers receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the CSC. Watch the results announcement for how and where to claim it.
- Your eligibility doesn't expire; you can use it when applying for government positions at the level you passed.
- Keep copies of your certificate and your rating with your other job documents.
If you don't pass this time
The next exam is Sunday, August 8, 2027, with filing from May 10, 2027. The CSC requires three months between takes of the same level, which this schedule gives you.
Use your result: look at which subjects pulled you down, and give those most of your study time. Then rehearse with full timed mocks until 80 feels routine. Tips that help.
Preview a lesson
ReviewTayo has 47 lessons that follow the official scope of the exam, each with rules, worked examples, common mistakes and practice. Open one and read the first part.
Frequently asked questions
What is the passing score for the Civil Service Exam?
A general rating of 80.00 for both the Professional and Sub-Professional levels. There is no curve: everyone who reaches 80.00 passes.
Is there a penalty for wrong answers in the Civil Service Exam?
Wrong answers aren't deducted from your score, while a blank is a sure zero, so answer every item.
How many passed the Civil Service Exam in 2026?
In March 2026, 48,735 of 307,489 examinees passed (15.85%). In August 2026, 34,719 of 240,972 passed (14.41%, as reported).
Does CSC eligibility expire?
No. Career Service eligibility from passing the CSE doesn't expire.