No new schedules yet for CSC exams: Lizada

FILE: Civil Service Commission. (PNA Photo)

MANILA – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has yet to decide on the new schedules for the next examinations after being suspended due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic earlier this year, CSC Commissioner Aileen Lizada said.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday, Lizada said there is a need to restructure the pen and paper exams and that concerns are being discussed.

“Wala pang nase-set ang Commission for the new dates. Pinag-uusapan namin ngayon ay ang pagre-restructure ng pen and paper transitioning to the online exam (the commission has not set any new dates yet. We are still discussing the restructuring of the pen and paper and transitioning into online exams),” said Lizada.

She said while the commission recognizes the need to strengthen its online exams and their advantages, the office also needs to study all issues of conducting the test.

Lizada added that the CSC Examination Recruitment and Placement Office already conducted several meetings and it has been given until the end of December to come up with the restructuring of the pen and paper test.

‘Not accrediting review centers’

Meanwhile, Lizada clarified that the CSC does not endorse or accredit any review centers offering classes to examinees.

She said review centers claiming to have been accredited are not in any way connected with CSC.

“We at the CSC, we do not endorse, neither do we accredit review centers, it is up to the applicant whether they want to review by themselves, you can buy review books, you can attend review centers, it is your choice,” she said.

Lizada also cautioned the public against review centers claiming that they could guarantee a 90-percent passing rate in the CSC exams.

She said enrolling in review classes does not guarantee anyone of passing the CSC Career Service Examination (CSE).

Lizada also advised them to check the track record of the review center.

She advised those who are planning to take the exams and eventually enter government service to prepare themselves.

“Review and study. Rely on yourself and your strength and ‘wag kayong papadala sa mga 90-percent passing rate, 95-percent passing rate (do not believe claims guaranteeing you of 90-percent passing rate, 95-percent passing rate),” Lizada said.

The CSC CSE is a general ability test that serves as a basic gauge designed to determine and support the merit and fitness of an individual for government career service.