What is the Passing Score for the Civil Service Exam?
⚡ Quick Answer: CSE Passing Score
The passing score for the Philippine Civil Service Exam (CSE-PPT) is a final transmuted rating of at least 80.00%. It is calculated using a statistical transmutation formula, meaning it is not a raw percentage of items correct. There is no penalty for wrong answers.
One of the most frequently asked questions about the Philippine Civil Service Examination (CSE-PPT) is regarding its passing mark. The simple answer is that you need a rating of at least 80.00% to pass and obtain your Civil Service Eligibility.
Is it exactly 80 items correct?
No, it is not a direct percentage of the total items. The Civil Service Commission (CSC) does not use a raw 80% cutoff (meaning 136 out of 170 items). Instead, they use a statistical computation or transmutation formula to determine the final rating.
This means the actual raw score required to achieve that 80.00% rating can fluctuate depending on the difficulty of the specific exam batch and the overall performance of all examinees. However, it is generally recommended to aim for at least 140 correct answers out of 170 to be safe.
Pro Tip
Since there is no penalty for wrong answers (no right-minus-wrong rule), you should never leave an item blank. If you're running out of time, guess and shade an answer for every remaining question.
How are the subtests weighted?
While the exact internal weights are a secret of the CSC, the exam is divided into four main domains: Verbal, Numerical, Analytical, and General Information. You must perform reasonably well across all domains. Scoring exceptionally high in English but failing entirely in Math can pull your transmuted score down below the 80.00% threshold.
What happens if I get 79.99%?
Unfortunately, the CSC is strictly binary. A rating of 79.99% is considered a failing mark, and you will not be granted eligibility. You will need to re-apply and take the exam again during the next schedule.