Qualified OFWs to get additional Civil Service exam points starting 2026

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced it will grant the overseas Filipino workers-Preference Rating (OFW-PR) to qualified OFWs starting this year.

In a social media post, the CSC said a resolution it recently passed (CSC Resolution No. 2600596) paves the way for qualified OFWs who obtain a general rating of not lower than 70.00 to be granted additional civil service exam points, subject to the commission's guidelines.

The new policy will be implemented starting on August 9, 2026 Civil Service examination.

"This initiative recognizes the professionalism, dedication, and sacrifices of our OFWs and opens another pathway for them to continue serving the nation as Lingkod Bayani," CSC said.

Eligible to apply are OFWs who have been engaged, presently engaged or to be engaged in remunerated activities abroad, regardless of country of destination, nature of work, salary level or employment status.

OFWs who have been contracted for overseas employment but have yet to leave the Philippines may also apply.

The CSC said applicants must have the following basic qualifications:

• Must have rendered an aggregate of at least five years of overseas employment from 1 January 2000 up to the date of application, whether continuous or intermittent; and

• Must have applied and taken the scheduled CSE beginning 9 August 2026 and thereafter, whether through pen-and-paper or other modes, and obtained a failed general rating of not lower than 70. —LDF, GMA News