CSC eases rules in allowing senior high school grads to enter gov't service

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has amended the education requirements for first level positions in the government, with the aim to let graduates of the K to 12 Basic Education Program be qualified for government service.

Under CSC Resolution No. 2500229, the updated guidelines revised the existing educational requirements in order to reflect changes in the national education system.

The revisions formally recognize Junior High School (Grade 10) and Senior High School (Grade 12) graduates under the K to 12 curriculum as eligible for first-level government positions.

The key amendments are as follows:

• From: High School Graduate

To: High School Graduate (prior to 2016) or Completion of Grade 10/Junior High School (starting 2016);

• From: High School Graduate or Completion of relevant vocational/trade course

To: High School Graduate (prior to 2016), or Completion of Grade 10/Junior High School (starting 2016), or Completion of relevant vocational/trade course;

• From: Completion of two years of college

To: Completion of 2 years of college (prior to 2018), or Completion of Grade 12/Senior High School (starting 2016); and

• From: Completion of two years of college or High School Graduate with relevant vocational/trade course

To: Completion of 2 years of college (prior to 2018), or High School Graduate with relevant vocational/trade course (prior to 2018), or Completion of Grade 12/Senior High School under the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) Track, or Completion of Grade 10/Junior High School with relevant vocational/trade course (TESDA NC II) (starting 2018).

The revised education standards do not apply to positions that require specific higher education degrees or the practice of professions regulated by board laws.

This amendment in the policy aligns the qualification standards with the outcomes of the K to 12 education reforms as it aims to broaden opportunities for younger Filipinos so that they can join the civil service.

Still, the CSC emphasized that prospective applicants should meet the other qualification requirements of the positions, such as relevant training, experience, and eligibility for purposes of appointment to said positions. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News