50 Free CSE Practice Questions with Answers and Explanations (2026)
CivPasser AI Editorial Team
Reviewed against official Philippine statutes and CSC issuances
Below are 50 free Civil Service Exam practice questions with answers and explanations, covering all major CSE categories: General Information, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Analytical Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Clerical Ability. Use this free civil service reviewer to test your knowledge before the actual exam.
How to use this page: Try answering each question on your own before looking at the answer. This active recall approach is far more effective than passively reading through the solutions.
General Information (Questions 1-4)
General Information covers Philippine laws, the Constitution, and government structure. It is the section where dedicated memorization pays off the most. For a deeper review, see our General Information guide.
1. Under RA 6713, which of the following is NOT one of the eight Norms of Conduct for public officials and employees?
- A. Commitment to public interest
- B. Political neutrality
- C. Profitability
- D. Simplicity
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C. Profitability
The eight norms under Section 4 of RA 6713 are: Commitment to public interest, Professionalism, Justness and sincerity, Political neutrality, Responsiveness to the public, Nationalism and patriotism, Commitment to democracy, and Simple living. Profitability is not among them.
2. According to the 1987 Philippine Constitution, who has the power to declare the existence of a state of war?
- A. The President
- B. The Supreme Court
- C. The Congress
- D. The Secretary of National Defense
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C. The Congress
Under Article VI, Section 23(1) of the 1987 Constitution, the Congress, by a vote of two-thirds of both Houses in joint session assembled, has the sole power to declare the existence of a state of war.
3. Under RA 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), what is the penalty for a public officer found guilty of corrupt practices?
- A. Fine only
- B. Imprisonment of 6 years and 1 month to 15 years plus perpetual disqualification from public office
- C. Imprisonment of 1 to 5 years
- D. Suspension for 6 months
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. Imprisonment of 6 years and 1 month to 15 years plus perpetual disqualification from public office
Section 9 of RA 3019 provides that penalties for violations include imprisonment for not less than six years and one month nor more than fifteen years, and perpetual disqualification from public office.
4. Under RA 6713, within how many days after assumption of office must a public official file their first Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN)?
- A. 15 days
- B. 30 days
- C. 60 days
- D. 90 days
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. 30 days
Section 8 of RA 6713 requires that a SALN be filed within thirty (30) days after assumption of office, and on or before April 30 of every year thereafter.
Verbal Ability (Questions 5-7)
Verbal Ability tests your vocabulary and understanding of word relationships. Regular reading is the best long-term preparation. See our Verbal Ability guide for study tips.
5. Choose the word that is most similar in meaning to BENEVOLENT.
- A. Hostile
- B. Charitable
- C. Indifferent
- D. Cunning
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. Charitable
Benevolent means well-meaning and kindly, which is closest in meaning to charitable — showing generosity and goodwill toward others.
6. Choose the word that is most OPPOSITE in meaning to DILIGENT.
- A. Careful
- B. Industrious
- C. Negligent
- D. Persistent
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C. Negligent
Diligent means showing careful and persistent effort. Its opposite is negligent, meaning failing to take proper care or give proper attention.
7. Choose the word that is most similar in meaning to PRAGMATIC.
- A. Idealistic
- B. Theoretical
- C. Practical
- D. Emotional
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C. Practical
Pragmatic means dealing with things sensibly and realistically, in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.
Numerical Ability (Questions 8-10)
Numerical Ability covers percentages, ratios, basic algebra, and word problems. The key is practice — the more problems you solve, the faster you get. Check out our Numerical Ability guide for formulas and shortcuts.
8. A government office has 80 employees. If 35% of them are male, how many female employees are there?
- A. 28
- B. 45
- C. 52
- D. 55
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C. 52
If 35% are male, then 65% are female. 65% of 80 = 0.65 x 80 = 52 female employees.
9. The ratio of teachers to students in a training seminar is 2:9. If there are 54 students, how many teachers are there?
- A. 6
- B. 10
- C. 12
- D. 18
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C. 12
The ratio is 2:9. Since 54 / 9 = 6, multiply 2 x 6 = 12 teachers.
10. A notebook originally costs P120. If the price is increased by 15%, what is the new price?
- A. P135
- B. P138
- C. P140
- D. P150
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. P138
15% of P120 = 0.15 x 120 = P18. New price = P120 + P18 = P138.
Analytical Ability (Questions 11-13)
Analytical Ability tests your logical reasoning through number series, word analogies, and logic problems. Learn pattern-recognition techniques in our Analytical Ability guide.
11. What number comes next in the series: 3, 7, 15, 31, ___?
- A. 47
- B. 55
- C. 62
- D. 63
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D. 63
The pattern is doubling the previous number and adding 1: 3x2+1=7, 7x2+1=15, 15x2+1=31, 31x2+1=63.
12. If all roses are flowers, and some flowers fade quickly, which of the following is definitely true?
- A. All roses fade quickly
- B. Some roses fade quickly
- C. All roses are flowers
- D. No roses fade quickly
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C. All roses are flowers
The first statement directly tells us that all roses are flowers. Since only "some" flowers fade quickly, we cannot be certain whether roses are among them, so only option C is definitely true.
13. What number comes next in the series: 5, 10, 20, 40, ___?
- A. 50
- B. 60
- C. 70
- D. 80
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D. 80
Each number is doubled: 5x2=10, 10x2=20, 20x2=40, 40x2=80. This is a geometric sequence with a common ratio of 2.
Reading Comprehension (Questions 14-17)
Reading Comprehension gives you a passage and asks you to identify main ideas, draw inferences, and understand context. For strategies, visit our Reading Comprehension tips.
"The Philippine civil service system aims to ensure that government positions are filled based on merit and fitness rather than political connections. Republic Act No. 2260, also known as the Civil Service Act of 1959, established the foundation of the modern civil service system in the country. Under this framework, appointments to government positions should follow standardized examinations and qualification standards. The Civil Service Commission (CSC), an independent constitutional body, oversees this system. The CSC is tasked with promoting efficiency, integrity, and professionalism in the government workforce. Despite these safeguards, challenges such as political patronage and the "padrino" system continue to undermine merit-based hiring in some agencies."
14. What is the main idea of the passage?
- A. The CSC should be abolished
- B. The Philippine civil service system promotes merit-based hiring but still faces challenges
- C. Political patronage is the only way to get a government job
- D. RA 2260 was a failure
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. The Philippine civil service system promotes merit-based hiring but still faces challenges
The passage describes how the civil service system was built on merit and fitness, but acknowledges that challenges like patronage still exist. This balanced view is the main idea.
15. According to the passage, what is the Civil Service Commission?
- A. A department under the Office of the President
- B. An independent constitutional body
- C. A congressional committee
- D. A private organization
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. An independent constitutional body
The passage explicitly states that the CSC is "an independent constitutional body" that oversees the civil service system.
16. What does the "padrino" system refer to in the context of the passage?
- A. A standardized testing method
- B. A system of political patronage that undermines merit-based hiring
- C. A training program for new employees
- D. A constitutional provision for public accountability
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. A system of political patronage that undermines merit-based hiring
The passage groups the "padrino" system alongside political patronage as a challenge that continues to "undermine merit-based hiring in some agencies."
17. Which law established the foundation of the modern civil service system in the Philippines?
- A. RA 6713
- B. RA 3019
- C. RA 2260
- D. RA 7160
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C. RA 2260
The passage states that "Republic Act No. 2260, also known as the Civil Service Act of 1959, established the foundation of the modern civil service system."
Clerical Ability (Questions 18-20)
Clerical Ability appears on the Subprofessional level and tests alphabetizing, coding, and spelling. Speed and attention to detail are essential. Learn more in our Clerical Ability guide.
18. Arrange the following names in correct alphabetical order:
- Manalo, Roberto
- Manalang, Patricia
- Manahan, Luis
- Manalastas, Grace
- A. 3, 2, 4, 1
- B. 3, 4, 2, 1
- C. 1, 2, 3, 4
- D. 3, 1, 2, 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A. 3, 2, 4, 1
Alphabetical order by surname: Manahan (3), Manalang (2), Manalastas (4), Manalo (1). Compare letter by letter: Manah- comes before Manal-, then among Manal- names, Manala- (ng and stas) — Manalang before Manalastas, and Manalo comes last.
19. Using the code below, what is the code for the word BOARD?
A=1, B=2, C=3, D=4, E=5, F=6, G=7, H=8, I=9, J=10, K=11, L=12, M=13, N=14, O=15, P=16, Q=17, R=18, S=19, T=20
- A. 2-15-1-18-4
- B. 2-14-1-18-4
- C. 2-15-1-17-4
- D. 3-15-1-18-4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A. 2-15-1-18-4
B=2, O=15, A=1, R=18, D=4. The code for BOARD is 2-15-1-18-4.
20. Which of the following words is spelled CORRECTLY?
- A. Occurence
- B. Occurrence
- C. Ocurrence
- D. Occurrance
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. Occurrence
The correct spelling is "occurrence" with double C and double R. This is one of the most commonly misspelled words in English.
More General Information (Questions 21-26)
General Information often makes or breaks CSE scores. These additional questions cover key laws and constitutional provisions frequently tested on the exam. Review our Constitution Reviewer and RA 3019 summary for deeper coverage.
21. Under the 1987 Constitution, what is the term of office for members of the House of Representatives?
- A. 2 years
- B. 3 years
- C. 4 years
- D. 6 years
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. 3 years
Article VI, Section 7 of the 1987 Constitution states that members of the House of Representatives shall be elected for a term of three years, and may serve for no more than three consecutive terms.
22. Which of the following is NOT a constitutional commission under the 1987 Philippine Constitution?
- A. Civil Service Commission
- B. Commission on Elections
- C. Commission on Audit
- D. Commission on Higher Education
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D. Commission on Higher Education
Article IX of the Constitution establishes three constitutional commissions: the Civil Service Commission (CSC), Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and Commission on Audit (COA). CHED was created by RA 7722 and is not a constitutional commission.
23. Under Section 7(d) of RA 6713, public officials and employees are generally prohibited from doing which of the following in the course of their official duties?
- A. Soliciting or accepting gifts, gratuities, or anything of monetary value
- B. Receiving awards from government agencies
- C. Accepting invitations to official government events
- D. Receiving their regular salary and benefits
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A. Soliciting or accepting gifts, gratuities, or anything of monetary value
Section 7(d) of RA 6713 prohibits public officials from soliciting or accepting, directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan, or anything of monetary value from any person in the course of their official duties or in connection with any operation being regulated by their office. Unsolicited gifts of nominal value (as defined by implementing rules) may be accepted as a courtesy but must be reported.
24. The Bill of Rights is found in which article of the 1987 Philippine Constitution?
- A. Article I
- B. Article II
- C. Article III
- D. Article IV
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C. Article III
Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution is titled "Bill of Rights" and contains 22 sections enumerating the fundamental rights and liberties of individuals, including due process, equal protection, and freedom of speech.
25. Which government branch has the "power of the purse"?
- A. Executive
- B. Legislative
- C. Judiciary
- D. Constitutional Commissions
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. Legislative
The Legislative branch (Congress) holds the "power of the purse" — the exclusive authority to appropriate public funds. Under Article VI, Section 24, all appropriation bills must originate in the House of Representatives.
26. Under RA 9485 (Anti-Red Tape Act), what is the maximum processing time for simple transactions in government offices?
- A. 1 working day
- B. 3 working days
- C. 5 working days
- D. 10 working days
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. 3 working days
RA 9485, as amended by RA 11032 (Ease of Doing Business Act), requires simple transactions to be completed within 3 working days, complex transactions within 7 working days, and highly technical applications within 20 working days.
More Verbal Ability (Questions 27-32)
These questions cover grammar, sentence completion, and word analogies — all common in the CSE Verbal Ability section.
27. Choose the sentence that is grammatically correct.
- A. Neither the manager nor the employees was informed.
- B. Neither the manager nor the employees were informed.
- C. Neither the manager nor the employees is informed.
- D. Neither the manager or the employees were informed.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. Neither the manager nor the employees were informed.
With "neither...nor," the verb agrees with the subject nearest to it. Since "employees" (plural) is nearest, the verb should be plural: "were." Also, "neither" pairs with "nor," not "or."
28. DOCTOR is to PATIENT as TEACHER is to ___.
- A. Classroom
- B. School
- C. Student
- D. Principal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C. Student
The relationship is professional to the person they serve: a doctor serves patients, a teacher serves students.
29. Choose the word that best completes the sentence: The report was so ___ that it took the committee three hours to review it.
- A. brief
- B. comprehensive
- C. simple
- D. incomplete
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. comprehensive
The sentence implies the report was lengthy or detailed enough to take three hours. "Comprehensive" (thorough, covering all aspects) best fits this context.
30. Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to ABUNDANT.
- A. Plentiful
- B. Scarce
- C. Sufficient
- D. Generous
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. Scarce
Abundant means existing in large quantities. Its opposite is scarce, meaning insufficient or in short supply.
31. Choose the sentence that is grammatically correct.
- A. Each of the applicants have submitted their documents.
- B. Each of the applicants has submitted his or her documents.
- C. Each of the applicants have submitted his or her documents.
- D. Each of the applicants has submitted their document.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. Each of the applicants has submitted his or her documents.
"Each" is a singular indefinite pronoun, so it takes the singular verb "has." The pronoun "his or her" agrees with the singular subject.
32. SEED is to PLANT as EGG is to ___.
- A. Nest
- B. Bird
- C. Shell
- D. Chicken
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. Bird
The relationship is origin to what it becomes: a seed grows into a plant, an egg hatches into a bird. "Bird" is the general term (like "plant"), while "chicken" is too specific.
More Numerical Ability (Questions 33-38)
These additional math problems cover fractions, age problems, and distance-rate-time — topics that appear regularly on the CSE.
33. Maria is 28 years old. She is 4 times as old as her daughter. How old will her daughter be in 5 years?
- A. 9
- B. 10
- C. 11
- D. 12
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D. 12
If Maria is 28 and she is 4 times as old as her daughter, her daughter is 28 / 4 = 7 years old now. In 5 years, her daughter will be 7 + 5 = 12.
34. A car travels 180 kilometers in 3 hours. What is its average speed?
- A. 45 km/h
- B. 50 km/h
- C. 55 km/h
- D. 60 km/h
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D. 60 km/h
Average speed = distance / time = 180 km / 3 hours = 60 km/h.
35. What is 3/4 + 2/3?
- A. 5/7
- B. 1 5/12
- C. 1 1/7
- D. 5/12
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. 1 5/12
Find the LCD (12): 3/4 = 9/12, 2/3 = 8/12. Add: 9/12 + 8/12 = 17/12 = 1 5/12.
36. A store offers a 20% discount on an item priced at P1,500. How much will you pay?
- A. P1,100
- B. P1,200
- C. P1,300
- D. P1,350
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. P1,200
20% of P1,500 = P300. Final price = P1,500 - P300 = P1,200.
37. If 5 workers can finish a project in 12 days, how many days will it take 10 workers to finish the same project?
- A. 4 days
- B. 6 days
- C. 8 days
- D. 24 days
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. 6 days
This is an inverse proportion problem. More workers = fewer days. Total work = 5 x 12 = 60 worker-days. With 10 workers: 60 / 10 = 6 days.
38. A rectangular lot has a length of 25 meters and a width of 18 meters. What is its area?
- A. 86 sq. m
- B. 350 sq. m
- C. 400 sq. m
- D. 450 sq. m
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D. 450 sq. m
Area of a rectangle = length x width = 25 x 18 = 450 square meters.
More Analytical Ability (Questions 39-44)
Additional logic, number series, and reasoning problems for the Professional level exam.
39. What number comes next in the series: 2, 6, 18, 54, ___?
- A. 108
- B. 126
- C. 148
- D. 162
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D. 162
Each number is multiplied by 3: 2x3=6, 6x3=18, 18x3=54, 54x3=162. This is a geometric sequence with a common ratio of 3.
40. All government employees are required to file a SALN. Juan is a government employee. Which conclusion is valid?
- A. Juan does not need to file a SALN
- B. Juan is required to file a SALN
- C. Some government employees are exempt from filing a SALN
- D. Juan may choose whether to file a SALN
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. Juan is required to file a SALN
This is a simple syllogism: All government employees must file a SALN. Juan is a government employee. Therefore, Juan must file a SALN.
41. What number comes next in the series: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, ___?
- A. 30
- B. 34
- C. 36
- D. 49
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C. 36
These are perfect squares: 1²=1, 2²=4, 3²=9, 4²=16, 5²=25, 6²=36.
42. If PEN is coded as 35, and BOOK is coded as 43, what is the code for CAT?
(Hint: Each letter equals its position in the alphabet. A=1, B=2, C=3...)
- A. 21
- B. 24
- C. 27
- D. 30
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. 24
Sum the alphabet positions: C=3, A=1, T=20. Total = 3+1+20 = 24. Verify: P=16+E=5+N=14=35 ✓ and B=2+O=15+O=15+K=11=43 ✓.
43. What number comes next in the series: 100, 95, 85, 70, ___?
- A. 45
- B. 50
- C. 55
- D. 60
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. 50
The differences increase by 5 each time: 100-5=95, 95-10=85, 85-15=70, 70-20=50. The pattern subtracts 5, 10, 15, 20...
44. Ana is taller than Bea. Bea is taller than Carla. Dina is taller than Ana. Who is the shortest?
- A. Ana
- B. Bea
- C. Carla
- D. Dina
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C. Carla
Ordering from tallest to shortest: Dina > Ana > Bea > Carla. Carla is the shortest.
More Clerical Ability (Questions 45-50)
Additional clerical questions for the Subprofessional level covering spelling, alphabetizing, and coding accuracy.
45. Which of the following words is spelled CORRECTLY?
- A. Accomodate
- B. Accommodate
- C. Acommodate
- D. Acomodate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. Accommodate
The correct spelling has double C and double M: ac-com-mo-date. This is one of the most commonly misspelled words.
46. Arrange the following in correct alphabetical order:
- Department of Finance
- Department of Education
- Department of Energy
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources
- A. 2, 3, 4, 1
- B. 2, 4, 3, 1
- C. 1, 2, 3, 4
- D. 2, 3, 1, 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A. 2, 3, 4, 1
All start with "Department of" so compare the next word: Education (Ed), Energy (En), Environment (Env), Finance (F). Alphabetically: Ed < En < Env < F, giving us 2, 3, 4, 1.
47. Which of the following words is spelled INCORRECTLY?
- A. Maintenance
- B. Separate
- C. Definately
- D. Necessary
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C. Definately
The correct spelling is "definitely" (not "definately"). The root word is "definite" — just add "-ly."
48. Using the code: A=@, E=#, I=$, O=%, U=&, what is the code for AUDIO?
- A. @&D$%
- B. @&d$%
- C. @UD$%
- D. @&D%$
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A. @&D$%
Replace vowels with their codes: A=@, U=&, D stays as D, I=$, O=%. So AUDIO = @&D$%.
49. Arrange the following file numbers in ascending order:
- 2026-0198
- 2026-0189
- 2026-0201
- 2026-0190
- A. 1, 2, 3, 4
- B. 2, 4, 1, 3
- C. 2, 1, 4, 3
- D. 4, 2, 1, 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B. 2, 4, 1, 3
Ascending order: 0189 (2), 0190 (4), 0198 (1), 0201 (3). So the order is 2, 4, 1, 3.
50. Which of the following words is spelled CORRECTLY?
- A. Beauracracy
- B. Buearucracy
- C. Bureaucracy
- D. Bueracracy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C. Bureaucracy
The correct spelling is "bureaucracy" — from the French word "bureau" (office). Remember: bureau + cracy.
How Did You Score?
- 45-50 correct: Excellent. You are well-prepared for the CSE. Focus on speed and time management under timed conditions.
- 35-44 correct: Good foundation, but review the categories where you made mistakes before exam day.
- 25-34 correct: You need more practice. Identify your weak areas and use our topic-specific guides above.
- Below 25: Start with a structured 30-day study plan. These 50 questions are a sample — the real exam has 170 items (Professional) or 165 items (Subprofessional).
Why 50 Questions Are Just the Start
These 50 questions cover all major CSE categories, but the real exam requires you to answer 165-170 questions under time pressure. To truly prepare, you need:
- Volume: Answer hundreds of questions to build pattern recognition and speed
- Variety: See different question formats within each category
- Explanations: Understand why answers are correct, not just memorize them
- Timed practice: Simulate the real exam's time pressure with full mock exams
Disclaimer: These are practice questions for study purposes only. They are not from any actual CSE exam. Always verify exam schedules and requirements at csc.gov.ph. CivPasser AI is not affiliated with the Civil Service Commission.
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