Enjoining Junior High School and Senior High School Completers to Take the Career Service Examination-Pen and Paper Test for the Professional and Subprofessional Levels

Enjoining Junior High School and Senior High School Completers to Take the Career Service Examination-Pen and Paper Test for the Professional and Subprofessional Levels

The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially issued DepEd Memorandum No. 032, series of 2026. The directive strongly enjoins Junior High School (JHS) and Senior High School (SHS) completers to sit for the Career Service Examination-Pen and Paper Test (CSE-PPT), potentially paving the way for immediate entry into the government workforce.

The memorandum, signed by Education Secretary Sonny Angara on May 19, 2026, marks a significant step in the implementation of the K to 12 curriculum’s promise of economic productivity.

It states that, pursuant to Civil Service Commission (CSC) Resolution No. 2500229, the Commission formally recognizes SHS graduates, as well as JHS completers with relevant technical-vocational courses, as eligible for first-level government positions. These positions, previously often requiring some college units, are now accessible to the new generation of high school completers, provided they pass the necessary qualification standards and meet relevant legal requirements.

The CSC resolution, titled "Amendment to the Education Requirement for First Level Positions in the Government," aligns educational requirements with the DepEd’s ongoing curriculum reforms. The goal is to expand opportunities for younger Filipinos and facilitate their entry into meaningful employment within the government sector.

A key provision of the memorandum is the focus on eligible "learners." Specifically, the directive strongly encourages learners who are at least 18 years old and have completed JHS or SHS to take the CSE-PPT.

"Learners who are at least 18 years old and have completed JHS or SHS are strongly encouraged to take the Career Service Examination-Pen and Paper Test (CSE-PPT) for the Professional and Subprofessional Levels," said memo.

The upcoming examination, covering both Professional and Subprofessional levels, is scheduled to be administered this year on August 9, 2026.

4. The CSE-PPT for Professional and Subprofessional Levels this year will be administered on August 9, 2026, with the application period set from May 14 to June 10, 2026.

Aspiring candidates must note that the application period for the examination is set to open soon, running from May 14 to June 10, 2026. Specific qualifications and requirements are detailed in the enclosure accompanying the memorandum (Examination Announcement No. 03, s. 2026).

The DepEd is not just making a declaration but is also organizing support. All regional and school division offices are instructed to actively support their respective schools in encouraging and assisting interested students and recent completers with the application process.

These offices are expected to:
1. Actively share information about the exam’s qualifications and processes.
2. Provide review materials and conduct review sessions tailored to the exam’s scope.
3. Integrate CSE-PPT review with other college preparatory activities within the schools.
4. Coordinate directly with relevant CSC Field Offices for any local announcements and application procedural updates.

For any inquiries, official communications point toward the Strengthened SHS Technical Working Group Secretariat at the DepEd Central Office, via email at strengthenedshs@deped.gov.ph. Secretary Angara’s memorandum calls for "immediate dissemination" of the information, underscoring the urgency and importance placed on this new path for high school graduates.

This policy marks a critical evolution in the landscape of Philippine education and the national workforce, formalizing the professional potential of JHS and SHS graduates and encouraging them to serve the public sector early.

May 19, 2026 DM 032, s. 2026 – Enjoining Junior High School and Senior High School Completers to Take the Career Service Examination-Pen and Paper Test for the Professional and Subprofessional Levels - DOWNLOAD

https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/DM_s2026_032r.pdf