Education Secretary Sonny Angara has directed Department of Education (DepEd) field offices and schools to support qualified Junior High School (JHS) and Senior High School (SHS) learners and completers in applying for the August 9 Career Service Examination–Pen and Paper Test (CSE-PPT).

The directive follows the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) formal recognition of K-12 completers for first-level government eligibility.

Angara said taking the CSC examination provides learners with more concrete pathways after basic education, offering them a direct chance to serve the nation.

“Gusto nating maramdaman ng mga kabataan na may malinaw na susunod na hakbang pagkatapos ng paaralan (We want our youth to feel that there is a clear next step after school),” Angara said in a statement Wednesday.

“Para sa mga gustong pumasok sa serbisyo publiko, tutulungan natin silang makapaghanda, makapag-apply, at makita na may lugar sila sa pamahalaan kung nais nilang maglingkod (For those who wanted to enter public service, we will help them prepare, apply and see that they have a place in the government if they want to serve),” he added.

Under CSC Resolution No. 2500229, SHS or K to 12 Curriculum graduates, as well as completers of relevant technical-vocational programs, are deemed eligible for first-level government positions, subject to applicable qualification standards and legal requirements.

The policy aligns with DepEd’s curriculum reforms and expands opportunities for learners and graduates to enter public service and secure government employment.

The initiative supports the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen education-to-employment pathways and ensure that learners have clearer opportunities after basic education.

It also reflects Angara’s broader policy direction to enhance career readiness, establish flexible career tracks and ensure basic education remains relevant to further studies, employment, entrepreneurship and public service.

Through DepEd Memorandum No. 32, series of 2026, Angara strongly encourages learners who are at least 18 years old and have completed JHS or SHS to take the CSE-PPT for the professional and subprofessional levels.

The examination will be administered on August 9, with the application period set from May 14 to June 10.

To help interested applicants, Angara directed regional offices, schools division offices, and schools to share information on qualifications and requirements, provide review materials and sessions, integrate CSE-PPT review into college and career preparation activities, and coordinate with CSC Field Offices for local announcements on the application process.

For inquiries, DepEd advises concerned schools and field offices to contact the Strengthened SHS Technical Working Group Secretariat via email through strengthenedshs@deped.gov.ph. (PNA)