The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has amended the education requirements for first level positions in the government, paving the way for graduates of the K to 12 Basic Education Program to qualify for government service.

Under CSC Resolution No. 2500229, promulgated on 6 March 2025, the updated guidelines revise the existing educational requirements to reflect changes in the national education system. The revisions now 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 include: 

           • 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).

First-level positions typically involve clerical, trade, craft, custodial, or other sub-professional work in both supervisory and non-supervisory roles. 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 policy shift aligns the qualification standards with the outcomes of the K to 12 education reforms and aims to broaden opportunities for younger Filipinos to join the civil service.

However, the CSC emphasized that prospective applicants must meet the other qualification requirements of the positions, such as relevant training, experience, and eligibility for purposes of appointment to said positions.

Appointment in government is also discretionary on the part of the appointing officer or authority in accordance with existing civil service law, rules, and regulations.

The amended qualification standards will take effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation or the Official Gazette.