By Dominic I. Sanchez
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is confident that its new computerized examinations (ComEx) required for the career sub-professional and professional eligibilities, has outgrown its predecessor in becoming a more secure, accurate and efficient system.
CSC Chairman Francisco Duque III, who was here recently for the ComEx launch said that the new system is now “fraud free and impenetrable”.
“The new ComEx now uses biometrics, which ensures that there will be no impersonation during examinations,” Duque said. He added “the system will be linked to a central database that will make verification procedures simpler.”
On the other hand, CSC-Examination, Recruitment and Placement Office Director Fernando Porio explained that only the registration of the test takers would be done online. “The biometrics and the actual test will be kept in a secure line, which makes it impossible for online hackers to tamper with the exams.”
Duque described the new system to be very “simple.” First, an applicant will create a user account in the ComEx website at www.comex.csc.gov.ph, then after successfully creating the account, he or she will pick the most convenient schedule to take the exam from a list. After accomplishing the online form, the examinee will then receive an e-mail confirming his or her slot reservation.
Upon confirmation, the examinee will simply have to appear at the venue on the schedule. The examinee’s identity will then be verified. An examination fee of Php600 will be collected, followed by the biometrics, photo and signature specimen taking. Afterwards, the examinee will be escorted to a computer room where the test will be taken.
The CSC professional test will last for three hours, while the sub-professional exam will last for two and a half hours.
“The results will be made known one hour after the test,” said Porio.
Meanwhile, CSC Regional Director Atty. Macybel Alfaro-Sahi said that they are targeting to have the ComEx fully operational here by December. However, the Pencil and Paper Test (PPT) will still be available with a fee of P500.
It can be recalled that an earlier computerized examinations system stopped after gaps in its security surfaced.
“The ComEx and other modern innovations in human resources management will help ensure us that only the best, brightest and most competent will join government service,” Duque emphasized.