Guide to Honor Graduate Eligibility Requirements Civil Service (PD 907)

The Honor Graduate Eligibility (HGE) is a special eligibility grant established by Presidential Decree No. 907, dated March 11, 1976, which provides civil service eligibility to college honor graduates. This initiative aims to recognize and reward academic excellence by allowing graduates who achieved Latin honors to be eligible for certain government positions without needing to take the civil service examination.

Eligibility Criteria for HGE

1. Academic Honors

To qualify for the HGE, individuals must meet the following academic criteria:

• Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Cum Laude: Graduates must have earned any of these honors in their baccalaureate degree, irrespective of the number of years taken to complete the course, whether through conventional learning or Open Distance Learning (ODL).

2. Graduation Timeline

• Conventional Learning: Graduates from the school year 1972-1973 onwards.
• Open Distance Learning: Graduates from the school year 2015-2016 onwards.

3. Institution Accreditation

Graduates must have completed their degrees from:

• Private Higher Education Institutions: Recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Here are the list of schools that are accredited or recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
• State/Local Colleges or Universities: Included in their charter or approved by their respective Board of Trustees/Regents.
• Open Distance Learning Institutions: Recognized by CHED with at least Level III accreditation or its equivalent.
• Foreign Schools: can apply for Foreign School Honor Graduate Eligibility.

Scope and Applicability of HGE

1. Appropriate Positions

HGE is suitable for first and second-level positions in the government that do not involve the practice of a profession and are not covered by bar, board, or other special laws.

2. Effectivity Date

The eligibility is effective from the date of course completion or graduation, as indicated in the Transcript of Records or school certification.

3. Continuous Application

Applications for the HGE grant are accepted continuously and providing flexibility for eligible graduates.

Submission Requirements for HGE Application

Required Documents

1. Application Form: Properly accomplished CS Form 101 (Revised 28 July 2023). Get the form here.
2. Passport Picture: Three identical passport-size photos (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm) with these specified features:
   • Philippine passport size (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm);
   • Colored with white background;
   • Printed on quality photo paper;
   • Taken within (3) months prior to filing of application;
   • Taken in full-face view directly facing the camera;
   • Showing left and right ears;
   • With neutral facial expressions and both eyes open;
   • In bare face (with no eyeglasses, colored contact lens or any accessories that may cover the facial features (facial features not computer enhanced);
   • In standard close-up shot (from shoulder level up with head and also face occupying at least 80% of the picture and with the name tags positioned at approximately 1 inch or 2.54 cm below the chin); and
   • With HANDWRITTEN (not computer-generated) name tag legibly showing SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED FULL NAME in the format:
   • First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name, and Extension Name, if any (e.g. PETER S. CRUZ JR.)
   • You can learn more here
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3. Valid ID: Original and photocopy of a valid ID from an accepted list:
   • Driver’s License Card / Temporary Driver’s License
     • LTO O.R. must be presented together with old Driver’s License; O.R alone is not allowed.
     • Student Driver’s Permit
   • Passport
   • PRC License Card
   • SSS I.D. card
   • GSIS I.D. (UMID) card
   • Voter’s I.D. Card / Voter’s Certification
   • I.D. Card (ATM typo-TIN card type with picture)
   • PhilHealth I.D. Card
     • Must have the bearer’s name, clear picture, signature, and number
   • Company/Office I.D. Card
   • School I.D. card
   • Police Clearance/Police Clearance Certificate (with picture)
   • Postal I.D. card
   • Barangay I.D. Card
   • NBI Clearance
   • Seaman’s Book
   • HDMF Transaction I.D. Card
   • PWD I.D. card
   • Solo Parent I.D. Card
   • Senior Citizen’s I.D. Card
   • CSC Eligibility Card
   • Implemented only beginning with the May 3, 2015 CSE-PPT
   • Philippine Identification (PhilID) Card
   • Based on Republic Act No. 11055 and Executive Order No. 162 dated 14 February 2022.
   • The PhilID card issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority is accepted as a valid I.D.
   • It includes both formats: ePhilID (paper-printed, may or may not be laminated) and PVC card-printed.
4. Birth Certificate: Original and photocopy issued/authenticated by the Philippine Statistics Office (PSA).
5. Marriage Certificate: For married female applicants, original and photocopy of the PSA-issued certificate.
6. No Pending Case Certification: CSC SPEL Form 1 (April 2012).
7. Transcript of Records: Original and photocopy.
8. Certification of Honors: From the university/college registrar, indicating Latin honors.
9. List of Honor Graduates: Certified and submitted by the school registrar to the CSC.
10. CHED Certification: For ODL graduates, verifying the institution’s accreditation.

Filing Procedures for HGE Application

1. Filing in Person

Applicants may personally submit their applications to the CSC Regional Office (RO) or its Field Offices (FOs). This mode is recommended for immediate processing and interview opportunities. You can check your nearest Civil Service Offices here.

2. Filing Through a Representative

A representative may submit the application on behalf of the applicant, provided they present an authorization letter and a valid ID.

3. Filing Through Conduit CSC RO

For applicants residing far from the authorized CSC RO, the nearest CSC RO can act as a conduit for facilitating the application process.

4. Filing Through Mail

Applicants can send their applications via registered mail or courier, though this mode may experience delays.

Fee Structure for HGE Application

The application process includes two stages with corresponding fees:

1. Evaluation Fee: Php 200.00, payable upon application submission.
2. Processing Fee: Php 300.00, payable upon approval of the application.

Policy Clarifications and Additional Guidelines

ERPO Memo No. 1447 (2008)

This memo clarifies that graduation with honors under a competitive academic environment is equivalent to passing a competitive examination for public employment.

CSC Resolution No. 2300615 (2023)

This resolution extends HGE eligibility to ODL honor graduates, ensuring that their academic achievements are recognized equally to those from conventional learning modes.

Distinctions of Excellentisimus, Benemeritus, Meritisimus, and Beneprobatus

These distinctions refer to grades received for dissertation/thesis papers and are not comparable to Latin honors conferred upon completion of all program requirements. Thus, they do not qualify for HGE under PD No. 907.

Conclusion

The Honor Graduate Eligibility is a prestigious grant that acknowledges academic excellence and also provides a pathway for distinguished graduates to enter public service. By understanding and adhering to the eligibility criteria, submission requirements, and filing procedures, eligible individuals can take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to government service without the need for further examinations.

Honor Graduate Eligibility FAQ’s