Civil Service Eligibility for Registered Master Electricians (RME)

Republic Act No. 1080

An Act Declaring the BAR and Board Examinations as Civil Service Examinations.

Section 1. The bar examinations and the examinations given by the various boards of examiners of the Government are declared as civil service examinations, and shall, for purposes of appointment to positions in the classified service the duties of which involve knowledge of the respective professions, except positions requiring highly specialized knowledge not covered by the ordinary board examinations, be considered as equivalent to the first grade regular examination given by the Bureau of Civil Service if the profession requires at least four years of study in college and the person has practiced his profession for at least two years, and as equivalent to the second grade regular examination if the profession requires less than four years of college study.

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Appropriateness of eligibility:

Eligibilities resulting from Board examinations which require less than four (4) years of college studies shall be appropriate for appointment to positions for which the examinations were given, and to other first level positions not covered by other Board/special laws, and/or those that require other special eligibilities as may be determined by the Commission, or those that require licenses such as those positions listed under Category IV of CSC MC No. 11, s. 1996, as amended. (Provided under Item No. 7, Part V of the Revised Policies on Qualification Standards.

The Registered Master Electrician (RME), under Republic Act No. 1080, falls under First Level Civil Service Eligibility. This is because the licensure examination for RMEs requires less than four years of college education, which aligns with the provision in RA 1080 stating that professions requiring less than four years of study are equivalent to the second-grade (or first level) civil service examination.

Relevant Provisions of Republic Act No. 1080:

Section 1 of RA 1080 states that licensure exams are considered civil service exams. If the profession requires fewer than four years of study, the eligibility is equivalent to the First Level Eligibility.
Professions requiring four years or more, with at least two years of professional practice, are granted Second Level Eligibility, but RMEs fall into the first level due to their educational requirements.

Educational Requirements for RMEs:

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) recognizes various educational backgrounds for applicants of the Registered Master Electrician Licensure Examination:

Three years of a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or an Engineering Technology course.
Two years of vocational training in electrician courses.
One year of vocational training.
High school graduates with substantial experience.

Civil Service Eligibility Levels:

First Level Eligibility: Typically applies to clerical, trade, and custodial service positions that do not require highly specialized education. RMEs fall into this category.
Second Level Eligibility: Covers professional and technical positions that typically require four or more years of higher education and more specialized knowledge.

Applicability of RME Civil Service Eligibility:

The RME eligibility allows individuals to qualify for positions that are appropriate for their license and expertise, including trade-related roles and other positions that require technical skills in electrical work. Under Civil Service Commission (CSC) guidelines, RMEs may be appointed to positions requiring first-level eligibility, including those listed in Category IV of CSC Memorandum Circular No. 11, s. 1996 (as amended), which refers to positions that require licenses, such as trade skills.

Civil Service Certificate of Eligibility for Board Examination Passers

Professionals who pass board licensure examinations administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) are automatically granted Civil Service Eligibility under Republic Act No. 1080. However, these individuals do not need to obtain a separate Civil Service Certificate of Eligibility from the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

1. No Need to Obtain a Civil Service Certificate:

Licensed professionals, such as Registered Master Electricians (RMEs), Registered Electrical Engineers, lawyers, doctors, and other board passers, are not required to personally visit the CSC to secure a certificate of eligibility. The professional license or documents issued by their respective boards are already considered valid proof of their Civil Service Eligibility.

2. Valid Documents as Proof of Eligibility:

Professional License: A valid professional license issued by the PRC serves as sufficient proof.
- Certificate of Registration or Competency: This document, issued by the respective regulatory bodies, also proves civil service eligibility.
- Report of Rating: The report or certificate showing the board examination results can also be used as evidence of eligibility.

3. Civil Service Eligibility Under Republic Act No. 1080:

As mandated by RA 1080, passing the board examination grants civil service eligibility equivalent to the profession’s required study duration. For example:
- Professions requiring less than four years of education, such as RMEs, receive First Level Eligibility.
- Professions requiring four or more years of education, like engineering or law, are granted Second Level Eligibility.

Conclusion:

Since the educational requirements for an RME do not meet the threshold of four years of formal study, their civil service eligibility level is categorized as First Level Eligibility. This qualification allows them to be appointed to specific government positions that align with their training and licensure but does not extend to higher-level or more specialized positions typically reserved for professionals with second-level eligibility.

Licensed professionals do not need to request a separate Civil Service Certificate of Eligibility from the CSC. Their PRC license or other board-issued documents already serve as valid proof of their eligibility for applicable civil service positions. This streamlines the process for board exam passers who seek employment in government positions and ensures that they can readily demonstrate their qualifications through their professional credentials.

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FAQs on Civil Service Certificate of Eligibility for Board Examination Passers

What is Republic Act No. 1080, and how does it affect Registered Master Electricians (RME)?

Republic Act No. 1080 declares that licensure examinations given by government boards, such as the PRC, are considered civil service exams. For professions requiring less than four years of college education, like RMEs, this exam is equivalent to First Level Civil Service Eligibility.

What types of government positions can an RME with First Level Eligibility apply for?

RMEs with First Level Eligibility can apply for positions appropriate to their technical skills and licensure in the government. These include roles that are categorized as first-level positions, such as technical, trade, or craftsman roles. Positions that require highly specialized knowledge typically fall under second-level eligibility.

Can a high school graduate become a Registered Master Electrician?

Yes, a high school graduate can become a Registered Master Electrician, provided they have substantial work experience and meet the qualifications set by the PRC for the licensure examination.

Do board exam passers need to obtain a Civil Service Certificate of Eligibility from the CSC?

No. Licensed professionals who passed a board exam do not need to visit the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to obtain a separate certificate. Their professional license or any relevant document issued by PRC serves as proof of their civil service eligibility.

What documents are considered valid proof of Civil Service Eligibility for board exam passers?

The following documents issued by regulatory bodies are recognized as proof of civil service eligibility:

A valid professional license issued by Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
A Certificate of Registration/Competency from PRC.
A Report of Rating or certificate showing board examination results.

What is the Civil Service Eligibility level for board exam passers?

Civil Service Eligibility is based on the educational requirements of the profession:

First Level Eligibility: For professions requiring less than four years of college education, such as Registered Master Electricians (RMEs).

Second Level Eligibility: For professions requiring four or more years of higher education, like engineers, lawyers, and doctors.

Is the Civil Service Eligibility under RA 1080 valid indefinitely?

Yes, the eligibility granted under RA 1080 is permanent as long as the individual maintains a valid professional license or registration. There is no need for renewal or revalidation of civil service eligibility, provided the professional license remains in good standing.

Can a professional license issued by PRC be used to apply for government jobs?

Yes. A valid professional license issued by the PRC can be used as proof of civil service eligibility when applying for government positions that require either First Level or Second Level Eligibility, depending on the profession.

What professions are covered under RA 1080 for automatic civil service eligibility?

RA 1080 covers all professions that require passing a board examination administered by the PRC, SC, or MARINA. Examples include engineers, electricians, teachers, lawyers, doctors, nurses, and seafarers.

What is the difference between First Level and Second Level Civil Service Eligibility?

First Level Eligibility: Typically for positions requiring less than four years of college study, such as technicians, trade workers, and clerks.

Second Level Eligibility: For positions requiring professional or technical expertise, typically involving a four-year college degree or higher, such as engineers, lawyers, and other licensed professionals.