QuestionsQuestions (DFA)
It was adopted pursuant to Title VI of Republic Act No. 7157 (Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991), approved on 21 September 1991 and which took effect on 11 October 1991.
Chairman: Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs. Members: (1) Assistant Secretary, DFA Office of Personnel and Administrative Services, and (2) Commissioner, Civil Service Commission. Board Secretary: Director, Foreign Service Institute.
A Secretariat assists the Board so it can perform its functions efficiently, composed of a Foreign Service Officer and staff assigned by the Secretary.
The Secretary of Foreign Affairs may designate a Foreign Service Officer as Acting Board Secretary.
The Board conducts examinations for: (1) Career Ministers, (2) Foreign Service Officers (FSOs), (3) Foreign Service Staff Officers (FSSOs), and (4) Foreign Service Staff Employees (FSSEs).
They shall be done at least once a year.
At least once in every two (2) years or whenever necessary.
It determines the subjects; prepares and grades the examination papers; seeks assistance of competent government officers and other institutions for formulation and checking of test papers; and after final ratings, recommends, certifies, or otherwise processes successful examinees as specified in Article II, Section 4.
The Board facilitates psychological examinations to test, among others, the examinees’ stress points, emotional stability, and overall fitness for higher responsibilities.
It (a) recommends to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs for appointment by the President, as Foreign Service Officers, Class IV, those who passed; (b) certifies to the Board of Foreign Service Administration the nominees for Career Ministers; and (c) certifies to DFA Office of Personnel and Administrative Services the names of successful examinees for FSSO and FSSE positions.
They must have: (1) at least a 4-year Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; (2) preferably 2 years of work experience after receiving the degree; (3) be less than 36 years old at the date of the examination; (4) be Filipino citizens and permanent residents of the Philippines; and (5) be physically and psychologically fit and of good moral character.
They must: have a Bachelor’s degree; be not more than 35 years old at the date of examination; be Filipino citizen and permanent resident of the Philippines; and be physically and mentally fit and of good moral character.
They must have completed at least 3 years of college work; be at least 20 but not more than 30 years of age; be Filipino citizens and permanent residents of the Philippines; and be mentally and physically fit and of good moral character.
No, a Filipino of either sex who is married to an alien may not take the examinations unless there is a written consent of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
Any person holding a responsible position in the DFA or Foreign Service Institute for at least 2 years prior to the examination, who is otherwise qualified, may take the examinations regardless of the maximum age limit prescribed.
No person may be eligible for appointment to a permanent item in the career service (of any rank/class) unless they are a citizen and permanent resident of the Philippines at the time of appointment and thereafter for the entire tenure. Those who secured permanent residence in a foreign country cannot be appointed unless they gave up that status for at least 1 year and established permanent residence in the Philippines for at least the same period.
He must take and pass the examinations again in order to be eligible for an initial appointment.
They take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.