Law Summary
Functions and Responsibilities of the Board
- Conducts examinations for Career Ministers, Foreign Service Officers (FSOs), Foreign Service Staff Officers (FSSOs), and Foreign Service Staff Employees (FSSEs).
- Career Ministers and FSOs examinations conducted at least annually; FSSOs and FSSEs at least biennially or as needed.
- Determines examination subjects, prepares and grades exams with assistance from competent government officers and institutions.
- Facilitates psychological testing assessing stress points, emotional stability, and fitness for responsibilities.
- Announces final ratings and recommends qualified candidates for appointment or certification to relevant authorities.
- Sets qualification standards, examination rules, and passing marks.
- Regularly reviews examination systems for relevance, effectiveness, and validity.
- Holds meetings at least every six months or when called by the Chairman.
Qualifications for Examination Applicants
- Career Ministers: Must be FSOs Class I with at least two years of satisfactory service.
- Foreign Service Officers Class IV:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Preferably 2 years work experience.
- Age below 36 years at examination date.
- Filipino citizen, permanent Philippine resident.
- Physically and psychologically fit, of good moral character.
- Foreign Service Staff Officers:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Age below 35 years.
- Filipino citizen, permanent resident.
- Physically and mentally fit, good moral character.
- Foreign Service Staff Employees:
- At least three years college education completed.
- Age between 20 and 30 years.
- Filipino citizen, permanent resident.
- Physically and mentally fit, good moral character.
- Additional Provisions:
- Written consent from Secretary of Foreign Affairs required if married to an alien.
- Age limits may be waived for those holding responsible service positions for at least two years.
- Citizenship and permanent residency in the Philippines required throughout tenure.
- Civil Service eligibility granted to FSSO and FSSE successful examinees.
Examination Frequency and Scheduling
- FSOs and Career Ministers examinations at least once annually.
- FSSOs and FSSEs examinations at least once biennially or as needed.
- Public announcement of examination schedules at least four months in advance.
- Applications accepted at least two months before the exam date.
Examination Procedures and Conduct
- Board fixes examination dates and announces schedule timely.
- Defines the scope based on required knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
- Secretariat processes applications and ensures compliance with requirements.
- Examiners selected from senior officials and competent government/non-government officers.
- Examination questions submitted privately and selected confidentially by the Board.
- Strict confidentiality and monitoring during reproduction and administration of exams.
- Clear instructions and rules provided to proctors and examinees.
- Examination results, including individual subject ratings, are promptly communicated.
- Board’s final decisions on ratings are absolute and deliberations confidential.
- Members must abstain from deliberations involving personal or familial interests.
- Candidates declining appointment must retake exams within a year to be eligible.
- No limit on number of examination attempts within age limits.
Authority to Amend Rules
- The Board of Foreign Service Examinations has authority to amend or modify rules as necessary.
Effectivity
- These rules and guidelines become effective fifteen days after publication in a general circulation newspaper.