Presidential Decree No. 997 or PD 997 is a law that confers civil service eligibilities on scientific and technological specialists on the bases of their qualifications and the requirements of public service.

It was created in 1976 by then-president Ferdinand E. Marcos to promote scientific research and invention towards the advancement of science in the country. In addition, PD 997 was established to give emphasis to scientific and technological programs as well as to recruit more personnel into government service through the issuance of Scientific and Technological (S&T) Specialist Eligibility.

S&T Specialist Eligibility is a civil service eligibility granted to qualified individuals who has highly technical qualifications gained through education and sharpened by research and experience and completed at least a Bachelor's degree in areas enumerated in Section 1 of the Rules and Regulations Implementing the Provisions of PD 997 (Revised 2009). This eligibility shall be considered appropriate for first and second level positions in the government not covered by Bar, Board and other special laws. Said eligibility also qualifies the grantee for appointment to appropriate government positions in the scientific and technological fields provided said grantee meets all other requirements for appointment thereto.