Challenges of Taking PRC Licensure Board Exams

If you are a Filipino professional who wants to practice your chosen field in the Philippines, you probably know how important it is to pass the PRC board exams.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is the government agency that regulates and supervises various professions in the country. Passing the professional licensure examinations is a requirement for most professions, such as engineering, nursing, teaching, accounting, and many more.

Taking a board exam is a crucial step for many professionals in the Philippines. It is a way of validating one’s knowledge, skills, and competence in a certain field or industry.

However, passing a licensure exam is not an easy feat. Many examinees face various challenges and difficulties that may affect their performance and results. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the common challenges that PRC licensure exam takers encounter and how they impact their exam journey.

Broad and Comprehensive Board Exam Coverage

One of the biggest challenges of taking PRC board exams is the broad and comprehensive exam coverage. The exams test a vast amount of information that examinees have to study and remember.

Depending on the profession, the exam coverage may include topics from general education, professional education, and major subjects. Some tests may also have subtests on laws, ethics, and practical applications.

The pressure to retain a significant amount of knowledge can be overwhelming for many examinees. It can also be challenging to balance the time and effort needed to review all the topics.

Unfamiliarity with the Exam Format

Another challenge of taking PRC board exams is the unfamiliarity with the exam format. For many examinees, especially first-timers, the format can be confusing and intimidating.

The board exam format may vary depending on the profession, but generally, the exams consist of multiple-choice questions with four or five options. The tests may also have different weighting and scoring systems, such as negative marking, percentile ranking, or passing rate.

The unfamiliarity with the format can affect your confidence and performance. You may not know how to approach the questions, how to manage your time, or how to avoid common mistakes.

Lack of Access to Quality Review Materials

A known challenge of taking PRC board exams is the lack of access to quality review materials. Many examinees struggle to find high-quality study materials and resources that can help them prepare for the examinations.

The availability of review materials may depend on the profession, the region, and the budget of the examinees. Some professions may have more review materials than others, such as books, reviewers, online courses, or review centers.

Some regions may have more access to review materials than others, such as urban areas versus rural areas. Also some examinees may have more budget to afford review materials than others, such as those who can pay for review fees, transportation, or accommodation.

The lack of access to quality review materials can limit your chances of passing the exams. You may not have enough information, guidance, or feedback to help you study effectively and efficiently.

Time pressure and board exam anxiety

One of the most common challenges that examinees face is the pressure to manage time effectively during the examinations. Most board exams have a limited time duration and a large number of questions to answer.

This means that examinees have to work fast and accurately, without compromising their comprehension and reasoning. However, this can also induce a lot of stress and anxiety, which can negatively affect one’s mental state and focus.

Board exam anxiety can cause symptoms such as nervousness, sweating, trembling, racing heart, nausea, and difficulty in breathing. These can impair one’s ability to recall information, solve problems, and make decisions.

Limited access to effective review centers

Another challenge that board examinees face is the limited access to effective review centers. Review centers are institutions that offer specialized training and coaching for board exam preparation. They provide review materials, mock board exams, tips and strategies, and feedback to help examinees improve their knowledge and skills.

However, not all examinees can afford or access quality review centers. Some may have financial constraints that prevent them from enrolling in review programs.

Others may live in remote or rural areas where there are no or few review centers available. This can limit their exposure to updated and relevant information and practice opportunities.

Inefficient study habits and strategies

A challenge that examinees face is the inefficiency of their study habits and strategies. Studying for a licensure exam requires a lot of discipline, dedication, and planning. Examinees have to set realistic goals, create a study schedule, prioritize topics, and review consistently.

They also have to use effective study techniques such as active recall, spaced repetition, and self-testing. However, some board examinees may lack these skills or habits. They may procrastinate, cram, or rely on passive methods such as reading or highlighting. These can reduce their retention and comprehension of the concepts and principles they need to master.

High cost of board examination fees and application processes

A common challenge that examinees face is the high cost of examination fees and application processes. Taking a licensure exam involves paying for various fees such as application, registration, examination, and issuance.

These fees vary depending on the profession, level, and location of the board exam. However, they can be quite expensive for many examinees, especially those who come from low-income families or backgrounds.

Moreover, the application process can be tedious and complicated, requiring examinees to submit various documents, forms, and requirements. Some may also have to retake the exam if they fail or miss the deadline, which can add to their expenses and hassle.

Difficulties in board exam scheduling and venue accessibility

Another challenge that examinees face is the difficulty in exam scheduling and venue accessibility. Licensure exams are usually scheduled on specific dates and times, which may not be convenient or compatible for all examinees.

Some may have conflicts with their work, school, or personal commitments, which can affect their availability and preparation. Others may have to travel far or relocate to access the exam venue, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Additionally, some board exam venues may have limited capacity, facilities, or security, which can pose challenges for the examinees’ comfort and safety.

Uncertainty and inconsistency in board exam results

A challenge that examinees face is the uncertainty and inconsistency in exam results. Board exams are designed to measure the examinees’ competence and proficiency in their chosen profession.

However, the results may not always reflect their true abilities or potentials. Some factors that may influence the board exam results include the difficulty level, scoring system, passing rate, and standardization of the exam.

These factors may vary from year to year, profession to profession, or region to region, which can create inconsistencies and discrepancies in the exam outcomes. Furthermore, the results may take a long time to be released, which can cause a lot of anxiety and stress for the examinees.

Financial standing

Another challenge that board examinees face is their financial standing. Most examinees come from poor Filipino families and some take difficult work to earn a living and review for the PRC board. This can be very challenging and exhausting, as they have to balance their time, energy, and resources between their work and study obligations.

They may also have to sacrifice some of their basic needs or wants, such as food, clothing, or entertainment, to save money for the board exam fees and expenses. Moreover, they may face pressure and expectations from their families, employers, or peers, which can add to their stress and burden.

Family responsibilities

Also a common challenge that examinees face is their family responsibilities. Some examinees have responsibilities for their families, such as mothers who have to take care of their children or there are those who have to look after their elderly parents.

These responsibilities can divide their attention and focus on their reviews, as they have to attend to the needs and demands of their loved ones. They may also have to deal with emotional or relational issues, such as conflicts, misunderstandings, or support, that may arise from their family situations. These can affect their motivation, confidence, and performance in the exam.

Conclusion

Taking PRC board exams in the Philippines is a challenging and rewarding endeavor. It requires a lot of preparation, dedication, and perseverance.

However, by knowing the main challenges of taking PRC licensure exams and how to overcome them, you can increase your chances of passing the exams and achieving your professional goals. We hope this article has helped you understand the challenges of taking PRC licensure exams and how to overcome them. Good luck and God bless!