Congratulations—you’ve officially completed nursing school and achieved a significant milestone in your journey toward becoming a professional nurse! Now, you’re stepping into that critical phase where late-night study sessions, endless notes, countless cups of coffee, and stacks of nursing reviewers become your everyday companions. For every nursing graduate in the Philippines, this period is an exciting and challenging rite of passage, as you dedicate your days and nights to preparing diligently for the Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam (PNLE).
This article provides a detailed and updated overview of the PNLE, including eligibility requirements, the application process, exam coverage, preparation strategies, grading system, and post-examination procedures.
What is the Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam?
The Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination (PNLE), commonly known as the Nursing Board Exam, is a mandatory standardized exam required for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates to obtain a license to practice nursing in the Philippines. Administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) through the Board of Nursing (BON), the PNLE evaluates nursing graduates’ competency, knowledge, and skills before entering professional practice.
Purpose of the PNLE
The primary objective of the PNLE is to evaluate the competency and readiness of nursing graduates to practice safely and effectively. Passing this exam demonstrates that the nurse meets the minimum standards to deliver competent, ethical, and professional nursing care, protecting the public from unsafe practice.
Who Conducts the Exam?
The PNLE is conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), specifically through the Board of Nursing (BON), as stipulated by Republic Act No. 9173 (Philippine Nursing Act of 2002). The BON sets exam policies, prepares exam questions, oversees exam administration, evaluates examinees’ performances, and regulates the issuance of professional nursing licenses.
Who is eligible to take the Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam?
To be eligible to take the PNLE, a candidate must
- Be a Filipino citizen or a foreign citizen whose country allows Filipino nurses to practice (reciprocity).
- Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of the issuance of a certificate of registration.
- Must be in good health and of good moral character.
- Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a college or university recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
- Submit required documents and comply with PRC regulations.
What are the Application Requirements for the Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam?
Applicants must submit the following to PRC:
- Birth Certificate (NSO/PSA copy)
- Marriage certificate (for married female applicants, PSA copy)
- Transcript of Records (TOR) with scanned photo and special order (SO number)
- Diploma from a recognized nursing institution
- NBI clearance
- Community Tax Certificate (Cedula)
- Passport-size photo (white background, name tag, and complete name)
- Completed online application form via PRC’s Online System
- Payment of applicable examination fees (900 PHP)
The application is submitted through the PRC’s online portal, and a subsequent appearance at the PRC offices is required for final verification.
Examination Structure and Coverage
The PNLE consists of five (5) primary test areas, namely:
- Nursing Practice I: Community Health Nursing
- Nursing Practice II: Care of Healthy/At-Risk Mother and Child
- Nursing Practice III: Care of Clients with Physiologic and Psychosocial Alterations (Part A)
- Nursing Practice IV: Care of Clients with Physiologic and Psychosocial Alterations (Part B)
- Nursing Practice V: Care of Clients with Physiologic and Psychosocial Alterations (Part C)
| Subject | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Nursing Practice I (Community Health Nursing) | 20% |
| Nursing Practice II (Care of Healthy/At-Risk Mother and Child) | 20% |
| Nursing Practice III (Care of Clients with Physiologic and Psychosocial Alterations, Part A) | 20% |
| Nursing Practice IV (Care of Clients with Physiologic and Psychosocial Alterations, Part B) | 20% |
| Nursing Practice V (Care of Clients with Physiologic and Psychosocial Alterations, Part C) | 20% |
Each section evaluates the examinee’s foundational nursing knowledge, clinical reasoning, and professional attitudes. Integrated within these major subjects are fundamental underlying disciplines, including:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Nutrition and Diet Therapy
- Pathophysiology
- Parasitology and Microbiology
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Competency Areas Covered by the Exam
The PNLE evaluates candidates against the 11 Key Areas of Responsibility identified in the Competency Standards of Nursing Practice in the Philippines, categorized into four clusters:
I. Patient Care Competencies
- 1. Safe and Quality Nursing Care
- 2. Communication
- 3. Collaboration and Teamwork
- 4. Health Education
II. Empowering Competencies
- 5. Legal Responsibilities
- 6. Ethico-Moral-Spiritual Responsibilities
- 7. Personal and Professional Development
III. Enabling Competencies
- 8. Management of Resources and Environment
- 9. Records Management
IV. Enhancing Competencies
- 10. Research
- 11. Quality Improvement
Exam Format and Question Types
- The PNLE consists of 500 multiple-choice questions (100 items per subject).
- Questions focus heavily on critical thinking, clinical judgment, and applying nursing concepts to real-life clinical scenarios.
- Examinees have two days to complete the exam, usually divided as follows:
- Day 1: Nursing Practice I & II
- Day 2: Nursing Practice III, IV, & V
PNLE Passing and Grading System
- To pass the PNLE, an examinee must obtain an overall general rating of at least 75% with no grade below 60% in any five test areas.
- If an examinee scores below 60% in one or more subjects, even with a general average above 75%, they must retake the exam(s) for the failed subjects.
- The PRC typically releases results within two weeks after the exam.
Examination Day Guidelines and Requirements
To ensure a smooth examination day, nursing graduates must follow specific guidelines and preparations outlined by the PRC.
Exam Venue and Schedule
Verify the examination venue and room assignment two (2) to three (3) working days before the exam date via:
- PRC official website: www.prc.gov.ph
- Notices posted at PRC offices
Before exam day, visiting the assigned school/building is advisable to familiarize with the location.
Dress Code for Examinees
Examinees are required to observe the following attire:
- Male Examinees. Clinical uniform (white shoes and socks) without nameplate, school insignia/logo, or pins; or complete school uniform.
- Female Examinees. Clinical uniform (white shoes and white stockings) without nameplate, school insignia/logo, or pins; or complete school uniform.
- Pregnant Female Examinees. White clinical scrub suit.
Items to Bring on Exam Day
Prepare and bring the following items:
- Notice of Admission (NOA)
- Official Receipt of Payment
- Two (2) or more pencils (No. 2)
- Black ballpoint pens only
- One (1) long brown envelope
- One (1) transparent plastic envelope (for storing valuables and permitted items)
Prohibited Items During the Examination
PRC strictly prohibits the following items from being placed inside the examination premises to maintain exam integrity and fairness.
- Books, notes, review materials, and printed documents containing codes, formulas, or relevant information
- Programmable calculators (especially CASIO FX99IES, CASIO FX-99IES Plus)
- Smartwatches (Apple, Samsung, etc.), cellphones, earplugs, transmitters, portable computers, Bluetooth devices, and any electronic gadgets capable of communication or data storage
- Bags (e.g., handbags, backpacks, attaché cases, etc.)
- Any other examination aids not explicitly permitted by PRC guidelines
All examinees’ personal belongings must be surrendered to proctors and stored securely within designated spaces in the examination rooms. PRC strictly enforces regulations regarding bodily searches and inspection of personal belongings to ensure compliance and fairness.
Important Reminders and Exam Day Tips
Staying physically and mentally prepared can significantly influence PNLE performance. These simple habits help create the right mindset for exam success.
- Rest and Nutrition. Getting enough sleep and eating well before the exam helps keep the mind sharp and focused.
- Arrive Early. Early arrival prevents stress, allowing for a calm and focused mindset.
- Mindfulness and Calmness. Stay composed and confident; rely on the preparation.
- Careful Reading of Instructions. Thoroughly read all test instructions before answering questions.
- Time Management. Allocate time efficiently for each section and monitor progress regularly.
Post-Exam Procedures
- Release of Results. Exam results are typically released online within two weeks after the examination date via the PRC’s official website. Lists of passers, topnotchers, and top-performing schools are usually announced simultaneously.
- Oath-taking and Registration. Successful candidates must attend the oath-taking ceremony organized by the PRC and subsequently register to obtain their Professional Identification Card.
- License Registration. Passers must register with the PRC to receive their Professional Identification Card (license). Upon completing the required continuing professional development (CPD) units, the license is renewable every three years.
Initial Registration Requirements
The following are the registration requirements for the new passers/successful examinees for the issuance of a license:
- Notice of Admission/NOA (for identification purposes only)
- Duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal
- Two (2) pieces of passport-sized ID photos in white background and with a complete name tag
- Two (2) sets of documentary stamps
- One (1) short brown envelope
Passing Rate Results
The PNLE results from June 2019 to November 2024 reveal a significant upward trend in passing rates, increasing from 52.20% to a peak of 84.99%. Recent data suggest improved performance among Filipino nursing graduates in the local licensure exam. Notably, no PNLE was conducted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Exam Date | No. of Passers | No. of Examinees | Passing Rate |
| November 2024 | 29,349 | 34,534 | 84.99% |
| May 2024 | 7,749 | 11,116 | 69.72% |
| November 2023 | 25,761 | 32,203 | 80.00% |
| May 2023 | 10,764 | 14,364 | 74.93% |
| November 2022 | 18,529 | 24,903 | 74.40% |
| May 2022 | 6,616 | 9,729 | 68.00% |
| November 2021 | 6,086 | 11,828 | 51.45% |
| July 2021 | 5,008 | 7,746 | 64.65% |
| November 2019 | 7,627 | 13,816 | 55.20% |
| June 2019 | 5,059 | 9,691 | 52.20% |
The Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination (PNLE) is a significant milestone toward achieving professional excellence in nursing practice. By thoroughly understanding the structure, expectations, and guidelines, examinees can approach the PNLE confidently and effectively, paving the way for a successful nursing career.
Best of luck, future Filipino registered nurses!
Sources
- prc.gov.ph
Leave a Comment