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Complete Checklist to the Civil Engineering Licensure Exam Requirements

A comprehensive guide on the requirements, subjects covered, and what to expect when taking the Philippine Civil Engineering Licensure Examination under the PRC.

Civil Engineering Licensure Exam Requirements

After finishing your civil engineering degree, the next big step is passing the Civil Engineering Licensure Exam. Here is a complete guide to help you prepare your requirements and understand the exam structure.

What is the Civil Engineering Licensure Exam?

The Philippine Civil Engineering Licensure Exam (or Philippine Civil Engineering Board Examination) is the professional licensure examination for incoming civil engineers in the country managed by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Eligibility Criteria (RA 544)

According to Republic Act No. 544 or the Civil Engineering Law, aspiring civil engineers who wish to take the exam must meet the following criteria:

  • At least twenty-one (21) years of age.
  • A Filipino citizen.
  • Possess good moral character.
  • A graduate of a recognized course in civil engineering.

Note

Note on CHED Guidelines: Following the shift to the K-12 system and the implementation of CHED CMO No. 92 series of 2017, the BS Civil Engineering degree is now a standard 4-year course. However, graduates from the old 5-year curriculum are fully recognized and equally eligible to take the exam.

Documentary Requirements

To apply for the board exam, you must prepare and submit the following documentary requirements to the PRC. Important: The PRC strictly requires current documents from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Old National Statistics Office (NSO) certificates will be rejected.

  • PSA Birth Certificate (Original and photocopy printed on security paper).
  • PSA Marriage Contract (Original and photocopy; for married female applicants only).
  • Transcript of Records (TOR) with a scanned picture and the explicit remarks: "For Board Examination Purposes Only". A generic TOR will not be accepted.
  • Valid NBI Clearance (Original and photocopy; required for both first-timers and repeaters).
  • Two (2) Certificates of Good Moral Character from any two of the following:
    • Barangay
    • Church
    • School
    • Employer
  • Passport-Sized Pictures: Four (4) pieces, colored, with a complete name tag and a plain white background.
  • Documentary Stamp(s): Required for the application forms.
  • Examination Fee: PHP 900.00.

Important

Make sure your Transcript of Records explicitly states "For Board Examination Purposes". The PRC will not accept a generic TOR.

Exam Subjects and Weightings

The Civil Engineering board exam is notoriously tough, consisting of three main subject areas. Knowing the official PRC weightings can help you strategize your review schedule:

  • Mathematics, Surveying, and Transportation Engineering (MSTE) — 35%
  • Structural Engineering and Construction (SEC) — 35%
  • Hydraulics and Geotechnical Engineering (HGE) — 30%

Passing Grade

Under PRC rules, an examinee must obtain a general average rating of at least 70% with no grade lower than 50% in any of the three subjects. Because of this rule, you cannot afford to neglect any single subject cluster—a balanced preparation is crucial.

Caution

The review and application process can be time-consuming. It is highly recommended to secure your documents, especially the PSA certificates and your specialized TOR, well ahead of time to avoid the rush and ensure you do not miss the PRC deadline.