PRC-7 launches computer-based exams

CEBU, Philippines — In a major step toward digitalization, the Professional Regulations Commission of Central Visayas (PRC-7) has officially launched the Computer-Based Licensure Examination (CBLE), now available for 17 professions.

The new CBLE testing center, inaugurated on February 10, 2025, is located on the 4th floor of the GMC Building on M.J. Cuenco Avenue, Cebu City. With 282 laptop units, the facility can accommodate an equal number of examinees at any given time.

PRC Commissioner Erwin M. Enad, who was present at the inauguration, highlighted the benefits of transitioning from traditional pen-and-paper exams to digital testing, citing increased efficiency and resource savings.

“This modality will streamline the examination process both from PRC and the examiner’s perspective,” Enad said.

He also emphasized that CBLE allows examinees to take exams at their own pace, skip questions, and return to them later, enhancing their overall testing experience.

PRC-7 Regional Director Narcival Taquiqui underscored the advantages of CBLE in improving processing efficiency, minimizing human errors, and preventing examination material leaks.

During a demonstration, officials showcased the system’s security features. Examinees will only have access to a single application on their monitors, preventing them from opening other programs or using external devices to search for answers.

Before the official examination begins, examinees will have 30 minutes to complete a mock test to familiarize themselves with the system. A timer displayed on their screens will help them manage their time effectively.

Enad noted that there are now eight CBLE testing centers nationwide, including those in the National Capital Region (NCR), Ilocos Region (Region 1), CALABARZON (Region 4A), Bicol Region (Region 5), Western Visayas (Region 6), Central Visayas (Region 7), Northern Mindanao (Region 10), and Davao Region (Region 11).

Plans are in place to establish eight additional centers in the coming years, ensuring all 16 regions in the country have access to CBLE facilities.

Currently, CBLE is available for professions with small-scale licensure examinations, typically accommodating 1,000 to 2,500 examinees per field. The 17 professions covered include sanitary engineers, dental technologists, speech-language pathologists, dental hygienists, psychologists, certified plant mechanics, qualifying assessment for foreign medical professionals, librarians, ocular pharmacologists, optometrists, naval architects, chemists, meteorological engineers, mining engineers, geologists, X-ray technologists, and respiratory therapists.

As part of the rollout, PRC-7 is conducting the Respiratory Therapy Licensure Exam today and tomorrow for 14 examinees. Results are expected to be released on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025.

To address potential power outages, PRC-7 has coordinated with Visayan Electric Company (VECO) to prevent scheduled interruptions during examinations. A standby generator is also available to ensure that testing proceeds without disruption.

“We have already forwarded the one-year schedule for the licensure examination kaya wala tayong brownout. In case talaga may brownout, there is a standby generator in the testing center,” Taquiqui assured.

For natural disasters, PRC follows cancellation policies based on advisories from PAGASA and other disaster agencies. If an exam is postponed, it will be rescheduled at another testing center with a new set of questions to prevent leaks.

Enad also revealed a five-year expansion plan aimed at further increasing CBLE capacity across all regions. By 2026, the Commission aims to expand seating capacities and accommodate larger-scale licensure exams, including the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) and Nurses Licensure Examination. (CEBU NEWS)