Hardest Board Exam in the Philippines - Top 10 Toughest
by Maivizhi A | Updated Apr 28, 2023
Hardest Board Exam in the Philippines
The Philippines is known for its rigorous and challenging education system, particularly in the field of professional and specialized courses. Among the academic pursuits that test the intellectual and emotional endurance of Filipino students are the board exams. These tests are taken after completing a degree program and serve as a licensure examination for various professions such as engineering, nursing, accountancy, law, and medicine.
Some board exams in the Philippines are known for their level of difficulty, with a low passing rate and high standards set by regulatory bodies. The rigorousness of these exams demands intensive preparation, long hours of study, and a deep understanding of the subject matter.
Aside from the technicalities of the subjects, the board exams also test the student's character, perseverance, and discipline. The pressure of passing the exam can be overwhelming, and the consequences of failing can be detrimental to one's career path.
Despite the challenges, passing the board exams in the Philippines is a significant achievement and a source of pride for Filipino students. It reflects the quality of education and training received in their respective institutions and their ability to contribute to their chosen profession.
Top 10 Hardest Board Exam in the Philippines
Here is the list of top 10 Hardest Board Exams in the Philippines.
1
Physician Licensure Examination (PLE)
2
Bar Examination
3
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Licensure Exam
4
Mechanical Engineering Board Exam
5
Electrical Engineering Board Exam
6
Civil Engineering Board Exam
7
Architect Licensure Exam
8
Master Plumber Licensure Exam
9
Chemical Engineering Board Exam
10
Geodetic Engineering Board Exam
S.No
Hardest Board Exams
Check below to know the exams in detail.
1. Physician Licensure Examination (PLE)
The Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) is a rigorous test that evaluates the knowledge, skills, and competence of individuals who aspire to become licensed medical doctors in the Philippines. The exam is administered by the Board of Medicine under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and is held twice a year in March and September. The PLE is divided into two parts: the written exam, which consists of 500 multiple-choice questions, and the practical exam, which tests the applicant's clinical skills.
The PLE is considered one of the toughest exams in the Philippines, with a passing rate of only around 40% to 50%. The exam covers a wide range of medical subjects, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, obstetrics, and gynecology, among others. Applicants must prepare thoroughly and study extensively for the PLE, as the exam requires a deep understanding of medical concepts and principles.
2. Bar Examination
The Bar Examination is another challenging exam in the Philippines that is required for individuals who wish to practice law in the country. The exam is administered by the Supreme Court of the Philippines and is held once a year in November. The Bar Examination consists of eight subjects, which include Political Law, Labor Law, Civil Law, Taxation, Commercial Law, Criminal Law, Remedial Law, and Legal Ethics and Practical Exercises.
The Bar Examination is known for its high difficulty level, and it has an average passing rate of only around 20% to 30%. To pass the exam, applicants must have a strong foundation in legal principles, case law, and jurisprudence. They must also have excellent critical thinking and writing skills, as the exam requires applicants to analyze complex legal scenarios and provide well-reasoned and well-written answers.
3. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Licensure Exam
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Licensure Exam is considered one of the toughest exams in the Philippines due to its comprehensive coverage of topics and rigorous testing procedures. The exam is administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and is conducted twice a year, usually in May and October. It is a two-day exam that covers various areas of accounting, taxation, auditing, and business law.
The exam consists of six subjects: Taxation, Management Advisory Services, Auditing Theory, Financial Accounting and Reporting, Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Regulatory Framework for Business Transactions. Each subject has its own set of multiple-choice questions and problem-solving tasks, which are designed to test the examinee's knowledge, comprehension, analysis, and application skills.
The passing rate for the CPA licensure exam is notoriously low, with an average passing rate of around 20-30%. To pass the exam, an examinee must obtain a rating of at least 75% in each subject and an overall rating of at least 75%. Many aspiring CPAs spend months, even years, preparing for the exam through rigorous self-study, review courses, and mentoring programs.
4. Mechanical Engineering Board Exam
The Mechanical Engineering Board Exam is another challenging exam in the Philippines, administered by the PRC. It is a two-day exam that covers various areas of mechanical engineering, including engineering mechanics, thermodynamics, power plant engineering, and machine design, among others. The exam is divided into two parts: the morning session, which is composed of multiple-choice questions, and the afternoon session, which is composed of problem-solving tasks.
The passing rate for the Mechanical Engineering Board Exam is also notoriously low, with an average passing rate of around 50%. To pass the exam, an examinee must obtain a rating of at least 75%. Many aspiring mechanical engineers spend months preparing for the exam through review courses, mock exams, and self-study. The exam is known for its difficulty, with many test-takers finding it challenging to finish all the questions within the allotted time.
5. Electrical Engineering Board Exam
The Electrical Engineering Board Exam is one of the toughest exams in the Philippines, requiring a deep understanding of mathematics, physics, and engineering principles. The exam is administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and is usually held twice a year in April and September.
The exam covers a wide range of topics, including electrical circuits, electronics, power systems, control systems, and communication systems. To pass the exam, candidates must demonstrate a thorough understanding of these topics and be able to apply them to real-world problems.
The exam consists of two parts: a multiple-choice test and a practical exam. The multiple-choice test covers general engineering topics, while the practical exam focuses on electrical circuit analysis and design. To pass the exam, candidates must obtain a passing grade in both parts.
6. Civil Engineering Board Exam
The Civil Engineering Board Exam is another challenging exam in the Philippines. The exam covers a wide range of topics, including mathematics, physics, materials science, geotechnical engineering, structural analysis and design, transportation engineering, and water resources engineering.
The exam is administered by the PRC and is held twice a year in May and November. The exam consists of two parts: a multiple-choice test and a problem-solving exam. The multiple-choice test covers general engineering topics, while the problem-solving exam focuses on civil engineering problems.
To pass the exam, candidates must demonstrate a deep understanding of these topics and be able to apply them to real-world problems. Candidates must obtain a passing grade in both parts of the exam to become a licensed civil engineer in the Philippines.
7. Architect Licensure Exam
The Architect Licensure Exam in the Philippines is a rigorous exam that tests a candidate's knowledge and skills in various aspects of architecture, such as design, building materials and construction, and professional practice. The exam is administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) twice a year, in January and June.
To be eligible to take the Architect Licensure Exam, a candidate must have completed a degree in architecture from a recognized university and have at least two years of practical experience as an apprentice or intern in an architecture firm. The exam consists of two parts: the theoretical portion and the practical portion.
The theoretical portion of the exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover various topics in architecture, such as architectural history, design principles, building materials, and construction methods. The practical portion of the exam requires the candidate to design and draw an architectural plan based on a given site and program.
Passing the Architect Licensure Exam is essential for anyone who wants to practice architecture in the Philippines. The exam is known to be challenging, and the passing rate is often low. However, those who pass the exam are considered to be highly qualified and skilled architects who are equipped to handle the demands of the profession.
8. Master Plumber Licensure Exam
The Master Plumber Licensure Exam is another challenging exam administered by the PRC in the Philippines. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge and skills in various aspects of plumbing, such as plumbing design, installation, maintenance, and repair.
To be eligible to take the Master Plumber Licensure Exam, a candidate must have completed a degree in plumbing or a related field and have at least three years of practical experience as a journeyman or apprentice plumber. The exam consists of two parts: the theoretical portion and the practical portion.
The theoretical portion of the exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover various topics in plumbing, such as plumbing codes and standards, water supply systems, drainage systems, and plumbing fixtures. The practical portion of the exam requires the candidate to demonstrate their skills in plumbing installation and repair.
Passing the Master Plumber Licensure Exam is essential for anyone who wants to practice as a master plumber in the Philippines. The exam is known to be challenging, and the passing rate is often low. However, those who pass the exam are considered to be highly qualified and skilled plumbers who are equipped to handle the demands of the profession.
9. Chemical Engineering Board Exam
The Chemical Engineering Board Exam is one of the most difficult professional licensure exams in the Philippines. The exam is administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and consists of two parts: the written exam and the practical exam.
The written exam covers various topics such as chemical engineering principles, mathematics, physics, and chemistry. On the other hand, the practical exam is a hands-on test that assesses the candidate's ability to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios. The Chemical Engineering Board Exam has a passing rate of only around 40%, making it one of the toughest exams in the country.
10. Geodetic Engineering Board Exam
The Geodetic Engineering Board Exam is also known for its level of difficulty. This exam is designed to test the candidate's knowledge and skills in surveying, mapping, and geodetic engineering. The exam is also administered by the PRC and consists of two parts: the written exam and the practical exam.
The written exam covers topics such as geodetic surveying, cartography, geodesy, and other related fields. The practical exam, on the other hand, requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in actual surveying situations. The Geodetic Engineering Board Exam also has a passing rate of around 40%, making it a challenging exam for aspiring geodetic engineers.
Top 10 Hardest Course in the Philippines
The below courses are said to be the top hardest courses in the Philippines.
1
Management Engineering (BS ME)
2
Chemistry
3
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BS MBB)
4
Computer Science
5
Applied Economics, Major in Financial Economics and Accountancy (BS AE-F/ACC)
6
Political Science
7
Architecture
8
Agriculture
9
Philosophy
10
Nursing
S.No
Hardest Courses
Most Difficult Board Exam in the Philippines
The board exams in the Philippines are known for their rigorousness and challenging nature, requiring intensive preparation and a deep understanding of the subject matter. Passing these exams is a significant achievement for Filipino students and reflects the quality of education and training received in their respective institutions.
Among the top 10 hardest board exams in the Philippines, the Physician Licensure Examination, Bar Examination, and Certified Public Accountant Licensure Exam are known for their high level of difficulty, with low passing rates and high standards set by regulatory bodies.
These exams not only test the technical knowledge of the applicants but also their character, perseverance, and discipline. Despite the challenges, passing these board exams can open doors to various professions and can be a source of pride and fulfillment for Filipino students.
Hardest Exams in the Philippines - FAQs
Board exams in the Philippines are licensure examinations taken after completing a degree program in a specific profession.
Some board exams in the Philippines are considered the hardest due to their comprehensive coverage of topics, rigorous testing procedures, and high standards set by regulatory bodies.
Preparing for board exams in the Philippines requires intensive study, discipline, and perseverance.
Failing a board exam in the Philippines can have detrimental effects on one's career path.
The length of time it takes to pass board exams in the Philippines varies from person to person.