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Midwife Licensure Examination Guide

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Midwife Licensure Examination Guide

The Midwife Licensure Examination is one of the most important milestones for aspiring midwives in the Philippines. Passing this board exam allows graduates to become Registered Midwives (RMW), opening doors to employment in hospitals, birthing centers, clinics, community health units, and private practice. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know—coverage, eligibility, application steps, exam tips, passing rates, and strategies to help you prepare confidently.


What Is the Midwife Licensure Examination?

The Midwife Licensure Examination is a national board exam administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). It evaluates the competence of midwifery graduates in providing safe, effective, and evidence-based care to mothers, newborns, and families.

The exam is held twice a year, typically in April and November. Passing the exam grants the title Registered Midwife (RMW), which is required for professional practice in the Philippines.


Who Can Take the Midwife Licensure Examination?

To qualify for the exam, applicants must meet the PRC requirements. You may take the exam if:

Midwifery Graduates

  • You completed a 2-year Midwifery Course, OR

  • You completed a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BSM).

Other Requirements

  • Filipino citizen or foreigner eligible under reciprocity.

  • Good moral character.

  • No record of criminal or administrative offense involving moral turpitude.

  • Physically and mentally fit to practice.

You must also submit documentary requirements such as:

  • PSA Birth Certificate

  • Transcript of Records

  • Diploma

  • Marriage Certificate (if applicable)

  • 2 passport-size ID photos

  • Valid ID


When Is the Midwife Board Exam Scheduled?

PRC typically schedules the exam twice each year. While specific dates vary, the usual cycle is:

First Batch: April or May

Second Batch: November

Important PRC announcements include:

  • Filing period start and end

  • Exam dates

  • Room assignments

  • Exam venues

  • Expected release of results

Exam venues often include major cities like:

  • Manila

  • Cebu

  • Davao

  • Baguio

  • Iloilo

  • Cagayan de Oro

Applicants should regularly check the PRC website for updated schedules.


Exam Coverage

The Midwife Licensure Examination focuses on essential competencies that midwives must demonstrate in real clinical settings. The exam is divided into multiple areas:

1. Obstetrics

Covers pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum care:

  • Physiology of pregnancy

  • Prenatal assessment

  • Management of labor stages

  • Delivery techniques

  • Postpartum monitoring

2. Fundamentals of Midwifery

Includes all core skills:

  • Anatomy and physiology

  • Reproductive health

  • Maternal and newborn care principles

  • Emergency and high-risk conditions

3. Neonatal and Infant Care

Covers:

  • Newborn assessment

  • Thermoregulation

  • Breastfeeding and nutrition

  • Common neonatal complications

4. Community Health and Family Planning

Focuses on:

  • Family planning methods

  • Public health programs

  • Community midwifery

  • Maternal and child health in community settings

5. Professional Growth and Ethics

Covers:

  • Ethical principles

  • Legal responsibilities

  • Professional practice standards

Each subject area evaluates knowledge, clinical judgment, and decision-making ability.


How to Apply for the Exam (Step-by-Step Guide)

The PRC Licensure Examination and Registration Information System (LERIS) is used for exam application.

Step 1: Create a PRC LERIS Account

Go to the PRC LERIS website and create an account using:

  • Email address

  • Valid ID details

  • Personal information

Step 2: Upload Your Photo

Follow PRC photo requirements:

  • Plain white background

  • 2×2 size

  • With name tag

Step 3: Choose Your Exam

Select:

  • “Midwife Licensure Examination”

  • Preferred exam date and testing center

Step 4: Pay the Examination Fee

PRC exam fee for midwifery exams typically ranges between ₱800–₱1,000.
You can pay via:

  • Debit/credit card

  • Online banking

  • PRC cashier

  • Payment centers

Step 5: Submit Your Documents

Submit requirements at the PRC office or satellite center for verification.

Step 6: Claim Your Notice of Admission (NOA)

Bring your NOA and valid ID during exam day.


What to Bring on Exam Day

Prepare these items to avoid issues:

  • Notice of Admission (NOA)

  • Two valid IDs

  • Black ballpoint pens

  • Transparent plastic envelope

  • Alcohol and personal hygiene items

  • Snacks and water (if allowed)

Prohibited items include:

  • Notes or reviewers

  • Smartwatches

  • Mobile phones and gadgets

  • Calculators (unless specified)


Passing Score and Result Release

The PRC requires applicants to:

  • Achieve a general weighted average of at least 75%, and

  • Have no rating below 60% in any subject area

Results are typically released 3–10 working days after the last exam day.

Successful examinees will be included in the official list of passers and topnotchers.


What Happens After Passing the Exam?

1. Oath-Taking

New Registered Midwives participate in a mass oath-taking event, either in-person or online.

2. Registration

After oath-taking, you can:

  • Register for your PRC ID

  • Receive your Certificate of Registration

3. Start Your Midwifery Career

Once licensed, you may work in:

  • Public hospitals

  • Private hospitals

  • Birthing homes

  • Community health centers

  • NGOs

  • Private clinics

  • Independent midwifery practice


Tips for Reviewing for the Midwife Board Exam

Studying effectively is essential to passing. Here are strategies commonly used by successful examinees:

1. Create a Study Timeline

Allocate 2–3 months of study time. Break down topics weekly.

2. Use Updated Review Materials

Look for the latest:

  • Midwifery textbooks

  • Review center modules

  • Online practice tests

3. Focus on High-Yield Topics

Commonly asked areas include:

  • Labor and delivery management

  • Complications of pregnancy

  • Newborn care procedures

  • Pharmacology

  • Family planning methods

  • Midwifery laws

4. Attend Review Classes (Optional)

Many examinees choose review centers for structured learning.

5. Practice Case Scenarios

Board exams often include real-life clinical problems.

6. Master Anatomy and Physiology

These subjects are the foundation for all midwifery knowledge.

7. Take Simulated Exams

Practice timed tests to build speed and confidence.


Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Exam

  • Spending too much time on one question

  • Not reading questions carefully

  • Overthinking straightforward items

  • Neglecting rest and sleep before the exam

  • Skipping time checks during the test


Career Opportunities for Registered Midwives

Once licensed, midwives can work in various healthcare settings. Possible career paths include:

Hospital Midwife

Assisting OB-Gyne teams in labor, delivery, and postpartum care.

Birthing Center Midwife

Providing primary care to mothers and newborns in private or community birthing homes.

Community Health Midwife

Working under local government health units, implementing public health programs.

Private Midwife Practitioner

Offering midwifery services independently.

NGO Worker

Assisting maternal and child health projects in communities.

International Opportunities

Some countries hire Filipino midwives, especially those with additional certifications.


Salary of Registered Midwives in the Philippines

Midwife salary varies depending on location and employer:

  • Public hospitals: ₱25,000–₱35,000 monthly

  • Private hospitals: ₱14,000–₱22,000 monthly

  • Birthing centers: ₱15,000–₱28,000 monthly

  • Overseas: salary depends on qualifications and location


Final Advice for Future Midwives

The Midwife Licensure Examination is challenging but absolutely manageable with dedication and proper preparation. Build a strong foundation in theory, practice clinical scenarios, and stay consistent in your review. Remember that becoming a Registered Midwife means stepping into a profession that directly affects mothers, babies, and families—your role is both meaningful and life-changing.

If you prepare well and remain focused, you can confidently pass the exam and begin a fulfilling career in maternal and newborn healthcare.


If you want, I can

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Who is eligible to take the Midwife Licensure Examination?

You are eligible to take the Midwife Licensure Examination if you have completed a recognized midwifery program in the Philippines. This may be a two-year Midwifery course or a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BSM). You must also be of good moral character, have no conviction involving moral turpitude, and be physically and mentally fit to practice. Foreign graduates may be allowed to take the exam if there is reciprocity between their country and the Philippines and if they comply with documentary requirements set by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

What documents do I need to submit when applying for the exam?

Typical PRC requirements include your PSA-issued Birth Certificate, Transcript of Records with the remark “For Board Examination Purposes,” Diploma or Certificate of Graduation, and a valid government-issued ID. If you are married and your records use your married name, you may also need to submit a Marriage Certificate. PRC also requires recent passport-size photos with a plain white background and name tag. Always verify the most updated list of requirements on the official PRC website or at the nearest PRC office.

How often is the Midwife Licensure Examination given each year?

The Midwife Licensure Examination is usually conducted twice a year. Traditionally, one exam is scheduled around April or May, and the second one around November. However, actual dates may vary depending on PRC resolutions, holidays, and national circumstances. PRC releases an official schedule at the start of the year or through later announcements, so it is important to follow PRC updates regularly to avoid missing filing deadlines.

What are the main subjects covered in the exam?

The exam covers major areas of midwifery practice. These include Obstetrics, Fundamentals of Midwifery, Neonatal and Infant Care, Community Health and Family Planning, and Professional Growth and Ethics. Questions test your understanding of maternal and newborn care, management of normal and complicated pregnancy and delivery, family planning services, community-based health programs, and legal and ethical responsibilities of midwives. The exam is designed to evaluate both theoretical knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge in real-life clinical situations.

What is the passing score for the Midwife Licensure Examination?

To pass the Midwife Licensure Examination, you must obtain a general weighted average of at least 75 percent and have no rating lower than 60 percent in any subject area. If you fail to meet either condition, you will not be included in the list of passers, even if your overall average is close to the required rating. This two-level requirement encourages examinees to be competent in all essential areas of midwifery practice, not just strong in one or two subjects.

How long does it take for the exam results to be released?

Results of the Midwife Licensure Examination are usually released within several working days after the last day of the exam. The exact number of days can vary depending on the volume of examinees and PRC’s internal processes. PRC releases the results through its official website and may also publish them via major news outlets. The list of passers, top-performing schools, and topnotchers is publicly available. It is advisable to regularly check the PRC website rather than relying only on social media posts.

What should I bring on the exam day?

On exam day, you must bring your Notice of Admission (NOA), at least one or two valid government-issued IDs, black ballpoint pens, and other items explicitly allowed by PRC (such as a transparent envelope, basic hygiene items, and possibly snacks and bottled water). Electronic gadgets, notebooks, reviewers, and programmable devices are strictly prohibited inside the examination room. Failure to comply with exam rules can lead to disqualification, so always follow the latest PRC instructions written on your NOA and posted on their website.

How can I prepare effectively for the midwife board exam?

Effective preparation starts with a clear study plan. Many examinees begin an intensive review at least two to three months before the exam. Focus on high-yield topics like labor and delivery management, complications of pregnancy, newborn resuscitation, family planning, pharmacology, and community health. Use updated books and review materials, answer practice questions, and take simulated exams under timed conditions. Joining a review center or study group can provide structure and motivation, but self-review can also be successful if you are disciplined and consistent.

Can I retake the exam if I fail?

Yes, you can retake the Midwife Licensure Examination if you do not pass on your first attempt. You will need to reapply through PRC LERIS, pay the required exam fee again, and comply with current documentary requirements. Some examinees use their first attempt to assess their strengths and weaknesses, then adjust their review strategy. If you fail the exam multiple times, PRC may impose additional conditions, such as refresher courses, depending on existing regulations. Always refer to the latest PRC guidelines for repeat takers.

What happens after I pass the exam?

After passing, you will be scheduled for an oath-taking ceremony where you will formally pledge to uphold the ethical and professional standards of the midwifery profession. Following the oath-taking, you can proceed with initial registration to receive your PRC ID card and Certificate of Registration. Once you are a Registered Midwife, you may apply for jobs in hospitals, birthing homes, clinics, community health centers, NGOs, or private practice settings. Some midwives also pursue further training or specialization to expand their skills and career opportunities.

Is a career as a Registered Midwife stable and in demand?

Yes, midwifery remains an essential and in-demand profession, especially in countries with growing populations and ongoing needs in maternal and child health. In the Philippines, midwives play a key role in public health programs, rural health units, and private maternity clinics. There is continuous demand for skilled midwives in both urban and rural areas. With experience and additional training, midwives may also qualify for supervisory roles, teaching positions, or opportunities abroad, making it a potentially stable and fulfilling long-term career.

Philippines Board Exam Guide: Complete Overview for Students and Professionals