Certified Plant Mechanic Examination Guide

The Certified Plant Mechanic (CPM) Licensure Examination is one of the professional board exams administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in the Philippines. It is designed to assess the technical competence, mechanical skills, and operational knowledge of individuals working in industrial plants, manufacturing facilities, engineering workshops, and similar environments. Passing this exam grants the official title of Certified Plant Mechanic, allowing professionals to take on roles involving machinery maintenance, troubleshooting, installation, and plant operations.

This guide provides a complete and updated overview of the CPM exam—its structure, requirements, topics, schedule, application process, and effective preparation tips.

Overview of the Certified Plant Mechanic Examination

The CPM Licensure Examination evaluates candidates on their ability to safely and efficiently maintain mechanical equipment used in industrial plants. The work of a plant mechanic often includes overseeing boilers, pumps, compressors, engines, production machinery, and other mechanical systems essential to daily operations.

The exam is usually held once a year, often together with the Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination, as both professions operate under the same PRC Board of Mechanical Engineering.

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, ensure that you meet all PRC requirements:

1. Educational Requirement

Applicants must have any of the following:

• A technical vocational course in mechanical technology or plant mechanics from a TESDA-accredited or recognized institution.

• A high school diploma plus relevant mechanical experience (PRC may require supporting documents).

• A background aligned with mechanical operations, maintenance, or plant machinery work.

2. Age Requirement

• Applicant must be at least 18 years old.

3. Good Moral Character

Applicants must provide:

• Certificate of Good Moral Character

• NBI Clearance (for first-time takers)

4. Other Requirements

• Recent ID photos following PRC guidelines

• Birth certificate (PSA)

• Marriage certificate for married female applicants (if applicable)

Documentary Requirements

Prepare the following documents for your PRC application:

• Completed PRC Examination Form (No. 102)

• PSA Birth Certificate

• PSA Marriage Certificate (for married women)

• 4 passport-sized ID photos (white background, with complete name tag)

• Transcript of Records (TOR) or training certificate

• NBI Clearance

• Payment of examination fees

Fees for the CPM exam usually range from PHP 900 to PHP 1,000, depending on the payment channel.

Examination Coverage

The Certified Plant Mechanic Examination includes topics that reflect real industrial environments. The exam is typically divided into three major subjects:

1. Elements of Power Plant Machinery (35%)

Covers:

• Boilers and steam systems

• Steam turbines, gas turbines

• Diesel and internal combustion engines

• Pumps: centrifugal, reciprocating, rotary

• Compressors: air, gas

• Valves, piping systems

• Heat exchangers, condensers

This subject checks the candidate’s understanding of how plant machinery works, how to operate equipment safely, and how to recognize signs of malfunction.

2. Shop Machinery (30%)

Covers:

• Lathes, milling machines, drill presses, grinders

• Welding equipment and processes

• Cutting tools and machining fundamentals

• Bearing systems

• Mechanical power transmission

• Lubrication

• Workshop safety practices

This is highly practical and relates to daily work in machine shops and industrial settings.

3. Engineering Science (35%)

Covers:

• Basic mechanics and forces

• Thermodynamics

• Fluid mechanics

• Electricity basics

• Mathematics and unit conversions

• Material properties

• Safety and workplace regulations

This area evaluates problem-solving abilities and foundational engineering knowledge.

Exam Format and Duration

• The exam is conducted in-person, using paper-based test methods.

• It is often a one-day exam, depending on PRC scheduling.

• Each subject consists of multiple-choice questions.

• Passing score: at least 70% in each subject area.

Candidates who fail one or two subjects may be given a removal exam, subject to PRC policies.

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Create a PRC LERIS Account

Go to the PRC LERIS website and sign up with your personal details. Upload your ID photo following the required format.

Step 2: Set Your Appointment

Choose your preferred testing center (e.g., Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao) and examination schedule.

Step 3: Pay the Examination Fee

Available payment channels:

• Credit card

• LandBank

• GCash

• MyEG

• Over-the-counter payment centers

Step 4: Prepare All Documents

Bring ORIGINAL and PHOTOCOPIES of all required documents to your PRC appointment.

Step 5: Attend Processing and Verification

PRC staff will review your documents and approve your exam slot.

Step 6: Take the Examination

Arrive early and bring:

• Notice of Admission (NOA)

• Black ballpen

• Valid ID

• Snacks and water

Step 7: Check the Exam Results

Results are posted on the PRC website within 3–7 working days.

Testing Centers for the Certified Plant Mechanic Exam

PRC typically holds exams in major cities such as:

• Manila

• Cebu

• Davao

• Baguio

• Iloilo

• Cagayan de Oro

Availability may vary each year based on examinee volume.

Renewal and Continuing Requirements

Once you pass the exam and receive your Professional Identification Card (PIC), it must be renewed every three years.

PRC may require CPD (Continuing Professional Development) units, although CPD requirements may be flexible depending on current regulations.

Job Opportunities for Certified Plant Mechanics

A certified plant mechanic can work in a wide range of industries, including:

Industrial and Manufacturing Plants

• Food processing

• Chemical and pharmaceutical plants

• Power plants

• Petroleum and refinery plants

Construction and Engineering

• Heavy equipment maintenance

• HVAC and refrigeration systems

Marine and Transportation Facilities

• Ship engine rooms

• Transport maintenance depots

Other Employment Options

• Workshop technician

• Maintenance supervisor

• Machine operator

• Plant operations assistant

Certification increases earning potential and career stability.

Salary Expectations

The income of a Certified Plant Mechanic in the Philippines varies by industry and experience:

• Entry-level: ₱12,000–₱18,000 per month

• Mid-level (2–5 years experience): ₱18,000–₱25,000

• Skilled/Experienced: ₱25,000–₱40,000

• Overseas opportunities can provide significantly higher salaries depending on the destination country.

Tips for Passing the Certified Plant Mechanic Exam

1. Understand the Exam Coverage

Master the three subject areas and focus on high-weight topics such as power plant machinery and engineering science.

2. Practice Mechanical Computations

Engineering science includes calculations based on:

• Pressure

• Force

• Torque

• Power

• Heat transfer

Solving sample math problems regularly will boost confidence.

3. Study Actual Plant Equipment

Hands-on practice—if your school/work allows—helps reinforce understanding of machinery.

4. Use Review Books and Modules

Many technical schools and review centers provide updated CPM modules.

5. Take Mock Exams

Simulate test conditions to improve speed and accuracy.

6. Join Study Groups

Sharing knowledge with peers helps clarify difficult concepts and retain information better.

7. Review Safety Standards

Plant mechanics must demonstrate a strong understanding of workplace safety procedures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring computational problems

• Relying solely on memory without understanding fundamentals

• Not reviewing shop practices and tools

• Underestimating engineering science coverage

• Last-minute cramming

Studying consistently over several weeks is the best strategy.

Recommended Review Timeline

4–6 Weeks Before Exam

• Review all major subjects

• Create study summaries

2–3 Weeks Before Exam

• Focus on weak areas

• Answer practice questions

1 Week Before Exam

• Take full mock exams

• Rest and avoid stress

Day Before Exam

• Pack your materials

• Sleep early

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Certified Plant Mechanic is a valuable accomplishment that opens doors to stable technical careers in industrial operations. With the right preparation, basic engineering knowledge, and practical understanding of machinery, you can pass the CPM Licensure Examination confidently.

Use this guide to structure your study plan and ensure you understand the full scope of the exam—from requirements and topics to testing strategies and career opportunities.