Medical & Health Board Exams Guide: Complete Overview for Aspiring Healthcare Professionals

Introduction

The medical and health professions are some of the most respected and in-demand fields in the Philippines. Each year, thousands of students pursue degrees in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, medical technology, radiologic technology, and other allied health programs. To legally practice these professions, graduates must pass the corresponding licensure examinations administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the major medical and health board exams in the Philippines—covering exam structures, eligibility requirements, application steps, coverage, passing rates, preparation strategies, and career opportunities. Whether you are an aspiring student or currently reviewing for your exam, this article will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare effectively.

What Are Medical & Health Board Exams?

Medical and health board exams are professional licensure tests conducted by PRC to evaluate the competence of graduates who wish to practice in specific health-related fields. These exams aim to ensure that professionals meet national standards of safety, ethics, and expertise.

These board exams certify future practitioners such as:

• Doctors

• Nurses

• Pharmacists

• Medical technologists

• Physical therapists

• Dentists

• Radiologic technologists

• Nutritionists and dietitians

• Psychologists and psychometricians

Major Medical & Health Board Exams in the Philippines

Below is an overview of the key board examinations covered in this guide.

1. Physician Licensure Examination (PLE)

The PLE is one of the toughest and most prestigious exams in the country. It is administered twice a year.

Eligibility:

• Doctor of Medicine degree from a CHED-recognized institution

• Completed internship in an accredited hospital

• Required documentary submissions (birth certificate, TOR, internship certificate, etc.)

Coverage:

• Biochemistry

• Anatomy & Physiology

• Microbiology

• Pathology

• Pharmacology

• Internal Medicine

• Surgery

• Obstetrics & Gynecology

• Pediatrics

• Preventive & Community Medicine

Career: Licensed physicians can specialize, work in hospitals, clinics, research, or open private practice.

https://3d-universal.com/en/blogs/physician-licensure-examination-ple-guide.html

2. Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE)

Taken by Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates.

Eligibility:

• BSN degree

• RLE (Related Learning Experience) completion

• Required documents and school endorsement

Coverage:

• Foundations of Nursing Practice

• Maternal & Child Nursing

• Community Health Nursing

• Psychiatric Nursing

• Medical-Surgical Nursing

Career: Registered nurse roles in hospitals, communities, research institutions, or overseas.

https://3d-universal.com/en/blogs/nursing-board-exam-guide.html

3. Dentist Licensure Examination

The dentistry board exam has both written and practical components.

Eligibility:

• Doctor of Dental Medicine degree

• Internship or clinical training

• Logbook of procedures

Coverage:

• General Anatomy

• Oral Anatomy & Physiology

• Dental Materials

• Community Dentistry

• Oral Pathology

• Prosthodontics

• Oral Surgery

Career: Dentists can open clinics, specialize, or join hospitals and dental centers.

https://3d-universal.com/en/blogs/dentist-licensure-examination-guide.html

4. Pharmacist Licensure Examination

For Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy graduates.

Eligibility:

• BS Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy

• Internship certification

• Required PRC documents

Coverage:

• Pharmaceutical Chemistry

• Pharmacognosy

• Pharmacology

• Hospital Pharmacy

• Manufacturing & Quality Assurance

Career: Pharmacy graduates work in hospitals, community pharmacies, manufacturing, regulatory, or research.

https://3d-universal.com/en/blogs/pharmacist-licensure-examination-guide.html

5. Medical Technologist Licensure Examination

For BS Medical Technology/Medical Laboratory Science graduates.

Eligibility:

• MT/MLS degree

• Internship completion

Coverage:

• Clinical Chemistry

• Hematology

• Immunology & Serology

• Microbiology & Parasitology

• Blood Banking

• Laboratory Management

Career: MedTechs work in hospitals, diagnostic labs, research, and public health sectors.

https://3d-universal.com/en/blogs/medical-technologist-licensure-examination-guide.html

6. Radiologic Technologist Licensure Examination

For BS Radiologic Technology graduates.

Coverage:

• Radiation Physics

• Radiographic Positioning

• Patient Care

• Imaging Procedures

• Radiologic Pathology

Career: Opportunities include hospitals, imaging centers, and specialized radiology units.

https://3d-universal.com/en/blogs/radiologic-technologist-licensure-examination-guide.html

7. Nutritionist-Dietitian Licensure Examination

For BS Nutrition and Dietetics graduates.

Coverage:

• Nutrition Science

• Diet Therapy

• Public Health Nutrition

• Food Service Systems

Career: Dietitians work in hospitals, wellness facilities, government programs, and corporate wellness.

https://3d-universal.com/en/blogs/nutritionist-dietitian-licensure-examination-guide.html

8. Psychologist and Psychometrician Board Exams

These tests are for graduates of psychology.

Eligibility:

• Psychometrician: BS Psychology

• Psychologist: Master’s degree in Psychology + supervised practicum

Coverage:

• Psychological Assessment

• Theories of Personality

• Abnormal Psychology

• Industrial Psychology

• Counseling

Career: Work in HR, clinical settings, schools, or private practice (for licensed psychologists).

https://3d-universal.com/en/blogs/psychologist-and-psychometrician-board-exams-guide.html

9. Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist Exams

For BS Physical Therapy and BS Occupational Therapy graduates.

PT Coverage:

• Foundations of PT

• Therapeutic Exercises

• Electrotherapy

• Neurological Rehabilitation

OT Coverage:

• Occupational Therapy Theories

• Assistive Technology

• Psychosocial Rehabilitation

• Pediatrics & Geriatrics

Career: Work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and special education.

https://3d-universal.com/en/blogs/physical-therapist-and-occupational-therapist-exams-guide.html

10. Midwifery Licensure Examination

For midwifery graduates.

Coverage:

• Fundamentals of Midwifery

• Maternal Care

• Newborn Care

• Family Planning

• Community Health

https://3d-universal.com/en/blogs/midwifery-licensure-examination-guide.html

General Requirements for PRC Application

Most medical and health board exams require the following:

• PSA Birth Certificate

• Transcript of Records (TOR)

• Diploma or Certificate of Graduation

• Internship or Clinical Training Certificate

• 2×2 ID photos

• Valid IDs

• Examination fee payment

Additional requirements may apply depending on the profession.

How to Apply for Medical & Health Board Exams

1. Register Online

Use PRC’s Licensure Examination & Registration Information System (LERIS).
Create an account and complete your profile.

2. Upload Documents

Submit required files (TOR, ID photos, certificates, etc.).

3. Select Exam Location & Schedule

Choose from PRC venues such as Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro.

4. Pay the Examination Fee

Payment can be made online or at PRC-accredited payment centers.

5. Attend the Appointment

Submit your hard copy documents and secure your Notice of Admission (NOA).

Exam-Day Guidelines

• Arrive early

• Bring NOA and valid IDs

• Use only authorized materials (e.g., pencils, calculators when allowed)

• Follow dress code: white top with collar and black pants or skirt (varies per exam)

• No gadgets, smartwatches, or notes allowed

Tips to Pass Medical & Health Board Exams

1. Start Reviewing Early

Most students begin 3–6 months before the exam.

2. Follow a Structured Study Plan

Allocate weekly schedules for each subject. Target weak areas.

3. Take Mock Exams

Simulated exams help you manage time and understand question patterns.

4. Join Review Centers (Optional)

Many students find review centers helpful for structure and motivation.

5. Practice Case-Based Questions

Medical exams often include situational scenarios that test critical thinking.

6. Maintain Your Health

Sleep, diet, and mental breaks are essential for sustained performance.

7. Stay Updated with PRC Announcements

Monitor last-minute changes to exam schedules or coverage.

Passing Rates and Difficulty

Passing rates vary widely:

• Physician: around 50–60%

• Nursing: 60–70%

• MedTech: 70–80%

• Pharmacy: 50–65%

• Dentistry: 40–50%

• PT/OT: 60–75%

These rates fluctuate per year, depending on the number of examinees and exam difficulty.

Career Opportunities After Passing

Passing a board exam opens doors to numerous local and international careers:

Local Opportunities:

• Hospitals

• Clinics

• Government health centers

• Research facilities

• Schools

• Laboratories

• Private practice

Overseas Opportunities:

Healthcare is one of the Philippines’ strongest globally competitive industries. Many professionals work in:

• USA

• Canada

• UK

• Middle East

• Australia

• Singapore

Final Thoughts

Board exams are a significant milestone for any aspiring medical or health professional. While the process may be challenging, proper preparation, discipline, and strategy can help you succeed. Understanding the requirements, exam coverage, and career outcomes will allow you to approach your licensure journey with confidence.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are medical and health board exams in the Philippines?

Medical and health board exams in the Philippines are professional licensure examinations administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
They assess whether graduates of health-related degree programs such as Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Medical Technology, Physical Therapy, Dentistry, and other allied health courses are competent to practice safely and ethically.
Passing these exams is a legal requirement before you can use the professional title (e.g., MD, RN, RPh, RMT) and work in most hospitals, clinics, and health institutions.

Who is eligible to take medical and health board exams?

Eligibility depends on the specific profession, but most exams require:
a completed degree from a CHED-recognized institution, an internship or clinical training in an accredited facility, and submission of official school documents such as a Transcript of Records and Certificate of Graduation.
Some exams, such as the Physician Licensure Examination, also require completion of a one-year internship in a PRC or hospital-accredited training program.
Always check the latest PRC guidelines because requirements may be updated over time.

How do I apply for a PRC medical or health board exam?

Applications are now mostly done online through the PRC’s Licensure Examination & Registration Information System (LERIS).
You need to create an account, fill out your personal and educational information, and upload your documents such as your photo, valid ID, and school records.
After that, you select your examination name, date, and testing center, then proceed with payment through the available options.
Finally, you appear at the PRC office or designated site on your appointment date to submit original documents and receive your Notice of Admission (NOA).

What are the most popular medical and health board exams?

Some of the most common and popular healthcare licensure exams in the Philippines include:
the Physician Licensure Examination (PLE), Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE), Pharmacist Licensure Examination, Medical Technologist Licensure Examination, Dentistry Licensure Examination, Radiologic Technologist board exam, Nutritionist-Dietitian Licensure Examination, Psychologist and Psychometrician board exams, Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist board exams, and the Midwifery board exam.
These exams cover a wide range of medical and allied health professions that are in demand both locally and abroad.

How often are these board exams held?

Most medical and health board exams are held once or twice a year, depending on the profession and PRC’s annual schedule.
For example, the Physician and Nursing board exams are usually conducted twice a year, while some allied health exams might be offered only once annually.
The exact dates and frequency are announced by PRC through their official exam calendar, so it is important to check the PRC website or official social media channels regularly.

How should I prepare for a medical or health board exam?

Effective preparation generally includes reviewing your core subjects, organizing a realistic study schedule, and practicing with mock exams.
Many examinees begin serious review around three to six months before the test, depending on the complexity of the exam and their baseline knowledge.
You can self-study using textbooks, reviewers, and online resources, or enroll in a review center for more structured guidance.
It also helps to join study groups, work on case-based questions, and track your performance so you can focus more on weak areas.

Do I need to enroll in a review center to pass?

Enrolling in a review center is optional, not mandatory.
Some students prefer the structure, scheduled lectures, and simulated exams that review centers provide, which can help with motivation and time management.
Others successfully pass through self-study, using notes from college, review books, and free online resources.
What matters most is consistency, understanding of exam coverage, and a study plan that fits your learning style and schedule.

What is the exam day like, and what should I bring?

On exam day, you should arrive at the testing venue early to allow time for verification and seating.
You need to bring your Notice of Admission (NOA), valid ID, and required materials such as sharpened pencils, erasers, and a transparent plastic envelope.
Some exams allow non-programmable calculators, but you must check PRC’s latest guidelines.
Follow the prescribed dress code, which commonly includes a white collared top and dark pants or skirt.
Electronic devices, notes, and smartwatches are not allowed inside the exam room.

What are the typical passing rates and difficulty levels?

Passing rates differ per profession and per exam batch.
Historically, physician board exams have passing rates around 50–60%, nursing exams around 60–70%, and medical technology exams around 70–80%.
Pharmacy, dentistry, and some other health professions may have lower or more variable passing percentages.
Difficulty also depends on exam design, question style, and the preparedness of the examinees.
Instead of focusing only on statistics, it is better to concentrate on mastering the competencies and exam coverage.

What happens after I pass my board exam?

After passing, you proceed with initial registration at PRC to obtain your professional license and PRC ID.
You may attend an oath-taking ceremony, which is often a symbolic and memorable event for new professionals.
Once registered, you can legally practice your profession, apply to hospitals and clinics, or pursue further specialization or graduate studies.
For many medical and health professionals, passing the board exam is the gateway to both local employment and overseas opportunities.

Can I work abroad after passing a Philippine medical or health board exam?

Yes, many Filipino medical and health professionals are highly valued abroad, especially nurses, medical technologists, physical therapists, and doctors.
However, working in another country usually requires additional steps such as credential evaluation, local licensure exams, language tests, and sometimes bridging programs or training.
Passing the Philippine board exam is still a critical foundation because it proves your basic competence and is often a prerequisite for international applications and credentialing.

What should I do if I fail the board exam?

Failing the exam can be emotionally challenging, but it is not the end of your professional journey.
You can retake the exam in the next testing cycle, subject to PRC’s rules on retakes.
Use your previous result as feedback to identify weak subjects and adjust your review strategy.
Some find it helpful to join a review center for more structured support, while others change their study methods or schedule.
With persistence, reflection, and improved preparation, many repeat takers eventually pass and build successful careers in healthcare.

Philippines Board Exam Guide: Complete Overview for Students and Professionals