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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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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