The road to becoming a doctor is a long and winding one. It may take years but it's going to be worth it! After you have gone to college for a pre-med course and then to medical school, you still have to pass the Physician Licensure exam to earn your medical license. Like any other test, preparation is the key to passing this exam. Here are the important things you need to know about the Physician Licensure Exam in the Philippines:
What is the Physician Licensure Exam?
The Philippine Physician Licensure Examination (also called Philippine Medical Boards) is the professional licensure examination for incoming physicians in the Philippines. It’s administered twice a year by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Who can take the Physician Licensure Exam?
According to The Medical Act of 1959, a board examinee must meet the following requirements:
- A degree holder of Doctor of Medicine or its equivalent
- Has a Certificate of Registration issued to Board of Medical Examiners
- A Filipino citizen
- For foreign citizens: documentary evidence confirmed by the Department of Foreign Affairs
- Must be of good moral character
- Has no pending court cases or moral charges
What are the subjects covered in the Physician Licensure Exam?
The Physician Licensure Exam is composed of four parts. Narito ang mga subjects na bumubuo sa PLE:
First Day
- Biochemistry
- Anatomy and Histology
- Microbiology
Second Day
- Physiology
- Legal Medicine, Ethics, and Medical Jurisprudence
- Pathology
Third Day
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Surgery, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, and Rhinology
- Internal Medicine
Fourth Day
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pediatrics and Nutrition
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health
What are the requirements for the Physician Licensure Exam?
Narito ang mga documents na kailangan mong paghandaan para sa Physician Licensure Exam:
For those enrolled as Medical Student in a Commission on Higher Education (CHED) recognized Medical Schools (For Prelims Only):
- Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA) Birth Certificate
- PSA Marriage Contract (for married female applicants)
- Transcript of Record (TOR)
- Good Moral Character from the Dean of College of Medicine
For Physician Licensure Examination (Final Complete):
For Filipino citizens who obtained Medical Degree from Philippine Medical Schools:
- PSA Birth Certificate
- PSA Marriage Contract (for married female applicants)
- Two (2) Certificates of Good Moral Character from any two (2) of the following:
- a) Medical School where you graduated from
- b) Hospital / Institution where you completed your internship
- c) Indigenous Community/Parish where you belong
- TOR
- Certificate of Post Graduate Internship issued by a hospital accredited by the Association of Philippine Medical College (APMC)
For Filipino Citizen Who Obtained Medical Degree from Foreign Medical School:
- PSA Birth Certificate
- PSA Marriage Contract (for married female applicants)
- Two (2) Certificates of Good Moral Character from any of the following:
- a) Medical School where graduated from
- b) Hospital / Institution where you completed your internship
- c) Previous employment
- d) Parish Priest
- e) International Police
- f) Barangay
- Diploma of MD Degree or equivalent
- Original or authenticated copy of yourTOR or equivalent document of the course for the licensure examination issued by the school where you graduated
- Certificate of Equivalency issued by CHED stating that the course taken is equivalent to the Doctor of Medicine course offered in the Philippine med schools
- Certificate of Post Graduate Internship issued by a hospital accredited by the Association of Philippine Medical College (APMC) or Certificate of Equivalency issued by CHED
Admission fee: PHP 900.00
When is the next Physician Licensure Exam?
The Physician Licensure Exam happens twice every year. Ngayong 2022, it is scheduled on the month of March and October. According to the examination schedules on the PRC official website, here are the important dates you need to remember:
Medicine is one of the most challenging careers. But the rewards and fulfillment this field can offer are well worth the effort. Knowing every step you'll have to take along the way can help you better prepare for this career.
Are you ready to take the Physician Licensure Exam? Wag nang magsayang pa ng oras! As early as today, you can already start preparing your documents, gathering your notes, and reviewing for the next PLE. Do you need more study tips and advice for your med school life or student journey in general? Check out our other blogs today. Kasama mo ang Bukas!
Learn more about Bukas and how we make education affordable for thousands of Filipino students like you. Apply for a Bukas student loan in your upcoming enrollment, and join our growing community for more tips and advice about all things student life. A brighter future awaits. Sa'yo ang Bukas!
Written by: Karl Nucum
