The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is preparing for computer-based licensure exams in 8 courses so that these exams can continue despite the pandemic.
According to PRC chairperson Teofilo Pilando Jr., it was well-received in the geology board exam in 2021.
The psychology licensure exam will be hybrid on February 8-9 — computer-based for those who take it in Metro Manila and still written for those who take it in Cebu due to the issue of internet connectivity.
The computer-based exam is self-made (in-house) by the information and communications technology (ICT) unit and licensure office of the PRC.
Apart from geology and psychology, the PRC also wants to implement computer-based exams for those who wish to compete in aeronautical engineering, dental hygiene and technology, guidance and counseling, metallurgical engineering, naval architecture, and sanitary engineering.
They are also looking to hire the service of a 3rd party or another company for this.
“It would still require a common exam venue & fixed exam schedule but using a computer. This way, it will be a transition from the conventional pen and paper exam and would be more manageable given current conditions,” said Pilando.
PRC plans to conduct computerized board exam for 8 courses
But according to Pilando, the implementation of the computer-based exam also needs to consider the number of takers, the skills and equipment in the testing centers to do it, and the readiness of the professionals themselves to move to computerized licensure exams.
The PRC added that it is possible to develop the system further to make the exam on-demand without going to the testing site or setting an exam schedule.
“We may be able still to commodify this in the future, if needed, for an exam on-demand–meaning being able to take the exam anytime, anywhere. But again, this would depend on the rules, the technology available resources & acceptability by all concerned stakeholders,” he said.
Meanwhile, the PRC also studied the inclusion of COVID-19 vaccination in the licensure exam requirements.
They are already in contact with the Department of Health and IATF to amend their rule for receiving a vaccination card in exchange for a negative RT-PCR test or proof of 14-day quarantine.
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