Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam (PNLE): Guide on How to Apply and Take the PNLE

Applying for the Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam is the step that turns a nursing graduate into a Registered Nurse in the Philippines. This guide walks through what the PNLE is, who can take it, how to apply, the documents you need, the exam schedule, and what to expect on exam day and after. It covers both local graduates and internationally trained applicants.

What is the Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam (PNLE)?

The Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam (PNLE), also called the Philippine Nursing Board Exam, is a nationwide exam the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) administers for Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates to earn their professional license.

You must pass the PNLE to practice as a Registered Nurse in the Philippines. It is a 500-item multiple-choice test taken over two days, held twice a year (typically once mid-year and once toward year-end). The PRC's Board of Nursing prepares and regulates it to confirm new nurses meet the competency standards for safe, effective practice.

The exam spans the full range of nursing, from fundamentals to maternal-child health and mental health nursing (coverage is detailed below). A passing score is 75% or higher, with no individual subject below 60%.

Eligibility requirements

Confirm you meet the criteria before applying.

Local nursing graduates

• Education. Hold a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) from a college or university recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
• Age and citizenship. Be at least 18 years old when your license is issued (after you pass). Nursing practice in the Philippines is generally limited to Filipino citizens, though foreign nationals may qualify under certain conditions (see below).
• Health and moral character. Be in good health and of good moral character, with no condition that would impede practice and no conviction for crimes involving moral turpitude. Be ready to provide a Good Moral Character certificate or NBI clearance if requested.
• Clinical experience. The Board of Nursing may require proof of your Related Learning Experience (RLE), such as a summary of cases handled or a Notarized Certificate of Undertaking from your Dean or Registrar. Most recent graduates have this in their Transcript of Records or a separate school certification.

Filipino graduates from abroad

These requirements prove your international nursing education meets Philippine standards.

• Certificate of Equivalency from CHED. Confirms your foreign nursing degree is equivalent to a Philippine BSN.
• Authenticated transcript and diploma. Authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate where you studied, or carrying an Apostille certification.
• Official English translation. Required for any document written in another language.

Foreign nationals

You can apply only if your home country lets Filipino nurses take its licensure exam and practice there. This reciprocity principle is required by Philippine law.

• Proof of reciprocity. A copy of the law, policy, or international agreement confirming Filipino nurses can be licensed and work in your country.
• Official request letter. A formal, sealed letter from your country's nursing board or regulatory agency requesting that you be allowed to take the PNLE and confirming reciprocity for Filipino citizens.
• Authenticated documents. Your diploma, transcript, and standard PRC documents, properly authenticated through your country's process and, where applicable, an Apostille or embassy verification.
• Education and moral character. Your nursing education must be comparable to Philippine standards, with no disqualifying legal or ethical issues.

These are the general rules. Always check the official PRC List of Requirements and Public Advisories for updates.

How to register and apply

Applying is a two-part process: an online application through the PRC's system, then an in-person document submission at your chosen PRC office.

1. Create an online account with PRC (LERIS)

The PRC uses an online portal called LERIS (Licensure Examination and Registration Information System).

1. Go to online.prc.gov.ph and sign up with a valid email and password.
2. Fill out your personal information accurately. It carries over to your application form and eventually your license.
3. Upload a 2×2 ID photo (passport-style, white background, collared attire). Use a recent JPEG taken within the last six months.
4. Have your Cedula (Community Tax Certificate) number ready; the system may ask for it.

2. Fill out the online application form

Once logged in, select the option to apply for an examination.

1. Choose "Nurse Licensure Examination" and the schedule you intend to take.
2. Enter your educational background (nursing school, graduation date) correctly.
3. Select your preferred PRC Regional Office or Service Center. This is where you submit documents and usually determines your exam location (choose PRC Baguio, for example, and you'll likely test in Baguio).
4. Double-check every entry and confirm your application. LERIS assigns an application or reference number; note it.

3. Schedule an appointment and pay the exam fee

The system prompts you to set an appointment date at your chosen PRC office.

1. Pick a date within the application period to submit your requirements in person.
2. Pay the examination fee. First-time takers pay ₱900. Repeaters retaking a conditioned subject pay ₱450, or ₱900 to retake the whole exam.
3. Payment options include Landbank ePayment, UCPB, PayMaya, credit or debit card, or PRC cashiers at select offices. If you choose the PRC Cashier, you pay in person, usually when you submit documents.
4. Keep the receipt or transaction reference. LERIS typically updates your status a day or two after payment clears.
5. Print your Application Form (sometimes called the Examination Application Stub), which has your details and a space for your signature and documentary stamp.

4. Submit documents at the PRC office

On your appointment date, go to your selected PRC Regional Office or service center with all required documents, your printed application form, appointment slip, and proof of payment. Arrive early and expect to line up for verification.

1. A PRC processor reviews your documents. First-time applicants present originals for verification and submit photocopies for PRC records.
2. After verification, the PRC issues your Notice of Admission (NOA), your exam permit. Keep it safe; you present it on exam day.
3. The PRC may keep certain photocopies and return your application stub and NOA in a brown envelope.
4. Don't leave without your NOA, claim slip or application stub, and official receipt. You need them on exam day.

If you're missing requirements or have document discrepancies, the PRC may withhold the NOA until they're resolved. Foreign and foreign-educated applicants may be routed to the PRC International Affairs Division for extra processing of their documents and proof of reciprocity, so allow extra time.

Required documents

Bring both originals and photocopies of the following unless noted otherwise. The PRC officer inspects the originals and collects the photocopies. Always check the official PRC List of Requirements for nursing-specific instructions.

Document	Copies	Notes
Transcript of Records (TOR)	Original + 1 photocopy	Must bear your photo and the remark "For Board Examination Purposes Only." Show your degree, school seal, graduation date, and any Special Order (SO) number. New graduates: completion of Related Learning Experience (RLE) must be noted. Under CHED Memo 30, attach a Notarized Certificate of Undertaking.
Birth Certificate (PSA)	Original + 1 photocopy	Issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority on security paper. Verifies identity and citizenship. Bring supporting documents if your name is incorrect or changed.
Marriage Certificate (PSA)	Original + 1 photocopy	Required for married female applicants using a married name. Must match your other IDs and application.
Valid government-issued ID	Original only	Passport, driver's license, SSS/UMID, Voter's ID, or PRC ID. Must show photo, full name, and signature.
Passport-size photos (2×2)	4 identical prints	White background, collared attire, name tag (Last, First, MI) on each. One should match the digital photo you uploaded.
Examination fee receipt	Original only	Print or screenshot online payment confirmation, or bring the PRC cashier's official receipt.
Printed application form and appointment stub	Original only	Downloaded from LERIS with your reference number and appointment details. The PRC stamps and signs these during verification.
Community Tax Certificate (Cedula)	Original or photocopy	Used during your online application. Bring it in case the PRC asks, though it isn't always collected.
Documentary stamp (₱30)	1 stamp	Affixed to your Oath Form or Application Form. Available at PRC offices or BIR outlets.
Additional documents (if applicable)	Varies	NBI Clearance or Good Moral Character Certificate if background checks are needed. Barangay Clearance or School Character Reference, optional. Foreign-educated applicants: CHED Certificate of Equivalency, reciprocity documents, plus passport and visa photocopies.

Exam schedule and deadlines

The PNLE runs twice a year, typically around May/June and November. In 2025, it was set for May 5-6 and November 4-5. The exam usually falls on two consecutive days.

Opening of applications

The LERIS application portal usually opens about three months before the exam. For a May exam, applications might open by late January or February; for a November exam, by July or August. The system only accepts applications during the designated window.

Filing deadline

The submission deadline usually lands 40 to 60 days before the exam. For the May 2025 exam (May 5-6), the application period ran January 21 to March 21, 2025. For the November 2025 exam, it opened July 21 with a September 22 deadline. Dates shift slightly year to year, so confirm the current schedule.

Schedule announcement

Official dates appear on the PRC website under "Schedule of Examinations," usually released in December of the preceding year. The schedule lists exam dates, the filing window, and sometimes the target release date for results.

Special PNLE (SPLE) schedule

The PRC occasionally holds Special Professional Licensure Examinations (SPLE) for Filipino professionals abroad, in coordination with Philippine embassies. In 2025, a special PNLE was scheduled for June 6-7 at specific international testing locations. SPLE dates are separate from the regular exam, so Filipino nurses working abroad should watch for PRC announcements.

Application fees and payment

Examination fee

The standard fee is ₱900 for the full Nursing Licensure Exam, covering first-time examinees taking all subjects. The same ₱900 applies if you retake all subjects. Conditioned examinees (those who need to retake only one or two subjects) pay ₱450. The system applies the correct fee based on your application number.

Payment methods

The PRC online system offers several channels:

• Landbank ePayment. Pay using Landbank ATM cards or other banks through Bancnet.
• UCPB. Available if you hold a UCPB account or card.
• PayMaya (Maya). A popular Philippine e-wallet.
• Credit or debit card. Visa or Mastercard through the payment gateway; convenience fees may apply.
• PRC Cashier. Pay in person at the PRC office during your appointment. Bring cash in pesos; card acceptance isn't guaranteed.

Payment confirmation

After payment, LERIS marks your application as paid. Online payments may take one to two business days to update, so log back in to confirm your status reads "Paid." If you paid at the cashier, they stamp your application stub. Keep the official receipt or transaction reference and bring proof of payment when you submit documents.

All fees are non-refundable. If you skip the exam or stop after paying, you don't get the fee back. Pay only through the PRC system or authorized channels, and contact PRC helpdesks if a payment doesn't reflect.

Choosing a testing location

You select a PRC Regional Office during the application, which usually sets your exam location. The PRC posts your exact school and room assignment one to two weeks before the exam. Based on PRC's published testing locations for 2022-2025, the Nurse Licensure Exam has regularly been offered in the following regions. The PRC may add or remove centers depending on the number of examinees.

Region	Code	Testing locations
National Capital Region	NCR	Manila, Quezon City (multiple venues)
Cordillera Administrative Region	CAR	Baguio
Ilocos Region	I	Rosales (Pangasinan)
Cagayan Valley	II	Tuguegarao
Central Luzon	III	Pampanga (San Fernando or Angeles), Cabanatuan (Nueva Ecija)
Calabarzon	IV-A	Lucena
Mimaropa	IV-B	Puerto Princesa (occasionally), Calapan (Mindoro)
Bicol Region	V	Legazpi
Western Visayas	VI	Iloilo
Central Visayas	VII	Cebu
Eastern Visayas	VIII	Tacloban
Zamboanga Peninsula	IX	Pagadian, Zamboanga
Northern Mindanao	X	Cagayan de Oro
Davao Region	XI	Davao
SOCCSKSARGEN	XII	Koronadal

Special Professional Licensure Examination (SPLE)

International applicants and Filipinos abroad may have access to a Special PNLE held in foreign locations (such as Abu Dhabi or Riyadh) in coordination with Philippine embassies. This isn't guaranteed every year. If scheduled, you choose the SPLE location in your application. Watch PRC announcements or coordinate with embassies.

Exam format and coverage

Format

The PNLE is 500 multiple-choice questions, divided into five sets of 100 questions each, one per major nursing area. It is a written, paper-and-pencil exam (Scantron answer sheets), not computer-based. Questions are in English and mostly situational, testing both your knowledge and your ability to apply nursing principles.

Schedule and duration

The 500 questions span two days, with two or three sets on Day 1 and the rest on Day 2. Each 100-item set is timed at roughly two hours, with morning and afternoon sessions and lunch breaks in between. Exams usually start around 8:00 AM. Listen for announcements on the exact sequence and timing.

Coverage

The PNLE measures you against the 11 Key Areas of Responsibility from the Competency Standards of Nursing Practice in the Philippines, grouped into four clusters. Each 100-item set maps to a major area, often labeled Nursing Practice I through V:

1. Fundamentals of Nursing (and Professional Adjustments)
2. Maternal and Child Nursing
3. Community Health and Communicable Disease Nursing
4. Nursing Care of Adolescents, Adults, and Aged (Medical-Surgical Nursing)
5. Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing

Each section tests foundational nursing knowledge, clinical reasoning, and professional judgment, with the underlying disciplines integrated throughout.

Passing and grading

Questions range from straight recall to complex analysis. To pass, you need a general average of at least 75% with no score below 60% in any of the five exams. If your overall is above 75% but one subject dips below 60%, you don't pass, though you may be "conditioned" to retake that subject. Passing rates vary by batch. There is no quota; everyone who meets the criteria becomes an RN.

Exam day guidelines

Prohibited items

The PRC bars these from the exam premises:

Category	Examples
Reference materials	Books, notes, review materials, printed documents containing codes, formulas, or relevant information
Calculators	Programmable calculators (e.g., CASIO FX-99IES, CASIO FX-99IES Plus)
Electronic gadgets	Smartwatches, cellphones, earplugs, transmitters, portable computers, tablets, Bluetooth devices, any communication or data-storage device
Bags and cases	Handbags, backpacks, attaché cases, and similar

Wireless earplugs or those with communication features count as electronic; standard earplugs may be allowed, so verify with your exam center. If you bring a phone, you'll be asked to surrender it to proctors. Better not to bring one. Any cheating aid leads to disqualification and disciplinary action.

Dress code

Category	Attire
Male examinees	White clinical uniform without nameplate, school insignia, or pins; white shoes and socks; or complete school uniform
Female examinees	White clinical uniform without nameplate, school insignia, or pins; white shoes and stockings; or complete school uniform
Pregnant female examinees	White clinical scrub suit
General	Avoid shorts, sandals, and casual or printed shirts. Wear closed, comfortable shoes. Look professional, as if on duty.

Exam preparation

Academic prep

• Study across all areas. Focus on core concepts, common medical-surgical conditions, nursing interventions, and pharmacology.
• Use solid resources. A reputable review center or PNLE-specific review books with practice exams and rationales.
• Practice multiple-choice questions. Work through as many as you can and understand why each answer is right or wrong.
• Manage your time. With 100 questions in two hours, you have about 1.2 minutes per question, so practice under timed conditions.
• Read question patterns. Watch for keywords like FIRST, BEST, EXCEPT, and PRIORITY.

Mental and emotional prep

• Stay calm. If panic rises, pause, breathe, stretch your fingers, and refocus.
• Don't dwell on hard questions. Skip and return later, and keep moving.
• Trust your preparation. You studied hard; let that carry you.

Physical readiness

• Sleep well and stay hydrated, but don't overdrink and waste time on restroom trips.
• Bring light snacks or candy to keep your energy up during breaks.
• Use scheduled breaks to stretch and reset.

What to expect on exam day

Arrive at least 30 minutes to an hour early to account for traffic. Here's how a typical day runs.

Before the exam

Find your assigned room from the list the PRC posts online or at the school entrance, where names and seat numbers appear. Proctors check your NOA and IDs and inspect your belongings (clear bags only, no banned items), then direct you to your seat. Organize your pencils on the desk, place your NOA and ID out for verification, and sign the attendance sheet.

During the exam

Follow the schedule and the proctor's instructions. Use a black ballpen for your name, roll number, and codes, and a No. 2 pencil to shade answers. Start only when told.

• Read each question thoroughly. Mark and return to anything you're unsure of, but don't leave blanks; guessing beats skipping.
• Watch the clock. Proctors usually give time warnings.
• Shade cleanly and erase stray marks.
• Listen for announcements; the PRC sometimes issues corrections for booklet errors.
• Copy any serial numbers or codes to your answer sheet exactly as instructed.
• Stay silent throughout, and don't talk with other examinees afterward.

Breaks

After each 100-item set there may be a short break to stretch or use the restroom, usually one examinee at a time to prevent talking outside. Lunch break runs about an hour. Eat, relax, and skip comparing answers; it only breeds doubt or false confidence. Conserve your energy for the next set.

Exam conduct

Security is strict, with multiple proctors per room and CCTV in some. Don't talk to or look at other examinees' papers. Raise your hand if you need something, including before picking up a dropped pencil. Don't borrow supplies, so bring spares.

After each set

When time is up, stop writing. The proctor collects the answer sheets and booklets, often counting them in front of you, and you stay seated until everything is accounted for. You'll be dismissed after the last set or told when to return for the next subject.

Right after the exam

You'll feel relief and some anxiety. Skip comparing answers; what's done is done.

• The PRC processes the papers and releases results within a few working days to a couple of weeks. The May 2025 results were expected by May 14, 2025, about eight days after the exam.
• The PRC publishes an official list of passers on its website and through press releases rather than handing out individual results in person.
• Keep your NOA and documents safe until results are out.

Checking results and what happens after passing

Publication of results

The PRC releases the official results, including the lists of passers, topnotchers, and school performance, on prc.gov.ph under "News and Events" or "Results." The list is alphabetical by last name and available online. The May 2025 results were expected on or before May 14, 2025. You can search "PNLE results [Month Year]" for the official list.

Individual ratings

To see your exact score, use the PRC's Verification of Rating e-service a few days after results post. Log in, enter the exam name (Nurse Licensure Exam), the exam date, your application number, and your details to retrieve your general average and subject breakdown.

Oath-taking

Oath-taking is required for all new nurses before the license is issued. It is a ceremonial affirmation of your commitment to ethical, safe, professional practice.

Modes

• Face-to-face. Held at PRC venues. Register online, wear formal or clinical attire, and bring your printed oath form.
• E-OATH (online). Virtual oath-taking by video conference. Log in to LERIS, select "e-OATH," schedule an appointment, and follow the instructions.

Requirements

• Printed Oath Form (Panunumpa ng Propesyonal)
• 2 passport-size photos (white background, name tag)
• 2 documentary stamps
• Formal attire or clinical uniform (no insignia or name tag)

Procedure

1. Wait for the official PRC announcement of schedule, venue, and instructions.
2. Log in to LERIS at online.prc.gov.ph and select "Oath" to schedule your appointment for the mass oath-taking.
3. Download and complete the Panunumpa ng Propesyonal (Oath Form).
4. Prepare your documents: the completed Oath Form, two passport-size ID photos, two documentary stamps, a valid government ID, and your Cedula.
5. Attend the mass ceremony and recite the Nurse's Oath led by PRC or Board of Nursing officials.
6. If you can't attend, coordinate with your PRC regional office for a special oath-taking.
7. Proceed to initial registration to claim your Professional Identification Card (PIC) and Certificate of Registration (COR).

Initial registration

The PRC schedules new nurses in batches on specific dates.

Requirements

Requirement	Notes
Notice of Admission (NOA)	Used for identification; may be stamped "cancelled" or kept by the PRC.
Duly accomplished Oath Form	"Panunumpa ng Propesyonal," downloadable or given at the PRC. Sign at the PRC or during oath-taking.
Passport-size ID photos	Two pieces, white background, name tag, same format as your application.
Documentary stamps	Used to release your PRC ID card and Certificate of Registration.
Registration fee	Around ₱400 to ₱450; the PRC confirms the exact amount.
Short brown envelope	One piece, used to release your PRC ID card and Certificate of Registration.

Process

1. Log in to LERIS at online.prc.gov.ph, using your existing account.
2. Select "Initial Registration," choose Nurse, and enter your application and exam details.
3. Set an appointment at your preferred PRC office.
4. Prepare your documents: the accomplished Oath Form, two passport-size photos (white background, name tag), two documentary stamps, your Cedula, and one valid government ID (UMID, passport, or driver's license).
5. Pay the fees. The initial registration fee is ₱600 and the annual registration fee is ₱450, for a total of ₱1,050, payable at the PRC Cashier or an authorized channel.
6. Submit documents and sign the Roster of Registered Professionals.
7. Attend the oath-taking ceremony, or request a special one if you can't.
8. Claim your PIC and COR after oath-taking. If you missed the ceremony, claim them at the PRC office after five working days.

Registration by reciprocity

A Certificate of Registration may be granted without examination to a nurse licensed in another country, provided the foreign country's licensing standards are substantially equivalent to the Philippines' under the current Nursing Act, and its laws offer reciprocal privileges to Filipino nurses.

Becoming an RN in the Philippines

Once you complete oath-taking and registration, you are a Registered Nurse (R.N.). You can use the title and practice nursing in the Philippines. Your PRC license is valid for three years and must be renewed with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.

Special or temporary permit

A special or temporary permit may be issued to foreign-licensed nurses, subject to PRC approval and prescribed fees:

• International experts or specialists. Internationally recognized specialists may practice in the Philippines, paid or unpaid.
• Medical mission volunteers. May render free services at a designated hospital, center, or clinic.
• Academic exchange. Exchange professors may teach in their area of expertise.

If you didn't pass

Many successful nurses didn't pass on the first try. You can retake the PNLE on the next scheduled date. Use your PRC rating verification to identify the subjects where you fell below 75% or 60%, then target them. You reapply through the normal process, with some steps eased for repeaters:

• Recent examinees (especially from April 2012 onward) with unchanged details often have document resubmission (TOR, birth certificate) waived. You still apply online and pay the fee.
• A new Notice of Admission is issued for your next exam. After three failed attempts, you may be required to take a refresher course; check current PRC guidelines.
• Consider a review program, adjust your study methods, and sharpen your test-taking strategy. Many repeaters pass on their second or third try.

Recent passing rate results

From June 2019 to May 2025, PNLE passing rates and turnout rose. The peak came in November 2024 at 84.99%. Earlier exams, including June and November 2019, ran lower, from 52% to 55%. No PNLE was held in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

After passing, some new nurses aim to work abroad, including as a registered nurse in the United States. The PNLE license is a prerequisite for the NCLEX (USA) and other international exams, so it's the building block for global opportunities. Whether you stay local or go overseas, the PNLE is behind you.

For clarifications, always refer to official PRC sources: the PRC website for schedules and announcements, and the PRC Online Services Portal for applications and registrations.